4/21/2025: FFREIA Coffee Club


Freedom First REIA, Ltd.

 


Freedom First REIA, LTD

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Our Leadership Team

Matthew Drouin
President
matt@ffreia.org

Matt is a high performing real estate executive with 17 years of experience in Real Estate Management, Brokerage and Development. Matt specializes in turning around troubled property and repositioning assets which aren't of highest and best use. Matt got his start in small multifamily (in the Park Avenue neighborhood) and built a portfolio that earned him financial freedom by 33 years old. He has since evolved into buying and repositioning larger commercial investment properties. He is currently managing partner at OakGrove Development, a Rochester based real estate development and investment firm focused on acquiring value-add commercial investments.

A SUNY Geneseo and Pittsford Sutherland High School Graduate, Matt has enjoyed calling Rochester home for his whole life. Matt enjoys weight lifting, traveling, and listening to punk, metal and hardcore music. Matt resides in the Park Avenue community with his wife Nicole, daughter Holly and their cockapoo Kevin



Jacob Thorp
Vice President
jacob@ffreia.org

Jacob is a real estate investor whose portfolio consists primarily of residential rental property. He is a principal member of Rochester Property Solutions, a property management and maintenance company in Rochester New York. His current focus is Commercial Real Estate including Multifamily, and office/industrial space. Jacob and his wife work in their real estate business full time and have been in real estate since 2016. Jake started with books/podcasts (as so many of our members do/have) and bought his first duplex shortly after. The year he bought his first duplex he also met his wife, who had previously been working in the investment real estate space, and the rest is history. Shortly after beginning to invest, Jacob found FFREIA and eventually got involved as Secretary after working with FFREIA leaders on advocacy issues. Jake looks forward to continuing to be a part of FFREIA and its member’s continued growth as FFREIA’s new Vice President.



Brian Balthasar
Secretary
brian@ffreia.org

I grew up in Buffalo, NY, and ended up in the Rochester area after relocating for work at Xerox. I am a mechanical engineer at my day job who has had an interest in investing in real estate for years but I have been active for the past three years. My primary focus in real estate is building a diverse portfolio of residential rental properties to create wealth and generate a passive income that can allow me to pursue other passions. I initially started investing in real estate to reduce my dependence on the corporate world after seeing how unpredictable and devastating it can be to have only one source of income. I currently, own residential properties and apartment buildings in Buffalo, Rochester, and Geneva New York. My day-to-day focus has become pursuing my passion for real estate and growing my engineering and manufacturing business, Balthasar Industries located in Rochester.



Mark Updegraff
Treasurer
mark@ffreia.org

Mark C. Updegraff moved to Rochester, NY in 1997 to pursue his Bachelor's of Science from Rochester
Institute of Technology (RIT) in Imaging and Photographic Technology. As an undergraduate student he participated in  cooperative work academic quarters for NASA, Pictometry, and as an independent 4x5 film photographer. In 2003, after working for Kodak, Mark took a position in RIT's Center for Imaging Science and began his Master's studies in Color Science.

In 2010, Mark decided to focus his efforts fully on his real estate redevelopment and private equity companies; Wedge Redux LLC, Ward Redux LLC, and Raze Capital LLC. These companies rehabilitate neglected properties into fully refurbished, market-rate, and rental properties in the greater Rochester area.
Mark now oversees Updegraff companies in the development, management, and brokerage of residential, commercial, and mixed-use real property. His vision for Upstate NY, real estate, and technology are evident through his plans and generated results. Mark is a city of Rochester advocate, employer,
entrepreneur, and business owner. He is passionate about striving to provide safe, clean, affordable, sustainable, and adaptable, space for the community at large while garnering the best and brightest minds in an effort to stimulate the economy through creativity, innovation, and workforce development.
Currently, Mark spends time raising capital for syndications in the industrial, multifamily, self-storage, and built-to-rent asset classes while overseeing the operations of the Updegraff Companies. His
leadership style attracts other leaders eager to deploy new technologies, hone their skills, and take massive action. Under his guidance associates are able to independently flourish into peak producers in their own strengths. When assembled together as a team a colossal amount of creativity is unleashed and
goals and expectations are significantly exceeded.



