R
yan Carlson grew up watching his father, a general contractor, grapple with real‑estate financing, sparking his own interest in the field. After high school, he earned a business degree at Northeastern University, concentrating on finance and entrepreneurship, and later completed a real‑estate graduate program at New York University.

    His first role was an investor‑relations analyst at Aladdin Capital Management. He then spent six years at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company and Cushman & Wakefield, holding various positions that broadened his expertise. In 2018, Carlson joined Waypoint Residential as head of its capital‑markets team. There he developed debt and equity strategies, oversaw cash flow for the firm’s inaugural development fund, and closed more than $1.5 billion across 34 transactions.

    In 2022 he joined Hawkins Companies, directing financial and investment analysis for the portfolio.

    Reflecting on his journey, Carlson credits early mentors in New York for teaching him real‑estate finance nuances. He stresses that hard work, persistence, and a balanced perspective are essential, urging professionals to “follow the money” and understand the risks.

    Carlson’s work has helped fuel Idaho’s economic growth. “We’re expanding Boise and the Treasure Valley into vibrant places for living, shopping, recreation,” he says. “Successfully structuring the capital stack for large projects today’s climate showcases Hawkins Companies’ ability to deliver results.”