Meet Us
Robert S. Smith – President, Oregon 1031 Investments
Registered Representative, Pacific West Securities Inc. As a 1031 exchange professional, Robert is a founding member of the Tenant-In-Common Association (TICA). He helped frame the organization’s Code of Ethics and Consumer Best Practices Guidelines.
In 2006, Robert was one of only four registered reps nominated nationwide to receive TICA’s first ever “A Champion of Excellence” (ACE) award for outstanding ethical achievement in the tenant-in-common industry. The annual ACE Award honors outstanding ethical business practices. Robert was nominated for these award qualifications:
- Nomination from an outside party
- At least 24 TIC transactions or $10 million spanning 3 years
- At least 3 years in business since January 1, 2004
- Compliance with TICA’s Code of Ethics
- Current in member dues payments to TICA
- Attended a TICA annual conference as well as the 2007 conference
- An unblemished regulatory background.
The ACE award was created to recognize TICA members who exemplify the vision of TICA and its code of ethics. This code of ethics is articulates the beliefs of TICA members, and the practices expected from professionals and organizations that are part of the association.
In 2007, he was one of three finalists selected nationwide for 2007 Boomer Market Advisor Magazine’s Advisor of the Year Award. The national magazine chose the top three advisors from numerous entries based on excellence in the following criteria: assets under management, target market and community involvement. Source: Boomer Market Advisor Magazine, 2006.
Robert’s commitment to maintaining direct relationships with his Tenant-In-Common (TIC) investors before, during and after property identification, and closing, has resulted in a high client retention rate. Robert has completed more than 200 TIC transactions.
Robert goes above and beyond to serve the needs of his clientele. Many clients continue their relationship with Robert for the long term. In his personal time, he considers it an honor and privilege to send care packages to the children and grandchildren of clients serving in Iraq.
Staff: Walton “Whit” D. Ross – Oregon 1031 Investments
Whit Ross is a staff member at Oregon 1031 Investments and an investor in residential and commercial properties with 20 years of experience. He specializes in helping clients transition their assets into Tenant-In-Common investments for retirement purposes.
“I have been a TIC investor since 2001 as well as a long time market observer," Whit says. "I want to ensure that investors, such as the many retiring Baby Boomers learn about smart and responsible investment strategies.”
Whit earned a bachelor’s degree in management engineering from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. He spent seven years as a sales engineer for Omron Electronics in Cupertino, Calif., and CTS Corporation in Pleasanton, Calif. In his free time, he enjoys biking, skiing, ballroom dancing and traveling.
Partner: John McClay – Oregon 1031 Investments
John McClay is a partner with Oregon 1031 Investments and a broker with Prudential Northwest Properties in Lake Oswego. He specializes in commercial real estate and Tenant-In-Common investments, and has been a top commercial producer for years. John was among the top 5 percent of sellers nationwide, every year from 1993 to 2002.
He holds the record for the most nursing homes sold by one broker in the Northwest. John closed the largest single dollar transaction in his company’s history. Since going into real estate in 1986, John has closed over $155 million in sales. He specializes in apartments, plexes, nursing home leases, retirement centers and single family homes. He is a member of the President’s Club, the Leading Edge Society and the Northwest High Achievement Club, as well as the Chairman’s Circle and the Honor Society.
A third generation Oregonian who was raised in LaGrande, John is a former member of the University of Oregon track and field team, as well as the UO rifle team. He enjoys salmon and steelhead fishing and fish and wildlife conservation.
