Empowering Through Investments in Real Estate, Technology, and Non-Profit Endeavors
Successful entrepreneurs are characterized by their unwavering passion for their ideas and their relentless commitment to turning their visions into reality. Steven Gray is no exception; his fervor lies in addressing homelessness through affordable housing and crafting a diverse investment portfolio in real estate and technology.
Although Steven Gray may not be a household name, his efforts are significantly impacting lives in Long Beach, California. As the Vice President of Development at Helpful Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to low-income housing, he plays a pivotal role in transforming the community.
In addition to his role at Helpful Housing, Steven is an angel investor, real estate enthusiast, and the co-founder and CEO of several companies, including Happy Agent. These ventures encompass a broad spectrum, spanning technology, small business lending, and a nonprofit investment academy.
I had the privilege of connecting with Steven Gray to delve into his multifaceted experiences.
Could you provide insights into the companies and investments you’re currently involved with? A little over three years ago, my journey into the world of investing commenced. I began by venturing into the stock market, followed by investments in real estate through online crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise. Additionally, I invested in various private funds, with Cardone Capital being one of the most noteworthy.
More recently, I’ve been actively investing in multi-family real estate alongside my business partners in California and Arizona. Our portfolio now encompasses over 500 units.
In 2020, I established Burning Bright, a technology investment company specializing in acquiring and developing real estate technologies and services.
What’s your background, and what inspired you to embark on your investment journey? My professional background is rooted in sales and marketing. For the first 15 years of my career, I held management positions in sales and marketing, primarily within the security industry, working with industry leaders like ADT, Protection One, and Universal Services of America.
In 2016, I made the pivotal decision to harness my business acumen for the greater good. I had an opportunity to assist a prominent Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness. In this capacity, I leveraged my business skills to secure affordable housing for their communities.
This experience subsequently steered me towards real estate development, specifically with a focus on providing affordable housing for low-income families, which has since become the cornerstone of our physical portfolios.
Managing various roles across multiple companies is no small feat. Could you shed light on how you balance these responsibilities? My secret to efficiently handling a multitude of responsibilities lies in my discipline to rise early every morning. I commence my day around 4:00 AM, immediately delving into projects initiated the previous night. I use this time to study sales and marketing courses and explore information pertinent to development, which I’ve selected beforehand.
This is followed by a workout session, and then I head to the office. Each day concludes with a gym session, during which I continue my studies and wrap up any pending emails.
Above all, I am committed to continuous self-improvement, nurturing both my mind and body.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn in 2020 impact your business ventures? While 2020 undoubtedly presented numerous challenges, the very nature of my businesses proved advantageous in navigating the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Amidst these challenges, we successfully launched two tech companies, both dedicated to developing technologies that support real estate professionals operating in a post-COVID remote environment.
Furthermore, we were able to acquire an additional 100+ units of affordable housing. As these properties are government-subsidized, they did not experience the decline in rental income that affected many non-subsidized properties in 2020.
What types of investment opportunities are you most excited about pursuing in 2021? In 2021, my primary excitement revolves around sustaining the momentum of our real estate investments and expanding our portfolio of real estate technologies.
The demand for secure, affordable housing will remain constant, and real estate professionals will require cutting-edge technologies and tools to thrive in a post-COVID economy.
What advice would you offer to individuals seeking to initiate and expand their investment portfolio and wealth? I would impart two essential pieces of advice to anyone venturing into business and real estate investing:
- Initiate your journey: Regardless of the scale or platform, start your investment journey—take that first step.
- Never stop learning: Continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Seize every available moment to enhance your understanding.
Steven Gray, the VP of Development and Programs for Helpful Housing and the CEO of Happy Agent, embodies the power of passion and dedication in building businesses that reflect one’s true calling. His commitment to addressing homelessness and his dedication to real estate drive him to excel and grow continually.
While everyone’s journey is unique, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from Steven Gray’s experiences:
- Begin with modest investments, such as stocks and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
- Prioritize learning and seek knowledge from successful individuals while collaborating with like-minded peers.
- Find your passion and channel your time, energy, and resources into it.
- Discover the potential for profit and personal fulfillment through businesses that aid others.
- Create assets that generate wealth and income, whether they are diverse businesses, technology enterprises, or real estate holdings.
- Prioritize physical and mental well-being, maintaining a routine to sustain fitness and health.
In your pursuit of growth in business, career, and wealth, consider incorporating these valuable insights into your own journey.
