Cole Guri has an incredible resume as an investment fund manager. Guri has been responsible for and has overseen the project management for multi-million dollar projects and has managed the development of major commercial projects during his time with Hill International Inc. There, he developed a reputation as a top project manager and built the foundation to becoming a major fund manager in the real estate development industry. It was his brilliant track record and attention to detail that made him the perfect fit to become the CEO of Universal Equity Fund. Guri assembled a great team of individuals with immense expertise in their prospective fields for UEF’s board of directors and together they move forward to continued success.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Guri has overseen Universal Equity Fund since he arrived in 2015. The company has grown tremendously under his leadership, and during the summer of 2017, Guri and his Equity Fund became active internationally by meeting with some of the biggest developers and entrepreneurs in Egypt, Jordan and Puerto Rico. The sky is the limit for the fund as they are now preparing a REIT for the hospitality industry and are continuing their international involvement in the Middle East.
Guri sat down with Totalprestige Magazine to tell us a little bit about himself and Universal Equity Fund.
Cole, can you please tell us about Universal Equity Fund?
Universal Equity Fund was created to provide investors with an extra layer of protection while investing in real estate, technology, renewable energy, industrial and agricultural Services.
Who is Universal Equity Fund tailored for?
It is designed for forward thinking, accredited investors, who like to have their investment risk mitigated.
Cole, how does your investor background define the strategy you use to identify investments?
Because of the cost of providing risk mitigation, we look for projects with healthy returns and high upside. We also look for history and experienced management.
Can you tell us how your career began and what some of the highlights have been?
I began my career in project management for Hill International in New York City, where I not only had close working relationships with major developers, but established a strong understanding of project finance and management.
What has been your most rewarding professional experience?
My recent work in Egypt and Jordan gave me a better understanding of international investments and the rewarding opportunities that come with those types of investments.
How do you find inspiration?
I get my inspiration from the investors, project developers and, mostly, from my family.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
Evaluating the daily stream of projects and finding that diamond in the rough.
What are your goals for the next few years?
To grow our fund into one of the leading and highest performing private equity funds in the country [United States].
Were you ever influenced by other entrepreneurs?
There are countless successful ones, but I truly admire and follow the progress of Elon Musk, Richard Branson and “Mr. Wonderful” Kevin O’leary. But one of my major influencers is Samir Mane, a great Albanian entrepreneur, who came from nothing, to be one of the most successful businessmen in the history of the country and lead the largest private investment group in Albania and southeast Europe.
What is a day in your life like?
I start early by reviewing new projects followed by evaluating underwriting comments on existing projects. I finish my day talking with project managers to get feedback on our investments. Then I unwind with my lovely wife and daughter.
What makes you smile?
My wonderful daughter Elysia cracks me up.
What scares you?
I never want to let down my investors or my family. That’s what drives me every day.
What is your greatest achievement?
Other than my family, I am very proud of my development of UEF, and UERiet – a high return real estate investment trust focused mostly in the hotel industry that is currently underway.
What is your secret talent?
I’m very good at evaluating character.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
George Washington and all of the founding fathers. Always amazed me how they anticipated issues of the future.
Cole, do you have any hobbies?
Soccer. I actually take time out of my hectic business schedule and coach a youth team.
What are you never without?
Like most people these days, my phone.
Can you tell us two of your favorite quotes?
“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.” Warren Buffett.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Benjamin Franklin
How do you define success?
Having a healthy and happy family and a universally respected business.
What advice would you give to anyone starting a new business?
Speaking from personal experience, figure out what you enjoy the most and do it. In the words of Robert Herjavec: “I’ve met a lot of people who are afraid to start something … but if you don’t start, haven’t you already failed?”
The first step is the hardest, but once taken and followed by hard work and perseverance, it will always yield successful results.
For more information on Cole Guri and investment information on UEF, please visit www.universalequityfund.com.