Josh Ray

Real Estate Guidance Informed by an Entrepreneur’s Perspective As a Florida-licensed real estate professional, seven-time founder, and experienced business adviser, I help investors identify and evaluate opportunities across residential and commercial markets. My entrepreneurial background allows me to approach real estate not simply as a transaction, but as an operating asset and a potential vehicle for long-term value creation. I have held my Florida real estate license since 2023. I initially entered the industry with the goal of becoming a business broker, a direction that naturally complimented my experience as a founder and business adviser. As my work evolved, I developed a broader focus on serving real estate investors and helping them make thoughtful, informed decisions. My approach extends beyond identifying available properties. I take the time to understand each client’s objectives, investment criteria, risk tolerance, and long-term vision so that potential opportunities can be evaluated within the context of their broader financial and business goals. I help clients think critically about an opportunity’s potential, its alignment with their investment strategy, and the business considerations that may affect its performance. Throughout my career, I have launched, grown, and advised businesses across the technology, e-commerce, service, and education sectors. I have helped raise more than $2.5 million in seed funding for startups and supported the launch of more than 25 Florida LLCs through an entrepreneurial boot camp I founded. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the opportunities entrepreneurs and investors pursue, as well as the financial, operational, and strategic challenges they encounter along the way. My contributions to the entrepreneurial community have been recognized through the Tampa Bay Inno Awards, presented by the Tampa Bay Business Journal, including the Equity Advocate Award (2020) and the Entrepreneur Supporter Award (2024). My entrepreneurial experience enables me to evaluate opportunities from both an owner’s and an investor’s perspective. I understand the importance of assessing and managing risk, recognizing growth potential, allocating resources effectively, and making decisions that support immediate objectives and long-term value creation. Whether evaluating a business concept or a real estate investment, I bring a practical, results-oriented perspective grounded in real-world experience. My academic credentials include an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University, a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Arts in Global Sustainability with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida. I also served as an entrepreneurship instructor in higher education for five years, helping aspiring student entrepreneurs develop skills in business planning, market analysis, financial decision-making, growth strategy, and venture development. The students I coached earned two first-place finishes and three additional top-three finishes in statewide university pitch competitions. One team qualified among the top 25 in a national university pitch competition, and two teams placed in the top eight in a global pitch competition. Teaching allowed me to connect academic principles with practical lessons learned from building businesses. It also strengthened my ability to explain complex concepts clearly, develop actionable strategies, and help others make informed decisions. Additionally, I have served as a facilitator and instructor with STRIVE at Hillsborough Community College, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, and the Wounded Warrior Project bootcamp. I have also worked as a consultant with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship. By combining entrepreneurial insight, business acumen, and real estate knowledge, I provide investors with thoughtful, strategic guidance throughout the decision-making process. Through this investor-centered approach, my goal is to help clients navigate the market with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active at the gym, riding my bike, walking, golfing (though I’m still working on my game), boating, and fishing. I also enjoy discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, attending sporting events, traveling, exploring historic places, and, most importantly, spending time with my family. Looking for Your Next Investment Opportunity? Whether you are considering a residential or commercial real estate investment, I welcome the opportunity to learn about your goals and discuss how I can help. Let’s connect.