LRE & Company’s CEO/President sat down with us to reflect on his company’s first 25 years.
Q: Reflecting on the past 25 years, what have been some of the most significant milestones and achievements for LRE & Co. in Marin County and the broader region?
A: Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen LRE & Co. evolve from a small dream of holding a piece of real estate into a thriving enterprise with deep roots in Marin County and beyond. Our growth has been steady, but to the surprise of some, we pride ourselves in remaining small and nimble. Despite purposefully not growing into a large corporate organization we have accomplished some incredible feats in markets that some of our competitors turn their nose up at! We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. Our team’s commitment has been central to our success, allowing us to execute standout projects like our Roseville and Fernley developments. Winning the Roseville RFP from the city was a major milestone, where we delivered on our promise to think outside the box with 11 acres of innovative, creative development. In Fernley, we took on a project in a burgeoning market where Reno had no available land, leading to a significant hotel and retail venture. These milestones showcase our ability to pivot and thrive in an ever-changing real estate landscape.
Q: How has LRE & Co. evolved in its approach to real estate development and construction since its founding in 1999, and what key lessons have been learned?
A: Real estate runs in our blood—literally. From our great-grandfather, who was a farmer, to our father, who became a developer, our family has always had a deep connection to the land. This legacy drives our passion for real estate, especially in a dynamic and volatile market like the Bay Area. Over the years, we’ve weathered a few recessions, and those experiences have taught us the value of persistence and patience. Playing the long game and allowing time to solve challenges has been crucial to our success. We’ve grown to appreciate the unpredictability of the market, and it’s that very volatility that keeps us energized and focused.
Q: As a family-owned organization, how has LRE & Co. maintained its core values and culture while expanding into new markets and industries?
A: Staying small and nimble really has been our “secret sauce”. We intentionally keep our operations lean, which allows us to fail faster, learn quickly, and move on. We avoid long, drawn-out due diligence processes, preferring to act decisively and adapt as needed. Despite our growth, we’ve never lost sight of our core values—especially the importance of human connection. Knowing our employees and family members personally is a cornerstone of our culture, and it’s something we’re committed to preserving no matter how large we grow.
Q: With the success of your partnerships with national hotel brands and franchises, what are your plans for further expansion or diversification in the next 25 years?
A: We’re excited about the future and constantly exploring new opportunities to create value. While we’re deeply involved in partnerships with national hotel brands, we’re also branching out into areas like self-storage and multi-family projects. Our focus remains on being agnostic in our approach to real estate, always asking ourselves how we can contribute positively to the communities we serve. Diversification is key, but so is staying true to our roots and maintaining the agility that has brought us success over the past 25 years.
Q: Given the current trends in commercial real estate, particularly in Northern California, how is LRE & Co. positioning itself to meet future market demands and challenges?
A: In today’s environment, patience truly is a virtue. We navigate the complexities of the current market by thinking things through carefully and not rushing our decisions. It’s about balancing quick action with thoughtful strategy—knowing when to be nimble and when to let time work in our favor. This approach has served us especially well in Northern California, where the market is always evolving.
Q: Looking ahead, what are the key initiatives or projects that LRE & Co. is excited about for the future, and how do you see the company continuing to impact the Marin County community and beyond?
A: Marin County has been our home base for the past 20 years, and it will always be a key part of our identity. We’re committed to hiring locally and making a positive impact on our community. But as we look to the future, we’re also expanding our horizons beyond California. The sky’s the limit, but we remain grounded in our values—staying humble, nimble, and surrounding ourselves with people who share our vision. It’s this combination of ambition and humility that will drive our next 25 years. We’re excited to see where creativity and collaboration will take us as we continue to be a people-centric company.