Leadership
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 beautiful 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.
Ahron Guttman
Vice President of Development
Ahron Guttman is a seasoned real estate professional with nearly a decade of experience across various facets of the industry, including development, construction management, and property management. As the Vice President of Development at Dakota Enterprises, Ahron has been instrumental in leading and managing multifamily development projects, showcasing a deep expertise in both the development and construction phases.
With a track record of overseeing ground-up development projects totaling over $300,000,000, Ahron has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of six major multifamily properties and the continuing development work on three major multifamily properties. These projects range from 60-unit walk-ups to large-scale 370-unit complexes with structured parking garages and a notable 258-unit podium build. His responsibilities include sourcing development sites, conducting due diligence, managing the project design team through permitting, and steering projects from conception through construction.
Recently, Ahron has ventured into real estate investing, seeking opportunities in the single-tenant NNN lease space, multifamily, and other high-potential sectors. Leveraging his extensive background Ahron aims to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities that offer strong, yet realistic returns. His strategic approach is focused on creating value and growth through meticulous market analysis, innovative development strategies, and effective asset management.
Prior to his current role, Ahron served as a Project Manager at Dakota Enterprises, where he was actively involved in the construction of three significant multifamily projects with a combined total of 390 units and $65,000,000 in construction value. His earlier career as an Assistant Project Manager further honed his skills and experience in managing construction teams and project execution.
Ahron holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Politics with a minor in Real Estate Development from the University of Maryland and a Real Estate Investment and Development Certificate from Rice University Business School. His diverse background and hands-on approach make him a key asset in driving successful real estate development initiatives and delivering high-quality multifamily projects.