About Us

Essential is a private equity real estate firm that focuses on rental housing as a basic need investment.

We provide investors with institutional-level investment opportunities through an array of funds or customized investment structures.

Our Expertise  

We have deployed and managed capital across 50,000 + units nationwide and understand the nuances, best practices and strategies that contribute to success.

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Cycle-Tested Expertise & Wisdom

Our Principals have over 120 years of industry experience and have successfully navigated four (4) decades of real estate investment cycles.​ 

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Advanced Systems Platform

Our platform combines proven processes with cutting-edge AI, automation & predictive analytics technology, allowing us to make informed decisions before others can act.

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Global Capital Partnerships

We have long-standing capital partner relationships that give us the ability to execute strategic investment initiatives in diverse market conditions.

Key Leadership

Rick Courtney

MANAGING PARTNER & CEO
Acquisitions & Asset Management

Rick is responsible for the overall direction and daily operations of Essential.

  • 40-year multifamily industry veteran (20-years C-Level)​

  • 17,000 units & 3.2M of CRE square footage nationwide

  • Pepperdine University – Graziadio School ​of Business (cum laude)

  • Board of Directors:  Family Office Real Estate (FORE) Institute 

John Matheson, Esq

PRESIDENT, COO & GENERAL COUNSEL
Operations & Legal Matters

John is responsible for operations, enterprise level integration and serves as Essential’s Chief Legal Officer.

  • 30-years operations, private equity and real estate experience​

  • Former NYSE Listed Multi-national CEO​

  • Harvard Business School, Georgetown Law, University of Oklahoma School of Business (summa cum laude)​

  • Ernst & Young Hall of Fame Member and Winner of E&Y’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award​

John Azar

FOUNDING PARTNER
Capital Markets & Fund Structuring

John’s strategic role with Essential centers on capital placement and formation.

  • GP executive on over 4,000 units

  • Responsible for $1.8B structured finance portfolio​

  • University of North Carolina & Boston University​ Questrom School of Business

  • Board of Directors:  Gaston College Foundation

FOUNDING PARTNER
Development & Affordable Housing

Mark Gardner, Esq

Mark provides strategic focus for Essential’s new development activities.

  • Syndicated and developed over 10,000 units​

  • Raised over $2B in capital for 150 projects​

  • Truman State University & Missouri-Kansas City School of Law (magna cum laude)​

  • Former Chairman of Low-Income Housing Tax Subcommittee and Missouri Tax Credit Review Commission