Our Company
The origin of our storyAbout Us
Urban Farmers Inc. (UFINC) is a for-profit real estate development firm. UFINC balances real estate fundamentals, architectural creativity, and social responsibility to develop quality workforce housing. Rooted in modern design, sustainable construction, and innovative job creation, our unique perspective enables UFINC to do more with less, set a higher bar by taking calculated risk, and aid through empowerment.
What is “workforce housing” ?
the technical definition of workforce housing is housing aimed at households that earn between 60% to 120% of area median income (AMI). We have a more simple definition of workforce housing. Workforce housing is housing for hardworking folks that do not qualify for deep housing subsides but do not make enough money to live in luxury. we build housing for those families striving to live the American dream.
How we do what we do?
In all real estate development there are three types of cost; (1) land costs – acquisition of the raw dirt or distressed asset; (2) soft-cost -the cost of designers, consultants, permits, financing fees, and; (3) hard cost – the cost of construction. By far, the most capital-intensive portion of this process is construction and inherently provides the most risk.
Thru extensive research of the market and understanding the goals of our partners we are able create a financial model that allows for institutional investment while maintaining a rent roll that target workforce demographics. This unsubizised models takes buy-in from all stakeholders, inclusive of banks, local government, landowners, and the contracting community.
Our local partners range from non-profit faith based intuitions to re-entry specialist centers. As strategic partners we have helped grow and develop organizations to enhance their overall social enterprise goals. We are hands-on; Urban Farmers Inc supplements all aspects of support, from grant writing to public speaking, we are there. The utilization of grants, social enterprise resources and non-profit funding directly impacts our ability to create value. We work hard to be value added to our social enterprise partners because we develop non-monetary metrics and work closely to ensure they achieve these goals.
Project Funding
UFINC raises money on both sides of the table; we are the conduit for private equity to development real estate while being the catalyst to stretch grants to impact lives. We engage private investors who believe in the core mission and vision of Urban Farmers Inc. The typical profiles of our funders are accredited investors seeking a dividend beyond typical banking products. Most investors but not all have philanthropic demeanors and support the enterprise beyond the passive investment. UFINC investors are committed to all the stated outcomes of our projects.
Our History
Established in 2010 by Terry Christopher Booty, Urban Farmers Inc. was created as a leap of faith. Not clearly understanding where his next corporate steps would lead, Terry was asked by a local councilman to get involved in a small community project. Terry was charged with the task of rebuilding a burned down house in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the US. He said yes! The councilmen laid forth another challenge, rebuild the house with a group of ex-offenders. Before the councilmen could explain why, Terry said yes again! Utilizing the resources at his disposal, Terry recruited the local foreman from his previous high-rise project to work with this unique group of men. Not to his surprise, Terry, the foremen, and the trainees (ex-offenders) forged a bond. This was the recipe for success; the team produced an amazing project. Through restoration of this home, he had helped to restore the lives of 5 men who desperately needed a second chance in life. This became the premise behind Urban Farmers Inc., developing people and real estate.
Meet the Team
Terry Booty
President
Terry is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Urban Farmers Inc. Terry oversees all aspects of Development, P3 Joint Ventures, and Land Acquisition. Prior to founding Urban Farmers Inc., Terry enjoyed a professional career as a Development Manager for Marriott
International.
Nicole Christopher
Operations Manager
Nicole is responsible for implementing UFINC’s strategic and long-range goals. She works closely with the President to ensure that the overall mission of UFINC is realized. Nicole has over 20 years of finance and analytic experience including working for the J. Paul Getty Trust.
Demetre Booker, Jr.
Partner
Demetre Booker Jr. heads equity and debt placement for the firm. Demetre assists the President in underwriting complex deals, and holds key relationships to our capital partners. Demetre’s ability to quickly underwrite deals is a testament of his knowledge of core multi-family metrics.
Jerrell Harris
Director of Planning
Jerrell took a non-linear path to his current position as Director of Restructuring and Transformation in the City of Detroit Mayor’s office. He started his professional career at universities working in student affairs, then transitioned to urban planning for local governments.
Kevin Coleman
Partner
Kevin Coleman heads Urban Farmers Inc. West Coast Operation. Kevin began his investment career with Intel Capital in 2010 where he helped actively manage a portfolio $3B portfolio of over 230 companies in post investment activities, including IPO, M&A, private sales, restructuring and corporate governance matters.
Chikia Wright
Assist Project Manager
Chikia Wright is the backbone of UFINC. As the Assistant Project Manager, she manages all job cost, inclusive of contractor payment requisition, engineering requisitions, change-orders, and vendor payments.
Terry Booty
“Each project becomes an opportunity to train, mentor, and employ local at-risk citizens in construction.”
Established in 2010 by Terry Christopher Booty, Urban Farmers Inc. was created as a leap in faith.
Jason Williams
Creative Director
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Designer
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Developer
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Marketing
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur tincidunt mollis ante non volutpat. Nam consequat diam nec leo rutrum tempus.Jason Williams
Creative Director
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur tincidunt mollis ante non volutpat. Nam consequat diam nec leo rutrum tempus.Emma Swanson
Designer
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur tincidunt mollis ante non volutpat. Nam consequat diam nec leo rutrum tempus.Michael Johnson
Developer
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur tincidunt mollis ante non volutpat. Nam consequat diam nec leo rutrum tempus.Sarah Miller
Marketing
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