by Alisha Katz, APR

David ‘Dave’ Sobelman attributes much of who he has become today to the values he gained and the interactions he made at UF. “What the university taught me is how important it is to be relational, ethical and unwavering in these values,” Sobelman said. “This was ingrained in me by the university's culture and has been a guiding principle in my life.”

Sobelman, a real estate investor and the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Generation Income Properties, Inc. (NASDAQ: GIPR), graduated from the UF College of Health & Human Performance’s Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology in 1996. While his academic focus was on exercise and sports science, his passion has always been living a long and meaningful life. In his role at Generation Income Properties, Inc., a real estate investment trust specializing in acquiring and managing single-tenant, net-leased properties, Sobelman leverages his expertise in longevity to make strategic decisions on buying, selling, or holding assets, ensuring success for GIPR shareholders and their future generations.

“Combining relational skills and honesty, with a generational outlook, has been the foundation of everything I do both personally and professionally, and that combination has given me the confidence to assert myself with kindness throughout my career," Sobelman said.

Sobelman also attributes much of his success to Jill W. Varnes, Ed.D., M.A., former UF College of Health & Human Performance Dean. During a challenging point in Sobelman’s time at the college, Varnes gave Sobelman a second chance to prove his commitment to his studies and complete his degree.

“Dr. Varnes gave me an opportunity that I likely would not have had otherwise if I hadn’t formed a relationship with her,” Sobelman said. “She taught me how valuable interactions are when they may seem insignificant or minuscule to other portions of my life. If it weren’t for her decision and attention to me as an individual student, I would not be a UF graduate. I would not have completed an internship at the White House. I would not have started a real estate career, met my wife, had children or started a company if she made a different decision. Here we are 30 years later.”

Now, not only does Sobelman pay it forward through his efforts at Generation Income Properties, he also does so for future generations that come through the college’s doors by supporting two scholarships: the Wellspring Foundation Award and the Dr. Jill W. Varnes Endowed Scholarship that supports graduate students who demonstrate service to others, either through involvement with UF’s Gator Volunteer organization and/or through service to the Gainesville community.

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