Kase Abusharkh is a commercial real estate investor and the founding principal of The Kase Group and Bear Equities. He has overseen billions in transactions, served as Chief Investment Officer for a publicly registered REIT, and established philanthropic endowments supporting education and medical research.
Who builds a real estate empire while paying their way through college? Kase Abusharkh did exactly that. He started as a freshman at St. Mary’s College of California with limited financial aid options and turned a real estate license into a career spanning over two decades. Today, he leads two successful firms and manages commercial properties across 20 states.
You’ll learn how Abusharkh built his investment platform from scratch, the strategies that drove his success, and his approach to balancing business growth with meaningful philanthropic work.
Starting From Scratch: The College Years
Kase Abusharkh faced a common challenge as a college freshman in the early 2000s. He needed to pay for his education, but didn’t qualify for most grants. His financial aid options were limited. Real estate became his solution.
He got his real estate license while still taking classes. His schedule is split between Tuesday and Thursday coursework and the rest of the week is spent buying and selling apartments in surrounding counties. This wasn’t a side hustle. It was a necessity that became a career foundation.
Within a few years, Abusharkh and his brother focused specifically on single-tenant real estate. They recognized the opportunity in this product type and built their expertise around it. The work ethic came from their upbringing. Abusharkh’s father immigrated to the United States, and the family lived modestly. His parents emphasized hard work, faith, and family values that shaped his approach to business.
Building The Kase Group and Bear Equities
The Kase Group officially launched in 2006 as part of Sperry Van Ness. Abusharkh had already been working with his brother since 2001, building what would become the predecessor to The Kase Group. When a large firm offered them a franchise opportunity, they accepted immediately.
The company went independent in 2017. By that time, Abusharkh had overseen thousands of net-leased asset transactions totaling several billion dollars for clients. His broker profile shows he specializes in investment sales across multiple property types:
- Industrial spaces
- Office buildings
- Retail centers
- Specialty properties
- Healthcare facilities
His geographic reach covers major markets including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, San Francisco, and over a dozen other metropolitan areas.
Bear Equities took a different path. Abusharkh formed this entity with his brother using no outside capital and no outside investors. They started from zero to focus on ground-up retail development. The firm also acquired existing assets and developed new properties.
Since 2020, Bear Equities has acquired and sold over 30 commercial real estate assets with an aggregate value exceeding $125 million. The firm targets opportunities without geographic or project size limitations. In May 2023, Bear Equities announced the acquisition of a premier retail property in Independence, Missouri, occupied by Chick-fil-A under a triple-net ground lease.
Over the years, the principals have managed over $1.5 billion in commercial property acquisitions, financing, and development as both developers and investment managers.
The REIT Experience That Changed Everything
Abusharkh’s career took a major turn when he joined American Realty Capital – Retail Centers of America, Inc. as Chief Investment Officer. He spent three years in this role and calls it transformative.
During his tenure, he helped complete a $1.2 billion equity raise. He oversaw the acquisition of over $1.5 billion worth of multi-tenant retail shopping center space, covering approximately 7.5 million square feet. The company had thousands of shareholders, and Abusharkh discovered he loved being a principal investor.
He concluded his time there by guiding the merger with American Finance Trust Inc. This created a $4 billion diversified REIT that eventually listed on NASDAQ. The experience taught him about institutional-scale investing and confirmed his passion for investing on his own account, not just for clients.
“I fell in love with being a principal,” Abusharkh explained in a 2023 interview. “I loved my job and the people I worked with. This is also where I learned a lot about myself and my love for investing.”
Investment Philosophy and Market Approach
Abusharkh’s investment strategy centers on identifying undervalued opportunities and capitalizing on market inefficiencies. He doesn’t limit himself by geography or project size. Instead, he focuses on generating returns through strategic acquisition, development, and disposition.
The commercial real estate market continues to present both challenges and opportunities in 2025. According to recent industry analysis, industrial properties remain strong performers. Multifamily and retail sectors show resilience despite some vulnerabilities. Even office vacancy rates are beginning to moderate in certain markets.
