Q: What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned during your career?
A: Business is not just about offense. You need a defense, too. And you have to be very careful when there is an excess of capital in the marketplace. You have to maintain your discipline, even in light of abundant cheap credit. I learned that in Houston in the ’80s, during the oil bust.
Q: What are your company’s growth plans?
A: Our goal is to expand to the Sunbelt markets, and we’ve hired some young, bright development people to join us in that effort. I also have children who might come into the business at some point, so we hope to be around as a long-term, multi-generational player.
Q: What famous person would you trade lives with for a day?
A: David Ben-Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel.
About the Company
What: Develops, owns, and manages Class A apartments
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Houston
Employees: 85
2007 revenue: Declined to state
Units owned: 1,336 (as of Dec. 1)
Units managed: 1,784 (as of Dec. 1)
Units in development: 1,926
Geographic coverage: Austin, Texas, Houston, and Denver
About the Project
Project: Sawyer Heights Lofts
Location: Houston
Units: 326 apartments
Rent: $1,015 to $1,850-plus
Notable: Formerly a warehouse; 20 unique floor plans; adjacent to a large retail development