About Upward

With more than 100 years of combined real estate experience, our leadership team has developed high-quality residential communities for families and working professionals. Today, we apply that experience to address the growing shortage of attainable housing across communities in the United States.

Upward Communities delivers essential workforce housing in partnership with public-sector employers, supporting teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, police officers, and other critical employees who keep our communities running. We develop modern workforce housing through public-private partnerships and mission-driven nonprofit collaboration. Our model supports long-term affordability, community stability, and sustainable growth, while delivering homes residents are proud to live in.

Our story

Our Keys to Success

Upward’s success is driven by deep local market knowledge combined with proven development expertise. The team is led by experienced developers with a strong track record of delivering both horizontal and vertical projects across multiple economic cycles. Upward has the capability to identify and acquire the right sites, navigate complex entitlement processes, and manage utility planning with precision. The platform is purpose-built to address the workforce housing gap for critical employees who are priced out of the communities they serve, a challenge that requires a specialized and disciplined approach. Through strong industry relationships, Upward drives competitive construction costs while building a trusted brand recognized as a leader in workforce housing.

OUR TEAM

Seeking to leave a worthy legacy

Jason Roberts

CEO, Founder

Jason has spent more than two decades acquiring, developing, and delivering residential communities across Texas. His experience spans land development, project execution, and long-term community planning, with a focus on responsible growth and operational discipline.

As CEO of Upward Communities, Jason leads the firm’s mission to deliver essential workforce housing that strengthens communities and supports long-term affordability.

JACOB ENTEL

PRESIDENT

Jacob brings a strategic, execution-focused approach to real estate development, with experience spanning acquisitions, entitlements, housing delivery, and long-term asset management. He has overseen the development and management of thousands of residential units across diverse markets.

As President of Upward Communities, Jacob leads the firm’s day-to-day operations and oversees all development activity, working closely with public, nonprofit, and municipal partners to deliver essential workforce housing.

TY WENGLAR

SVP, CONSTruCTION

Ty brings more than two decades of experience in real estate development, construction, and community-focused housing. A U.S. Army veteran from a family of educators, Ty has built his career around service, discipline, and long-term community impact.

He leads construction efforts with a focus on quality, durability, and delivering homes residents are proud to live in.

SHALYN mCCUMBER

ASSOCIATE, REAL ESTATE

Shalyn brings more than two decades of real estate experience across brokerage, development, and community partnerships. As the longtime Owner of RE/MAX Genesis, she built and managed a successful brokerage focused on residential sales, land, and investment opportunities, establishing a reputation for trust, professionalism, and results.

She currently supports property acquisitions, entitlement coordination, and client strategy.

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