Story by J.P. Morgan – Chase Bank Interview

Humberto “H.L.” Lopes’ journey started in construction, a career choice inspired by his father, who passed away when Lopes was just 9 years old.

A few years after Lopes launched his construction business, he purchased and renovated his first rental home and never looked back. He taught himself the ropes of the real estate industry as he built a portfolio that now includes more than 100 properties, including his “trophy:” four square blocks in his hometown, Brooklyn, New York.

“At this point I would say yes, I made my father proud,” Lopes says. “He could pick up his head and say, ‘That’s my son. The empire this kid built — it’s tremendous.’”