My Vision for Myself as a Black Man in Real Estate

As a Black man in real estate, my journey carries both personal and collective significance. My name holds deep meaning, rooted in the Bible: Isaiah translates to “God is salvation,” and Samuel means “God has heard.” These names, though powerful, often feel like aspirations I cannot live up to—monuments of faith and promise that set a high bar. Perhaps that's why I prefer when my name is misspelled or why I often refer to myself by my surname. It’s simpler, less weighty, and leaves space for my actions to speak louder than my titles.

Yet, living up to these names is not about perfection. It’s about striving to align my work and life with principles of service, responsibility, and faith. As I grow in real estate, I see a mission greater than myself—one rooted in addressing a silent yet critical issue in the African American community: the lack of estate planning.

A Hidden Crisis in Wealth Preservation

Approximately 70% of African Americans, including many over the age of 65, do not have a will or estate plan in place. This alarming statistic is far higher compared to other racial groups and stems from a mix of misconceptions and systemic challenges. Many people believe estate planning is unnecessary unless they own significant wealth, while others assume their assets will naturally pass to family members without legal documentation.

The consequences of this gap are severe:

• Families lose wealth to costly legal battles or state intervention.

• Generational wealth becomes fragmented or inaccessible.

• Opportunities to create financial stability for future generations are diminished.

As someone with growing expertise in real estate, I feel called to help change this narrative. My goal is to spark conversations among families about the importance of planning for the future—not just for their assets, but for their legacies. Estate planning is not just a legal formality; it’s a tool for empowerment and a safeguard against the erosion of wealth that has disproportionately affected Black communities for decades.

My Mission in Real Estate

My work in real estate stems from both ambition and a deeper sense of purpose. I am currently building a portfolio of multifamily apartments and storage units—a tangible reflection of my commitment to creating long-term value. These properties are more than investments; they represent stability, opportunity, and the potential to inspire others in my community to think about wealth beyond today.

The Bible speaks of stewardship and preparation. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” This verse drives my efforts. To me, acquiring and managing real estate is more than a career—it’s a biblical mandate to provide, protect, and prepare for those who will come after me.

Building Wealth, Building Bridges

Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between financial knowledge and practical action within the African American community. Real estate is not just a means of creating personal wealth; it’s a platform for education, a tool for empowerment, and a pathway to generational impact.

Each step I take—whether it’s closing a deal on a new property, learning about asset management, or guiding families through estate planning—brings me closer to fulfilling my vision. My name, Isaiah Samuel, reminds me that salvation and being heard are not just promises from above but calls to action in how I live and serve others.

Ultimately, my vision for myself in real estate is about more than ownership. It’s about stewardship, about building a legacy that aligns with both my personal faith and my responsibility to my community. In this work, I am not just leaving a name behind; I am leaving a foundation others can build upon.