Andres draws upon over 20 years of investment experience as a principal in the private equity industry, with a track record of over $2 billion in direct transactions. Real Estate has consistently been a focal point throughout his career, involving acquisitions, dispositions, repositioning, restructuring, and renovations of a varied portfolio comprising hotels, multifamily properties, and office buildings.
Presently, he holds a pivotal position at WealthStone, a leading real estate organization and asset manager, tactically acquiring high-quality, income-producing assets across top US markets. Moreover, he acts as an Executive Producer at Anima Creators, a platform devoted to filmmakers, channeling capital into the entertainment industry, with a specific focus on premium content and independent film production. Additionally, Andres is affiliated with Reliable Circle, a private equity platform dedicated to delivering top-tier, risk-adjusted returns through credit, innovation, and creative concepts.
Over the past two decades, Andres has provided access to a diverse range of investment opportunities to a select group of family offices, corporate investors, endowments, asset managers, foundations, and wealth managers. As a dedicated professional, he is committed to upholding professional standards, enhancing performance, mitigating risks, and excelling in crafting a vision capable of transforming an asset, concept, or idea into something greater.
An entrepreneur at heart, Andres has cultivated a broad network of contacts and strategic relationships within the industries he operates in, including active members of the private equity and real estate communities, both locally and globally.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My weekdays typically begin early since many of our partners are located overseas, in different time zones; therefore, calls are scheduled anytime between 7 am and 9 am PST. Then, I usually catch up on emails and return calls. I have a well-defined schedule and a priority task list that is constantly updated, allowing me to be effective throughout the day and maintain appropriate flexibility to meet with my colleagues. Discipline is a key part of being a professional.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Let’s begin by saying that persistence and determination are crucial. Nothing comes easily or quickly; all endeavors require an act of faith to begin. You must firmly believe in the project you are pursuing and be capable of articulating and presenting it, both conceptually and financially. It is essential to highlight why a particular project is, to some extent, unique. When approaching prospective partners, you will encounter many ‘no’s. This is not necessarily due to the merits of the project but perhaps because you are knocking on the wrong door in terms of finding the right fit for the opportunity. Many people are busy with other ventures, and some prospects may not initially allocate the time to understand what you are proposing in detail. It is your role to capture their focus, explain the vision, the opportunity, and the numbers. Eventually, the right partnership falls into place.
What’s one trend that excites you?
That is a difficult question because each project we take on has its own unique characteristics and trends that excite us. In real estate, there is a trend towards quality, energy efficiency, and intelligent buildings, to varying degrees depending on the asset. In private equity, at least in our niche, there is an integration between traditional industries, like the food industry, and the application of biotechnology. In the entertainment industry, artificial intelligence is definitely changing the way we approach film production. Additionally, there is a shift from large-scale theatrical distribution to digital platforms. Industries are always evolving, and this is quite exciting.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Following up is key. It is like the law of physics: ‘An object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion.’ Always keep following up. People are busy with their own responsibilities, so you must create action to initiate a reaction. Additionally, it is important to respond promptly to emails and phone calls. Never underestimate anyone; opportunities can come from unexpected places. Remain humble and friendly and maintain an open-door policy—we are all human beings trying to get things done. Always remember, all successful partnerships, friendships, and collaborations begin with that initial conversation.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Oh boy, this is a good one—I hardly know where to start. First, I would tell that young man to value experience. Sometimes, an older professional from the ‘University of Life’ knows more than a newly graduated honor student with a master’s degree. Listen carefully to different points of view, delve deep into the details, and learn every aspect that contributes to the big picture, as the big picture is merely the sum of smaller pieces. Understand that not all projects will go according to plan, no matter how much attention you give them. In fact, some will fail, and you must learn to mitigate risks and learn from those mistakes. I could go on, but lastly, I would say it is all about people. Build relationships, be frank, and do not try to solve everything alone. It is not a weakness; it is smart to rely on your team and partners.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Often, when discussing an opportunity, a partnership, or a situation, people primarily focus on the numerical facts. In my view, it’s crucial to consider these within a broader context. The brain is both logical and analytical, as well as intuitive and creative, necessitating a look beyond just the numbers. It’s important to empathize with your counterpart, seeing things from their perspective, which might sometimes differ from your own. This understanding can facilitate a more balanced approach.
