Brian Spear, 39

When Brian Spear takes a look at an investment for his company, he brings to it an insight others in his position may not have. And that, says his mentor Kevin Bupp, takes his approach to a different level and has helped the firm Spear is CEO and co-founder of, Sunrise Capital Investors, gain a national presence. 

Clearwater-based Sunrise Capital is a real estate investment firm that specializes in putting money into mobile home parks and, according to its website, has provided investors with 31 consecutive quarters of distributions and $25 million in day one equity. (The firm also invests in structured parking assets.)

Photo by Mark Wemple

Bupp, an entrepreneur, author, podcaster and a co-founder of Sunrise, says what makes Spear’s approach different and informs his decision making is his upbringing.

“Brian grew up in modest circumstances, including time living in a mobile home with his single mom,” Bupp says. “That experience didn’t just shape his understanding of affordable housing, it lit a fire in him to make a difference.”

Sunrise’s portfolio includes investments across the country, with mobile home parks in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina.

Bupp says Spear doesn’t just look at mobile home parks as a place to invest but sees an opportunity to revitalize them. The investments aren’t just a vehicle to create passive income but a way to help those who invest to build legacy wealth, he says.

In a video aimed at potential investors on Sunrise Capital’s website, Spear says mobile home parks “have historically performed better than any other real estate investment niche in the past 40 years” and that the company’s strategy is to buy, improve and hold assets.

Beyond his investment prowess, Bupp says Spear is “one of the most principled and purpose-driven professionals I’ve ever worked with.”

“He’s been instrumental in building Sunrise Capital into the nationally respected investment firm it is today — and he’s done it with humility and an unwavering commitment to long-term impact.”

And, in case you are wondering, the feelings are mutual, as Bupp is a key mentor for Spear. “Kevin,” says Spear, “has exceptional morals and leads by example in such a phenomenal way.”