1031 Specialists Acquires Safe Harbor Exchange, Raises $10MM for Nationwide Expansion

BISWIRE/Nov. 26, 2024 —1031 Specialists, a tech-forward Qualified Intermediary (QI), is announcing the acquisition of Safe Harbor Exchange, a leading independent QI serving real estate investors across California and the West Coast. Under the leadership of co-founders Jon Hilley and Jeff Bemis, 1031 Specialists has successfully raised $10 million in growth capital to fuel a nationwide expansion. 

“Founded nearly 25 years ago, Safe Harbor Exchange has helped over 30,000 real estate investors successfully defer taxes from the sale of their real estate holdings. Guided by Pat McGinnis and Lee Cecala, Safe Harbor built a wonderful business based on a commitment to service with integrity,” said Jon Hilley. “We are honored to preserve their legacy and will continue to prioritize client service with an unwavering focus on quality and long-term client relationships.”

“We couldn’t envision a more ideal partner for the future of Safe Harbor Exchange than 1031 Specialists,” said Pat McGinnis, CPA and founder of Safe Harbor Exchange. “Their professionalism, industry expertise, and integrity made this transition an easy decision. We’re confident that Jon, Jeff and their team will not only continue our legacy of exceptional client service but also elevate it to new heights.”

The acquisition of Safe Harbor adds a team of highly credentialed professionals that – when combined with 1031 Specialists’ back-end processing platform – will dramatically broaden the combined company’s reach and its ability to provide Qualified Intermediary services on a national scale.

“When talented humans meet scalable infrastructure and ample financial resources,” said Jon Hilley, “something truly special happens. That something special is 1031 Specialists.”

For more information, please contact 1031 Specialists at 631-438-1031 or email info@1031specialists.com.