We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ivan Cloyd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ivan , great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
I developed my ability to take risks through experience, faith, and preparation. Early in my journey, I realized that comfort never created growth every major breakthrough I’ve had came from stepping into uncertainty with a clear vision. I learned to look at risk not as danger, but as opportunity disguised in discomfort.
Over time, I trained myself to make calculated risks by doing my homework studying the market, surrounding myself with the right mentors, and having contingency plans. Once I’ve done that groundwork, I trust my instincts. I’ve also learned that failure is just feedback. Each lesson builds confidence, and that confidence strengthens your ability to take the next leap.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Thank you so much for having me. As a creator, innovator, and real estate developer focused on community development, I’m passionate about taking real estate projects and applying innovation to them in ways that create real impact.
I’m very proud that Quadrant Partners is making tremendous progress on the 25 Yacht Place redevelopment, which will deliver 80 new housing units. In addition, we’re working on an exciting and forward-thinking initiative to bring a DC-based TV network and streaming service to the 15-acre Fletcher Johnson redevelopment site.
As a growing company, I’m proud to share that we now have seven real estate and innovation projects underway across Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County, Maryland, totaling over 1,000 units of housing. Our mission remains focused on building spaces and platforms that strengthen communities and inspire progress.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been vision, perseverance, and collaboration.
Vision has been the foundation of everything I do. You have to be able to see possibility where others see limitation. Whether it’s transforming a vacant site into affordable housing or creating new media platforms, vision keeps you focused on what can be, not just what is. My advice to others is to constantly train your mind to think long-term read, travel, and stay curious about how things are built and improved.
Perseverance is equally important. Real estate and innovation both come with challenges — financing, zoning, delays, or simply being told “no.” You have to stay consistent and resilient, understanding that setbacks are part of the process. The key is to stay steady and never lose momentum.
Lastly, collaboration has been essential. None of these projects happen alone. Building the right partnerships with communities, government, investors, and creative talent allows great ideas to actually become reality. For those early in their journey, learn to build relationships rooted in trust and shared purpose. Your network and your character will open more doors than anything else.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who values innovation, impact, and community. I enjoy working with people or organizations that see real estate as more than just buildings they see it as a way to transform neighborhoods, create opportunity, and inspire progress.
Whether it’s a public agency, private investor, or creative partner, the best collaborations happen when everyone at the table is open minded, purpose driven, and willing to think beyond traditional boundaries.
I also value clients who understand that innovation takes patience, trust, and longterm vision. The projects we take on at Quadrant Partners from housing to media infrastructure require creativity and commitment. When a client shares that same belief in building something meaningful for the community, that’s when the best results happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.quadrantptnrs.com
- Instagram: Ivan Jose Cloyd
- Facebook: Ivan Jose Cloyd
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