About Ryze
MULTIFAMILY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT
Ryze Communities was established to acquire and manage multifamily commercial properties in markets throughout the country with favorable demographics and population growth. Our intent was to respond to the increased demand for quality home rentals. From single family houses to mobile home communities and traditional multifamily properties, we offer residents well maintained, secure and affordable living wherever they call home.
Multifamily real estate investments have an inherent simplicity and predictability that is less prevalent in other asset classes. For these reasons, Ryze focuses its efforts on identifying opportunities in this space. Coupling these innate characteristics with the right management and a heightened focus on efficiency and service provides a great backdrop for successful passive investments.
What We Do
ACQUIRE, STABILIZE, MANAGE, DISPOSITION
ACQUISITION
Any prospective acquisition is evaluated by asking “How can VALUE be added to the project?” Sometimes replacing ineffective management can make a tremendous difference. Other times, some element of construction or renovation is the recipe. We are not looking to “collect a coupon”. We seek to identify the specific, decisive actions needed to increase the value of any property acquired.
STABILIZATION
Routinely, any acquisition will require some immediate measures to right the ship. These steps are laid out in advance of closing. From evictions of residents disrupting life for others to basic repairs that have been deferred for years, we move quickly to restore “quiet enjoyment”. Communication with residents is a key component of this process. We have found that simply letting people know what is coming can help retain great tenants and form the basis of a strong future relationship.
MANAGEMENT
Ryze has its own in-house property management team. This competitive advantage fosters more personal interaction with prospective and existing residents. It also allows tenant requests to be addressed more quickly. Our property managers increase retention which simultaneously benefits Ryze and those who dwell in our communities. Turnover diminishes efficiency; Moving, is costly and time consuming. We operate with a focus on that balance and the customer centric nature of real estate management.
DISPOSITION
Ryze does not look to “flip” projects. We believe in the long term fundamentals of the areas in which we invest. After the value-add strategy has been implemented, we explore the benefits of refinance. However, if more attractive opportunities arise, we will always consider outright sales as a way to redeploy capital into a better investment.
Partnership
WORKING TOGETHER
In all aspects of our work, we strive to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity. We are always open to collaborative efforts and regularly seek to partner with other like-minded professionals in mutually beneficial ways. Our best projects have always been sourced “off market” and through our network.. If you know of any properties in need of a fresh perspective and renewed interest please contact us. If you are reading this and think there is a way we can work together, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We recognize the synergies that can be generated when the right people come together and welcome any inquiries.
Our Team
EXPERIENCED, HANDS-ON
OUR TEAM
Craig Schneider and Michael Alessi partnered in 2013 with a shared interest in building and preserving wealth by investing in real estate through their company, JJSB Development. Since that time, they have focused on value-add opportunities across the multi-family segment of the market. Their hands-on approach centers on improving the performance of undervalued assets through diligent capital expenditure, operational enhancement and practical management. They believe this framework and an entrepreneurial approach can generate above average returns in all stages of the market cycle.
CO-FOUNDER
As a co-founder of Ryze Communities, Craig focuses predominantly on acquisitions, dispositions and portfolio management. He is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management (“IREM”) and holds the “CPM” (Certified Property Manager) designation. Craig is also the founder of CMS Real Estate Services which has brokered numerous residential and commercial transactions. In addition to his work with CMS, Craig managed over 2 million square feet of commercial, industrial and residential real estate. The tenant base included nationally recognized banks and hospitals, as well as movie studios and major retailers like Lowe’s. He received his B.A. in accounting from Hofstra University and spent many years working as a forensic auditor before pursuing real estate as his full-time career.
CO-FOUNDER
Michael co-founded Ryze after prior experience in the financial markets and as an attorney. In addition to legal issues, he concentrates on risk management and operational oversight. A family background in construction helps support the team’s efforts. Michael graduated from Hofstra University and earned his Juris Doctor from Saint John’s University School of Law. Subsequent to the practice of corporate law in New York city, Michael pursued his interest in financial markets. This led him to hold various positions where he actively managed risk and also interfaced with many of the world’s largest money managers. Michael is also an active alumnus of Chaminade High School.
MARKET MANAGEMENT
Corey serves as a manager for the Jacksonville market. He brings a wealth of real estate experience to the team as well as an intimate knowledge of the area. In addition he assists in overseeing various aspects of project management and operational strategy. Corey routinely sources new opportunities for the group. He is also a licensed real estate agent and exceedingly capable of performing at the highest level in a competitive market.
LEGAL
Jessica routinely manages all legal matters handled in house for Ryze. She has worked as a paralegal for over twenty years on transactions for some of New York’s most successful landlords. Although her experience centers on real estate, Jessica has an exceptional ability to learn new areas of the law quickly and to apply that knowledge to the task at hand. From entity formation to closings and everything in between, she is an indispensable member of the team.
CONSTRUCTION
Oscar joined the team shortly after Craig and Michael decided to work together on JJSB Development. He is a talented carpenter and well versed in all other trades. His resourcefulness is second only to his positive attitude. He regularly interfaces with vendors and assures that tasks are completed properly the first time. His efforts are genuinely appreciated and valued by all he meets but most especially by the tenants he serves.
DESIGN / CREATIVE / ADMINISTRATIVE
In addition to overseeing many administrative items for the team, Terri also helps guide outside vendors when it comes to design and creative elements of renovations. She is routinely thrust into situations that require immediate attention and has excelled in this environment. Tenants and trade partners alike have come to appreciate her as a reassuring voice on the other end of the phone.