Beyond the Resume Podcast with Jeffrey Jaeger (The Affordable Housing Philosophy That Works)

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

In this episode, Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Jeffrey Jaeger, co-founder of Standard Communities, to trace his journey from a philosophy major at Berkeley to building one of the most innovative affordable housing platforms in the U.S.

Jaeger discusses the importance of urgency, detail, and kindness in real estate, the influence of his upbringing, and how failing upward shaped his values. He also shares how Standard Communities scaled to over 30,000 units, how private capital can be mobilized for public good, and why mentorship and grit matter more than credentials.

This candid, wide-ranging conversation covers workforce housing, LIHTC strategy, student outreach, philanthropic leadership, and the deep emotional roots behind his work.

Chapters

(00:00) – The Pitch That Sparked a Movement

How a casual conversation turned into the launch of Standard Communities — now 30,000 units strong.

(02:18) – The Philosophy Degree That Built an Empire

Why Jeffrey’s liberal arts education shaped his business instincts more than an MBA ever could.

(04:55) – Breaking In Without a Business Degree

Jeffrey shares how he hustled his way into real estate — Excel book in hand, unpaid but undeterred.

(07:36) – Why “Act with Kindness” Is a Business Strategy

The origin of Standard’s core values — and why culture matters more than credentials.

(09:10) – Fire vs. Favor: What Gets You Hired

What Jeffrey looks for in interviews, and why hunger still beats pedigree.

(11:25) – The Three Pillars of Scaling Affordable Housing

Standard’s strategic model — from LIHTC to workforce to essential housing investments.

(14:52) – How Private Equity Is Fueling Local Jobs

A bold initiative connects housing with employment — and fills a gap left by banks.

(16:22) – A Mission-Driven Nonprofit Born From a Statistic

Why solving for 75 homeless female veterans launched a 10-year philanthropic journey.

(17:52) – Art, Architecture, and Awe in Affordable Housing

From Skid Row to design-forward developments, how beauty shapes better communities.

(20:08) – The Small Details That Reveal Big Talent

Jeffrey’s unique hiring rituals, favorite failure questions, and what actually signals leadership potential.

---

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jeffrey-jaeger