Dee Thompson
Admin
dee@ffreia.org

 As a Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, I have extensive experience in Rochester, Monroe County, and surrounding areas. I attended a real estate seminar in 2012, which inspired me to get into the business. I purchased my first building, and soon after I owned several properties and served as a housing provider. As a life goal, I hope to make a positive contribution to our community and neighborhood. My knowledge base is from many great
mentors who helped me grow through seminars, podcasts, and networking. I never stopped learning or growing in my quest to learn more about investing.
I have been a member of FFREIA for many years and currently serve as a part-time administrator for FFREIA.
For my hobbies, I enjoy crafting, baking, and bowling.





Board Of Directors

Rebecca Zuber

I am a local girl, born and raised in the Rochester area. As a college student, I attended RIT for my undergraduate degree and SUNY Brockport for my graduate degree.I have always had an interest in real estate investing and helping build my community. I started the journey in real estate almost 15 yrs ago, with my initial focus being " buy and holds".

I had enjoyed a successful career as a social worker, but I wanted more. I started a property management company almost 13 yrs ago, and soon after that, I became involved in FFREIA. My goal was to build connections with other local investors and expand my knowledge base. I have been involved ever since.

We live in Penfield with Chance, our dog, and my husband, Mike. Besides traveling, I enjoy fitness, reading, baking, camping, and rescuing and fostering animals.



J Barrington Nelson

I am from Toronto, Ont Canada. I've been living in Rochester, NY for most of my life. I own a portfolio of rental properties here in Rochester and Caledonia, NY. I am a full-time real estate investor. I enjoy tennis, international travel, volunteering, and more.

I love real estate investing. I enjoy interacting with people to get problems solved. I appreciate being personable and teachable. Communication is paramount for me. I always say that real estate involves more social skills than real estate itself.

My long-term goal is to be a service to FFREIA and to take part in revitalizing Rochester, NY one home at a time.



Bob Napier

My name is Robert Napier. I am married and have one daughter, two stepsons, and five Grandchildren. I live in Farmington NY and Sebring FL.

In 1998 I Enrolled in a weekend Real Estate seminar and purchased my first rental within a week of attending that seminar. In 2002 I went into full-time real estate investing.

My focus, I’ve invested in residential singles, multi-family homes, vacation rentals, mixed-use, commercial and storage. I prefer commercial real estate and am liquidating my residential portfolio.

I have a long history with FFriea, myself and four other people started Ffreia in the early 2000’s

I keep busy in the industry,  I have also been involved in coaching and mentoring  the next generation of investors..For fun, I enjoy performing music ( I play bass and trombone), hiking, traveling, working out ….running, and swimming.



Beth Gallagher

My name is Beth Gallagher, my husband Pat, and I own Gallagher Property Management. We offer full management services on residential and commercial investment properties throughout Rochester and surrounding areas. We currently manage approximately 700 units and have a full-time team of 10 employees. We are also investors; we own properties in Rochester and two other states, ranging from Single Family homes to condos and up to an 18-unit building. We are actively buying distressed properties where we will buy, rehab, and sell. We have been in the real estate game for the past 20 years. We have 3 children and reside in Greece.



Bob Taylor

I started investing in real estate in 2011 in Canandaigua as a retirement strategy after my long management career at Kodak. I had been part of the early retirement program forced by Kodak, and we wondered what was next for us.

My wife, Sue, and I now manage a real estate investment portfolio that includes over 82 Residential and Commercial units. Our areas of expertise include acquisition, financing, property value growth/profitability, and property management. Our company motto is "Properties that our residents are proud to call home and we are proud to own."

We credit FFREIA for giving us an advanced degree in real estate through its many learning opportunities and mentorship by many FFREIA members.

I serve the Canandaigua community as the President of the Canandaigua Business Improvement District and a board member of the Canandaigua Local Development Corporation. We enjoy mentoring young real estate investors and helping them get their start. My life passion is to honor Jesus Christ in life and business.



Meet the Sub-Group Leaders

DIY REI

This support group is “Everything Property Management” especially for the active DIY  property manager. This is an open forum so bring your questions, issues, and encounters and learn some best practices from each other that actually work. We cover current legislation, laws, codes, and rules. Everything that affects our everyday housing provider business. And of course, plenty of time for peer networking. Hope to see you there! Beth and Karl.



