A.J. Patton

Robert “A.J.” Patton is an accomplished finance, sales, and capital markets expert with more than a decade of experience in investment banking, endowment management, and real estate development. 

Patton obtained a B.S. in Finance at Indiana State University (ISU) while serving two terms as Student Government Association president. He was a special projects coordinator for ISUs endowment. The two largest projects was leading the development of the foundations new headquarters and assisted in managing its ‘underwater’ investment portfolio. Patton went on to support the launch of the university’s first successful capital campaign. 

Patton got his start in real estate with Duke Realty. At Duke, he analyzed leases and prepared valuations for the company’s entire real estate portfolio. His largest development efforts were the Keystone at the Crossing commercial development. Patton was responsible for all capital improvements before the portfolio went to market for sale. Patton then made the move to HSBC where he worked in an executive rotational program for three years. The program focused on all aspects of financing a development project, including: sales, underwriting, and credit having completed the structuring of hundreds of deals. 

Soon after graduating from ISU, Patton began his ten-year career at Equities First, LLC, a $500 million dollar Hong Kong based private equity firm. He started as an analyst, consistently achieved high returns and was quickly promoted to head of US Investments. He led a team that worked in all types of verticals including real estate. Patton was responsible for the acquisition of hundreds of multifamily units, an island, a ski resort, and several retail centers. Having completed dozens of development projects he also engaged in business development and delivered new client programs that solved complex challenges for the US markets. 

Having spent his career working every facet of a real estate transaction, Patton decided to launch his own firm targeting social impact investments. In May 2016, Patton founded 548 Capital, LLC, then the ‘Solar Chicago Fund’ a fund focused on creating solar-powered affordable housing. The minority owned firm has developed solutions for the housing, environmental, and economic issues facing inner cities in the U.S. Patton expects to create above-market returns while transforming communities and positively impacting the environment. 

Patton currently resides in Chicago, Illinois where he is an avid sports fan, golfer, workout enthusiast, and new father. He has been recently named Midwest Energy “40 under 40” American Council on Renewable Energy -Accelerate member, Chicago Business Leadership Council Banking & Finance Co-chair, World Leaders Forum Board Member, Lowe's Green Community Partner, Chicago Invest SouthWest Winner, Chicago Community Trust Grant recipient . He lives by the quote, “‘What if’ doesn’t matter if you’re happy now.” In his free time, he also keynote speaks & gives lectures about the power of networking, investment strategy, and sustainable communities. Patton is available for speaking engagements, press interviews, and investor-related consultations. For more information visit www.548capital.com.