DARK HORSE|CRE
A boutique RETAIL-focused commercial real estate brokerage.
Est. 2017
MEET THE KEY INFLUENCERS SHAPING THE REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE AND COMMUNITY OF Knoxville & East Tennessee.
Lindsey F. Barden
Lindsey, Principal Broker and Founder of Dark Horse|CRE
Lindsey’s purpose is simple—helping people. Whether it’s guiding RETAILERS or aspiring entrepreneurs in finding the right location for their business or connecting with like-minded investors who want to create lasting community impact, she is committed to making real estate a tool for positive change. Lindsey is passionate about empowering those seeking employment, supporting those without a voice, and fostering opportunities that uplift entire communities.
Since 2006, Lindsey has been structuring deals for prominent retailers, organizations, and institutional clients. Before founding Dark Horse | CRE she managed a satellite brokerage office in Richmond, Virginia, for Rappaport, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate firm. Prior to that, she served as an Associate Broker with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer, a full service global brokerage firm. She began her career in the industry while earning her B.S. in Real Estate and Land Development at Virginia Commonwealth University, gaining valuable experience with the RETAIL development firm The Rebkee Company.
Lindsey remains actively engaged in the retail real estate community, regularly attending Retail Live conferences and maintaining her membership with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
Beyond business, Lindsey is unapologetically CRUNCHY—believing that living holistically is key to thriving. She is passionate about sharing ways to cultivate a clean and intentional life—spiritually, physically, and mentally. Whether it’s through faith, mindful wellness, or non-toxic living, she encourages others to take ownership of their health and environment in a way that aligns with a purpose-driven life.
Lindsey is a passionate advocate for animal rescue organizations, a member of the Women’s Circle of KARM (Knox Area Rescue Ministries), and a dedicated member of Faith Promise Church in Knoxville, TN. She firmly believes in using her platform to create opportunities for others while living with intention, integrity, and impact. When she’s not scouting sites, negotiating deals, or pursuing investment opportunities, you can find her spending time with her husband Nic, their beloved rescue animals, testing out new holistic health strategies, or cheering on the VOLS at home in Knoxville.
Lindsey F. Barden | LFB@DarkHorseCRE.com | 804.909.2002
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ”
Maddie Haynes
Maddie, Sales & Leasing Partner at Dark Horse|CRE
Bringing vision to life — Maddie’s passion. Maddie Haynes is the go-to problem solver for restaurant and retail clients navigating the complexities of the Knoxville and East Tennessee markets. Known for her thoughtful approach and expertise in working with restaurants, breweries and wineries, she guides businesses in navigating site selection challenges, municipal codes, environmental site hurdles, and the due diligence process.
Before joining Dark Horse|CRE, Maddie was a Sales & Leasing Advisor with SVN | Wood Properties, where she gained extensive experience in retail brokerage. Prior to that, she worked in property management, handling both leasing and operations—giving her valuable insight into tenant challenges and operational complexities.
A Sevier County native, Maddie grew up immersed in the region’s booming tourism industry, which fueled her passion for retail, restaurants, and hospitality, particularly in the Knoxville and Sevierville markets.
In addition to her work at Dark Horse|CRE, Maddie is the Business Development Leader for Karst Engineering, a geotechnical, environmental, and construction testing firm owned by her husband, Chris Haynes. Her work with Karst Engineering strengthens her expertise in site selection challenges, giving her a deep understanding of environmental constraints, soil stability concerns, and construction feasibility. This insight allows her to proactively guide clients through potential site obstacles and connect them with the right solutions to keep projects moving forward.
Maddie is actively involved in Knoxville’s business and real estate communities. You’ll find her at Knoxville Chamber and Young Professionals of Knoxville events, RETAIL Live, and serving in leadership on the University of Tennessee’s Alumni Chapter Board. She also serves as the Knoxville CCIM Chapter Administrator, further solidifying her commitment to industry growth and professional development.
Outside of work, Maddie enjoys traveling, cooking, fitness, and embracing East Tennessee’s growing food and beverage scene. She is blessed to be married to her best friend and loves spending time with their four fur-children at home.
Maddie Haynes | MaddieHaynes@DarkHorseCRE.com | 865.654.1336
Laikyn N. Severson
Laikyn, Sales & Leasing Partner at Dark Horse|CRE
Laikyn joined Dark Horse|CRE in 2020, continuing her focus on representing retailers throughout the Richmond, VA market. Prior to joining Dark Horse|CRE, she served as a Sales & Leasing Associate with Divaris Real Estate, where she oversaw the leasing of over 1,000,000 square feet of office and retail properties across central and western Virginia. Laikyn has also worked closely with local businesses, helping them expand their footprint in the central Virginia market.
As an alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University, Laikyn earned her B.S. in Real Estate through the Kornblau Real Estate Program. During her time at VCU, she served as president of Rho Epsilon, the university’s professional real estate fraternity, and earned scholarships from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Richmond Real Estate Group, and the VCU Real Estate Circle of Excellence.
Laikyn is a dedicated member of the real estate community, serving as a board member of REAL Life and a member of AREA (VCU’s Alumni Real Estate Association).
In her downtime, Laikyn enjoys spending time with her Labrador Retriever, Kiva, and riding her horses. She also has a passion for all things beauty-related, empowering women in both business and personal expression through her work as a hair and make-up artist.
Laikyn Severson | LSeverson@DarkHorseCRE.com | 804.221.2715
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
