Brian Roers of Roers Companies shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey in a recent podcast. Born into a family of entrepreneurs and with a foundation in accounting, Brian and his brother Kent transitioned into real estate, amassing a $2.2 billion portfolio. They raised—and continue to raise—funds by prioritizing personal relationships and catering to the “everyday investor” over traditional institutional funding. However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Through challenges like the 2009 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Brian shares compelling stories of resilience, emphasizing the importance of trust, transparency, and a robust corporate culture that prioritizes family orientation, competition, and clear goal-setting. As Brian aptly puts it: "You can never imagine what you're gonna accomplish unless you push on it."

 

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Main Takeaways:

1. Be Flexible & Open to Change: Brian Roers went through an evolution in his professional life, starting with an early immersion in business due to his parents, to majoring in accounting and management, and eventually owning a CPA firm. His journey then took another significant pivot when he chose to move into real estate, partnering with his brother, Kent, where they have now invested Billions of dollars for their investors. Brian’s story emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities that align with one's skills, interests, and values.

2. Relationships and Investment Philosophy: Brian and his partner Kent's approach to raising funds was notable. Instead of traditional institutional funding, they relied on personal relationships, raising significant amounts from friends and family. This speaks to the power of personal connections in the business realm and the importance of seeing investors as partners. By offering direct real estate investment opportunities and being transparent about numbers, they've successfully developed over $2.2 billion, aiming for even loftier goals in the future

3. Trust, Transparency, and Corporate Culture: A significant portion of the conversation revolved around trust. Brian placed considerable trust in his team, exemplified by his story about Shane LaFave. He believes that the success of their real estate venture is rooted in the trust their investors place in them. Furthermore, their transparent approach to dealing with investors, even in unfavorable situations, has strengthened the bond with their investor base. Lastly, the emphasis on defining and upholding a corporate culture that is family-oriented, competitive, and goal-driven is pivotal in fostering a conducive work environment and setting clear expectations for new hires.

 

Bio:

Brian is a co-founder and owner of Roers Companies. He started his career in real estate more than 15 years ago, purchasing single-family homes, duplexes, and student housing around the University of Minnesota. After gaining his CPA license in 20