Take real estate as an example: a building may be perfectly located, priced, and sized, but if it’s poorly designed or unattractive, its potential for rental growth could be significantly hindered. Similarly, in partnerships, a prospective partner might meet all factual criteria, but their personality is equally critical. A conflictive personality could, over time, undermine the partnership. Moreover, a persistently negative team member can influence the broader group dynamics negatively. This isn’t to say that criticism or diverse viewpoints should be avoided; rather, it highlights the importance of personality and character in all professional interactions.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Constant learning and adaptation. The real estate market is dynamic, and staying educated on trends, new technologies, and market shifts is crucial. I recommend building a habit of continuous education and self-improvement.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I make it a point to avoid hasty decisions. Instead, I take a step back and disconnect for a few minutes, hours, or even days, as necessary, to thoroughly consider the situation. Once I’ve had the chance to refresh and refocus, I tackle the issue methodically, breaking it down into manageable steps. It is similar to untangling a knot, where you carefully loosen one thread at a time.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Entrepreneurship has been the driving force in my life. With time and experience, we have become more selective in the assets and projects we choose to pursue. We have also deliberately steered clear of what is often termed ‘happy underwriting.’ This practice involves analysts presenting overly optimistic scenarios, maximizing every possible variable—a risky approach, as success cannot hinge on the ideal scenario. Instead, our platforms aim for achievable, solid returns through sound, conservative underwriting and moderate leverage. Experience has underscored the importance of caution when evaluating projects promising exceptionally high returns. Equally crucial has been building strategic partnerships. These relationships have not only opened up unique opportunities but have also provided invaluable insights, allowing us to leverage strengths and resources far beyond our immediate capabilities.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Like many entrepreneurs, I have faced projects that did not go according to plan. Even with the best intentions and utmost effort, it is sometimes impossible to control all variables. What I have learned—often the hard way—is the importance of thorough underwriting and understanding the basis of every assumption. I have become more conservative, opting for lower returns in exchange for reduced risk. Specifically, I now avoid over-leveraging, as any fluctuation in cash flow could jeopardize the entire project. It is also crucial to build adequate reserves for unforeseen circumstances and to surround yourself with the right people, those who will stick with you when challenges arise.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Let me answer this question with a thought: When people suggest that you need to be ‘realistic,’ I often counter by pointing out that every object around you—from the glass you drink from to the car you drive, the house you live in, and the TV you watch—began as an idea in someone’s mind. That creator, that visionary, however you wish to call them, not only envisioned it but also possessed the discipline to make that vision a reality. Therefore, the ability to dream is essential for making things happen. You must first dream it to bring it to life.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use various software tools daily, but without a doubt or hesitation, I would say that ChatGPT is one of the best tools I have recently encountered. It is truly a valuable tool that assists in many aspects of my daily activities, and it seems we are only at the beginning of its potential. No matter your industry, access to it can save you a tremendous amount of time.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
On the book side, I am currently reading ‘After’ by Dr. Bruce Greyson. This topic interests me as my father passed away when I was just 17 years old. On the podcast side, I enjoy ‘Conversations’ by Oprah Winfrey. Her discussions with thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual personalities, and health and wellness experts are aimed at lighting up your path to a more fulfilling life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I am enthusiastic about history and documentaries, which leads me to watch a variety of series on topics like ancient Rome, Egypt, the colonial era, Napoleon, and the World Wars. I am also deeply intrigued by the evolution of humanity, space exploration, and groundbreaking discoveries. My interest in these subjects aligns perfectly with my personality; we are all unique, and for me, history and documentaries are a natural fit. That said, my love for film extends beyond documentaries—I also enjoy movies, which is why I am involved in the industry, primarily as a cautious investor.