Who is Who
Jason Surat is the Co-Founder of 4 Pillar Solutions, a commercial real estate investor, bestselling author, and former semi-pro athlete. Known for his values-driven leadership, he focuses on building cash-flowing assets, empowering communities, and inspiring others to pursue growth, resilience, and lasting financial freedom.
A Life Shaped by Grit, Curiosity, and an Unbreakable Will
It was an ordinary morning at the gym when Jason Surat crossed paths with someone who would leave an extraordinary impression on him. Her name was Olivia, a 75-year-old woman who had been blind since childhood yet showed up fully ready to train, moving with quiet determination. When Jason expressed how inspired he felt, she smiled and said, “You might be blind, but you can still hear, and you’ve got all your limbs. So you’ve got to keep showing up.”
That moment struck him deeply. Olivia’s courage reminded him that transformation often begins with one decision: to keep going. This theme of showing up, even when conditions aren’t perfect, mirrors Jason’s own journey. His story is one of perseverance, reinvention, values, and a commitment to building something that lasts.
Foundation: Four Pillars and a Clear Vision for Life
Jason’s path began in the greater Los Angeles area, where he developed a curiosity for how money works, how opportunities are created, and how people rise through resilience rather than privilege. He pursued his education at Whittier College, studying Kinesiology and competing as a collegiate athlete. Baseball honed his discipline and competitive mindset, eventually leading him to a professional stint with the Golden Baseball League.
Years later, when he and his wife envisioned the life they wanted to build, they chose to anchor everything around four fundamental principles: Spirituality, Family, Health, and Wealth. These pillars became the foundation for 4 Pillar Solutions, the company they co-founded in 2019. To Jason, these were more than words. They shaped how he invests, how he leads, and how he raises his family. He often reflects that experience is the best teacher and that when firsthand experience is not possible, finding mentors who have walked the path is invaluable.
This combination of values, hard lessons, and continuous learning prepared him for the next chapter of his career.
Ascent: From Banking to Real Estate and Entrepreneurial Leadership
Jason spent nearly a decade refining his business instincts at Westlake Financial Services. His work as a Dealer Account Manager extended far beyond sales. He built relationships, created strategic partnerships, and consistently outperformed expectations. One senior leader described him as someone who “easily grasped the power of building successful partnerships and could work collaboratively to drive results.”
Through strong communication skills, contract expertise, and a talent for energizing inactive markets, Jason generated more than $150 million in loans. Colleagues praised his authenticity and leadership, noting that his style empowered junior team members to grow quickly. A former teammate shared that his approach allowed others to “hit the ground running,” while a senior mentor emphasized his ability to stay composed, navigate challenges effectively, and inspire confidence in others.
Yet even with this success, Jason felt the pull toward something bigger. The turning point came when he realized he wanted to shift from chasing income to creating lasting assets. His transition into real estate reflected a mindset shift. He embraced short-term rentals first, then scaled into multifamily investing. What began as a new venture quickly became a calling rooted in legacy and generational impact.
Today, as a commercial real estate investor, Jason focuses on cash-flowing assets, tax-advantaged strategies, and building a portfolio that works with purpose. His philosophy is straightforward: wealth should create freedom, not stress. And freedom is most meaningful when it strengthens family and community.
Impact: Leadership That Influences, Connects, and Builds Communities
Jason’s influence extends beyond business. In 2023, he became a Heroic Ambassador with the Heroic Public Benefit Corporation, joining a mission-driven platform rooted in ancient wisdom, behavioral design, and modern science. As part of this global initiative, he encourages individuals to tap into their highest potential. For Jason, heroism is not about perfection. It is about showing up, making progress, and lifting others along the way.
His mentoring history reflects this belief. Former mentors and colleagues frequently highlight how he brings energy, empathy, and authenticity to personal development spaces. One recommendation described him as someone whose excitement for growth is “infectious,” while another emphasized his consistent ability to support peers with grounded insight and genuine encouragement.
This mindset also shows up in his community-building efforts. Jason hosts networking events, bringing investors, agents, lenders, and entrepreneurs together in relaxed, collaborative settings. His message is consistent: Connect. Collaborate. Close deals. He understands that progress often happens through relationships, shared experiences, and simple moments of showing up.
His LinkedIn posts further reflect his perspective on life and leadership. Whether discussing grit through the story of Olivia or exploring economic questions around inflation, Jason uses his platform to spark thought and inspire action. His content blends lessons from real life with financial literacy and entrepreneurship, always aiming to help others see what is possible.
Lessons Woven Through His Journey
Throughout Jason’s life and work, several themes consistently rise to the surface:
- Show Up Consistently. Many wins begin with the choice to take the first step and keep taking it.
- Build Strong Foundations. Success is sustainable when values remain intact.
- Lead With Curiosity. His appetite for learning opened doors to new opportunities and better decisions.
- Invest in Relationships. Whether in banking, real estate, or community events, his career grew through partnerships.
- Transform Challenges Into Purpose. From sports setbacks to business transitions, every chapter sharpened his vision.
These lessons are not theoretical. They show up in his actions, decisions, and the way he engages with people.
Vision for the Future
As Jason continues building 4 Pillar Solutions and expanding his real estate portfolio, his focus remains steady. He aims to create financial vehicles that empower families, educate investors, and strengthen communities. He believes that wealth should create impact and that leadership is measured not by titles but by the lives we influence.
His journey is still unfolding, shaped by curiosity, disciplined action, and a quiet resolve to keep showing up, no matter the circumstances. Just as Olivia’s words stayed with him, Jason hopes his own example will remind others that their potential is far greater than their excuses.
Editorial Note
Jason Surat’s story reminds us that leadership begins with presence, purpose, and perseverance. His career reflects the strength of building on solid values, the courage to reinvent oneself, and the commitment to lift others along the way. Readers are encouraged to reflect on Jason’s core lesson: progress starts by showing up. Every day offers a chance to grow, connect, and begin building a legacy that lasts.
