Tom Burton- Innovative Private Equity Investor (#101)

Bio Tom serves as a Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer for ABR Capital Partners. He has over thirty years of experience managing real estate investments for institutional and private clients, with a focus on middle market transactions. Tom joined ABR in 1992 and has served as Asset Manager, Director of Asset Management, Chief Operating Officer and, since 2005, Chief Investment Officer. On behalf of ABR’s clients, Tom has acquired and managed over $3 billion in real estate investments across a variety of property sectors and U.S. markets. He has helped transition the firm from its roots as a single asset syndication platform to its institutional fund program, which to date has acquired over 100 assets and invested over $1 billion in client capital. Prior to ABR, Tom served as Asset Manager for insurance company USF&G and Senior Accountant for Ernst & Whinney (now EY). He has also served on the faculty of the real estate departments of Georgetown University and the University of Maryland. Tom received his BS from the University of Maryland and his MBA from the Wharton School. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and Certified Management Accountant (inactive). In addition to his professional activities, Tom serves on the Real Estate & Infrastructure Advisory Board of the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business and on the Board of Directors for Adoptions Together (formerly chair) and Constantine Housing Initiative. Show Notes The role at ABR Capital Partners (00:05:15) Tom Burton describes his roles as co-senior managing director and chief investment officer at ABR Capital Partners, along with fundraising activities. Origins and youth (00:05:30) Tom Burton shares his upbringing near Atlantic City, his parents’ backgrounds, and his early experiences working at his father’s gas station. Impact of casinos in Atlantic City (00:08:00) Tom Burton discusses the economic impact of the legalization of casinos in Atlantic City and its influence on businesses in the region. Influence of parents and work ethic (00:10:20) Tom Burton reflects on the work ethic instilled by his parents and their ability to face hardships without complaining. Involvement in Boy Scouts (00:12:15) Tom Burton discusses his experiences as a Boy Scout, emphasizing the leadership and planning skills he gained from the program. Fraternity experience at University of Maryland (00:18:00) Tom Burton shares his positive experiences and leadership roles at the Sigma Chi fraternity during his time at the University of Maryland. Transition to accounting profession (00:20:30) Tom Burton talks about his transition to the accounting profession and his experiences working at Ernst & Winney in Philadelphia. Diverse client experiences in accounting (00:21:10) Tom Burton highlights the diversity of clients he worked with in accounting, ranging from dumpster manufacturing to professional basketball teams. Moving into Consulting (00:22:45)