About Kent Leach

From Physical Therapy to Full-Time Investing

I started my career as a physical therapist, but I was always drawn to business and investing. Over 25 years ago, I made my first real estate investment — and I've never stopped.

Along the way, I bought and grew a struggling business. That experience taught me about operations, cash flow, and building something from the ground up. More importantly, it gave me something most investors don't have: time freedom. The kind of freedom that lets you go all-in on what matters.

In 2019, I became a full-time investor and founded Hickory Creek Capital Partners. I was deploying capital into private markets — real estate, private equity, energy — but I kept running into the same problems every solo investor faces: limited deal flow, no way to properly vet sponsors, and no leverage to negotiate better terms.

So I built the system I wished I had.

Building the SMART Flex Fund

I connected with approximately 12 other experienced fund managers who shared the same frustrations. Together, we created something different: a group that aggregates capital, vets deals collectively using the SMART Framework, and negotiates economics that none of us could get alone.

The SMART Flex Fund launched in January 2024 as a customizable 3(c)(1) fund on the Avestor platform. Today we have roughly 25 investors and $3.5 million under management — with 74 seats remaining.

Here's what makes this different from most fund managers: I invest as a Limited Partner in every deal. Same terms as my investors. My capital is at risk alongside theirs. I don't sit as GP collecting fees on deals I'm not personally committed to.

Affordable Housing & Community Impact

Outside of the fund, I'm an affordable housing developer. My current project, Daugherty Lofts, was awarded 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) — one of the most competitive affordable housing programs in the country. It's a separate business line from the fund, but it reflects the same values: building something that creates real value for real people.

The Philosophy Behind It All

I was deeply influenced by Tony Robbins' research on how the ultra-wealthy invest. The data is clear: the wealthiest investors hold 8–12 uncorrelated income streams — and the vast majority of their portfolios are in private markets, not Wall Street.

The ultra-wealthy win because of relationships, access, and structure. Not because they're smarter. I built the SMART Flex Fund to bridge that gap — to give accredited investors the same advantages through a system that works.

If that resonates with you, I'd love to talk.