In this episode of The Value Builder Podcast, Christopher Borden—CEO and co-founder of Rice Capital—shares his journey from C-suite retail executive in Hawaii to building a diversified real estate lending and investing platform. After retiring early, Chris turned his focus to capital preservation, risk-mitigated returns, and giving back—redefining what success looks like after corporate life.

🎯 You’ll learn:

How Chris transitioned from corporate retail to commercial real estate

The advantages of private debt funds vs. equity investments

Why first-position notes offer strong downside protection

How Rice Capital structures short-term residential development loans

The role of technology and process in running a private lending operation

How philanthropy in Africa became part of the mission

Whether you're considering the leap from career to capital allocator—or want to learn how fund operators think about risk and impact—this episode offers a grounded, strategic perspective.

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