We're Building Financial Confidence in a Time of Uncertainty

A conversation with Justin French, CMO of Connect Invest

 

In a year where headlines have been dominated by inflation, interest rate hikes, and one of the largest market downturns in history, many Americans are wondering: where can I put my money and feel good about it? For Justin French, Chief Marketing Officer of Connect Invest, that question is more relevant—and more solvable—than ever.

We sat down with Justin to explore how Connect Invest is reimagining fixed-income investing for everyday people, why simplicity matters more than ever, and how the platform is helping restore financial confidence for a new generation of investors.

 

Q: Justin, let’s start at the beginning. What is Connect Invest—and what problem are you solving?

Justin:

Connect Invest is a platform where earning fixed returns through real estate is simple, smart, and accessible.

 

We’ve created a way for everyday people—not just seasoned investors or high-net-worth individuals—to invest in short-term offerings that provide fixed monthly returns, starting with as little as $500.

 

The problem we’re solving is multi-layered. On one hand, traditional investing has become deeply intimidating for many. The stock market feels like a rollercoaster. Savings accounts are barely keeping up with inflation. And real estate, while reliable, has historically required large capital, time, and expertise.

 

Connect Invest bridges that gap. We offer a way to earn predictable income with shorter commitments, real transparency, and no experience required.

 

Q: You mentioned short-term offerings with fixed returns. Can you explain what that looks like for an investor?

Justin:

Absolutely. Our core product is called a Short Note. It’s a simple, short-term investment where users choose a term—either 6, 12, or 24 months—and receive a fixed rate up 9% that’s paid out monthly.

 

All of these notes are backed by diversified real estate projects—both residential and commercial. Unlike the stock market, where values fluctuate daily, Connect Invest gives people the ability to grow their money in a way that’s consistent, transparent, and designed for peace of mind.

 

Q: What was the spark that led to building something like this?

Justin:

We saw a real need in the market. Most people we spoke to—friends, professionals, even family—had this sense of “I want to grow my money, but I don’t know who to trust or where to start.”

 

Real estate has always been one of the most stable long-term investments, but accessing it usually means buying a rental property, becoming a landlord, or investing hundreds of thousands of dollars. On the flip side, things like savings accounts and CDs are safe, but barely yield any return.

 

So we asked, What if there was a third way? What if people could tap into real estate-backed returns, without the complexity, commitment, or massive capital requirements? That’s what Connect Invest became—a platform where real estate is the engine, but simplicity is the experience.

 

Q: Who is your ideal investor? Is this just for beginners?

Justin:

Great question. While we definitely appeal to first-time and newer investors, our platform is designed for anyone who wants predictability and a break from volatility.

We have:

• Young professionals who are just starting to build their wealth.
• Retirees looking for reliable income without touching their principal.
• Busy entrepreneurs who want their money working in the background.
• Even financial advisors who are introducing Connect Invest as a low-risk component to a client’s broader portfolio.

 

So while we champion accessibility, we’ve built a product that meets a broad range of financial goals and risk tolerances.

 

Q: What are people reacting to most right now? What’s the emotional driver?

Justin:

Without a doubt—certainty.

 

After watching the market wipe out over $11 trillion since January, people are tired of feeling anxious about their money. They want to invest, but they don’t want to feel like they’re gambling. Connect Invest gives them a way to grow wealth with a level of clarity and control that’s hard to find elsewhere right now.

 

When someone sees, “Okay, I’ll earn 8% annually, paid monthly, for a 12-month term, and it’s backed by real estate,” that simplicity alone is comforting. It’s not just about returns—it’s about emotional relief.

 

Q: So real estate is a key piece, but it’s not your headline message. Why is that?

Justin:

While real estate powers our platform, what our clients truly want is a smart, simple way to generate consistent returns. Our goal from the beginning was to make that accessible to everyone—and we’re incredibly proud to have done just that.

 

We listened to investors, and they prioritize simplicity, predictability, and peace of mind. So, we focus on those aspects. The backing by real estate provides confidence to our investors, but the narrative we’re telling is truly about the investing experience—it’s clear, steady, and empowering.

 

You don’t need to be a landlord. You don’t need to understand REITs or multifamily debt structures. Connect invest was created so the investor can focus on outcomes, not complexities.

 

Q: Behind every investment platform is a team—what kind of real estate experience and relationships set Connect Invest apart?

