Yuval Shram, founder and CEO of TAY Investments, recently appeared on the Mr. Deed Podcast, sharing insights from his 15-plus years of experience building a multifamily real estate portfolio across New Jersey and beyond. The conversation highlighted his patient, principled approach to development and his vision for the future of rental housing.
Shram’s entry into real estate came during the 2008 financial crisis, when he saw opportunity in distressed properties. Starting with small residential buildings like duplexes and fourplexes, he gradually built his knowledge and portfolio. This disciplined, step-by-step approach has grown TAY Investments into a private equity real estate company with over 1,550 residential units and a market value exceeding $475 million across North America and Europe.
A key piece of Shram’s advice is to avoid trying to time the market. “Sometimes the waves are high, sometimes the waves are low,” he said. “You just got to be in the water. If you’re in the water long enough, you’ll catch the right wave.” He advocates for staying consistently active in the market, focusing on desirable locations, affordability, and long-term profitability.
Central to TAY’s strategy is a “forever hold” mentality. Unlike firms that flip properties on five-to-seven-year cycles, Shram evaluates each acquisition through a multigenerational lens—considering whether he would be comfortable leaving the building to his children and grandchildren. This mindset drives the company to invest in quality materials and proactive maintenance, avoiding short-term cost-cutting that can erode value over time. “When you’re building for yourself,” Shram noted, “every corner you cut is going to bite you eventually.”
One of TAY’s most innovative features is the “Sanctuary” amenity concept, showcased at Hue Soul, a 116-unit development in East Orange, New Jersey. Inspired by a hotel experience in Thailand, Shram created a ground-floor wellness hub with a state-of-the-art gym, dry and wet sauna, cold plunge, and outdoor pool. The goal is to give tenants everything they need for physical and mental health without leaving the building, fostering a sense of community and reducing turnover. “You wake up, you take care of yourself, you go to work as a better version of yourself,” he said. “Everybody wins.”
Shram’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: walk your own path. Resist the urge to copy competitors or chase trends. Know what you’re doing, do it well, and trust that consistency compounds over time. For more insights from Yuval Shram, listen to the full episode on the Mr. Deed Podcast.
