Never give up. Always be better.
Hi, I’m Liz Bapasola, Ed.D., Partner at Champion Investment Properties.
For more than a decade, I worked in higher education — building offices, leading teams, teaching leadership, and earning my doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. Then, in 2019, everything changed. My division was restructured, and my husband Sam faced potential downsizing at BlackRock. We had a family meeting that would redefine our future.
Sam asked me to become his 50/50 partner in buying commercial real estate so we could generate income and and have a new career path after he lost his job. Together, we launched Champion Investment Properties, named after his grandfather’s manufacturing business in India — a symbol of grit and perseverance.
The transition wasn’t easy. I had no background in finance or real estate, and imposter syndrome hit hard. But I found my edge by leaning into what had always made me successful: psychology, systems, and the belief that small habits compound over time. Those same tools helped me grow into my role — and start adding real value to our portfolio.
Today, Champion focuses on value-add commercial real estate — acquiring underperforming properties, investing in improvements, and stabilizing them to create long-term value. My role centers on building the systems and relationships that make deals durable, while Sam leads acquisitions and analysis. Together, we’ve built Champion on transparency, execution, and collaboration with brokers and investors.
As we grow Champion, I’ve realized that what I missed from my years in higher education — the helping, teaching, and inspiring side — still lives inside this work.
So I’m sharing the psychology and leadership behind scaling Champion: how to stay grounded through risk, build systems that protect focus and capital, and grow as a leader along the way.
This site is my reflection space — part journal, part lab — where I explore the mindset, habits, and human side of building something meaningful with your partner.
My hope is that these reflections support you on your own growth journey — in business and in life.
And remember: Never give up. Always be better.