Investment Strategy
A Proven, Differentiated Approach
At Brookwood, we think differently. We reject the passive, herd-driven mindset that too often defines traditional real estate investing. Our strategy is rooted in identifying opportunities with enduring fundamentals, scalable growth potential, and the ability to thrive across economic cycles.
In 2015, we evolved beyond conventional real estate investment to include retail-based operating businesses, a deliberate and forward-thinking step that set us apart. This strategic expansion led to the creation of Yesway, now one of the nation’s leading multi-state convenience store operators.
Unlike investors who simply acquire and lease physical assets, we build and operate businesses. Yesway is a dynamic, fully-integrated operating company with a dedicated management team, robust logistics, and a proven retail platform. Through disciplined execution, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on customer experience, Yesway exemplifies our ability to create enterprise value far beyond traditional property ownership.
We continue to apply this hands-on, operator’s mindset across both our traditional commercial real estate and our recession-resilient operating platforms. Every Brookwood investment, whether in tangible assets or operating companies, is backed by rigorous analysis, long-term vision, and an unwavering commitment to value creation through active management, not passive ownership.
A Track Record of Foresight
At Brookwood, foresight is not a matter of luck — it is the product of disciplined analysis, conviction, and a willingness to act decisively when others hesitate. Long before the 2008 financial crisis, we recognized the warning signs of overheated markets and systemic risk in the real estate sector. Acting on our conviction, we strategically sold our legacy real estate portfolio before the downturn, preserving investor capital and positioning ourselves to deploy resources when opportunities reemerged at more rational valuations. This proactive decision was not reactionary — it was the result of deep market insight and the courage to move against prevailing sentiment.
That same forward-looking mindset continues to define Brookwood’s investment philosophy today. In 2015, we again broke from industry convention by expanding our platform beyond traditional real estate into retail-based operating businesses. This move led to the creation of Yesway, a fast-growing convenience store operator. While many private equity and real estate firms remain focused solely on asset ownership, Brookwood recognized that true long-term value lies in operating performance, customer engagement, and scalable business models.
Yesway represents the evolution of our approach: combining our deep expertise in real estate with the ability to build, manage, and grow complex, cash-flow-generating enterprises. This strategic diversification has made Brookwood uniquely resilient, capable of navigating economic cycles with both the stability of hard assets and the growth potential of operating businesses.
Our history demonstrates more than just strong returns. From exiting before the Great Recession to pioneering operating platforms like Yesway, it reflects a consistent pattern of anticipating change, acting with conviction, and transforming challenges into opportunity.
Our Investment Principles
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Disciplined Execution
Every investment is underwritten with meticulous attention to risk and return.
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Smart Risk Management
We align investment decisions with long-term value creation.
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Hands-On Operations
We actively manage our assets and operating companies for performance and growth.
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Collaborative Culture
We leverage our collective experience to drive superior outcomes.
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Transparent Communication
We maintain proactive and consistent engagement with our investors.