Interview with Rahim Charania, Managing Partner at Woodvale

Rahim B. Charania is a business leader with over 25 years of experience, acquiring and reorganizing business operations into efficient, highly profitable businesses. He uses his expertise in business management, strategic planning, finance, and sales to distinguish himself as a leader and an innovator. Mr. Charania’s entrepreneurial skills and creativity have shaped his vision into several successful businesses.

Currently he serves as Founder and Managing Partner of Woodvale, a leading alternative investment firm focused on Commercial Real Estate investments and developments. Woodvale currently has over $500 million in assets under management across the Southeast United States and Texas. Woodvale’s deep experience in special purpose real estate development, equity capitalization and debt re-structuring creates a single source solutions provider for the needs of today’s commercial real estate investor.

In addition to Woodvale, Mr. Charania has founded two other successful businesses that continue to make a measurable impact in the industries they serve. In 2011, he founded American Fueling Systems (“AFS”) a national leader in the fueling industry, providing alternative and mainstream fuels to the transportation and energy sectors. He has taken AFS from an idea to a nationally recognized leader in the energy and fuel marketplace.

In 2016, Mr. Charania created Three Ring Studios (“TRS”), one of the largest studio production campuses in Georgia’s growing film and television production industry. With over 450,000 square feet of production space and over 150,000 square feet of office space, TRS has proven itself to be a premier facility for film and television productions of all types. TRS offers an impressive array of sound stages, state-of-the-art post-production facilities and world-class support services amid an inspiring, historical setting.

These successful businesses have afforded Mr. Charania many opportunities to be recognized for his efforts by industry and civic leaders across the United States. In 2011, he was named one of Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 40 Executives under 40; in 2012, Georgia State University honored him with the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. In 2015, he was recognized as the Businessperson of the Year by the largest Chamber organization in the Southeast, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Most recently he was honored with the 2023 award for Distinguished Fellow by the J. Mack Robinson College of Business. Mr. Charania has been published in many publications including Forbes and Success magazines, sharing his business insights. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and Executive MBA from the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.

Mr. Charania’s business credentials only play a part in the impact he has generated. His philanthropic work list is extensive focusing on projects that benefit those most in need in the areas of education and personal development. He readily provides his knowledge and expertise to projects and public speaking opportunities. Currently, he sits on the Board of Directors for the J. Mack Robinson College of Business along with the Center for International Business, Education and Research (CIBER).

Interview questions:

Introduction | Rahim, can you provide an introduction to Woodvale? What is the focus: hotels and multifamily?

Career | In 2011, you founded American Fuel Systems; in 2016, you founded Three Rings Studios. Could you please share some highlights of your career and the decision to start Woodvale?

Commercial Real Estate | Where are you seeing opportunities in commercial real estate?

Portfolio | Can you give me an overview of the key properties in your portfolio?

Hotels | In January, Woodvale purchased four branded Marriott hotel properties. Are hotels a critical part of your acquisition strategy?

Fund | You recently raised a fund. How large is the fund? What is the focus of your investments? Is it a mix of multifamily and hotels? Will you expand beyond the Southeast?

Team | Investor Management is a critical part of what alternative Investment firms like yours thrives on. Tell us about the WV Team and how they are set up to service the investors.

Leadership | How would you describe your leadership style?

Woodvale is a premier real estate investment and development firm specializing in identifying and executing high-value commercial real estate opportunities. With $500 million in assets under management, we strategically acquire and develop assets across multiple real estate segments, focusing on high-growth markets with strong economic fundamentals. Our innovative investment approach and capital structure expertise enable us to navigate complex transactions, unlocking value where others see obstacles. By leveraging top-tier analytics and an extensive network of industry experts, we mitigate risk, maximize returns, and position our investments for long-term success.

More than just generating strong returns, our projects are designed to create a lasting, positive impact. Whether revitalizing underutilized properties, pioneering innovative developments, or fostering sustainable growth, we ensure every investment contributes to a broader vision of progress and prosperity. Our disciplined yet opportunistic strategy has established Woodvale as a trusted leader in commercial real estate, dedicated to shaping the future of the built environment.

Connect with Woodvale and Rahim on LinkedIn

Recent News: https://woodvale.com/news/