Experienced and goal-oriented commercial real estate (CRE) professional with a master's degree in real estate development and 20 years of industry experience. He is dedicated to upholding strong ethical values and principles and comprehensively understanding market-rate/affordable development projects, including deal structuring, land planning, entitlement processes, finance, design, and construction management. Gardner excels in business development, generating strategic project pipelines, and thrives in entrepreneurial environments that demand creative solutions and tactical execution.

• 20 years of commercial real estate experience, holds an MSRED from Columbia University.

• Expertise in market-rate development projects, deal structuring, land planning, finance, and construction management.

• Skilled in business development and strategic project pipeline generation.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Teaching

• Founder of Paper City Real Estate Group in Jersey City, NJ. – A full-service real estate firm specializing in Real Estate Development consulting with a history of multimillion-dollar investment sales and successful client support.

• Continuing Ed and Adjunct Professor at Baruch College – Real Estate Finance

• Author of "The Last Time You Quit" with a follow-up book expected this year.

• Serial entrepreneur and occasional blogger.

Community Involvement and Personal Interests

• Served on boards of BRISC (BRISC Loan Committee) and the REAP Program (National Board and Executive Committee).

o BRISC –UMEZ (Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone) formed BRISC to provide Microloans, Lines of Credit, and Term Loans to small businesses in Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx.

o REAP – A national education platform advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry.

• Speaking on real estate and community development panels

• Washington Heights native, Puerto Rican/African American descent.

• Interests include running, mentoring, and collecting Haitian and Urban Art.

Gardner’s passion for mentoring extends beyond formal settings; he actively supports local real estate professionals and has taught real estate finance to master’s degree students to promote the success of the next generation of professionals.

As he continues to develop his career and expand his influence, Gardner Rivera remains a beacon of resilience and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate professionals. His story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact one individual can have on both their industry and community.