Gary Lee
Managing Partner
Gary Lee boasts a rich 34-year tenure in real estate, showcasing his seasoned expertise as a multicycle investor. His multifaceted skills encompass extensive valuation, capitalization, construction, and asset management within the multifamily sector, where he has successfully invested in and overseen over 1,700 units.
Gary's journey began at Northeastern University in Boston, MA, where he excelled both academically and athletically, graduating in 1987 with a degree in Civil Engineering. His collegiate years were marked by a football scholarship and many scholastic and athletic accolades. Following graduation, Gary dedicated five years to managing construction projects exceeding $150 million in the Northeast, honing his hands-on experience in the industry.
Gary is recognized as a CCIM designee, a distinction held by a select fraction of US real estate professionals, and is recognized for his exceptional commitment to excellence. He has cultivated a sterling reputation for delivering outstanding value to investors and actively contributing to the betterment of his community.
With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, I bring a legacy of proven success marked by profitable projects and investments. As a seasoned Civil Engineer and experienced owner, investor, and advisor in multifamily and commercial real estate, I've navigated multiple real estate cycles with expertise and acumen.
Caeer Timeine:
2021 to 2022: Orchestrated the successful sale of a multifamily property portfolio through individual and packaged sales, delivering significant returns to investors (metrics detailed below).
2016-2022: Operated as a principal/GP, spearheading the acquisition of more than 9,000 multifamily units via syndication. Conducted comprehensive market analyses and implemented stringent criteria to identify strategic markets in the southeast and sunbelt states. Cultivated expertise in each market, focusing on value-add investments in Class B 1980s and 90s vintage properties. Emphasized repositioning strategies with light to medium capital expenditure requirements. Targeted markets with robust rent growth, population expansion, and increased median household income. Specialized in catering to a gray-collar renter demographic.
1994: Relocated to Atlanta and launched a successful career in commercial real estate brokerage. Pioneered and led a capital markets team, achieving over $2 billion in transaction volume. Transitioned out of full-time brokerage in 2016.
1987-1994: Accumulated extensive construction and project management experience in New England. Directed on-site project management for infrastructure projects exceeding $150 million, overseeing all aspects of execution.
1987: Graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Proudly balanced playing Division 1 football on a scholarship while earning academic achievements.
Experience:
As the Managing Partner at Seneca Equity Partners for nearly three decades, Gary has led impactful real estate acquisitions, development, and strategic planning initiatives across the Southeast and Sunbelt regions. His expertise spans diverse areas: site selection, zoning, compliance, equity and debt financing, and team leadership. As a co-sponsor co-GP at Think Multifamily for over seven years, he has played a pivotal role in multifamily ownership and partnership ventures across the Southeast. Additionally, his involvement on the Board of Advisors for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl for nearly a decade has positioned him as the ambassador for the bowl's ethos, representing its values and engaging with various stakeholders during the football season and bowl-week festivities. Before this, Gary held senior roles at Jones Lang LaSalle and Carter, driving investment sales and financing strategies in commercial real estate, including multifamily, office, and medical office spaces. Gary’s tenure at CB Richard Ellis further enriched his experience in multifamily investment sales and financing within mid-market segments
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
Diversification and practicality: Seneca emphasized the importance of diversifying one's pursuits and not relying solely on one area of investment or occupation. Investing in commercial multifamily real estate can be seen as a practical way to diversify one's investment portfolio. By spreading capital across different assets, including multifamily real estate, investors can mitigate risks and potentially enhance returns.
Stability and long-term thinking: Seneca advocated a calm and rational approach to life, focusing on long-term goals and avoiding impulsive decisions. Real estate investments, particularly in Multifamily markets, have the potential to provide consistent returns over time. Seneca's philosophy of patience and long-term thinking aligns with the idea of holding onto real estate assets for extended periods, benefiting from appreciation and rental income.
Virtue and social responsibility: Seneca emphasized the importance of virtue and social responsibility. Commercial real estate investments can contribute to societal well-being by providing housing and supporting economic development. If investors approach multifamily real estate investments with ethical considerations, like revitalizing communities, it can align with Seneca's emphasis on virtue and social impact.