For Ryan Schultz (’99, BBA), nearly three decades in commercial real estate have reinforced a simple principle: lasting success is built one thoughtful decision and one trusted relationship at a time.
Schultz, Executive Chairman of Fiduciary Real Estate Development (FRED), has experienced that lesson from many vantage points, including development, investment, entrepreneurship and executive leadership. Along the way, his responsibilities have evolved as dramatically as the company he helps lead.
He co-founded HSI Properties as the economy headed into recession, viewing the difficult environment as an opportunity rather than a deterrent. An initial industrial development provided breathing room to pursue future projects selectively.
“That cushion afforded us the time to make well thought out, disciplined decisions as to which projects to pursue,” Schultz said.
By 2018, HSI’s portfolio had grown beyond 1,000 residential units. Its merger with FRED provided the infrastructure and financial capacity for another stage of growth. Since then, Schultz said that FRED has tripled in units under ownership to 10,000+ valued at more than $2.5B. His own focus has shifted from project management toward risk management, corporate governance and investor relationships.
That evolution reflects a lesson Schultz learned as an entrepreneur: leaders need to understand where they create the greatest value.
“I realized the highest return on my time was identifying new opportunities and building investor relationships,” he said. “I then surrounded myself with competent, hardworking partners and employees who helped pull it all together.”
Relationships have been equally central to Schultz’s career. “Your reputation is everything and people have very good memories,” he said. “It takes a lot of time to cultivate a relationship, and one bad decision to lose it.”
His Lubar College experience helped establish those connections early. Schultz remembers learning not only from faculty, but also from Milwaukee-area executives and entrepreneurs brought into the classroom.
“I found value in the Lubar College of Business’ connection and access to the greater Milwaukee business community,” he said.
Today, Schultz remains committed to the region where he grew up, studied and built his career. His advice to students reflects his own trajectory: “Pursue the career you desire, don’t just settle for a job that pays the bills. Take risk early and reach out to leaders and mentors in your field.”
For Schultz, that long view remains a guide for both business and leadership: “Manage to your downside, under promise and over perform, do the right thing, and good things will happen.”