Howard Max Axner serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Meridian Real Estate Development, where he leads the firm’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, investor communications, and business development efforts. With more than five decades of entrepreneurial, business, investment, and real estate experience, Howard brings a seasoned perspective to how Meridian presents its projects, communicates its value, and builds long-term relationships with investors, partners, and the broader market.

Howard’s career began as an entrepreneur, founding and scaling multiple successful companies across diverse industries starting in 1968. Several of these businesses continue to operate today, including one sold in 2006 that remains active under the Axner name. This early experience shaped Howard’s practical understanding of branding, customer relationships, sales strategy, market positioning, and long-term business durability.

He formally transitioned into real estate investment and development in the mid-2000s, completing all four core CCIM — Certified Commercial Investment Member — courses in 2007 and later serving on the board of his local CCIM chapter. Howard’s background gives him a strong command of real estate fundamentals, including market analysis, acquisition underwriting, capital sourcing, deal structuring, and exit strategy formulation. That investment knowledge now strengthens his marketing role, allowing him to communicate Meridian’s projects with clarity, credibility, and a deep understanding of what investors and stakeholders need to see.

In addition to his role at Meridian, Howard is the broker and owner of Meridian Realty Advisors and a principal in affiliated real estate and construction entities. Across these platforms, he has helped guide the acquisition, development, construction, marketing, and management of residential and investment-focused real estate assets. His ability to connect business strategy with clear messaging has been a key part of building trust with clients, investors, and industry partners.

At Meridian, Howard’s role as Chief Marketing Officer is centered on elevating the firm’s visibility, strengthening its brand, and clearly communicating the value of its build-to-rent, residential development, and investment opportunities. He supports investor relations, project storytelling, market outreach, strategic partnerships, and the overall presentation of Meridian’s disciplined development approach. His combination of entrepreneurial experience, real estate knowledge, and relationship-driven communication makes him a valuable voice in the firm’s growth strategy.

Outside of real estate, Howard is an accomplished ceramic artist who also enjoys drawing and painting. He is an avid tennis player and values time spent with his children and grandchildren.