Karl Weekes

Karl Weekes, a 38 + year veteran Real Estate Investor and Property Management Coach /Consultant in the local Rochester area.  Also, Owner of MelKar Enterprises LLC, specializing in small property management, maintenance, and renovations.

After having been involved with hundreds of RE transactions and thousands of rental contracts he has a passion to bring this experience to others so that they can learn and build wealth with real estate without having to “learn the hard way”.  Pre-purchase, Portfolio building and Exit Strategies consulting is now part of the Property Management Services provided.

Since 2005, Real estate investing went Global and as a result hundreds of foreign investors came into town thinking they can make a million. Unfortunately, most of them learned the hard way by not “learning the ropes “ahead of time – and eventually crashed and burned…. Karl, by referrals only, has a mission to intervene those portfolios on their way to the crash and burn pile. With an aggressive turnaround plan – these owners are “rescued” and their investments are brought back to full potential. Now called a “Portfolio Intervention Specialist”…

  • Owner/Operator of MelKar Enterprises LLC, specializing in small property management, maintenance, renovations and consulting.
  • Cofounder, former president, and current member of the New York State Coalition of Property Owners and Businesses, Inc 
  • Co-founder and current member of the FFREIA club
  • Former member of the local chapter of IREM – Institute of Real Estate Management
  • Past member of the Sect 8/RHA advisory board
  • Past member of the (former) MCDSS committee for reform.
  • Former Licensed Real Estate Agent
  • A 25 yr subscriber and past contributor to the #1 DIY national newsletter and now website “Mr Landlord” (www.mrlandlord.com) and a designated CPL (certified professional Landlord) through the same organization.
  • A master educator for the “School of Hard Knocks”
  • Creator of the TOIE and TEA concepts; utilized by many up-and-coming DIY RE investors


Beth Gallagher

My name is Beth Gallagher, my husband Pat, and I own Gallagher Property Management. We offer full management services on residential and commercial investment properties throughout Rochester and surrounding areas. We currently manage approximately 700 units and have a full-time team of 10 employees. We are also investors; we own properties in Rochester and two other states, ranging from Single Family homes to condos and up to an 18-unit building. We are actively buying distressed properties that we will buy, rehab, and sell. We have been in the real estate game for the past 20 years. We have 3 children and reside in Greece.



Pat Gallagher

Patrick Gallagher served as a police officer for approximately 22 years (retiring in 2014). As a result of this experience, he became knowledgeable about landlord/tenant laws and real estate investing. In 2000, Pat bought his first investment property after attending several classes and seminars. Since then, he has purchased hundreds of buy-and-holds and short-term rentals. In 2007 Pat opened up a Rochester-based property management company. Gallagher Property Management is a full-service prop Mgt company with approximately 700 units under management. Pat still owns properties in Rochester and in two other states. He is married to Beth, who is also his chief financial officer. Together they have 3 children and reside in the Town of Greece.



 



DEALMASTERS


Buying? Selling? Looking for partners? Have questions about your first flip or how to find and gauge opportunities? This is the meeting for you!
Come network with people of all experience levels, find and close deals and learn about everything real estate other than property management.  Bring your questions!! Hosted by Joe LaBarbera of 855-Joe-Buys and Scott Speer, self-storage investor extraordinaire.


Joe LaBarbera

My name is Joe LaBarbera. I am a native of  Rochester New York. After high school, I attended college and quit after a year and a half. I began working in construction and landscaping but was tired of making minimum wage and barely able to sustain myself.

I was fed up with being broke and having a bleak and unprosperous financial future, I got involved in real estate investing for financial freedom and security.

I have been a full-time real estate investor since 2010. Over the years, I have been involved in hundreds and hundreds of real estate transactions, including wholesaling, fixing and flipping, and renting.
I am very excited about the unlimited possibilities that real estate has given me. I enjoy networking, meeting new people, and collaborating deals with other people.

I have learned that patience, persistence, and self-development is the key to this business. It takes work, and real estate can make you millions of dollars. The overall results can be limitless.

