Dollar General

For this investment, we could have found a single-tenant net-lease property anywhere in the U.S. to provide a decent return. Properties like this are evaluated primarily on lease terms, tenant creditworthiness, and location demographics—and by those metrics alone, there were countless options.

But at this stage in my career, I'm focused on investments that mean more to me than just the ROI. I want to invest in communities where I'm involved, have some history, and know my tenants, partners, lenders, and neighbors.

That's why we decided to expand outside of Chicago and invest in the state of Maine, where my family has a century-long history. This isn't just about acquiring a property—it's about reconnecting with family, taking in the unique culture of the region, retracing some footsteps, and making new friends and business relationships, while enjoying even more of what this Vacation Land has to offer.

I think this would make my parents and grandparents smile.