I’ve spent most of my life here in the Midwest, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Evansville, Indiana, has been a home base for me both personally and professionally. It’s where I built my career in real estate, managed more than 100 rental properties, flipped houses, and now where I’m launching my next chapter—Titan Atlas Capital, a real estate investment fund focused on private student housing across the Midwest.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet people from all walks of life, from small business owners to investors from bigger cities. One thing that always stands out is how different the pace, mindset, and values are here. The Midwest might not move as fast as the coasts, but what we sometimes lack in flash, we make up for in authenticity, reliability, and work ethic. And honestly, those values are what built my business and my character.
Hard Work Isn’t Optional
One of the first lessons I learned growing up in Indiana was that hard work isn’t optional—it’s expected. Whether it’s putting in long hours fixing up a property, managing a difficult tenant situation, or overseeing a construction project that runs into surprises, the answer is never “quit.” It’s “figure it out.”
That mentality has carried me through every stage of my real estate career. When I first started out back in 2009, I didn’t have a team of experts or investors backing me. It was just me, learning as I went. I bought, repaired, and rented properties with my own two hands and a lot of trial and error. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real—and it taught me the value of grit.
In today’s world, where so much is automated and instant, there’s still something powerful about old-fashioned effort. You can’t fake consistency. You can’t shortcut reputation. The people who show up every day, even when it’s tough, are the ones who win over time.
Relationships Over Transactions
Another core Midwest value that’s shaped me is the idea that relationships come before transactions. In the real estate business, it’s easy to focus on deals and numbers. But I’ve learned that the relationships behind those deals—tenants, contractors, investors, and community members—are what really make the difference.
When you treat people fairly, they remember. When you answer the phone, keep your word, and do what you say you’ll do, it builds trust that lasts a lifetime. I’ve had tenants who’ve rented from me for years and contractors who’ve been by my side since the early days. Those relationships don’t just happen; they’re built over time through honesty and follow-through.
Even in launching Titan Atlas Capital, that same philosophy applies. Investors aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re partners who trust you with their capital. Communities aren’t just properties to manage—they’re living, breathing neighborhoods full of people who rely on what you build. That sense of responsibility comes straight from Midwest values.
Honesty Really Is the Best Policy
It might sound cliché, but in business, honesty is everything. When you grow up in the Midwest, your word means something. A handshake still matters here, and I carry that same mindset into my work. Whether it’s managing a renovation budget or discussing investment opportunities, being transparent is non-negotiable.
That doesn’t mean everything always goes perfectly—because it doesn’t. But being honest, even when things get messy, builds credibility that no marketing campaign can replace. Investors, tenants, and team members appreciate transparency, and that’s what keeps them coming back.
In a time when so many people chase quick wins or short-term profits, honesty and integrity have become real competitive advantages. People want to work with someone they can trust. That’s not just a business strategy—it’s a way of life.
Community Comes First
One thing I’ve always loved about the Midwest is the sense of community. People look out for each other. We show up when someone needs help, and we take pride in keeping our neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.
In my line of work, that sense of community drives everything I do. Whether it’s renovating older student housing or managing rental properties, I always think about how those decisions impact the people living there. Real estate isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building communities.
That’s a big part of why Titan Atlas Capital is focused on private student housing. College towns throughout the Midwest are full of potential. By improving the quality of housing, we’re not just creating returns for investors—we’re improving the lives of students and strengthening the towns they call home.
Staying Grounded as You Grow
As my business continues to expand, I remind myself daily not to lose sight of where I came from. The Midwest keeps you grounded. It teaches you humility, patience, and the importance of earning everything you get. Those lessons stick with me, no matter how big the projects get.
In a world that moves fast and often values flash over substance, staying true to Midwest values—hard work, honesty, and community—has been my anchor. It’s how I’ve built lasting relationships, created sustainable success, and kept my feet on the ground even as new opportunities come my way.
The Midwest might not get the same attention as the big coastal cities, but the people here have something that can’t be bought or faked: genuine values. We believe in putting in the work, telling the truth, and taking care of the people around us.
As I continue building Titan Atlas Capital and growing my real estate portfolio, I plan to keep those same principles front and center. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about how many deals you close or how much you make—it’s about the kind of impact you leave behind and the reputation you build along the way.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from growing up and working in the Midwest, it’s this: doing things the right way will always pay off in the long run.