Foundations for the Future Seminar Series

Socially Responsible Real Estate: Turning Community Impact into High-Yield Returns - Ashley Wilson Co-Founder of Conference Connect, Founder and CEO of Bar Down Investments, LLC, Co-Founder of Apartment Addicts & Co-Founder of HouseItLook, LLC
Start Time: 4:00 pm
End Time: 5:00 pm
134 HUB
University Park, Pa
Event Flyer for the Foundations for the Future Seminar on February 25, 2026

Abstract:

In a shifting economic landscape, the most resilient real estate investments are those that prioritize the "S" in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). This seminar explores how Ashley Wilson, Co-Founder of Bar Down Investments, leverages a "Community-First" operational model to outperform traditional asset management.
By treating residents as stakeholders rather than just tenants—and integrating both the greater community at large, and charitable giving directly into the business P&L—investors can drive significant financial returns. Wilson will demonstrate how social innovation reduces vacancy rates, minimizes turnover costs, and increases Net Operating Income (NOI).

Bio:

Ashley Wilson, is the Co-Founder of Conference Connect, Founder and CEO of Bar Down Investments, LLC, Co-Founder of Apartment Addicts & Co-Founder of HouseItLook, LLC, Best Selling Author of The Only Woman in the Room, Knowledge and Inspiration from 20 Women Real Estate Investors, a regular contributor to RENT magazine and has hosted several BiggerPockets multifamily series. She started investing in real estate in 2009 and has been involved in over $165 million in transactions and managed over $13 million in construction, within both single and multifamily, across over 1,500 units. In addition to operating her own investments, Ashley provides consulting and mentorship to other operators and investors. Ashley graduated on the Dean's List from Colgate University and then received a Masters in Leadership Development from Penn State University, where she was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Ashley is a certified Six Sigma Lean Professional (SSLP) and a certified NAA Independent Rental Owner Professional (IROP). Today Ashley serves on the Penn State Real Estate Board, the Co-Chair of her alma mater, Colgate University, and a Montgomery School Board of Trustee. Outside of real estate, she enjoys spending time with her family and competing with her horses in the hunter-jumpers.