Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Rosenberg.
Adam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey in real estate started after studying at Vanderbilt and later at NYU Stern, where I was drawn to the intersection of creativity, business, and human experience. My first major project was an art-infused boutique hotel in Panama City, Panama—a super fun, sexy venture that was as energizing as it was ambitious. I stressed over every detail, from the murals on the walls in the hotel rooms to the feeling guests would have walking through the lobby to the music that played at the bar and restaurant. When it opened, it was everything I hoped it would be -beautiful, lively, and successful. But after the dust settled, I realized something was missing. It lacked depth and purpose.
That realization reshaped the rest of my career when I later founded AGB Real Estate with a mission to create housing that changes lives, not just skylines. Our work today, through projects like Hermitage Studios, Wallace Studios and Greenview Apartments, focuses on workforce and affordable housing that restores dignity and opportunity to people who need it most. It’s no longer about how impressive a space looks – although that is very important as well – but how profoundly it can impact someone’s life. That shift—from building for beauty and coolness to building for meaning—has been the most rewarding transformation of all.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Real estate development might appear simple and glamorous from the outside, but it’s a grind, especially when one is trying to do it with purpose. There have been moments when deals fell apart at the eleventh hour, when financing seemed impossible, and when I questioned if our challenging mission was sustainable. Affordable and workforce housing, in particular, comes with layers of red tape, skepticism, and constant problem-solving. On top of that, our work is deeply intertwined with local and federal governments, which means we’re often balancing public priorities, funding programs, and shifting regulations while trying to move projects forward with integrity and speed.
But those challenges have also been my greatest teachers. They’ve forced me to slow down, get creative, and build a team that believes as deeply as my business partner and I do in what we’re creating. Every setback has clarified why we do this work—to give people stability, dignity, and hope. It’s never been easy, but the harder the road, the more meaningful the destination feels.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about AGB Real Estate?
At AGB Real Estate, we develop housing that’s designed to restore dignity and opportunity both in our affordable and workforce communities that serve people who are too often overlooked and forgotten. Our projects blend thoughtful design, practical amenities, and on-site services that remove daily barriers for residents, like access to transportation, security, and peer support. We believe housing is more than four walls; it’s the foundation for stability, progress, and hope.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the buildings themselves, but the people and partnerships behind them. Watching a resident move into a safe, beautiful home or seeing a local business step up to fund bus passes for tenants, that’s what success looks like to me. The impact we’ve seen at places like Wallace Studios and Green View Apartments is deeply personal. Every project is a reminder that when you lead with purpose, good things follow.
We’re also incredibly excited about our growth and expansion. AGB is filled with forward-thinking people who don’t shy away from hard problems. We take pride in our stick-to-it-ive attitude—our willingness to keep pushing until we find a way to make something work. A great example of that is identifying and bringing FYI (Foster Youth to Independence) vouchers to Davidson County for the first time. That program now helps young adults aging out of foster care find safe, affordable housing and a sense of stability during one of life’s most uncertain transitions.
What sets us apart is that we don’t separate mission from execution. We run AGB with the same rigor and creativity as any private real estate company, but every decision starts with one question: Will this make someone’s life better? That’s the lens we bring to every deal, every building, and every conversation—and it’s what keeps this work both grounded and inspiring.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing growth…in people, in places, and in myself. There’s a deep satisfaction that comes from watching someone get the chance to move forward in life because of something we helped create. I enjoy walking through one of our communities and seeing residents connecting, laughing, or simply feeling good…maybe for the first time in a while. Those quiet, human moments remind me why I do this. It’s about more than buildings; it’s about giving people space to breathe, belong, and build a future.
On a personal level, I find happiness in progress and movement, whether that’s in work, relationships, or in sport. I’m obsessed with Padel (in the best possible way), and I love the rhythm of early-morning routines and friendly competition. Traveling to new cities also lights me up. It’s where I recharge, find inspiration, and usually end up brainstorming ideas on a napkin somewhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agbrealestate.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-rosenberg-728688/
