Harrison Riley

Founder

Harrison is a real estate investor and the Founder of Glass Beach Ventures (GBV). With a deep-rooted passion for real estate, Harrison embarked on his investment journey in 2018 and quickly established a portfolio of 16 small multifamily properties in Pittsburgh, PA. Through this experience, he recognized the challenges of scaling numerous small deals and identified the untapped potential for more individuals to participate in real estate investing.

GBV has a hyper-focused approach, specializing in building a syndication business that acquires sub-institutional multifamily apartments and implements a value-add strategy, particularly in the Midwest region. This strategy is carefully designed to create an enduring business, offering investors risk-adjusted, tax-efficient, and predictable returns over the long run.

Before real estate, Harrison honed his expertise at Okta, where he played a pivotal role in developing go-to-market business operations and leading technology teams. Furthermore, his tenure at Accenture provided him with invaluable opportunities to consult for some of the world's largest organizations, equipping him with profound insights into strategic planning and operational excellence.

A proud graduate of Gonzaga University, Harrison and his wife passionately support the Gonzaga Bulldogs (Go Zags!) as they build their life in the thriving community of Alameda, CA. United in their vision, they strive to create wealth and stability through real estate while actively contributing to the growth and prosperity of their local community.

What’s with the name, Glass Beach Ventures?

In both a multifamily value-add syndication and the transformation of Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California (where Harrison was born and raised), the common theme is the ability to turn something considered garbage or undesirable into a valuable asset.

Glass Beach, once a dumping ground for glass bottles and waste materials, underwent a remarkable transformation over time. Through the relentless action of ocean waves, the broken glass was shaped, smoothed, and transformed into beautiful beach glass. Nature's forces took what was discarded and turned it into a unique and captivating attraction.

Similarly, a multifamily value-add syndication involves identifying underperforming or neglected properties and implementing strategic improvements to increase their value. These properties, like the discarded glass, may have been overlooked or undervalued initially. However, through careful planning and execution, investors and real estate professionals recognize their hidden potential.

In the case of the value-add syndication, the transformation process is intentional and driven by deliberate actions. Renovations, upgrades, and operational improvements are undertaken to enhance the property's appeal, increase rental income, and improve overall performance. This transformative journey mirrors the efforts to repurpose and beautify Glass Beach.

The outcomes in both cases are significant. Glass Beach, once considered a dumping site, has become a renowned tourist destination, attracting visitors who appreciate the beauty of repurposed materials. Similarly, a successful value-add syndication can result in a revitalized and highly sought-after multifamily property. The enhanced living conditions, improved amenities, and increased property values benefit both the residents and the surrounding community.

Both Glass Beach and a multifamily value-add syndication exemplify the concept of taking something discarded or overlooked and transforming it into something valuable and desirable. They showcase the potential for creativity, vision, and purposeful action to turn trash into treasures. Whether it's the natural forces at work on Glass Beach or the strategic efforts of real estate professionals, these transformations demonstrate the power of recognizing untapped potential and creating value where it was previously unseen.