I am passionate, some might say obsessed, with real estate. In addition, I have had the opportunity to mentor and work with others who share my passion for real estate and are eager to build their own dreams.



Scott Speer

My lovely wife of 38 years, Chris (Baby Doll), and I were born and raised in Rochester, NY. after we were married, I went into the Air Force for six years, and we traveled all over the world.  I served during Desert Storm then we came back to Rochester to raise two wonderful children, Trevor and Ashley.
For a number of years, we invested in real estate with rentals, flips, wholesale, and various other real estate investments using our IRA’s, other people’s money, our own money, and bank loans. In 2019 we started selling off our portfolio and transitioned into investing in self-storage.
We purchased our first storage property in August 2018 with partners plus with input and help from many friends and coaches. We currently own over twelve facilities with more than 250,000 SqFt in ten states with different partners.
I am one of the original members of FFREIA and help cohost the FFREIA Subgroup AREIS {Alternative Real Estate Investing Strategies) with my good friend Joe LaBarbera where we discuss alternative ways to make money in real estate other than being a landlord. The main reason we continue to run this group is that we both know many have helped us to achieve the level of success we have, and it is our turn to “Give Back” and help others.
We both have a real passion to help others that are willing to put in the work achieve success in life and in real estate.
All of this has allowed us to achieve a long-time goal in November 2020 of selling our home and living in an RV Full Time traveling this beautiful country, seeing the sights, family, and friends, plus staying where they want, when they want, for as long as they want with no plans to slow down!




FFREIA Coffee Club

The Coffee Club meetup is meant to be a group for local investors to meet and share experiences on their journey to help others who are experiencing similar struggles. Although the group welcomes new members with little / no investing experience, we strive to attract and retain experienced investors in the business who can provide value to each other. Meetings are in the morning (contrary to most groups) and members of the group are required to come to the meetings regularly.




ROCWIRE (Women in Real Estate)

Rochester Women in Real Estate is a free group sponsored by Freedom First Real Estate Investors Association! If you're a female landlord, flipper, realtor, wholesaler, Airbnb investor, etc. this meetup is for you. Hump Day Happy Hour is on the first Wednesday of every month we will have casual networking to make new connections, learn from each other, talk shop, and motivate each other to reach our goals. We'd love your feedback on what direction you'd like to see the group move in (networking heavy, educational component, discussion themes, etc). WIRE groups are wildly popular across the country and we are excited to bring this to Rochester!



Rebecca Zuber

I am a local girl, born and raised in the Rochester area. As a college student, I attended RIT for my undergraduate degree and SUNY Brockport for my graduate degree.I have always had an interest in real estate investing and helping build my community. I started the journey in real estate almost 15 yrs ago, with my initial focus being " buy and holds".

I had enjoyed a successful career as a social worker, but I wanted more. I started a property management company almost 13 yrs ago, and soon after that, I became involved in FFREIA. My goal was to build connections with other local investors and expand my knowledge base. I have been involved ever since.

We live in Penfield with Chance, our dog, and my husband, Mike. Besides traveling, I enjoy fitness, reading, baking, camping, and rescuing and fostering animals.



Kayla Thorp

Kayla is a full-time real estate professional and mom, born and raised in Rochester NY. Although she grew up here (and is happy to be back) her real estate career began in Westchester NY. First, she became a Realtor in 2015, and the next year she became the operations manager for a residential real estate investment firm that flipped dozens of houses a year. While she enjoyed flipping houses, her ultimate goal was to build long-term wealth and independence for herself and her family. She moved back to Rochester and met her husband shortly after. Together they have enjoyed building their residential rental portfolio for the past several years, and their current focus is on multifamily and commercial real estate. Through their journey in real estate Jake and Kayla discovered a passion for building financial and time freedom and empowering others to discover their potential to do the same. To that end, they have become involved with several education and advocacy-related groups in Rochester, and Kayla looks forward to bringing that passion to FFREIA, through RocWire (Women in Real Estate)!

When Kayla’s not busy buying property or talking someone’s ear off about real estate she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her husband and two sons.

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Freedom First REIA, LTD

1900 Empire Blvd Suite 197
Webster, NY 14580
(585) 236-4205

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