Alum: Sustainability in the world of real estate

Anthony Russo '11, a seasoned real estate professional with over a decade of experience, is a Partner and Managing Principal at CSFG Real Estate. A graduate of Friends Academy (2011), Duke University (2015), and NYU Schack Real Estate (2020), Anthony began his career at Sterling Project Development, where he honed his skills as a project manager from 2015 to 2020. In 2020, he joined CSFG as its first full-time employee, playing a pivotal role in expanding the firm's real estate investment portfolio across the United States and Europe. His expertise spans various sectors, including multifamily, industrial, hospitality, and retail, with deals ranging from $10 million to $100 million. Recently, Anthony came to speak to the Upper School student Real Estate and Architecture Club about his personal experience in the real estate industry during a Lunch & Learn. 

In his presentation, Anthony provided insight into CSFG’s investment strategy and global footprint, highlighting key acquisitions in major markets such as the U.S., Brazil, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland. He discussed case studies, including a successful value-add renovation of a Brooklyn multifamily property and a strategic partnership in Switzerland’s industrial sector. Additionally, Mr. Russo emphasized CSFG’s commitment to sustainability and ESG principles, such as ESG regulators like LEED and BREEAM. Mr. Russo showcased projects like the Cascais Villas and Fasano Sardegna, both designed to meet the highest environmental standards. He underscored how CSFG integrates long-term vision with local partnerships to drive responsible and profitable real estate investments.

At the Lunch & Learn, Anthony shared past Friends Academy experiences that still stick with him such as walking through the halls and remembering Upper School Science teacher Mrs. Newitt. He also claimed that while attending Friends Academy he had never been in the QSLC – the very room where the Lunch & Learn was hosted. It was a special moment for the students of the Real Estate and Architecture Club to connect to someone who once was so close to the campus. 

Wrapping up, Anthony touched on how his company deals with sustainability and answered students' questions about how, in a world with climate change and insupportable spaces, the real estate industry develops solutions to living spaces in a sustainable way. “It was wonderful to listen to the insight of some of the projects Mr. Russo is working on, and the ESG norms and  principles that are utilized,” shared one student. “Mr. Russo answered our questions thoroughly and enlightened us with a great amount of information,” said another. 

On behalf of the Real Estate and Architecture Club, we appreciate the time and preparation that Mr. Anthony Russo took to prepare a thorough slideshow and his time spent with us.

Luca Zuniga is a sophomore at Friends Academy and is co-clerk of the Upper School student Architecture Club; Ashley Quinn teaches English in the Upper School.

Photography by Alvin Caal/Friends Academy