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DJ Van Keuren posted thisWhy More Family Offices Are Choosing Direct Investments A growing number of family offices are taking a more hands-on role in how they deploy capital, signaling a notable shift in private wealth management. Rather than relying solely on traditional investment vehicles, many affluent families are pursuing direct investments that offer greater visibility, influence, and control over their portfolios. This approach is gaining momentum as family offices seek opportunities that align more closely with their long-term financial objectives and strategic interests. Recent findings from FINTRX, which added 96 family offices to its global database during the second quarter of the year, suggest that direct investing has become a dominant preference among newly established and emerging family offices. The appeal is understandable. Direct investments can provide access to private companies, commercial real estate, infrastructure projects, private credit opportunities, and other alternative assets that may not be available through conventional investment channels. For many families, this structure allows them to participate more actively in value creation while maintaining closer oversight of their capital. The growing interest in direct investing is also reshaping the broader investment landscape. Family offices are increasingly competing with institutional investors, private equity firms, and venture capital groups for access to attractive opportunities. Their flexible capital, patient investment horizons, and ability to move quickly often make them desirable partners for business owners, developers, and entrepreneurs seeking long-term relationships rather than short-term financial backing. As a result, family offices continue to expand their presence across sectors ranging from technology and healthcare to real estate and operating businesses. I find the rise of direct investing reflects a broader desire among family offices to become more actively involved in the investments they support. Greater access to information, stronger internal expertise, and expanding professional networks are enabling many families to evaluate opportunities with a level of sophistication that was once limited to large institutions. I expect direct investments to remain a defining feature of family office strategy in the years ahead. As families seek greater oversight, deeper engagement, and closer alignment between capital and long-term objectives, direct investing may continue to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping how family offices build, preserve, and administer wealth across generations.
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DJ Van Keuren posted thisWhy Dallas Continues to Attract Family Offices as Generational Wealth Expands Dallas has built a strong reputation as a destination for established business families, but today's momentum extends far beyond long-standing wealth. As entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners continue relocating to North Texas, the region is seeing a steady rise in privately managed family offices. This trend reflects more than population growth. It signals a growing demand for dedicated structures that help affluent families oversee investments, preserve wealth, and coordinate long-term financial decisions. A family office is designed to centralize the management of significant assets while supporting broader family objectives. Depending on its structure, it may oversee investment portfolios, real estate holdings, private equity, tax planning, estate strategies, philanthropy, and succession planning. By bringing these responsibilities together, families can maintain greater oversight while aligning financial decisions with long-term priorities. Dallas offers several advantages that continue to attract family offices. A business-friendly environment, a growing financial sector, favorable tax conditions, and access to experienced legal and investment professionals have strengthened the city's position as a destination for wealth management. At the same time, North Texas continues to attract companies, corporate headquarters, and investment capital, creating an environment where family offices can identify new opportunities across multiple asset classes. Real estate has also become an important component of many family office portfolios. Residential communities, industrial developments, multifamily properties, office buildings, and specialized commercial assets provide opportunities for income generation, portfolio diversification, and long-term capital appreciation. As more wealth enters the region, strategic property investments may continue to play a meaningful role in preserving family capital across generations. I believe the continued growth of family offices in Dallas reflects a broader shift in how affluent families approach wealth management. Rather than focusing on short-term market movements, many families are building long-term frameworks that support investment discipline, governance, succession planning, and responsible stewardship of their assets. I also see this trend creating new opportunities for investors, advisors, and real estate professionals. As more families establish dedicated offices to manage their financial affairs, demand for specialized expertise, institutional-quality investment opportunities, and well-structured real estate transactions is likely to remain an important part of North Texas's evolving financial landscape.
