Brandon Fugal is a prominent American businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist primarily recognized for his significant contributions to the commercial real estate industry. He serves as the owner and chairman of Colliers International in Utah, one of the leading commercial real estate organizations globally. His leadership and entrepreneurial acumen have propelled the company to considerable heights, making it a dominant player in Utah’s commercial real estate landscape.
Beyond his real estate prowess, Fugal is an ardent advocate of technological innovation and scientific exploration. His name has become synonymous with Utah’s famed Skinwalker Ranch, a 512-acre property notorious for decades-long reports of paranormal activities and unidentified aerial phenomena. Fugal acquired the ranch in 2016, and in a surprising move, publicly announced his ownership in 2020.
As the current steward of Skinwalker Ranch, Fugal has championed a scientific approach to investigating the strange occurrences reported on the property. He has engaged a dedicated research team, armed with advanced technology and scientific methodologies, to explore the enigmatic phenomena associated with the ranch. This commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the ranch has piqued public interest, fostering a dialogue that merges scientific skepticism with open-minded inquiry.
A multifaceted figure, Fugal is not only a seasoned business magnate but also a cultural influencer who has boldly navigated the space between commercial real estate and the exploration of the unknown. His work spans various sectors, all marked by a drive for discovery and a firm belief in the transformative power of science and technology. His journey, from his real estate empire to his venture into the realm of the inexplicable, sets him apart as a unique figure in both business and popular culture.
Background
Brandon Fugal, a distinguished business leader, was born on April 1, 1973. This national icon in entrepreneurship has gained fame as the former EY Entrepreneur of the Year, West Region, and the Chairman and Co-owner of Colliers International, Utah.
Raised by his parents, Dan and Jill Fugal, alongside his three brothers – Matthew, Cameron, and a third whose name remains undisclosed, Fugal’s fascination for real estate kindled early. As a high school student, he invested his spare time delving into the nuances of the real estate business, earning his license at a remarkable 18 years of age.
Fugal’s early professional endeavors saw him rising through the ranks of corporate real estate. He started as a Senior Associate at Grubb & Ellis/Wallace Associates before ascending to a Vice President’s position at Utah Realty Group. In 1998, his entrepreneurial prowess led him to co-found the Salt Lake City branch of Coldwell Banker Commercial. This company later merged with Colliers International in 2018, and Fugal stepped into the role of Chairman.
Before the merger with Colliers International, Fugal had been instrumental in co-founding and owning Coldwell Banker Commercial Advisors. Under his dynamic leadership, the company enjoyed 14 years of continuous dominance, emerging as an international leader with 30 branches. Now, as part of Colliers International, it stands as the world’s leading commercial real estate company, with a strong presence across 11 states.
Fugal’s exemplary contributions to the commercial real estate industry have earned him various accolades, including the 2022 CCIM Utah Office Broker of the Year. His esteemed reputation spans national and regional circles, positioning him as a trusted advisor, entrepreneur, and business infrastructure expert.
Education
Beyond commercial real estate, Fugal has a keen interest in entrepreneurship and investment, co-founding and directing ventures like Cypher, Axcend, and Texas Growth Fund. His major projects include the 1,250-acre development on Oahu’s North Shore, the notorious 512-acre Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, and the 120-acre Lehi Thanksgiving development, among others.
As a proud resident of Pleasant Grove, Fugal holds his educational roots at Utah Valley University, where he was a Leadership Scholarship recipient. He also served a decade on the university’s Board of Trustees. He was a member of multiple boards, including the Utah Symphony Orchestra, Utah Opera, Governors Economic Council (GEC), and Junior Achievement Board. Together with his wife, Kristen, and their four children, Fugal actively contributes to philanthropic activities and volunteering efforts within their community.
Skinwalker Ranch, purchased by Fugal in 2016 for $4.5 million from billionaire Robert Bigelow, represents a significant part of his legacy. Initially desiring to stay in the shadows, Fugal was eventually drawn into the spotlight by the ranch’s potential discoveries. His fascination with the cosmos and UFOs led to the History Channel crafting a reality TV series in 2020 titled “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.”
