Demian Heald is a fifth-generation Portlander who built Ten Bridges Real Estate Investment as a result of his dedication to seeing his hometown progress while delivering consistent and reliable returns for their investors.
The son of a carpenter-turned architect, Demian developed an interest in real estate at a young age. In addition, his familiarity and fascination for the city’s neighborhoods, architecture, streets, culture, and personality make it easier for him to locate properties that need redevelopment and investment.
At Ten Bridges, they work closely together with multiple private lenders, banks, local officials, and businesses to make sure that their projects are aligned with city planning objectives. For the past several years, the company has been purchasing, rehabilitating, and reselling or renting offices, single and multifamily properties, and industrial buildings around Portland, OR.
For over two decades, Demian has been purchasing, developing, and selling commercial and residential properties with a focus on distressed, underappreciated, and undervalued assets. He has also gained extensive knowledge in handling real estate transactions such as loan and property acquisitions and asset management as a result of his consultation with property owners and developers.
Furthermore, being in the business for quite a long time has helped him acquire the skills and knowledge that are necessary to lead development projects which involve zoning and planning, property appraisal, and construction.
Prior to his current role as Ten Bridges’ President, he finished two degrees at the University of Washington namely BA in Anthropology and BS in Epidemiology.
Outside a successful career, Demian is a devoted husband and father. Being a lifelong Portlander, he built their home in the city. He and his wife plan to raise their three children, appreciating the beauty, rich culture, and unique personality of Portland.
How did you start in the industry?
I grew up in Portland. And as I was growing up, I got to see and explore its communities that reflect just how beautiful and unique its identity is. Because of this, I promised to continuously promote its growth and do my best to help improve the lives of its residents. Combining my fascination for real estate and love for my city, I decided to build Ten Bridges Real Estate Investment.
Why did you choose real estate investment?
I chose to venture into real estate investment because I believe it’s the best way I can promote and contribute to my city’s growth while helping investors who want to make meaningful investments that will surely pay off. And as you know, I’m really into real estate so I wanted to gain more knowledge and experience in the industry as well.
Why did you choose to focus on Portland, Oregon?
Being a fifth-generation Portlander, I’ve seen so much potential in my hometown. Its amenities and location consistently attract people to settle down here. Aside from that, it boasts a rich history and culture and fun-loving people who will welcome you with a smile on their faces and make sure that you will have the best experience in the city. I believe that these loving and hardworking people also deserve to live better lives so I want to help them by bringing investments into our city to improve its neighborhoods.
What is one failure you had to face in the past and how did you overcome it?
Sometimes, people fail because they let fear get the best of them. You see, fear slows us down. In the early years of my career, there were times when I’d feel afraid, especially because we deal with investments. This means we have to learn how to manage risks and make wise decisions that will produce profitable projects for both our partners and us. This responsibility is scary for every beginner. But as years pass by, I learned how to overcome the fear and divert my attention to grabbing every opportunity that I get to build connections with the right people and learn from the experts in real estate and investments.
What do you consider as your greatest achievement so far?
For me, it would be realizing my dream of playing an active role in Portland’s economic growth. Aside from that, I’m really glad to know that doing this will help me leave a legacy that will inspire my children to help the community in the best way they can.
What makes you successful?
I believe it’s my commitment to continuously work for the welfare of the people of Portland. My passion for this city has brought me to where I am today and I’m willing to continue doing this as long as I live. Aside from that, I owe this success to my family who serves as my inspiration to help make Portland a better place. I want my children to grow up and experience the best of my hometown without forgetting its culture and identity.
How do you align your passion with your company’s vision and mission?
It’s easy for me to do this because even before building Ten Bridges, I’ve always been passionate about Portland and real estate. So when I had the chance to begin this venture, I made sure to take the necessary steps in order to raise the capital we needed and successfully implement development projects to attract more investors.
Moreover, in order to help realize our vision and mission, I continue to connect with people who share the same passion that we have. Doing this leads us to more opportunities because I believe that the more people working on something, the more insights we’ll get. Thus, with more insights, we will be able to have a better understanding of what communities need and what we can do about it.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
For aspiring entrepreneurs out there, don’t be afraid. If you’re reading this right now, take this as a sign to take the first step. Because if you believe that your vision can make this world a better place by putting an end to a problem or improve existing systems, then go for it! The world needs more people who are ready and willing to accept the challenge and take it up a notch.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
There will be a lot of challenges along the way but take heart because you’re in for a great mission in the future. Also, as young as you are, start setting specific goals because they will help set the direction for your life. Lastly, don’t give up when things don’t go as planned. When this happens, you learn something new. From there, you can use it to create a new plan that will surely be better than the original.
What are your plans for the near future?
I plan to continuously work on finding neighborhoods around Portland that can make use of our help. For the years to come, I’m also planning to encourage more investors to join us and who knows, we might even have the opportunity to expand and extend this vision to other areas.
What is your favorite quote?
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela