Today we’d like to introduce you to Sameer Bhatia.
Hi Sameer, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I graduated from Texas Tech University with a Finance and Accounting degree. I originally wanted to be in Finance working on Wall Street, but Accounting seemed to be a safer path and led me back home to Dallas. I started working for an accounting firm out of college, passed my CPA, and was quickly promoted. After 4 years of “working for the man,” I decided to start my own firm with a business partner called BW Group, Inc. We did door knocking, seminars, classes, and worked long hours to build our CPA practice.
After a few years of practicing as a CPA, I helped some clients analyze some real estate deals as a favor. As I watched them succeed, my internal finance passion was triggered, and I started investing in real estate with them and running our own deals. Our investment firm, Bhatia Investments, is part of several passive and active investments. We invest/fund money lending, syndicate apartments, single tenant, multi-tenant, and industrial real estate.
Both avenues of the businesses are doing well, and I enjoy working on them.
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?
The major struggles came early on the accounting side, building credibility. We had to go door to door and got kicked out of a few buildings trying to solicitate business. Now, we’re able to be picky with our clients and turn away business that aren’t a good fit for us or them. Getting into real estate was difficult to establish credibility and raise capital. Since then, we’ve been involved with family office funds, banks LOCs, and Fannie and Freddie loans. Real estate continues to be tough where the market is now. We need to be savvy in our decisions and deal selection. It is more important now than ever since money is so expensive (due to interest rates) right now.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m most proud of our transparency and diligence provided in both accounting and real estate businesses. I believe in giving all news (good and bad) early so clients/investors have the most time to plan for consequences.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
It’s a cliche but for an accountant/finance guy, but I remember most people’s phone numbers. If I see it once or twice, I’ll remember someone’s number even back from high school.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bwaccounting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbhatia19/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sameer.bhatia.144/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameer-bhatia-289748b/
