I’ve jumped through a lot of hoops over the years. Most of the time it felt like checking one box just to get to the next, or doing what other people thought was best for me. I’ve earned the credentials, the degrees, the certifications, the titles, the letters behind my name. None of that really matters to me anymore. I’ve spent time in boardrooms, on job sites, in churches, and in businesses. I’ve spoken when needed, handled investments, led teams, followed when it made more sense, and learned when to step out of the way. Over the years I’ve figured out how to stay flexible without losing my footing. The tools change. The people change. The pressure comes and goes. But I keep showing up. If you’ve ever had to find your way through the mess and keep going anyway, you’ll probably feel right at home here.
I’ve always been drawn to what’s underneath the surface. Politics, history, and the way people move through the world caught my attention early on. I notice patterns. I look for what others miss. When everyone rushes toward the loud and obvious, I usually slow down. Not because I’m trying to stand apart, but because that’s how I’m wired. That way of seeing has shaped how I work, how I make decisions, and what I’m willing to walk away from. It helps me spot risks, cut through hype, and keep my focus on what lasts.
Most of my time goes into growing W Diversified. I stay close to the day-to-day: making decisions, solving problems, and keeping things steady. That includes adding new properties, keeping an eye on what’s already in motion, and staying ready for the right kind of deal when it shows up. I work with partners who value trust, shared work, and clear thinking more than hype. I also write blog posts and record a weekly podcast. Both keep the ideas moving and help cut through the noise. Most days I’m reviewing what’s in motion, thinking through next steps, and doing the small things that keep everything aligned.
I work best with people who are competent, who communicate clearly, and who bring reasonable expectations to the table. The kind of people who’ve built something before, or at least know what it feels like to carry real weight. I value follow-through and the ability to stay steady when things get uncertain. I don’t expect anyone to have all the answers. What matters to me is honest conversation, shared effort, and the patience to see something through. The best partnerships I’ve had were built on years of steady work, not quick wins. I’ve got plenty of room for persistence and hard work, but not much tolerance for nonsense. If that sounds like you, we’ll probably get along just fine.
That’s the personal side of how I see and work. The rest is the history I’ve built along the way, the associations I’ve been part of, the education I’ve pursued, the training I’ve taken on, and the writing I’ve kept at. Those pieces don’t tell the whole story, but they help round out the picture.
Tristate Investors Network
Member from 2025 to present
Ohio River Investment Club
Member from 2024 to present
Property Owners and Managers Association
Member from 2022 to 2024
North American Fence Contractors Association
President from 2017 to 2018, Vice-President from 2015 to 2016, Member from 2011 to 2019
Self Storage Association, Indiana Chapter
Member from 2013 to 2021
United Methodist Church, South Indiana Conference
Vice-Chair of the Committee on Racial Healing from 2003 to 2006, Member of the Committee on Native American Ministries from 2001 to 2006
Optimist International, Boonville Chapter
Member from 1992 to 1996
Degrees
United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio
Master of Divinity, 2001
Student Council Member, Student Trustee Associate, and member of the Board of Trustees Education Committee from 2000 to 2001
Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education, 1992
Primary area in World Civilization with supporting areas in Government and U.S. History
Varsity Men’s Swim Team, 1989 to 1990
University Programs
Purdue University
Leadership and Community Development, 2002
University of Evansville
Real Estate Broker’s Course, 1996
Qualified Storage Manager (QSM), Self Storage Training Institute, 2016
Master Craftsman, Bufftech Fence Education Program, 2015
Master Craftsman, CertainTeed Selects Program, 2015
SSA Valuation and Acquisition Course, Self Storage Association, 2013
Field Training Fence School, North American Fence Contractors Association, 2013
Certified Professional Applicator, Standard Paints, 2011
Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), National Association of Realtors, 1995
First-time Buyer Specialist, Citizens Realty & Insurance Company, 1995
Real Estate Pre-License Course, Real Estate Certification Program, 1994
The Dale Carnegie Course, Charles D. Eubank & Associates, 1992
In the Midst of the City (2003), published by Christian Media Direct, Inc.
Ronald’s Ramblings, my ongoing personal blog where I share reflections on investing, history, philosophy, and the occasional odd observation
Equity Alcove Podcast, a weekly show where I dive into history, economics, and big ideas, told through stories and commentary
Credentials and experience tell one part of the story. The rest comes out in conversation, in shared work, and in the ideas I keep putting into the world. If any of this connects with you, I’d be glad to keep the conversation going.
Ronald Willis – Newburgh, Indiana
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