Chief Executive Officer and Founder
548 Enterprises
Robert “A.J.” Patton is the Chairman & CEO of 548 Enterprise, a
unified real estate & investment social impact firm that collates
his capital, development, foundation and energy solutions.
Named after the address of the affordable housing project he
grew up in, 548 is a symbol of Patton’s personal commitment to
bringing sustainable building technologies and innovation to
underserved communities.
A.J. has actualized this commitment through $200 Million in
mixed-use and residential sustainable housing developments,
including 1 of the midwest's largest Passive House affordable
housing portfolios as a winner of Chicago’s INVEST South/West
initiative. Patton’s focus on environmental activism includes 3
all-electric developments, $50 Million in solar powered industrial developments, and 10 Megawatts of solar to power affordable housing.
Patton believes that diversity and innovation should exist in every layer of a project, and is a passionate advocate for equity in contracting. Patton and 548 regularly collaborate with minority- and women-owned businesses, help emerging general contractors gain access to financing, and upskill
local community members through job training programs and incubation.
With more than a decade of experience in investment banking, endowment management, solar and real estate development, Patton is an accomplished sustainability, finance, sales, and capital markets expert. He was recently named on “40 under 40” lists for Crain’s Chicago Business, Midwest Energy, and WVON/BMO Harris Bank, and featured in the Chicago Tribune, Yahoo! Finance, Energy News, The Real Deal, Bisnow, and American Council on Renewable Energy.
Patton's real estate career kicked off at Duke Realty, where he analyzed leases and prepared valuations for the entire metro Indianapolis portfolio, including the Keystone at the Crossing commercial development. He then moved to HSBC for a three-year executive rotational program that focused on all aspects of financing a development project, where he further sharpened his skills in financing, sales,
and underwriting. Patton ultimately climbed the ranks from analyst to head of US Investments At Equities First, a Hong Kong-based private equity firm, leading the team that acquired hundreds of assets of half a billion
including multifamily units, an island, a ski resort, and retail centers. He also engaged in business development and delivered new client programs that solved complex challenges for the US markets.
After founding 548 Capital in 2016, Patton launched 548 Development In 2016 where he currently has 12 projects on the South & West Sides of Chicago including West Humboldt Park, South Chicago, South Loop, and more with 250 housing units, and 380,000 sq ft industrial development. In 2022, Patton launched 548 Foundation, his solar upskilling and business development incubator, ushering in all facets of the emerging green economy to the communities he serves with his sustainable
developments.
A.J. lives in Chicago, where he is a sports fan, golfer, workout enthusiast, and father to his young son Prince in partnership with his better half, Anna. He is an advocate for sustainable communities and gives lectures on investment strategy, networking, and more. With his drive and expertise, A.J. Patton is
bringing a new game to the sustainability, finance and real estate industries. For more information, check out his website at www.548enterprise.com.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Building and Training an Equitable Workforce in the Midwest
Thursday, November 7, 2024
3:30 PM – 4:20 PM CT