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DJ Van Keuren posted thisWhy Purpose Is Becoming the New Measure of Family Office Success Family offices are increasingly broadening their responsibilities beyond investment performance and capital preservation. As multigenerational wealth continues to grow, many affluent families are placing greater emphasis on defining the purpose behind their assets and establishing a long-term vision that extends beyond financial outcomes. This shift reflects a growing recognition that wealth can support not only prosperity but also family values, governance, philanthropy, and lasting societal contributions. Early findings from the 2026 AlTi Tiedemann Global and Campden Wealth Family Office Operational Excellence Report indicate that a growing number of families are actively exploring the role their wealth should play in achieving broader personal and family objectives. Rather than focusing solely on portfolio returns, many family offices are incorporating structured governance, legacy planning, charitable initiatives, education, and succession strategies into their overall wealth management framework. This integrated approach helps align financial decision-making with long-term priorities across generations. The trend also highlights the changing expectations placed on modern family offices. As wealth structures become more sophisticated and family members become increasingly involved in governance, defining a shared purpose can strengthen communication, improve decision-making, and promote continuity. Establishing a clear mission may also provide a consistent framework for evaluating investment opportunities, managing risk, supporting philanthropic endeavors, and preparing future generations for leadership responsibilities. I see the growing focus on purpose as an important evolution in how family offices approach long-term wealth stewardship. Financial success remains essential, but many families are recognizing that clearly defined values and shared objectives can strengthen governance while supporting thoughtful decision-making across generations. I view purpose as more than a philosophical concept within a family office. When it is supported by effective governance, succession planning, and disciplined investment oversight, it can serve as a guiding principle that helps families preserve wealth, strengthen their legacy, and create meaningful opportunities for future generations while adapting to an increasingly complex global investment environment.
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DJ Van Keuren posted thisJeff Bezos' Family Office Leads the Charge in Direct Startup Investing Private market investing has become an increasingly important focus for family offices seeking opportunities beyond traditional asset classes. Rather than relying solely on public markets or externally managed funds, many wealthy families are directing capital into privately held businesses that align with their investment philosophy and multi-generational priorities. This approach offers greater involvement in investment decisions while providing access to innovative companies during their early stages of growth. Recent activity illustrates how this strategy is gaining traction across the family office sector. According to data from Fintrx, Bezos Expeditions, the family office of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has ranked among the most active family office investors this year through multiple direct investments in startup companies. Its investment activity reflects a broader movement toward direct participation in private markets, where family offices are seeking portfolio diversification, long-term capital appreciation, and earlier access to high-growth businesses. Direct investing also demonstrates how family offices are broadening their role within the global investment landscape. Their ability to deploy patient capital and maintain flexible investment horizons allows them to support businesses through multiple stages of development while building diversified portfolios across venture capital, private equity, operating companies, real estate, and alternative investments. This flexibility has positioned many family offices to pursue opportunities that extend well beyond conventional wealth management strategies. I observe that the increasing level of direct investing reflects how family offices are becoming more active participants in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities. By working more closely with entrepreneurs and emerging businesses, families can exercise greater oversight while aligning investment decisions with their broader financial vision. I anticipate that direct investments will continue gaining prominence as family offices refine their capital allocation strategies. Combining disciplined due diligence with long-term ownership perspectives may enable families to strengthen portfolio resilience, pursue sustainable capital appreciation, and preserve wealth across future generations while adapting to an increasingly competitive investment environment.
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DJ Van Keuren posted thisWhy Family Offices Are Giving Bonds a Second Look Amid Global Turbulence Family offices are operating in an increasingly complex investment environment where geopolitical uncertainty, fiscal pressures, changing trade relationships, and shifting economic influence are affecting portfolio decisions. As global markets become more difficult to predict, many family offices are reassessing how capital is allocated across asset classes. Rather than relying on strategies that performed well during previous market cycles, investment committees are evaluating whether current portfolios remain aligned with evolving risks and long-term objectives. This reassessment is prompting a broader review of strategic asset allocation. Family offices have traditionally maintained diversified portfolios that include equities, private markets, real estate, infrastructure, and alternative investments. However, changing economic conditions are leading many investors to place greater emphasis on capital preservation alongside growth. The goal is not simply to react to short-term uncertainty but to build portfolios that can remain resilient across a range of market scenarios. One area receiving renewed attention is fixed income. After years in which low interest rates limited its appeal, fixed income is becoming a more attractive component of family office portfolios. Higher yields are providing opportunities to generate income while reducing portfolio volatility. For family offices focused on preserving wealth across generations, this shift offers an additional layer of stability that can complement investments in growth-oriented assets. The renewed interest in fixed income also reflects a desire for liquidity and predictable cash flow during periods of economic uncertainty. I observe that the growing allocation toward fixed income signals a broader shift in how family offices are approaching risk management. Rather than concentrating exclusively on return potential, many are placing greater value on portfolio durability and the ability to navigate changing market conditions without excessive exposure to volatility. I contend that strategic asset allocation will remain one of the most important priorities for family offices in the years ahead. As geopolitical developments, fiscal challenges, and economic realignments continue to influence global markets, maintaining a balanced portfolio capable of adapting to new realities may become just as important as identifying the next source of growth.
