We aim to leverage our development expertise and strategic partnerships to identify and create value in underutilized real estate assets.

ABOUT US

Rocky Lai & Associates, Inc. (RLA) is a boutique real estate investment firm based in Houston, Texas, that specializes in the acquisition, development, management, and financing of real estate projects. Since its founding in 2005, RLA has invested in more than one-hundred real estate related opportunities across the United States with over $2 billion in value creation for its investors. Rocky and team rely on over 55 years of industry experience, development of key relationships, and financial strength to perform their fiduciary duties to their development partners and investors.

Rocky Lai (Founder) began his career specializing in the development of master-planned communities where he was the primary investor for communities Sienna and Riverstone. RLA continues to grow its land development portfolio as well as expanding into the industrial, multi-family, office, and retail space via acquisition, partnership, or development.

RLA strategically participates with developers and homebuilders by providing debt or equity. The firm’s real estate holdings and investments are carefully tailored to preserve and grow our partners’ capital and to provide security for all investors.

ASSET CLASSES

RLA has bought, invested, and developed over 10,000 acres of land across Texas for master-planned communities. Sienna and Riverstone are 2 notable developments located in Missouri City, TX. RLA is also active in Baytown, Bay City, Katy, and New Waverly.
RLA has bought and invested in over 500,000 sq ft of retail/commercial properties across Houston. Properties range from single tenant restaurants to multi-tenant strip centers in Pearland, Katy, Texas Medical Center, Upper Kirby, and Montrose area.
RLA has invested and co-developed various industrial land sites in the Houston area from Conroe to Missouri City, TX. RLA’s most notable project is a 1 million sq ft Amazon distribution warehouse in Fort Bend County completed in 2021 and sold in 2022.
RLA has invested with various local developers in over 5,000 units of apartments across Houston and Austin.
RLA has bought and invested in over 500,000 sq ft of office space in Houston. Areas include Montrose, Energy Corridor, and Galleria.
RLA has invested in a variety of hotels totaling over 1,000 doors in Houston, Austin, and New York City.

CORE BUSINESS

Our firm invests and partners with a myriad of reputable developers and homebuilders across Texas. Our investment portfolio encompasses a broad scope of assets from the following: master planned communities, business parks, offices (including medical office buildings), retail, apartments, hotels, and land
We originate and service first lien loans secured by real estate collateral located primarily in Houston and other markets across Texas. We provide alternative funding solutions for borrowers involved solely in real estate transactions. Our financing program is crafted for experienced borrowers who are looking for flexible and reliable financing. We cater to developers looking for innovative bridge financing so they may optimize cash flow while juggling multiple projects.
We are continually seeking undervalued assets to acquire. While our focus is heavily based in Houston, we are open to all areas in Texas. Our current portfolio of assets we own includes both undeveloped and developed land, offices, restaurants, shopping centers, retail stores, and single-family homes.
Whether it’s 150 acres or 10,000+ acres, we develop as well as joint venture with notable developers in multiple markets across Texas to oversee the creation of successful residential communities. Tasks involved with the land development process includes researching zoning ordinances, entitlement issues, construction regulations, working with city officials, environmental restrictions, assessing the impact of population growth, traffic patterns, and local taxes.

MEET OUR TEAM

Rocky Lai has over 30 years of real estate investment and development experience in Texas, primarily involving master-planned communities. Rocky is responsible for the firm’s investment strategies and growth initiatives and maintains oversight over the various joint ventures with several developers across Texas. Aside from his key roles in developing and providing equity for master-planned developments in Texas, Rocky is also involved with several major retail, hotel, and office developments around the nation. Rocky holds an MBA from The University of St. Thomas and currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors overseeing the school's Facilities and Buildings committee.

Rocky Lai

PRESIDENT and CEO
Brian Lai serves as Vice President for Rocky Lai & Associates and evaluates new investment opportunities; manages the company’s current portfolio, investor relations, fundraising ventures and supervises all company transactions. Brian holds an MBA from Rice University, a Master in Real Estate from Georgetown University and a BA in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to joining the team, Brian worked at CBRE in capital markets. Brian is an active member of ULI and NAIOP and serves on ULI’s Small Scale Development Council.

Brian Lai

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Valerie Manis brings over twenty years of financial and accounting experience to her role as CFO where she is responsible for all aspects related to the company’s financial accounts and records. She manages the company’s regulatory compliance, updates financial records, analyzes financial transactions, and monitors all accounting activities. Valerie earned her BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University and has worked in various industries with a focus on real estate. Valerie was also an auditor for KPMG Peat Marwick. She holds a CPA license. Valerie currently volunteers in various positions at her children’s schools and at her church.

Valerie Manis

Chief Financial Officer
Stephen Johnson serves as VP of Investments at Rocky Lai & Associates where he performs financial analysis for new investment opportunities and assists in fundraising activities. Stephen worked for a master-planned community developer, Johnson Development Corporation, for 3 years prior to joining RLA. He holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia and an MBA at Rice University.

Stephen Johnson

VICE PRESIDENT of INVESTMENTS
Tina Glenn oversees and manages all daily bookkeeping tasks as well as office management and investor liaison. Tina brings more than 25 years bookkeeping and office administration experience and has worked within the real estate/home-building industry since 2000. Tina holds an AAS from Lone Star College.

Tina Glenn

OFFICE and ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Inquiries?

If you have any questions or are interested in partnering or investing, please reach out to office@rockylai.com

CONTACT US

office@rockylai.com

281-888-1919

3217 Montrose Blvd #222 Houston, TX 77006