Steven Hess
For over 24 years, I have been investing with my business partner, Leslie Seale, in North Jersey’s urban communities; buying, renovating, and managing apartment buildings. As a real estate investor and rehab professional, and a principal of Novus Equities, LLC, I specialize in turning distressed multifamily properties into “the best building on the block.”
My early career in apparel manufacturing fueled my passion for making and building things. My background in finance and business, coupled with my lifelong dream of making a difference in our communities through real estate are what fuel my professional life today. It all started with my first investment in a 12-family apartment building and has now become a portfolio of 700 apartments, retail spaces, and office buildings.
I’m proud of the work we are doing, rehabilitating, and reimagining New Jersey’s urban core. Whether gut renovations or new construction, our goal is to create quality, affordable housing while also beautifying blighted blocks and lots. By investing in these communities, we are playing a part in urban revitalization in East Orange, Elizabeth, Irvington, Jersey City, Newark, Passaic, Paterson, and West New York—cities that, as I often say, were “unloved” for many years. We understand the value of nurturing our urban downtowns and maintaining the live/work and transit hub areas so many people rely on.
As landlords, my partner and I are also investing in people. Over the years, we’ve seen families thrive, kids grow up and go off on their own, and mom & pop retailers build businesses that are the cornerstone of their communities.