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DJ Van Keuren posted thisAI Valuations Are Rising Fast, and Family Offices Are Taking a Closer Look The private market is producing numbers that few would have imagined only a few years ago. SpaceX is trading at roughly a $2 trillion valuation, Anthropic has completed funding at a reported $965 billion post-money valuation, and OpenAI is widely expected to follow with its own public market debut in the future. Developments like these are placing artificial intelligence and late-stage private companies at the center of conversations among family offices looking for long-term investment opportunities. For many family offices, preserving capital remains just as important as pursuing growth. That balance has encouraged many to expand beyond traditional holdings by allocating capital across private companies, public markets, real estate, infrastructure, and private credit. High-profile technology businesses are drawing attention because they represent industries with significant commercial potential, but experienced investors also recognize that valuation alone is not a measure of investment quality. A strong IPO calendar can influence far more than newly listed companies. Liquidity generated through public offerings often circulates across venture capital, private equity, commercial real estate, and other alternative investments. As founders, early shareholders, and institutional investors realize gains, additional capital frequently returns to the market in search of the next generation of businesses with durable earnings potential. Artificial intelligence is also changing how many family offices evaluate portfolio construction. Rather than concentrating resources within a single sector, many are assessing how technology investments complement assets that generate recurring cash flow or provide stability during changing economic conditions. Combining multiple asset classes can help reduce concentration risk while creating opportunities across different market cycles. I prefer looking beyond headline valuations and focusing on the quality of the businesses entering the market. Competitive advantages, financial discipline, experienced leadership, and sustainable business models often provide stronger indicators of long-term performance than short-term excitement surrounding an IPO. I remain interested in how family offices continue adapting their investment decisions as private markets evolve. Their ability to invest patiently, evaluate opportunities independently, and balance innovative companies with established asset classes places them in a distinctive position as artificial intelligence continues influencing global capital markets
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DJ Van Keuren shared thisFamily Office Real Estate Investment Forum 2026, August 12th-14th, 2026, Keystone, Colorado Family Office Submission Form: https://lnkd.in/ekd5PWFW Sponsor Submission Form: https://lnkd.in/epdYRkAg This exclusive event offers family offices and industry professionals the chance to explore curated investment opportunities, gain invaluable insights into market trends, and foster meaningful connections with peers. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and actionable strategies, the forum is designed to empower attendees to make informed decisions and maximize their real estate investment potential. Register as a family office or sponsor and take part in an event designed for meaningful collaboration.
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DJ Van Keuren shared thisFamily Office Real Estate Institute Conference 2026, September 8th & 9th, 2026, University of Denver, Denver, CO Family Office Registration: https://lnkd.in/e2QxdP9Z Sponsor Registration: https://lnkd.in/exKRS6Kg The Family Office Real Estate Institute Conference is an annual conference organized by FORE Institute, dedicated to exploring trends, strategies, and opportunities in the real estate sector for family office investors. Renowned experts and industry leaders will share their insights and experiences through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. The FORE Institute Conference caters to family offices and family office investors only. Secure your registration today and take advantage of two days filled with expert insights, meaningful discussions, and valuable connections.
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DJ Van Keuren shared thisFamily Office Real Estate Investment Forum 2026, August 12th-14th, 2026, Keystone, Colorado Family Office Submission Form: https://lnkd.in/ekd5PWFW Sponsor Submission Form: https://lnkd.in/epdYRkAg The Family Office Real Estate Institute Investment Forum is an invite-only organization, created to provide real estate opportunities in a private forum for families and their family office professionals. In addition to delivering deal flow, the objective of the forum is to provide due diligence and establish a dynamic peer network, combine purchasing power, and provide a source of insight into the real estate market and its opportunities. Be part of a private gathering where meaningful connections and real estate opportunities come together. Submit your interest today.
Experience & Education
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Publications
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All in the Family - "Why family offices are moving toward direct investing and away from funds"
RealAssets Advisor
See publicationWhy family offices are moving toward direct investing and away from funds.
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Author Spotlight: Family Offices and Real Estate Investing
RealAssets Advisor
See publicationWhat is the average percentage of real estate holdings in a family office portfolio? What are the common mistakes made by family offices investing in real estate? What about examples of how real estate investing worked out in a big way for family offices? DJ Van Keuren, author of Real Estate Investing for Family Offices, joins us to discuss those and other questions pertinent to his book.
