Grit in the Frunk: Running the Huangpu to Rolling Up Our Sleeves in Middle Georgia
The Frunk Tells a Story…
Pop open the front trunk (or "frunk") of my electric car and you won’t find groceries or spare parts. Instead, you’ll see a pair of trail running shoes, marathon flats, workout gear, and gels for endurance sports. Nestled beside them? A few dirty white dress shirts — a holdover from my days as an international banker. And in the center console: a tape measure and an LED flashlight.
It’s not random. It’s a snapshot of how we operate at Three Bulls.
We’re built for endurance and agility and adventurous by nature, but mission-focused by design. Every mile logged, every light measured, every shirt changed between site visits and meetings reflects one truth: we are committed to our mission of revitalizing Georgia mill towns while serving as thoughtful stewards of the capital entrusted to us.
From the Huangpu to Georgia Clay
Back in 2018, I was introduced to Troy Williams by a friend who has taught us both a great deal named Brent Beisher, a Georgia native turned Shanghai-based global real estate visionary.
Troy and I became fast friends running along Shanghai’s Huangpu River. We’d talk shop during our runs, sketching out theoretical solutions to the world’s problems (not really… but kind of). What we did discover was a deep, mutual love for real estate investing.
To my surprise, Troy had already built a methodical spreadsheet with a state-by-state matrix ranking investment favorability. This wasn’t just a casual interest. It was a signal that he was serious, analytical, and ready.
In October 2020, over dinner at my apartment in Xuhui (Shanghai’s Former French Concession Neighborhood), we laid the foundation for what would become Three Bulls Capital. The months that followed were filled with whiteboard sessions at WeWork, marathon meetings, and a growing realization: our vision, values, and purpose were fully aligned.
The Marathon of Building
Like any good race, building Three Bulls has come with plenty of pain points. We’ve faced labor shortages, burst pipes, a tornado, supply chain chaos, and unprecedented interest rate spikes. And we remain resiliant.
In many ways, it’s felt like a marathon with some hills we didn’t see coming. But both of us have run real marathons (many). We’ve learned the importance of grit, pacing, and pushing through when it hurts. That mental fortitude forged over miles and years is what we bring to the table daily.
Resilience isn’t just a mindset. It’s a muscle you build. And thanks to our shared global experience, adapting in Shanghai, investing across markets, navigating cultural complexity, and experience in multiple real estate cycles we know how to stay nimble when the ground shifts. These lessons have helped us remain focused and adaptable in the face of change.
Going the Distance
I’m grateful for this journey, the challenges, the pivots, the mentors, and the people who believe in what we’re building and our team. We’re focused on continuous improvement in our neighborhoods, our partnerships, and ourselves.
At Three Bulls, we teach, elevate, and bring others along for the run. Whether you're investing with us, learning beside us, or getting your hands dirty in the field, we’re in this together.
Let’s go the distance. The small actions we take every day — measured, intentional, enduring are what ultimately shape meaningful outcomes and help bring our shared vision to life.
