Janice Bitters of the Silicon Valley Business Journal recently sat down with Urban Catalyst President Erik Hayden to interview him on redevelopment in San Jose, his inspirations and hobbies, and his future aspirations. Enjoying the panoramic-like views of the city’s urban core from the company’s headquarters in San Jose, Erik discussed growing up in the area and his roots in real estate even from a young age. Now, with the launch of Urban Catalyst's Opportunity Zone Fund, he continues to be a champion of downtown San Jose focusing on redevelopment projects that will help accelerate the progress of San Jose. Inspired by prolific real estate investor, Gary Dillabough, Erik shares a similar passion for embracing a new vision of downtown San Jose.
But it’s not all work and no play. In his downtime, Erik loves to enjoy time with his children and of course, play a lot of music. And he isn’t the only one. The Urban Catalyst SVP of Investor Relations, Morgan Mackles, and COO/SVP of Development Joshua Burroughs are also musically inclined. Playing together in various bands over the years, Erik tells Janice he is planning to have guitars set up in the office for some impromptu jam sessions.
Looking way ahead, Erik says that once everything is said and done with the fund and subsequent funds, he would love the chance to be a college professor. Having already given guest lectures at San Jose State University, it is one of his favorite things to do and something he would love to keep doing.
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