Justin:

That’s a great question—and one of the biggest reasons investors trust us. What makes Connect Invest truly different is that we didn’t start with a tech platform and then bolt on real estate—we’ve been rooted in real estate from the very beginning. Since 2015, our team has successfully provided over $2 billion in funding to builders and developers across the U.S.

 

That’s a great question—and one of the biggest reasons investors trust us. What makes Connect Invest truly different is that we didn’t start with a tech platform and bolt on real estate later—we’ve been rooted in real estate from the very beginning Founded in 2015, Connect Invest was built to make real estate investing simple, smart, and accessible for everyone. Our team has successfully provided over $2 billion in funding to builders and developers across the U.S.—a track record that reflects our deep industry experience and long-standing commitment to quality and consistency.

 

That kind of experience gives us a direct line to high-quality projects, strong underwriting standards, and a deep understanding of how to manage risk and deliver value. Just as important are the long-standing relationships we’ve built with our developers and partners—many of whom bring over 20 years of hands-on real estate experience to every deal. These relationships are key to consistently sourcing opportunities that meet our standards for security and performance.

 

Our investors don’t need to become real estate experts—we bring that expertise to the table, so they can focus on earning consistent, reliable returns with peace of mind.

 

Q: Simplicity is clearly part of the Connect Invest experience—but how does the platform support investors beyond just the technology?

Justin:

Ease of use is a huge part of our mission. You can open an account, select your term, and invest—all right from your phone or desktop. We’ve made the entire process simple, fast, and transparent so investors can take action without feeling overwhelmed.

 

But we also know that behind every great platform is great support. That’s why we have a dedicated client experience team that’s ready to assist every step of the way. Whether you’re brand new to alternative investing or just have a question about your account, we’re here with live support to help. For us, it’s not just about building a great product—it’s about delivering a great experience.

 

Q: Let’s talk brand for a second. You’ve positioned this as “Smarter investing—made simple, made for everyone.” Why that line?

Justin:

That line really captures our mission. We’re here to make investing smarter—more efficient, more secure, and more rewarding—simple, so it’s not intimidating, and for everyone, not just the elite.

 

We pair that with a supporting message:

Short-term investments. Fixed monthly returns. Backed by real estate.

That’s our value prop in one line, and it resonates whether you’re new or seasoned.

 

Q: What’s one thing you wish more people understood about investing right now?

Justin:

That you don’t have to ride the market rollercoaster to build wealth.

There’s a myth that long-term gains only come with high risk or extreme patience. That’s simply not true. There are alternative paths that are stable, profitable, and accessible—and we’re making one of them available through Connect Invest.

 

Q: Many people keep their money in savings accounts for “safety”—but is that really helping them grow wealth?

Justin:

It’s a common belief that keeping money in a savings account is the “safe” choice—but if we’re being honest, it’s not helping anyone build wealth. In fact, there’s over $10 trillion currently sitting in U.S. savings accounts earning less than 1% interest. That’s money losing value every day to inflation.

 

Meanwhile, banks take that same money and lend it out—through credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages—often earning  6.5-9%. So while your $1,000 might earn $4.50 in a year, the bank could be making $90 or more off that same deposit. That’s not just a gap—it’s a system designed to benefit the bank, not the saver.

 

At Connect Invest, we’re flipping the script. We are empowering the client. Instead of the bank earning these returns now you do. Our platform gives investors access to short-term, fixed-income opportunities backed by real estate, where you can earn predictable monthly returns and actually see your money working for you—not for someone else.

 

For anyone sitting on idle savings, this isn’t about taking wild risks—it’s about choosing a smarter path with purpose, performance, and peace of mind.

 

Q: What can we expect from Connect Invest in the months ahead?

Justin:

We’re focused on three things in the months ahead: growth, simplicity, and investor empowerment.

 

We’re continuing to enhance the platform so it’s even easier for investors to track performance, reinvest seamlessly, and manage their accounts with confidence. Simplicity is at the core of everything we build, and we’re constantly refining the experience to match that promise.

 

We’re also expanding our educational resources—because we believe that confident investors are informed investors. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to diversify, we want to equip you with the tools to make smarter decisions and take control of your financial future.

 

At the end of the day, our mission remains the same: to deliver smart, simple, and consistent income opportunities that are accessible to everyone.

 

And our vision is just as clear: to give more people the tools and confidence to build real wealth—and take ownership of their financial future.