Investment Strategies
Smith & Maye implements three core priorities: Growth, Income, and Preservation.
Guiding how we think about building resilient strategies and supporting the long-term objectives of our partners.
REAL ESTATE
​At Smith & Maye, our real estate strategy is guided by diversification and long-term perspectives.
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We consider a wide range of property types across different sectors:​
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Affordable Housing: Housing designed to meet lower rental thresholds, sometimes supported by public programs.
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Residential (SFHs to Quads): Properties ranging from single-family homes to small multi-unit buildings.
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(E)Sports & Entertainment: Arenas, stadiums, and venues for concerts, sporting events, and gaming.
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Medical Office Spaces: Buildings used by healthcare providers such as doctors, dentists, and clinics.
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Senior Living: Communities serving older adults, including independent living and assisted care.
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Land: Undeveloped property that may serve agricultural, developmental, or other purposes.
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Mixed-Use / Multifamily: Developments that combine residential, retail, or office space.
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Self-Storage: Facilities that provide rentable storage units for personal or business use.
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Resort & Hospitality: Properties such as hotels, resorts, or vacation accommodations.
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Student Housing: Residences near colleges or universities, often rented by the bed.
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Mobile Home Parks: Land leased to residents for manufactured or mobile homes.
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Industrial: Warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.
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Hospitals: Large facilities delivering full medical services.
PRIVATE CAPITAL
​​Smith & Maye takes a broad perspective on private market strategies, focusing on approaches commonly used by firms and institutions worldwide. Our philosophy emphasizes diversification, structure, and long-term planning across several areas:
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Private Debt (Venture): Non-bank loans designed for businesses seeking alternative financing solutions.
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Private Credit: Lending provided by private firms or investors rather than traditional banks.
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Private Equity: Acquiring companies (or stakes in them) outside of the public markets.
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Roll-up Acquisitions: Consolidating multiple companies in the same industry into a larger platform.
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Mezzanine Financing: A hybrid form of debt and equity that may include conversion features.
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Bridge Loans: Interim funding that supports a company until permanent financing is secured.
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Distressed Buyouts: Purchasing and restructuring businesses facing financial difficulty.
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Long-Term Debt: Loans structured with multi-year repayment terms for larger projects.
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Fund of Funds: Investment structures that allocate across a selection of other funds.
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Add-on Acquisitions: Expanding existing businesses through targeted acquisitions.
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Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs): Acquisitions primarily funded with borrowed capital.
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Short-Term Debt: Financing arrangements typically due within a year.
Qualified Purchasers
INDIVIDUALS | FAMILY OFFICES
Industry Landscape:
In traditional private equity, capital is often committed for long periods of time—sometimes 7 to 10 years—with limited liquidity. These structures may not align with the preferences of certain investors who balance the need for long-term strategies with near-term flexibility. Additionally, layered fees and complex structures can add to the challenges of wealth management.
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Our Perspective:
Smith & Maye approaches private capital with an emphasis on flexibility, transparency, and diversification. Our philosophy centers on creating strategies that balance long-term objectives with thoughtful distribution structures and asset-backed security considerations.
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Our Focus:
Cash Flow Awareness
Wealth Preservation
Flexibility
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
Industry Landscape:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) often manage endowments that are smaller relative to those of many peer institutions. This can create challenges when it comes to funding scholarships, expanding academic programs, and supporting long-term community impact.
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Our Perspective:
At Smith & Maye we recognize the importance of sustainable financial strategies for educational institutions. Our approach emphasizes diversification, disciplined reinvestment, and structures that seek to minimize unnecessary costs.
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Our Focus:
Cost Awareness
Diversification
Reinvestment
INSTITUTIONS
Industry Landscape:
Traditional private equity strategies often emphasize growth through highly leveraged buyouts (LBOs). While these approaches may generate returns, they can also expose investors to liquidity challenges, uncertain exit horizons, and sensitivity to market downturns. For institutions with fiduciary responsibilities, these dynamics may complicate efforts to balance stability with performance objectives.
Our Perspective:
At Smith & Maye, we approach institutional partnerships with an emphasis on risk awareness, portfolio balance, and thoughtful structuring. Our focus is on strategies supported by disciplined underwriting, diversified capital allocation, and measured use of leverage.
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Our Focus:
Risk-Adjusted Approaches
Capital Efficiency
DIversification
BORROWERS
Industry Landscape:
Businesses seeking capital can face challenges finding financing solutions that align with their operational needs, timelines, and strategic goals. Traditional lending options may not always offer the flexibility required for unique business situations.​
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Our Perspective:
Smith & Maye focuses on providing a range of financing structures that aim to support the diverse needs of businesses. Our approach emphasizes thoughtful planning, tailored solutions, and alignment with broader financial strategies.​
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Our Focus:
Strategic Alignment
Customization
Flexibility