From Lower School Friends to Business Partners
Two alumni credit LJCDS for their friendship and business acumen.
Bradley Couch ’16 and former student Michael Rosen are testaments to the power of the lifelong bonds forged at LJCDS. Their story began as a friendship in Lower School—and now, fast-forward to today, they are business partners who started a venture of their own.
Even as their paths diverged after LJCDS, their passions for commercial real estate remained aligned as both pursued internships in the industry throughout college. Bradley studied business at the University of Arizona while earning his California Real Estate License, and Michael studied economics at the University of California Santa Barbara.
Bradley began his professional career in commercial brokerage, specializing in selling and leasing industrial and office properties throughout San Diego County. There, he learned how to effectively source investment opportunities as well as how to navigate complex real estate transactions. Michael started in acquisitions when he joined a local real estate investment firm in San Diego. There, Michael also gleaned insights into how to run a successful real estate business, learning the operational side and property management.
Both possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, Bradley and Michael decided to take what they had learned from their professional experiences and join forces to create RC Investment Properties (RC). “We said to one another that we see a need in the marketplace, and we have the skills, experience, network, and drive to do this, so let’s get to work,” Michael shares.
Bradley adds, “We started RC with a vision of providing much-needed affordable housing and to help our ever-growing network of investors access income-producing real estate investments that build wealth. We have always talked about starting a company together—in fact, this idea first started in Middle School at Country Day! The idea developed over the years, especially as our passion for real estate grew. Michael and I have relevant and complementary experience, plus we understand the market and how it’s evolving. Given our unique professional backgrounds, we take pride in our properties, foster a long-term growth mindset, and have a synergistic division of labor. I know how to find the opportunities, and Michael knows how to operate them.”
Today, RC Investment Properties is a private real estate investment company that acquires, repositions and operates apartment communities throughout the Southwest. Bradley and Michael founded RC to take a different approach in addressing the affordable housing crisis. They acquire income-producing investment properties in top markets, providing affordable housing to their residents while achieving strong risk-adjusted returns for their partners.
Michael shares, “We are passionate not just about real estate and the economic benefits it can generate but also about providing high-quality housing in markets experiencing a shortage in supply. We are not in the market of fix-and-flipping but rather finding well-located, highly desirable, income-generating properties with a long-term investment horizon. Our goal is to maximize the living experience of our residents while maximizing the financial returns to our partners.”
LJCDS laid the groundwork for Bradley and Michael’s partnership. Bradley shares, “The fundamental skills taught at Country Day are undeniable. The discipline and confidence instilled in us from such a young age have been instrumental in our success. The community at Country Day has also been extremely supportive of us and provided us with thought leadership over the years.”
Bradley and Michael have words of wisdom for the Torreys who are following in their footsteps and looking to pursue similar aspirations. Michael shares, “Utilize your network and community. Connections are essential, and we have both built an amazing network of people through the years, all leading up to starting RC.” Bradley adds, “Follow your dreams and what you are passionate about. Learn as much as possible and always ask for what you need—it never hurts to ask!”
