In real estate, scale often becomes the strategy. Capital flows to the largest markets, the most visible assets, and the biggest headlines. Over time, that creates a familiar pattern: crowded deals, higher prices, and a growing dependence on assumptions to justify entry points.
Juniper Investment Group has always taken a different approach. Founded in 2000 and based in Houston, the firm focuses on workforce housing in secondary, pre-institutional markets. These areas tend to be overlooked, not because they lack strong fundamentals, but because they require more local expertise, patience, and operational involvement. 
Juniper’s edge comes from discipline, not from being first or the loudest. The firm acquires quality properties at conservative entry prices and adds value through operations instead of financial engineering. Rather than competing in crowded markets where pricing is driven by trends, Juniper targets under-brokered opportunities where fundamentals and execution make the difference.
Leading the firm is Jay Rippeto, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. He spent years working at large financial institutions where he gained deep technical training in structured finance and real estate. However, he also saw how accountability can disappear when decisions are spread across layers of committees and driven by short-term goals.
That experience influenced how Juniper was built. Jay moved his family from Connecticut to Texas to create a firm grounded in long-term thinking, direct responsibility, and true alignment with investors. For more than two decades and through many market cycles, these principles have guided how the firm evaluates risk and structures partnerships.
Today, Juniper operates as a hybrid family office, investing significant personal capital alongside its partners. This setup influences the way decisions are made. When losses matter as much as gains, the firm is more careful in its analysis, more selective in choosing deals, and more focused on execution.
Juniper’s main strategy is to acquire workforce housing in markets it understands well, then work to improve performance through hands-on management and operational discipline. Each investment is guided by steady demand, stable communities, and realistic growth expectations, so results are driven by fundamentals rather than speculation.
This approach appeals to a certain kind of investor: family offices, advisors, and private allocators who care more about preserving capital and steady results than being in the spotlight. Juniper isn’t for those chasing prestige. It’s built for investors who value alignment, transparency, and long-term stewardship.
At Havener Capital, we partner with boutiques that truly believe in what they do. Juniper embodies that mindset. They aren’t trying to grow just for bragging rights. Instead, they’re building carefully, making each decision with discipline.
We’re honored to work with Jay and the Juniper team as they refine their story, grow their presence, and connect with investors who believe that real estate still rewards patience, good judgment, and thoughtful execution.
→ Learn more about Juniper Investment Group and their approach to special situations multifamily real estate in secondary markets.
→ Connect with Juniper founder and CEO Jay Rippeto on LinkedIn.