Stephen Haskell's path to founding Anchor1031 is anything but traditional, shaped by years spent operating in environments where risk had life-or-death consequences. Before entering the world of tax-advantaged real estate strategies, he served as an intelligence officer, where identifying threats and anticipating worst-case scenarios was a daily discipline. That background now influences the advisory style he brings to investors, where risk awareness, clarity, and preparation sit at the center of his work. "My job has always been to identify what could go wrong," Haskell says. "That mindset didn't go away; it simply shifted to a new context."
After transitioning from service into the investment world, Haskell worked with firms specializing in 1031 exchanges and alternative real estate strategies. He later oversaw capital raising at an investment company before launching Anchor1031 in August 2025. Along the way, he found that many investors were searching for transparency, structured education, and support that didn't rely on sales-driven conversations.
Anchor1031 operates in securitized real estate, private equity structures designed for investors who own property for business or investment purposes and want access to potential tax advantages without the responsibilities of day-to-day property management. "Many clients come to the firm because they want to diversify, maintain potential cash flow, or exit the demands of being a landlord," Haskell says. "But the process can be complicated, especially when navigating a 1031 exchange." He notes that what investors often need most is a clearer understanding of the risks, strategies, and timing involved. "We spend a lot of time helping people understand where risk exists," he says. "Education comes first, every time."
One defining element of Anchor1031 is its use of AI across both operations and investor support. Haskell explains that the firm designed its internal systems to filter through large amounts of information quickly, an advantage that allows his team to focus more time on the actual guidance investors receive. AI manages much of the operational load, enabling a lean structure while freeing advisors to concentrate on comparing opportunities, assessing risk factors, and communicating insights in real time.
According to Haskell, the technology also strengthens the firm's commitment to investor empowerment. With tools that surface data and highlight potential vulnerabilities in an asset, much like a comparison platform that brings complex information into one place, Anchor1031 can present clearly organized details for investors to evaluate alongside their advisors. "AI gives us the ability to understand deals quickly and then pass that understanding on to investors," Haskell says. "It supports the transparency we want them to have."
But AI is only one part of the firm's value, Haskell explains. The human element, particularly Haskell's risk-based mindset, remains central. Each investor's situation is approached individually, considering objectives, risk tolerance, long-term planning needs, and legacy goals. The firm also coordinates with CPAs, attorneys, and financial advisors to ensure strategies align with broader financial plans.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on expanding investor access to information and opportunities while keeping guidance personalized. Haskell's long-term outlook emphasizes flexibility, choice, and education rather than steering clients toward predetermined products. "Our aim is to provide the most transparency, the most education, and the most opportunity," he says. "Empowering investors is the priority."
As the 1031 landscape evolves and more people explore ways to transition out of active real estate ownership, Anchor1031's approach reflects a blend of disciplined risk analysis and forward-looking technology. For Haskell, the mission now is different, but the responsibility he feels toward the people he serves remains unchanged.
This article is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as investment advice, a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of or an offer to buy any security or other financial instrument. No part of this is intended to be binding on Ancho1031, LLC or its broker-dealer, Great Point Capital LLC. Investors should consult with their CPA/tax and legal advisor prior to making any investment decisions. Brokerage services are offered by Great Point Capital, LLC. Research Great Point Capital, LLC, on FINRA's BrokerCheck - Find a broker, investment, or financial advisor.