Involvement in the Study of UFOs and UAPs
Brandon Fugal’s interest in the unexplained extends beyond his business ventures, especially in the domain of UFOs and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). His involvement in this field is most prominently illustrated by his ownership of Skinwalker Ranch in Utah.
Located in the Uintah Basin, Skinwalker Ranch has long been shrouded in mystery and has a rich history of reported paranormal phenomena. This 512-acre property is famed for an array of strange occurrences, including UFO sightings, livestock mutilations, and other anomalous activities. The ranch earned its name from the Navajo legend of the Skinwalker, a harmful witch capable of transforming into, possessing, or disguising themselves as an animal.
In 2016, Fugal purchased the ranch from aerospace tycoon and UFO enthusiast Robert Bigelow. Bigelow’s interest in the ranch was mainly due to the claims of UFO sightings and other unusual phenomena. Under Bigelow’s ownership, the ranch was thoroughly studied by his private organization, the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), as well as the Pentagon under the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP).
After acquiring Skinwalker Ranch, Fugal maintained its tradition as a hotbed of scientific study for UAPs and various paranormal phenomena. Despite initially desiring anonymity, Fugal’s fascination with the potential discoveries at the ranch led him to publicly embrace his role as the owner. He continued the work of his predecessor, allowing scientific investigations and rigorous methodologies to study the unexplained phenomena reported on the ranch.
Public
Fugal’s ownership and support of investigations at Skinwalker Ranch came to the attention of the wider public through the History Channel’s series “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.” Launched in 2020, the series documents the ongoing scientific investigations at the ranch, aiming to shed light on the numerous unexplained phenomena that have been reported on the property for years.
Through his stewardship of Skinwalker Ranch and support for scientific investigations into UAPs and related phenomena, Brandon Fugal has positioned himself as a prominent figure in the ongoing discussion and study of UFOs and UAPs.
Impact on Ufology
Brandon Fugal’s impact on ufology mainly stems from his ownership of and continued investigations into Skinwalker Ranch. This Utah property, steeped in decades of reported UFO sightings and paranormal activity, has been a hotspot for ufological study.
- Continuation of Research: Fugal continued the legacy of his predecessor, Robert Bigelow, by supporting rigorous, scientific investigations into the unexplained phenomena reported on the ranch. This sustained focus on exploring and documenting these incidents has provided ufologists with a wealth of data and evidence for further study.
- Public Engagement: Fugal’s decision to publicly acknowledge his ownership of Skinwalker Ranch and his active promotion of the ongoing investigations has helped bring ufology to mainstream attention. The History Channel’s series “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch” has significantly increased public awareness and interest in UFO phenomena.
- Support for Transparency: By opening Skinwalker Ranch to the public eye and allowing a level of transparency previously unseen in such investigations, Fugal has helped to dispel some of the stigma associated with ufological study. This shift has helped to foster a more open and serious discourse about UFOs and UAPs within the scientific community and among the general public.
- Investment in Ufology: Fugal’s financial backing ensures that research can continue into the UFO phenomena reported at Skinwalker Ranch. His investment and active participation demonstrate a level of commitment to ufology that is crucial for the field’s ongoing development and recognition.
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Conclusion
Brandon Fugal is a highly successful real estate entrepreneur and business leader with a deep-rooted interest in unexplained phenomena and ufology. As the co-owner and chairman of Colliers International in Utah, he has made significant strides in the corporate world, gaining recognition both regionally and nationally. However, it’s his ownership and continued scientific exploration of Skinwalker Ranch that has brought him international attention.
In purchasing Skinwalker Ranch, Fugal has embraced a unique role as a facilitator of investigations into UFOs and other paranormal phenomena. His openness about the ongoing investigations at the ranch and his active role in promoting the study of these phenomena have helped bring ufology into the mainstream, fostering increased awareness and dialogue around these often-stigmatized topics.
Beyond his professional achievements and involvement in ufology, Fugal’s work as a philanthropist, community volunteer, and member of various boards illustrates a dedication to public service and community development. His life and career are testament to his multifaceted interests, his entrepreneurial acumen, and his commitment to exploring the unknown. Brandon Fugal is a prominent figure not just in the real estate industry, but also in the field of ufology, paving the way for further study and understanding of unexplained phenomena.