Tony Avila is a distinguished executive with are markable track record of over 20 years in the real estate and investment banking industries. As the Founder of Builder Advisor Group and Avila Real Estate Capital, and Co-founder and Principal of Encore Capital Management, he has demonstrated his expertise and leadership.

Throughout his career, Tony has played a pivotal role in over 100 merger and acquisition transactions within the homebuilding industry, as well as successfully raising over $20 billion in capital for both publicly traded and private homebuilding companies.

Tony’s journey in the housing sector began during the challenging savings and loan crisis of 1987 to 1989 when he served at the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. In this capacity, he effectively managed troubled government-controlled savings and loans, showcasing his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes. Subsequently, he joined Montgomery Securities in 1996, which later merged with Banc of America Securities in 1998. During his tenure, Tony provided invaluable guidance to the Pebble Beach Company, facilitating the return of Pebble Beach Resorts to U.S. ownership. Additionally, he offered strategic counsel to D.R. Horton during its landmark $1.6 billion acquisition of Schuler Homes, which ranked as the second-largest homebuilding acquisition in the U.S. at the time.

In 2002, Tony joined JMP Securities and spearheaded the formation and leadership of the Homebuilding Investment Banking team for six years. His notable accomplishments during this period include advising Town & Country Homes on its acquisition by The Blackstone Group and K. Hovnanian Homes, marking the largest sale of a private homebuilding company up until that point. He also played a key role in the establishment of a $250 million joint venture between Metro Development and D.E. Shaw to acquire distressed land, showcasing his ability to identify and seize lucrative investment opportunities.

In 2009, Tony partnered with Art Falcone to establish Encore Capital Management, a vertically-integrated Real Estate Registered Investment Advisory firm. As a key member of the organization, he serves on the Investment Committee and oversees the day-to-day operations of its three funds and apartment REIT, Rescore. Tony has managed over $1 billion in equity and $2 billion in assets under management.

In 2021, Tony founded Avila Real Estate Capital, managing a diverse portfolio of 10 Real Estate investments throughout California, including Opportunity Zones and a $250 million credit fund. His visionary leadership and astute decision-making have positioned the company for continued success in the market.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tony Avila is a member of the Urban Land Institute and actively contributes to the Community Development Council. He is a member of the Finance Advisory Board for the Sisters of the Holy Family and has served on the Transforming Tomorrow committee. He also oversees theJanet Pessagno Memorial Fund for Moreau Catholic High School. Additionally, Tony has dedicated his time to coaching San Francisco Little League and served as a YMCA basketball coach for three years. He contributes his expertise as a board member for the Positive Coaching Alliance.

Outside of work, Tony is an avid marathoner and triathlete and competed in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.