Steve Kimmelman | Founder, CEO and Executive Chairman of Redwood Living
Mar 4, 2024
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Explore how Steve Kimmelman revolutionized the build-to-rent housing industry with unique single-story apartments, his journey from CPA to real estate developer, Redwood Living's strategic growth plans in the Midwest market, and challenging misconceptions about housing developers. Discover the company's focus on creating exceptional resident experiences, overcoming regulatory challenges, and building a long-lasting legacy in real estate.
Redwood Living's focus on single-story two-bedroom apartments with attached garages addresses evolving housing needs efficiently.
Strong relationships with construction lenders and investors enable Redwood to navigate economic downturns successfully.
Emphasis on community enrichment, ethical business practices, and long-term success drives Redwood's sustainable growth in real estate.
Deep dives
Building a Sustainable Real Estate Business Model
The founder, chair, and CEO of Redwood Living, Steve Kimmelman, discusses his unique build-to-rent business model focused on single-story apartments with two bedrooms and attached garages. With a portfolio of 21,000 single-story apartment homes across nine states, Redwood's strategy includes a careful focus on meeting investor needs while offering residents a quality living experience. By cultivating strong relationships with construction lenders and investors, Redwood has been able to navigate through economic downturns, adapting to changes in the market.
Fostering Investor and Community Relations
Redwood's business approach emphasizes synergy between investors, residents, contractors, and partners, ensuring everyone benefits from the company's success. By following a transparent and meritocratic ethos, Redwood actively engages with its investors, providing them with favorable returns and an opportunity to reinvest in new projects. Additionally, Redwood's commitment to enriching local communities through job creation, tax contributions, and value enhancement underscores its long-term vision and positive impact.
Geographic Expansion and Market Focus
While Redwood has demonstrated success in the Midwest, including Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, the company has strategically expanded into the Carolinas. By catering to the needs of downsizing residents and offering a sought-after product type, Redwood aims to ensure its presence in every suburb throughout America. Despite future plans to enter sunshine states like Texas and Florida, Redwood prioritizes maintaining a strong foundation in its current markets, leveraging steady growth and local market understanding.
Innovating Real Estate Development
Redwood's innovative approach to real estate development involves building high-quality, low-density apartment communities that focus on a specific product type. By prioritizing single-story two-bedroom apartments with attached garages, Redwood aims to address the evolving housing needs of its target demographic, including aging residents and move-out buyers. This unique product offering emphasizes peace, quiet, and quality living spaces, positioning Redwood as a valuable player in the residential real estate market.
Sustainable Growth and Long-Term Vision
Despite economic challenges and industry perceptions, Redwood remains committed to long-term success and ethical business practices. By nurturing strong relationships with investors, employees, and contractors, Redwood fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and community enrichment. Steve Kimmelman's leadership philosophy of doing one thing exceptionally well, combined with Redwood's vision of enduring excellence, sets a positive example for sustainable growth and impact in the real estate industry.
Steve Kimmelman, Founder, CEO and Executive Chairman of Redwood Living, shares how “doing one thing really well” brought his unique product vision for build to rent housing to life.
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