Hugh Jones

 

Hugh Jones is the Managing Partner of Optimus Age Capital and a proven leader in multifamily real estate investment. A graduate of Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, Hugh has built an impressive track record of acquiring and operating value-add apartment communities, with a portfolio encompassing 338 units across properties ranging from 12 to 72 units. His expertise in identifying emerging markets and executing full-cycle investment strategies has positioned him as a sought-after expert in the multifamily space.

 

Before transitioning to full-time real estate investing, Hugh demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen by co-founding and scaling a highly successful healthcare staffing firm. From 2012 to 2016, he served as Partner and President of the Health Information Technology division at National Staffing Solutions, growing the division from startup to $10 million in annual revenue. This experience in building and operating businesses provided him with the financial discipline and strategic vision that would later prove invaluable in real estate acquisitions and asset management.

 

Since 2017, Hugh has dedicated himself to empowering aspiring investors to achieve financial freedom through multifamily real estate. As the founder of the Jones Inner Circle, an exclusive mentorship community, he provides hands-on guidance in deal sourcing, creative financing, capital raising, and asset management. Hugh's students have collectively acquired over 657 units using his proven strategies, demonstrating the scalability and effectiveness of his investment methodology. His passion for education extends to his authorship of "My Apartment Blueprint System," a comprehensive guide that breaks down the apartment acquisition process into actionable steps for investors at every level.

 

Hugh specializes in leveraging creative financing structures and private capital to acquire cash-flowing assets in high-growth markets. His approach focuses on risk-adjusted returns, forced appreciation through strategic renovations and operational improvements, and building long-term wealth through buy-and-hold strategies. As a thought leader in the multifamily investment community, Hugh continues to share his expertise through coaching programs, educational content, and strategic partnerships, helping investors navigate the complexities of commercial real estate while building sustainable, generational wealth.

Shawn Brandt

 

Shawn Brandt is a dynamic force in multifamily real estate investment, distinguished by his rapid ascent and exceptional deal execution capabilities. Since partnering with Hugh Jones in July 2024, Shawn has established himself as a formidable operator in the commercial real estate space, demonstrating an impressive ability to identify, underwrite, and close institutional-quality transactions in today's competitive market environment.

In January 2025, Shawn successfully closed his first major acquisition—a $10 million multifamily property—showcasing his sophisticated understanding of deal structuring, due diligence, and capital markets. This milestone transaction marked the beginning of an extraordinary growth trajectory that few investors achieve. Within months of his inaugural deal, Shawn demonstrated his capacity to scale operations by closing a substantial 500-unit multifamily portfolio, a transaction that solidified his reputation as a serious player in the value-add and core-plus investment sectors.

Shawn currently oversees a real estate portfolio exceeding $130 million in assets under management, a testament to his strategic vision, operational excellence, and ability to build strong relationships with capital partners, brokers, and institutional lenders. His investment thesis focuses on high-quality multifamily assets in growth markets, where strong fundamentals support sustainable rent growth and value creation through operational efficiencies and targeted capital improvements. Shawn's methodical approach to underwriting, combined with his keen market insights, has enabled him to identify opportunities that deliver risk-adjusted returns for his investor partners.

As a strategic partner in the organization, Shawn brings a fresh perspective on emerging market trends, technology-driven property management solutions, and innovative financing structures. His commitment to building a diversified portfolio of cash-flowing assets positions him as a rising leader in the multifamily investment community. Shawn's success is built on a foundation of rigorous financial analysis, strong execution, and an unwavering focus on creating value for stakeholders while building long-term wealth through strategic real estate investing.

Yissy Freeman

 

Yissy Freeman is a strategic partner and marketing visionary whose unique blend of corporate brand development and real estate investment expertise has positioned him as a transformative force in the multifamily and commercial real estate sectors. With over eight years of professional marketing experience, Yissy has built a distinguished track record of helping corporations achieve unprecedented visibility and market penetration, resulting in measurable business outcomes including successful acquisitions and C-suite placements. His ability to craft compelling brand narratives and execute high-impact marketing campaigns has enabled clients to secure institutional capital, expand their market presence, and achieve liquidity events that propel their businesses to the next level.

Yissy's transition into real estate investing was a natural evolution of his entrepreneurial mindset and strategic vision. Approximately five years ago, he partnered on an ambitious portfolio acquisition in South Florida, assembling a collection of 30 single-family homes earmarked for renovation and repositioning as short-term rental properties. This value-add project demonstrated his ability to identify emerging trends in the hospitality and vacation rental markets while executing complex residential portfolio strategies. The experience provided Yissy with invaluable insights into property acquisition, renovation management, asset optimization, and the operational nuances of managing diverse real estate holdings across multiple asset classes.

Currently, Yissy serves as a strategic partner in a $20 million mixed-use acquisition in Manhattan's prestigious Flatiron District, one of the city's most sought-after submarkets known for its strong fundamentals, institutional-grade properties, and stable cash flows. This ground-floor opportunity in one of New York's most dynamic neighborhoods showcases Yissy's ability to source and underwrite sophisticated urban investments in gateway markets. His involvement in this landmark mixed-use property reflects a sophisticated understanding of commercial real estate fundamentals, including retail-residential integration, urban market dynamics, and the complex regulatory environment that governs Manhattan real estate transactions.

Recognizing the growing demand for accessible real estate education, Yissy partnered with an established real estate investor to develop a comprehensive online educational platform designed to empower aspiring investors with the knowledge, tools, and coaching necessary to launch successful real estate careers. This venture combines Yissy's marketing acumen with proven investment methodologies, offering students a structured curriculum that covers deal analysis, financing strategies, property management, and wealth-building through real estate. The platform provides personalized coaching and mentorship, ensuring students receive ongoing support as they navigate their first transactions and build sustainable investment portfolios. Through this initiative, Yissy continues to bridge the gap between ambitious investors and the practical knowledge required to succeed in today's competitive real estate landscape.