Robert Cannon’s real estate career began during his time at the University of Arkansas, where he took over management of the 20-unit apartment complex he lived in. This early experience led to another opportunity: managing a 100-unit apartment community. After earning his BSBA in 1972, Robert joined the Henry S. Miller Company in Dallas, Texas—then the fifth-largest privately owned real estate firm in the U.S.

At Henry S. Miller, Robert managed a portfolio comprising several thousand apartment units. Within a year, he was promoted to supervise all Miller-owned and partnership properties, reporting directly to company president Vance C. Miller. This mentorship proved pivotal, as Mr. Miller introduced him to the investment side of real estate. Robert participated in acquisitions, sales, legal negotiations, and investor relations, gaining invaluable exposure to multi-family investing.

In 1977, Robert left the Miller Company to join Roger Staubach, helping to establish Staubach’s original real estate management company and brokering the sale of several large apartment complexes. After a year, he sold his stake in the business and became an independent broker, where he quickly sold hundreds of millions of dollars in apartment assets. Notably, he was the first broker in Dallas to utilise a 1031 tax-deferred exchange.

Entrepreneurial Leadership

In 1978, Robert founded Syntex Properties, Inc., serving as CEO. Through Syntex, he syndicated nearly 30,000 apartment units and millions of square feet of commercial property across major Texas cities.

Robert’s credentials include:

• Former Education Director for the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)

• Holder of the CPM designation (Certified Property Manager)

• Former Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

• Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker

• Private pilot, aircraft owner

Semi-Retirement and Return

In 1991, Robert semi-retired to enjoy a range of interests, including travel, golf, hunting, boating, and writing. During this period, he also launched a successful marketing firm and became an active stock market investor. A prolific writer, Robert authored seven fiction novels, two of which remain in publication.

In 2016, motivated by the revitalised Dallas real estate market and a desire to return to his passion, Robert re-entered the industry as a real estate venture capitalist.

Current Ventures

Robert is currently the Founder and Managing Partner of:

• Sapient Funding, LLC

• Sapient Funding CFS, LLC

• Sapient Property Group, LLC

These companies focus on the acquisition, development, and syndication of:

• Large multi-family and commercial real estate assets

• Single-family residential neighbourhoods

• New multi-family developments

Collectively, the Sapient companies have a project pipeline exceeding $1 billion.

Personal Life

Robert is married, with three grown children and four grandchildren. He continues to enjoy:

• Working and investing

• Traveling

• Golf and hunting

• …and still has no plans to fully retire.