When Keagan Huerta is not managing P.B. Bell’s $125 million multifamily fund, he can be found applying his skills as a craftsman on various personal projects. Hobbies like leatherworking, blacksmithing and welding give Huerta a creative outlet to help unwind once the day’s work is done.
“There’s something incredibly grounding about shaping steel or crafting something by hand, and that appreciation for craftsmanship has translated into how I approach my work,” he explains. “Whether it’s evaluating a project or refining the details of a development, I bring the same focus on precision, quality and thoughtful execution.”
AZRE magazine sat down with Huerta to discuss his professional journey, his experience with craftsmanship, and how working with his hands deepens his appreciation for his profession. The following responses have been edited for clarity and length.
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AZRE: Could you take readers through your journey as a professional?
Keagan Huerta: I got my real estate license when I turned 18 and started selling new homes. That was around 2006, and the market eroded. So, I got into the apartment business as a leasing consultant in 2009. I worked my way up, then started acquiring multifamily properties in Phoenix. It has been a fun journey.
AZRE: When did you start exploring craftsmanship?
Keagan Huerta: Working with my hands is something I’ve always enjoyed. In high school, I took woodshop and liked it, so I started working with metal, leather and other materials. It’s something to take my mind off work and the stresses of life.
I also do home renovations. We moved from San Diego, bought a house here in Phoenix and renovated the house. We also bought a little cabin up in Munds Park, and we’ve been fixing that up — handling all the projects from hanging cabinets to installing water lines.
AZRE: What has been the most rewarding part of your hobby?
Keagan Huerta: I would say the house renovations. You don’t meet a lot of people who’ve lived in five houses in 10 years. Being able to create value along the way by doing the renovations myself is something that I’m proud of. It allows me to stay centered and know that home is wherever my family is. Doing the work myself is a journey, but it’s fun — and rewarding from a sales standpoint.
AZRE: How does your work as a craftsman play a role in how you approach your professional life?
Keagan Huerta: The last thing you want people to say is that your work looks cheap or rushed. Being meticulous helps me create something I’m proud of and represents my best effort. It’s always worth being diligent, and I approach business the same way — especially since reputation is the most valuable currency in our industry.
