Our Mission and Expertise:
At Data Center Group, we specialize in the brokerage, entitlement, and development of land for data center projects. Our mission is to provide clients with comprehensive solutions that transform potential sites into thriving data center locations.
Navigating the intricate relationships among landowners, development teams, and regulatory agencies can be incredibly challenging when striving to identify the highest and best use for a potential data center site. This is why our team focuses on balancing meeting both the needs of the owner, while building strong relationships with users.
Meet Our Experts
Carl Braun
CEO | Co-Founder
Carl Braun brings a comprehensive background in land development, infrastructure strategy, and commercial real estate brokerage, with more than a decade of experience at Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite. As Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Data Center Group, Carl leads the firm’s mission to identify, qualify, and develop premier data center sites across the United States.
With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the data center arena, Carl has established himself as a trusted authority in site selection, entitlement, brokerage, and development. His deep understanding of power and fiber infrastructure, zoning frameworks, and data center user requirements enables him to deliver exceptional results for investors, developers, and end users navigating the complex landscape of digital infrastructure.
Through Carl’s leadership, the Data Center Group has successfully procured data center opportunities across multiple regions of Virginia and in ten additional states. His strategic vision and commitment to partnership have positioned the firm for continued regional and national growth, connecting landowners and direct users of all data center types—from edge facilities to hyperscale developments.
Carl’s ability to combine technical insight with real estate expertise ensures that each project—from early land qualification to full-scale development—advances efficiently, strategically, and with long-term value creation in mind. His leadership continues to drive the Data Center Group’s reputation as a premier advisor in the rapidly expanding digital infrastructure sector.
Phone: 540-842-7551
Email: cbraun@cbecommercial.com
Brian Cunningham
COO | Co-Founder
Brian E. Cunningham, CCIM serves as Senior Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite, bringing nearly two decades of commercial real estate experience across one of Virginia’s fastest-growing and most dynamic regions. His practice spans retail, medical, investment, land, and data center site selection, where he is recognized for delivering strategic, results-driven solutions for property owners, investors, and corporate users. Known for his disciplined execution and market expertise, Brian has built a reputation for successfully navigating complex transactions while creating long-term value for clients.
As a founding member of the firm’s Data Center Group, Brian focuses on land sourcing, site selection, and strategic positioning for hyperscale and enterprise data center development. He has successfully secured multiple data center sites under contract throughout the DMV region while cultivating partnerships and active pursuits across major national markets, including Texas, Arizona, and the Southeast. Working alongside developers, landowners, utilities, and infrastructure partners, Brian helps identify and advance sites capable of meeting the complex power, fiber, entitlement, and scalability requirements that define today’s digital infrastructure landscape.
Licensed as a Broker since 2011, Brian earned the prestigious CCIM designation in 2017—an achievement held by fewer than 6% of commercial real estate professionals worldwide. Over the past decade, he has completed nearly $250 million in sales and leasing transactions and has consistently ranked among the top performers within Coldwell Banker Commercial at the local, state, and national levels, including recognition as the #1 CBC Sales Professional in Virginia and a Top 2% producer nationally. His approach combines deep regional market knowledge, strong industry relationships, and proactive problem-solving to help clients execute confidently in evolving commercial real estate and data center markets.
Phone: 540-429-3414
Email: bcunningham@cbecommercial.com
Mara
Senior Advisor - Strategic Partnerships
In addition to real estate, Mara is a partner at a firm focused on data center development and infrastructure strategy, providing insight into one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy. This dual experience offers clients a deeper understanding of emerging trends, site selection dynamics, and the increasing intersection between technology and real estate.
Known for a thoughtful, analytical approach and a commitment to long-term value creation, Mara works closely with clients to navigate complex transactions with clarity and confidence. Whether advising on investment opportunities, development strategy, or market positioning, she brings a results-driven mindset backed by real-world experience.
Mara is dedicated to building lasting relationships and delivering outcomes that align with each client’s unique goals.
Carl Braun II
Director - Market Intelligence and Strategy
At The Data Center Group, Carl is responsible for developing and executing research initiatives that support the firm’s core services in brokerage, entitlement, and development. He oversees market intelligence efforts that evaluate site feasibility, competitive positioning, and long-term investment viability, helping align technical infrastructure requirements with real estate fundamentals. By integrating advanced analytics with industry expertise, Carl ensures that every opportunity is backed by rigorous data and a forward-looking perspective on market dynamics.
Our Services:
Brokerage:
We connect clients with prime locations for data center development, ensuring optimal site selection.
Site Analysis:
Available Properties:
See sites that we currently have listed for future data center use.
Let's Discuss Your Site's Potential
Ready to transform your land into a data center or have questions? Our team is here to guide you through every step, from brokerage to development. Contact us today to explore how we can turn your property into a valuable asset.