We are a family owned and family led company that both owns and directly manages our buildings. We are values driven and proud to be B Corp certified.

Local

We support both local suppliers, contractors, and hardware stores. We love supporting small, family-run businesses like our own. In addition, our commercial spaces are all occupied by small businesses.

Eco-Friendly

We always strive to use 100% eco-friendly products while cleaning and renovating our apartments. We have beautiful gardens at several of our properties and also offer composting. 

Quality

We pride ourselves in taking adequate time to complete thorough renovations while using the highest quality products. Our apartments feature stainless steel appliances and real hardwood floors.

John Swanson

FOUNDER

In 1995, John sold his farm in Canby, Oregon and used the proceeds to buy two buildings. Since then, he has slowly grown the business into 5 buildings. John isn't your typical apartment owner. He lives in a small apartment downtown and you can often find him helping out with renovation and maintenance work. John  has traveled extensively in Asia, Central & South America. He speaks Spanish, French and some Mandarin. He enjoys meditating, riding his bike and traveling. 

Erica Indira

CEO & Creative director

Erica has been watching her father John manage apartments since she was 5 years old. Erica was born in Portland and grew up in our Finer Court building. After having spent several years living in China, she returned back to Portland to help manage and grow the family business. She speaks Spanish and Mandarin. She loves drinking tea, playing with her dog Ponyo, and traveling.

Giovanny Vargas

Leasing + Property Manager

Gio grew up in our Finer Court building. His childhood was spent enjoying the beautiful courtyard and luscious blueberry filled gardens. In his free time, Gio loves to travel and has visited many countries. His favorite country he has visited is Iceland due to its quirkiness. Gio is fluent in both English and Spanish. Gio’s favorite part about working at Little Beirut Properties are the company values and helping people find a place they can call home.

Jamie Stout

Admin & AccountANT

Jamie is Portland born and raised. Jamie handles all of the accounting, office administration as well as consulting and correspondence with all Little Beirut Properties tenants. Jamie is married to her husband Waled, has a daughter, a rescue dog Delilah and several chickens. When Jamie is out of the office, she enjoys camping, hiking, and trips to the Oregon coast.

Max Vargas

Renovation Artist 

Max has been working with Little Beirut Properties for over 20 years. He is as close to family as it gets. Max is in charge of all renovation and maintenance work. If you have a beautifully renovated apartment, it is all due to Max's expertise! If you have a maintenance request, he will tackle it within 24 hours. All of our residents know Max and appreciate his friendly and hardworking demeanor. When Max is not working, you can catch him going for a long run at Marine Drive or taking a weekend trip to the coast! Max speaks Spanish, English and Spanglish.

Little Beirut Properties Values

1. To always treat our resident as valued clients

2. To price our rents at 80-90% of market value for comparable units

3. To rent to conscientious residents who take special care of our shared living space

4. To facilitate a sense of community within our buildings and among our residents

5. To provide our team a welcoming, collaborative and caring work environment

6. To avoid market speculation while creating enduring value in our properties

7. To continually evolve and improve our sense of environmental stewardship

8. To find creative ways to give back in the form of community service or funding