Suggestions
Jason D. Gustafson
Co-Founder at Cherish Ventures
Professional Background
Jason Gustafson is a highly accomplished real estate professional specializing in Opportunity Zone investing, currently serving as the Managing Principal at Starseed, based in Puerto Rico. With a career spanning over 13 years, Jason has become a pivotal figure within the real estate sector, leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to build successful companies from the ground up. His journey began at Auction.com (now known as Ten-x), where he closely observed the significant turnover of foreclosed properties resulting from the 2008 Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) crash. This foundational experience equipped him with a keen understanding of the real estate market and the technological innovations that can transform how transactions are completed.
Jason’s professional evolution took a dynamic turn as he transitioned into a broker role specializing in advising real estate owners and investors on how to capitalize on the Auction.com platform, enhancing their investment strategies amidst a changing market. His tenure at Newmark in New York marked a significant chapter in his career, where he served on the capital markets team under esteemed leader Thomas Dobrowski. Here, he forged a robust partnership with Bridge33 Capital, a strategic value-add investor, guiding them through over $100 million in acquisitions via Auction.com. This experience opened the door for Jason to move to the investor side of the transaction, where he expanded his expertise in managing real estate portfolios from the ground up.
Under Jason’s stewardship, Bridge33 Capital experienced remarkable growth, transforming their operations from managing eight properties in two states to 21 properties spanning eleven states. His responsibilities included intensive property management, leasing, and the acquisition of new and opportunistic investments across the country, highlighting his capability to navigate and thrive in competitive landscapes.
Education and Achievements
Jason Gustafson pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, where he studied Regional Development, Real Estate, and Business. This comprehensive educational background has provided him with a solid foundation in understanding market trends and dynamics, shaping his approach to real estate investment and management. His ability to analyze regional development patterns has been instrumental in identifying lucrative opportunities across various markets, particularly within Opportunity Zones that offer investors significant tax advantages.
Throughout his impressive career, Jason has held various essential roles that further honed his skills in real estate and investment strategies. He co-founded Cherish Ventures, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to fostering innovation within the real estate sector. As the Vice President of Breakform Realty Ventures, LLC and associate director at Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, Jason leveraged his expertise in acquisitions and asset management to drive significant results.
Notable Achievements
- Managing Principal at Starseed: In his current role, Jason is at the forefront of Opportunity Zone investments in Puerto Rico, guiding strategic initiatives that benefit both investors and the local economy.
- Acquisitions Leader: At Bridge33 Capital, he oversaw the acquisition of properties worth hundreds of millions, demonstrating his capability to analyze and capitalize on investment opportunities.
- Growth Specialist: Jason played a pivotal role in expanding Bridge33 Capital’s portfolio from just eight properties in two states to 21 properties in eleven states, underscoring his strategic vision and execution skills.
- Innovator in Real Estate Technology: By embracing digital platforms like Auction.com early on, Jason contributed to the evolution of real estate transactions, making them more accessible and efficient for a wide range of investors.
tags=[
Opportunity Zone investing
real estate professional
portfolio management
acquisitions and asset management
real estate investment
real estate technology
entrepreneurship
property management
capital markets
business development
regional development
University of Arizona
real estate consulting
investment strategies
expansion in real estate
