Brandon Fugal
Real estate and real mysteries
By Taylor Hartman
Brandon Fugal has emerged as a key player in Utah’s evolution, balancing roles as a commercial real estate leader and a curious explorer of the unexplained.
As the chairman of Colliers International in Utah, Fugal has overseen significant projects that have shaped the state’s skyline and economic future. But beyond his business acumen, he’s known for owning Skinwalker Ranch, a mysterious property in the Uinta Basin that has captivated both scientists and paranormal enthusiasts. Understanding his dual roles offers a glimpse into the broader story of Utah’s growth and the allure of the unknown.
Exploring the Mysteries of Skinwalker Ranch
Skinwalker Ranch, located in the remote Uinta Basin of northeastern Utah, has long been surrounded by stories of the strange and unexplainable. The land spans 512 acres of rugged terrain, a patchwork of dusty plains, jagged mesas, and thick clusters of trees. At night, the sky stretches wide and dark, with stars scattered like pinpricks of light. But the stillness of the landscape is often interrupted by tales of eerie happenings: glowing orbs that float silently above the ground, sudden temperature drops, and bizarre animal behavior.
Local lore traces the ranch’s unsettling reputation back centuries, with Indigenous tribes like the Navajo speaking of “skinwalkers” — shape-shifting beings that possess unnatural abilities. More recently, in the 1990s, reports of UFO sightings, mysterious cattle mutilations, and electromagnetic disturbances drew the interest of private researchers and even the US government. Robert Bigelow, a billionaire entrepreneur, purchased the ranch in 1996 to conduct scientific studies on the phenomena. Despite extensive investigations, many questions remained unanswered.
Fugal acquired the ranch in 2016, hoping to uncover natural explanations for its mysteries. Initially, he approached the project with skepticism, expecting to debunk the legends. However, six months into his ownership, Fugal said he witnessed something he couldn’t explain — a silver object hovering above the mesa. This experience marked a turning point, leading him to invest in advanced scientific research at the ranch. Years later, Fugal says interest in phenomena at Skinwalker Ranch have only increased.
“I own the most scientifically studied paranormal hotspot in the world, Skinwalker Ranch, which, according to Google and Travel and Leisure, is the most Googled landmark in the United States,” Fugal said.
His team deployed ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic field monitors, and thermal imaging to study the area’s anomalies. The History Channel series, The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch, documents these investigations, bringing viewers into the eerie world of the ranch. The show explores everything from odd electromagnetic readings to strange sightings, aiming to separate fact from fiction. For Fugal, the goal is transparency.
The series has drawn millions of viewers, captivated by the eerie atmosphere and the pursuit of answers to one of America’s strangest mysteries. As the show enters its sixth season, Fugal said they are, “one of the top 10 cable series, documenting the reality of strange phenomena occurring right at a remote location in northeastern Utah.
Catalyzing Utah’s Transformation
Alongside his work with Skinwalker Ranch, Fugal has played a significant role in transforming Utah into a center of growth and innovation. Born and raised in Utah, he built a career in real estate from a young age, eventually leading Colliers International to become a dominant force in the state.
“We’ve been the largest commercial real estate firm in the state since 2003, representing some of the most iconic projects from Ogden to Provo,” Fugal said.
His influence extends from major urban developments to strategic regional planning. One of his flagship projects is the development at Point of the Mountain, which connects Utah County and Salt Lake County. This site is set to become a hub for technology and innovation, attracting new businesses and fostering community growth.
“The project at the Point of the Mountain, the 700-acre project that was the site of the former prison, which is being master-planned, is arguably the most strategic infill site right now in the United States,” he said.
The strategic location aims to ease congestion between the two counties and drive economic development in a rapidly expanding corridor. It’s a project that Fugal believes will shape Utah’s future for decades to come.
Building a Foundation for Future Growth
Fugal credits Utah’s appeal to its young and educated population, a demographic trend supported by recent census data showing continued growth in the state. “We continue to have the youngest, highest educated demographic,” he said.
The influx of new residents, drawn by Utah’s economic prospects and outdoor lifestyle, has further fueled the demand for housing, office space, and improved infrastructure. Fugal added, “Our record high birth rate is outpaced by record in-migration — people moving in for the first time in its history.”
One notable achievement in Fugal’s vision for Utah is the $4 billion expansion of the Salt Lake City International Airport, now Delta’s fourth-largest hub. Fugal says this project enhances Utah’s connectivity to global markets, making it easier for businesses to operate and expand.
“We offer better access than ever before,” he said.
Fugal’s work at Colliers International isn’t just about facilitating growth — it’s about ensuring that development aligns with the needs of communities. He emphasizes the importance of managing growth responsibly to maintain Utah’s unique quality of life.
“People have discovered Utah, and the quality of life offered here, including proximity to world-class resorts and amenities, is part of the dynamic growth trajectory of the state,” he said.
Fugal says this balancing act involves working closely with local governments and businesses to ensure that new developments benefit residents without sacrificing the character of Utah’s cities and towns.
Integrating Business and Exploration
Fugal’s roles in real estate and paranormal research might seem worlds apart, yet he sees them as complementary. His work at Skinwalker Ranch is another form of exploration — one that pushes the boundaries of understanding. For Fugal, whether he’s negotiating a land deal or investigating a strange anomaly at the ranch, the goal remains the same: to explore possibilities and push beyond the known.
“Managing growth in a responsible way and developing the right type of opportunities for the next generations are an important priority,” he said.
This approach has made him a unique figure in both the business world and the field of paranormal research. By embracing curiosity in both realms, Fugal is helping Utah carve out a reputation as a place where innovation and discovery go hand in hand. His investment in Skinwalker Ranch aligns with his broader commitment to advancing science, whether through cutting-edge real estate projects or investigations into the unknown.
The Road Ahead
As Utah continues to grow, Fugal says he remains focused on the future. He believes that the state’s young, skilled workforce, combined with key infrastructure projects, positions Utah well for ongoing development.
“Opportunities for technology transfer and recruitment are like never before,” he said.
In both his real estate projects and his exploration of Skinwalker Ranch, Fugal embodies a forward-thinking mindset that balances the practical with the mysterious. His work is helping to shape Utah’s story as a state that thrives on both economic growth and the search for deeper understanding. With one foot in the boardroom and the other in the remote landscape of the Uinta Basin, Brandon Fugal continues to navigate the complex intersection of progress and the unexplained.