ABOUT US

Affordable Upstate is a real estate investment firm focused on redeveloping and redefining naturally occurring affordable housing in the Upstate of South Carolina. Since 2017 we have placed over $50MM of investor equity into socially responsible, environmentally enhanced workforce housing assets, resulting in a diverse and thriving portfolio with over 1450 apartment units that satisfy the expectations of residents, investors, and communities.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to modernize and preserve naturally occurring affordable housing in the Upstate of South Carolina by investing in communities that are as equally fulfilling for our residents as they are strategic for our investors. 

WE HELP

COMMUNITIES THRIVE

We revitalize and redefine naturally occurring affordable housing to meet local demands. With Affordable Upstate, residents get more modern, energy-efficient and affordable living options that are designed around enhancing the community as a whole. 

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WHERE IT ALL STARTED

Affordable Upstate was founded in 2017 as a response to the growing need for affordable housing in Greenville County. The idea was born during the 43rd class of Leadership Greenville, a year-long program by the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, where participants explored pressing community challenges, including the lack of affordable housing.


With a vision to make a meaningful impact, Affordable Upstate was established with a focus on providing affordable housing that surpasses typical market standards. The company’s foundation reflects a collaborative effort rooted in leadership, community insight, and a commitment to a people-centric approach to real estate investing.


The journey began with the purchase and revitalization of 63 multifamily units in Greenville/Spartanburg. Today, Affordable Upstate owns nearly 1,500 units and is actively pursuing new projects throughout the Southeast.

WE HELP

COMMUNITIES

THRIVE

Affordable Upstate revitalizes and redefines naturally occurring affordable housing to meet local demands. With Affordable Upstate, residents get more modern, energy-efficient and affordable living options that are designed around enhancing the community as a whole. 

SEE THE TRANSFORMATION

HOW TWO BECAME "AU"

CoFounders Brian Albers and Mario Brown met in 2016 in the 43rd class of Leadership Greenville, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce's annual year-long leadership development program. That year, the members of LG took an intensive look at many pressing issues in Greenville County. They identified the lack of affordable housing as a pressing challenge facing the community.


Mario and Brian decided to combine their experience in investing and construction to try and meet these community needs. They formed Affordable Upstate in 2017, committing themselves to a positive, people-centric approach. They decided they would address these issues with a positive, people-centric approach to real estate investing. Their goal is to impact their community by supplying an affordable housing product superior to what is typically available in their market.


Their first project began with the purchase and revitalizing of 63 multifamily units in Greenville/Spartanburg. Today, they own nearly 1500 units and are actively pursuing new projects throughout the Southeast.

CORE VALUES

We are a mission-driven real estate development corporation committed to quality, diversity and prosperity. The core of Affordable Upstate.

They drive everything that we do.

1. Sustainability

2. Positivity

3. Golden Rule

4. Humility

5. Quality

6. Hope

MEET OUR TEAM

We are an accomplished group of leaders from a diverse array of backgrounds who have come together in pursuit of a singular goal: to be a best-in-class multifamily investment firm centered around creating better places for meaningful lives to unfold.

Mario E. Brown

Co-Founder / Principal

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Sam Gooding

Asset Manager

Chris Rawlings

Fractional CFO, SPARA

Zach Smeltzer

Marketing Manager

Angel Walker

Executive Assistant

Partners

Anthony Thompson

General Counsel, SAHA

Matt Foster

CEO, NOAH Property Management

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