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Direct Investing A Growing Family Office Trend
Private Wealth Magazine
See publicationIn this article I discuss how direct investing is a growing family office trend and the reasons why
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DJ Van Keuren: Family Office Real Estate
Radio Interview - Miami 880AM
See publicationJim Fried of Fried On Business talks to DJ Van Keuren, Director – Family Office Capital, for The Arsenault Family Office. As a family office, they have over 30 years of experience in contrarian, value add and opportunistic real estate investing producing a gross IRR of 32% on over 200 deals since 1998. Individually, Van Keuren has more than 25 years’ experience in this sector. Van Keuren is the author of “Real Estate Investing for Family Offices”, founder of usfamilyofficerealestate.com, is the…
Jim Fried of Fried On Business talks to DJ Van Keuren, Director – Family Office Capital, for The Arsenault Family Office. As a family office, they have over 30 years of experience in contrarian, value add and opportunistic real estate investing producing a gross IRR of 32% on over 200 deals since 1998. Individually, Van Keuren has more than 25 years’ experience in this sector. Van Keuren is the author of “Real Estate Investing for Family Offices”, founder of usfamilyofficerealestate.com, is the past President of the Harvard Real Estate Alumni Organization and Board Member for the Real Estate Academic Initiative at Harvard. His family was part of the worst real estate investing decision in American history – hundreds of years ago – I will ask him about it. Make sure to listen! We discuss family office investing in the real estate sector.
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Family Office Investment Trends
Family Office Elite Magazine
See publicationFor the Summer edition of Family Office Elite Magazine, I discuss a major investment trend for family offices and how families can benefit from such a trend. The benefits discussed includes lower expenses, a greater alignment of interest, potential greater returns and a greater chance for success.
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Family Office Real Estate Strategies
880 AM - Fried on Business
Family Office's plans for real estate investing in 2017 and the assumptions that drive the plan.
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How a Family Office can Invest Like an Endowment
Family Office Elite
See publicationMany family offices do not have a set strategy for how they invest. When looking at how to establish their strategy, a family office should look closely to how endowments invest as there are many similarities to how a family office can benefit from a similar philosophy.
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Interview with a Single Family Office on Real Estate Investing
Podcast Interview - Family Office Club
See publicationRichard Wilson of the Family Office Club Interviews DJ Van Keuren of the Arsenault Single Family Office on real estate investments. With real estate being an important component of most single family offices, this valuable conversation with an experienced family office professional discusses family offices and real estate investing.
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Real Estate in the Family Office Portfolio - "How to add quality real estate to your portfolio"
Family Office Elite
See publicationIn the Spring edition of Family Office Elite, my article focuses on how real estate is an important part of any portfolio, especially for family offices. Real estate has many benefits––from the use of leverage, tax-free growth, and tax deferment to depreciation and mortgage interest deductions, and especially the opportunity for families to build legacy wealth. A good property in a good location can be a long-term family asset, providing cash flow, appreciation, and tax benefits for generations to…
In the Spring edition of Family Office Elite, my article focuses on how real estate is an important part of any portfolio, especially for family offices. Real estate has many benefits––from the use of leverage, tax-free growth, and tax deferment to depreciation and mortgage interest deductions, and especially the opportunity for families to build legacy wealth. A good property in a good location can be a long-term family asset, providing cash flow, appreciation, and tax benefits for generations to come
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Because of these benefits, the question then becomes: How can a family office invest in real estate and maximize the benefits that real estate has to offer? The article addresses these issues -
Real Estate Investing for Family Offices - "The Family Office Guide to Investing into Commercial and Investment Real Estate"
DJ Van Keuren
The Family Office Guide to Investing in Commercial and Investment Real Estate offers practical, straightforward advice for Family Offices considering the potential of any income-producing property. Written for Family Offices just entering the investment arena of real estate, or experienced investors looking to expand their portfolio, this book moves step-by-step through every stage of the analysis, financing, and purchase of investment property.
Projects
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Real Estate Investors Summit West
Panel Member - Investing with Family Offices
* What type of investments will family office consider?
* How is approaching or dealing with a family office different than dealing with an institutional
investor or HNW individual?
* Importance of relationships
* Time period it takes for a family office to invest with you
* The importance of education for family offices on your strategy
* What type of returns do family offices look for?
* What type of…Panel Member - Investing with Family Offices
* What type of investments will family office consider?
* How is approaching or dealing with a family office different than dealing with an institutional
investor or HNW individual?
