2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: William Gill, Stav Equities LLC

2026 Ones to Watch Featured Leader

What drives your philosophy on hard work, and how has it evolved over time? 

I value hard work above everything.

My father was a strong influence in my life and career. He ran a small business in West Chicago, IL, and from a young age I understood the type of investment it takes to run a business and the work ethic it takes to succeed in a cutthroat world. He taught me that in business, you don’t just invest money. You invest time, energy, and effort. And more often than not, it is the time and the effort that deliver the real return. Anybody can fund something. Few can build something. That lesson has never left me.

When he passed away in 2024, I was forced to become the primary breadwinner of my family. It was during that time that I learned the only way to survive in this world is through hard work, working so hard that failure is not even possible.

I chose real estate because it was the opportunity in front of me. I was determined to make it in this business, even when some people told me I never would. Today, I am able to take care of my mother, who still lives in Illinois, and support myself financially in the most expensive metropolis in the world. That is not luck. That is what happens when you refuse to quit.

My philosophy has always been simple: hard work and discipline above all else. Marcus Aurelius did not just write about those virtues. He lived them, ruling the most powerful empire on earth. This passage from his Meditations hits me every morning:

“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: I have to go to work as a human being. Don’t you see the birds, the ants, the bees, all of nature going about its work, putting the world in order? And you are not willing to do your job? You do not love yourself enough. Or you would love your nature too, and what it demands of you.”

In this business, there is no such thing as a convenient deal. When we secured 1923 Harrison, a 34-unit development we negotiated direct-to-seller on both the property and the air rights, it was not luck. It was timing and willpower. Deals like that do not fall into your lap. You have to be present, persistent, and willing to grind every single day while other people sleep in.

That is it. Show up. Do the work. No excuses.

Marcus Aurelius figured that out 2,000 years ago. Our jobs might be completely different, but the discipline required to succeed at them is the same.

Aurelius also understood something that many driven people forget. He wrote about the importance of rest, reflection, and renewal. Working hard is not the same as running yourself into the ground. The goal is to build something that lasts, and you cannot do that if you are burned out. Balance is not a weakness. It is a strategy. You owe it to yourself, your family, and the people who depend on you to show up not just hard, but whole. Grind with purpose. Rest with intention. That is the full philosophy that has guided me in my career. 

What is Stav Equities acquisition strategy today?

We’re aggressively buying 2–5 multifamily properties and boutique development sites throughout the Bronx. That’s our bread and butter.

A lot of buyers chase big, institutional deals — we like the overlooked space.

Smaller multifamily and development opportunities where there’s less rent regulation and more value-add potential. That’s where we step in and create value.

We’re buying consistently, and we’re always looking for our next opportunity.

What does your role as VP of Acquisitions actually involve on a daily basis?

It’s a mix of everything.

I’m constantly working with brokers — building relationships, staying top of mind, and making sure we’re seeing deals early. That’s a huge priority for us. In this market, if brokers trust you and know you can close, you get access others don’t.

On top of that, I’m coordinating with lenders, structuring financing, and physically touring properties. You can’t do this business from behind a desk, especially in the Bronx.

You need to walk the buildings, understand the tenants, and see what’s really going on.

Where are you finding deals in such a competitive environment?

Relationships. 100%.

Most of our best acquisitions come through broker relationships and direct connections with owners. We spend a lot of time cultivating those relationships—offering buyer broker fees, providing quick feedback, and most importantly, closing when we say we will.

Why does a seller choose you over other buyers?

It comes down to speed and certainty of closing.

We purchase with hard money, which allows us to move quickly — often closing in as little as 21 days with clear title. In many situations, that level of execution gives sellers real confidence that the deal will get done without delays or surprises.

At the same time, we’re flexible. Not every seller wants a fast close — some need more time to relocate or get their affairs in order.

We understand that, and we’re able to adjust timelines to fit their needs.

That combination of certainty, speed, and flexibility is what consistently sets us apart.

Stav Equities LLC is an investment firm specializing in the acquisitions of 2-5 family properties and boutique development sites throughout the Bronx.