Rick Guttman
Founder & CEO
As the Founder & CEO of Dakota Enterprises, Rick has transformed the company from a single multifamily investment into a thriving portfolio of more than ten market-rate, workforce housing communities, totaling over 1,000 units across the Greater Houston area.
Rick's journey into multifamily real estate began in 2006 when he purchased his first apartment complex in Houston’s East End District, a decision inspired by his late brother, Michael. Initially focused on expanding his portfolio through acquisitions and renovations, Rick and his team at Dakota began building market-rate, workforce housing through ground-up development in 2015, starting with a complex off Wayside Drive in the East End. In 2017, they completed their second ground-up community in Spring Branch, followed by the highly successful Magnolia Park Apartments. Since then, Dakota has continued to expand, with notable projects such as Dakota at Bingle, Milwee Street Apartments, Dakota at Shepherd, and, in 2024, the highly anticipated Dakota at Deer Park, further solidifying the company’s growth and its commitment to Houston's housing market.
Before becoming a leader in the multifamily industry, Rick was the successful owner and operator of MyMechanic, an auto repair business. He sold seven of his eight locations to PepBoys in 2011, marking a successful exit from the automotive sector.
Rick’s professional foundation was built as a CPA at Deloitte after earning a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Texas.
A devoted family man, Rick is a loving husband to Dorit, father to Jacqueline (Zack), Ahron (Gabs), and Shayna, and a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his family, frequently exploring the streets of Manhattan and the beauty of Croatia.
Rick is also deeply committed to his community. He is the Immediate Past President of United Orthodox Synagogue (UOS), having served as its Treasurer for seven years, and is the longest-serving member of Robert M. Beren Academy’s Executive Board. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.
Through Dakota Enterprises, Rick prioritizes giving back to the communities where his properties are located. He and his team actively support local organizations and schools, including Community Family Centers, Gallegos Elementary, and Latino Arts Now, in the East End of Houston.
Rick is an active member of several industry associations, including the Houston Apartment Association, Texas Apartment Association, National Apartment Association, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston's Commercial Real Estate Society.