Realtor & Designer Gerard Barrett of PrimeLerner Companies is Changing the Face of Newark NJ Housing

NEWARK, N.J. - July 24, 2014 - PRLog -- Gerard Barrett is the founder and managing principal of Newark, NJ private real estate investment and development firm PrimeLerner Companies and is following in the sturdy footsteps of his grandfather, who built homes in upstate Newburgh, NY.  Even as a youngster, Barrett wanted to own and invest in real estate, and it hasn't taken him long to bring his intention into reality.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Newark, Barrett enjoyed a varied school experience, attending a public school (Piscataway High School in New Jersey) and a private boarding school (Notre Dame Academy in Virginia) prior to his Ivy League education at Columbia University in New York City, where he received a B.A. in Economics.

Fascinated by the creative aspects of real estate - those of restoring areas, transforming looks and solving problems - Barrett began his real estate experience while a Columbia University student, acquiring his first piece of real estate at the age of 20.  He continued to work toward his real estate dream, and created his company, Barrett Properties & Co., in 2006.  Then, in 2012, he tweaked his company's identity to a more personal one, to that of being PrimeLerner Companies.  Barrett's company's name is significant, in that he is in his Prime, at the top of his game and Alfred Lerner Hall is an architectural gem of a structure located at his alma mater, Columbia University.  Its natural light both awed and impressed him, becoming a favorite in his design arsenal.

Barrett, who also enjoyed an impressive athletic career while at Columbia, playing varsity basketball there, appreciates varied styles of architecture, ranging from classical to modern.  He has seen glowing examples of stunning architecture through his worldwide travels, to locales such as France, Monaco, Dubai, Thailand, Australia, London and more.  He relishes in buying distressed real estate and creating an architectural masterpiece.  He is thoroughly involved in the design and execution of his vision for each new acquisition.

PrimeLerner, which began without employees and has grown to a current staff of 6, operates primarily in Northern and Central New Jersey at this time; however, expansion to other areas is definitely on Barrett's radar.  Beginning at the ground floor with no portfolio to speak of, PrimeLerner now manages an impressive $8 million in assets.  Barrett is bullish about his hometown of Newark, its improvements and its potential for an even brighter future.  He feels that it's a city with tremendous upsides, housing several key industries.  Through his work, he is having a hand in improving the quality of Newark, by creating prime housing and commercial spaces in its communities.

A member of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Barrett is building a solid foundation for his real estate legacy with his outstanding, reputable work, consistently delivering exceptional returns to his investors.

A well-rounded businessman, Barrett is also involved with various charities, such as New Jersey Cares, UNICEF, the Food Bank, New York Needs You and New York Is For Children.  He supports his former AAU team in Richmond, VA (the Richmond Squires), and also helped out as a Hurricane Katrina victim volunteer.  And he has maintained his athletic drive, enjoying regular workouts, including bodybuilding, which he anticipates competing in, in the near future.

The goal of this young business titan is complete self-sufficiency, as witnessed by the fact that he owns the Newark building that houses his company.  He aims to take his company to billions in assets and holdings, to substantially grow and significantly strengthen its portfolio.

If Gerard Barrett's grandfather were alive today, he would probably hand over his shoes to him; he's definitely earned them.

For more information on Gerard Barrett and PrimeLerner Companies, go to www.primelerner.com