Alex Samoylovich is the Co-Founding Partner and Managing Partner of CEDARst Companies, a nationally recognized multifamily real estate development and operating firm with more than $4 billion in assets developed or acquired across the United States. Over the past 18 years, Alex has built and scaled vertically integrated businesses spanning real estate development, construction, operations, property management, and technology. He is also the founder of Livly, a resident engagement and property technology platform designed to create frictionless experiences for owners and residents. Alex’s career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, long-term value creation, and building strong teams capable of navigating market cycles, distressed assets, and rapid growth.

In this episode, Brad and Alex discuss:

• Alex’s transition from equity and options trading into real estate investing and development
• How early mentorship and syndication shaped his long-term approach to building wealth
• The role of vertical integration in controlling costs, improving quality, and scaling sustainably
• Why micro-unit and unit square-foot optimization created a competitive advantage in multifamily housing
• The importance of team alignment, culture, and hiring A-players in scaling complex organizations

Key Takeaways:

• Building a durable business takes time, experience, and repeated exposure to market cycles. Alex notes that it took over a decade before the business truly felt sustainable and dialed in.
• Vertical integration can provide a powerful competitive advantage when it allows leaders to control outcomes, reduce friction, and improve execution across the entire value chain.
• Innovation often comes from choosing the harder path. By pursuing unconventional strategies like micro-unit development, Alex and his partners created a moat that competitors struggled to replicate.
• High-performing teams are built through complementary skill sets, trust, and shared accountability. One strong contributor can multiply the effectiveness of others when aligned around a common goal.
• Entrepreneurship rarely starts with a clear vision. Momentum is created by taking the first step, learning quickly, and allowing clarity to emerge over time.

“We've continued to add a growth mindset, which really allowed us to continue to improve and get better.” - Alex Samoylovich

Connect with Alex Samoylovich:

Website: http://www.cedarst.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-samoylovich-129b524/

Connect with Brad Foley:

Website: https://www.hrvaluepartners.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfoley/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrvaluepartners/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrvaluepartners/

Email: brad@hrvaluepartners.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.