* Importance of relationships
* Time period it takes for a family office to invest with you
* The importance of education for family offices on your strategy
* What type of returns do family offices look for?
* What type of structures do family offices consider?
* Investing trends in the family office spaceOther creatorsSee project -
Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum - West
Panel Member - Traditional Real Estate Investing
* Real Estate Allocation as part of a well balanced portfolio
* Do recent articles and commentaries overstate the frothiness of today’s
market?
* Investing in a rising cap-rate environment
* Repositioning of assets as a core investment strategy
* Repositioning in prime and urban markets
* Repositioning in secondary markets
* Does institutional investors’ bias towards ultra- core assets represent a…Panel Member - Traditional Real Estate Investing
* Real Estate Allocation as part of a well balanced portfolio
* Do recent articles and commentaries overstate the frothiness of today’s
market?
* Investing in a rising cap-rate environment
* Repositioning of assets as a core investment strategy
* Repositioning in prime and urban markets
* Repositioning in secondary markets
* Does institutional investors’ bias towards ultra- core assets represent a buying
opportunity in other areas?Other creators -
Handler Thayer Family Office Private Capital Forum
Conference Panel Member - Asset Allocation to Private Investments – Understanding Where Private Equity Fits in a Portfolio; How Institutional Managers and Family Offices Approach, Source & Manage Private Equity.
Other creatorsSee project -
Real Estate Family Office West Forum
Conference Panel Member - Real Estate Investing - Funds or Direct
* Pros and Cons of each type of investing
* What to look for when investing into each
* What family offices are interested in investing into and whyOther creators -
The Single Family Office Summit - Wilson Conference New York, New York
Conference Panel Member - Speaking on Family Office Real Estate Strategies: Considering Private Funds, REITS, & Direct Ownership
Other creatorsSee project -
Family Office Private Captial Forum
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Moderator - Opportunities & Trends in Real Estate
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Family Office Winter Forum
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Moderator – Fund Investing vs Direct Investment vs Co-Investing
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Global Private Wealth Forum
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Panel Member - Alternative Investments: Private Equity and Real Estate
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Midwest Institutional Real Estate Investor Forum
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Panel Member– Navigating Submarkets Six Years into an Expansionary Cycle
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Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) Investor Forum
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Portfolio diversification: strategies to enhance returns
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Private Markets Investment Forum
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Panel Member - Private Equity Real Estate: Deal Flow and Dry Powder
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Real Estate Family Office West Forum
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Conference Moderator - Finding Value in Mature Markets
• How to evaluate property value
• Defining an up and coming area
• Determining residential or commercial based off of community needsOther creatorsSee project -
The Real Estate Mexico California Meeting
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Panel Member – Family Office Cross Boarder Real Estate Investing
Honors & Awards
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Finalist for Special Industry Contribution for the Best in the Industry Awards from the Family Wealth Alliance
Family Wealth Alliance
Recognized as a Finalist for Special Industry Contribution in the Best in the Industry Awards.
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Finalist for Thought Leadership in the Best in the Industry Awards from the Family Wealth Alliance
Family Wealth Alliance
Recognized as a Finalist for Thought Leadership in the Best in the Industry Awards.
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Top 10 US Family Office Real Estate Professional
Family Capital
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Top 30 Real Estate Advisors at a Family Office
Trusted Insight
Ranked as one of the Top 30 Real Estate Investor at a Family Office
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Deans List - Harvard University
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NCAA D1 Baseball
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Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Vietnamese
Professional working proficiency
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Spanish
Elementary proficiency
Organizations
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International Blockchain Real Estate Association
Member
- Present -
Funding Tree
Advisory Board Member
- Present -
PERE News
Advisory Board Member
- Present -
Forbes Real Estate Council
Member
- Present -
Real Assets Advsior Magazine
Editorial Board Member
- Present -
Family Office Real Estate Magazine
Founder
- PresentFounder of the magazine Family Office Real Estate Magazine with a focus on real estate for family offices.
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Financial Poise
Faculty Member
- PresentFinancial Poise™ has one mission: to provide reliable plain English business, financial and legal education to investors, private business owners and executives, and their respective trusted advisors.
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Family Office Real Estate Institute
Founder
- Present -
Harvard Club of New York
Member
- Present -
Family Office Association
Member
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Family Office Network
Member
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Harvard Real Estate Alumni Organization
Past President & Board Member
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IMN Mid-West Family Office Conference
Advisory Board
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Real Estate Academic Initiative at Harvard
Board Member
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