Roers Companies Chief Operating Officer Shane LaFave was recently featured in Tax Credit Advisor’s “Breaking Ground” interview series. In conversation with National Housing & Rehabilitation Association President and CEO Peter Bell, Shane shared insights on housing development, investor relationships, innovation, and the strategies that help create successful communities.
Building Through Relationships
A key topic of discussion was the unique investor model that has helped support Roers Cos.’ development efforts over the years. When asked about the company’s approach to raising capital, Shane emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships with individual investors rather than relying solely on institutional funding. As he explained, “We’ve now had over 1,300 people invest with us, but we do it one investor at a time.” That relationship-focused philosophy has remained a defining part of the company’s approach, creating opportunities for individuals to participate directly in real estate projects while supporting a long-term ownership strategy.
Finding the Right Housing Solution
The conversation also explored how Roers Cos. determines whether a site is best suited for affordable, workforce, mixed-income, or market-rate housing. Shane notes that factors such as local amenities, renter demand, income levels, and existing inventory all play a role in shaping those decisions.
The discussion also highlighted the value of flexibility in development. Drawing from experience across both affordable and market-rate housing, Shane shared how creative financing structures and collaboration with local municipalities can help unlock opportunities that may not otherwise be possible.
Innovation Across the Organization
The interview concluded with a look at how technology is influencing the future of housing development and operations. Shane shared that Roers Cos. is already finding practical applications for artificial intelligence across multiple areas of the business, particularly when it comes to identifying trends and supporting more informed decision-making. “We’ve used it to start predicting and helping us see where there are patterns in our delinquency and collections across our portfolio,” he said, noting how those insights can help teams become more proactive in supporting residents.
The conversation also touched on how AI can assist with construction planning and procurement by helping teams better understand material quantities and purchasing needs, creating efficiencies throughout the development process.
Read the full Tax Credit Advisor interview to learn more about Shane’s perspective on housing development, innovation, and building strong community partnerships.