Bear Equities positions itself to take advantage of these shifts. The firm acquires land in markets it believes will grow. They focus on bringing quality projects to the communities they serve. This forward-thinking approach reflects Abusharkh’s understanding that real estate success requires anticipating market movements, not just reacting to them.
His development business involves high-stress decisions. Every property must be properly acquired, financed, and positioned for future tenants. These daily challenges excite him rather than wear him down.
Philanthropy: Giving Back Through Education and Healthcare
Success brought Abusharkh opportunities to establish meaningful philanthropic initiatives. He co-founded the Kase, Jeannine, and Jacob Abusharkh Endowment in association with Stanford University Hospital’s Department of Surgery in the School of Medicine. This endowment works to improve clinical outcomes for kidney transplantation.
He also founded another endowment providing a four-year scholarship to deserving students. This commitment to education reflects his own experience of working his way through college and understanding the financial barriers students face.
Abusharkh currently serves on the Board of Regents at Sacred Heart Cathedral College Preparatory. He’s also pursuing a master’s degree at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. This continued education demonstrates his belief in lifelong learning.
“I’m very aware of where I came from,” Abusharkh noted. “I try to be the best version of myself, and in doing so, I’m proud to be able to give back. That brings me the most joy.”
Key Relationships and Industry Networks
Twenty years in commercial real estate have given Abusharkh access to relationships he couldn’t have found in any other industry. One relationship stands out particularly. He describes this person as a friend, mentor, and family member all combined. They talk daily, and this connection keeps him motivated.
The commercial real estate business operates on trust and long-term relationships. Sales can be difficult. Development involves regular challenges. Having strong networks and trusted advisors makes the difference between surviving market downturns and thriving through them.
Abusharkh’s network spans institutional investors, developers, brokers, and property managers across multiple states. This reach allows him to identify opportunities early and execute transactions efficiently.
Current Focus and Future Direction
Abusharkh continues to acquire land in markets he believes will appreciate. His portfolio strategy focuses on growth through selective acquisition and development. He’s looking forward to new challenges and bringing quality projects to communities.
On a personal level, he’s developed a strong interest in American history and politics. This intellectual curiosity extends beyond real estate and reflects his broader engagement with the world around him.
The commercial real estate landscape in 2025 presents unique challenges. Interest rates, while showing signs of easing, remain elevated compared to recent historical norms. New loan volume has increased, and commercial mortgage loan spreads have tightened. These trends suggest recovery momentum.
Bear Equities and The Kase Group are positioned to capitalize on these market conditions. Abusharkh’s experience navigating multiple market cycles gives him perspective on where opportunities lie.
FAQs
What companies does Kase Abusharkh lead?
Kase Abusharkh is the founding principal of The Kase Group, which he established in 2006, and a partner at Bear Equities, which he co-founded with his brother. Both firms focus on commercial real estate investment, development, and brokerage.
What was Kase Abusharkh’s role at American Realty Capital?
He served as Chief Investment Officer for American Realty Capital – Retail Centers of America, Inc. for three years. During this time, he helped complete a $1.2 billion equity raise and oversaw over $1.5 billion in retail shopping center acquisitions.
How did Kase Abusharkh start in real estate?
He obtained his real estate license as a college freshman at St. Mary’s College of California to pay for his education. While attending classes, he bought and sold apartments in surrounding counties, eventually specializing in single-tenant real estate with his brother.
What philanthropic work has Kase Abusharkh done?
He co-founded the Kase, Jeannine, and Jacob Abusharkh Endowment with Stanford University Hospital to improve kidney transplantation outcomes. He also established a scholarship endowment for students and serves on the Board of Regents at Sacred Heart Cathedral College Preparatory.
What markets does Bear Equities operate in?
Bear Equities has acquired assets across approximately 20 states. The firm doesn’t limit itself by geography or project size, instead focusing on opportunities that generate attractive returns regardless of location.