John Chen Hillsborough
Owner, Value Growth Properties - Real Estate Development
John Chen has built a professional career that spans real estate, finance, technology, hospitality, and private investing. Across these different industries, his approach has remained consistent: focus on long-term results, build dependable systems, and move forward with discipline rather than speed. Raised in the Bay Area, he has longstanding ties to Northern California, and both his family life and business activities remain rooted there.
He is the owner of Value Growth Properties in Hillsborough, where he oversees real estate development and provides consulting services on capital financing and property projects throughout the Bay Area. His work reflects more than two decades of experience leading teams, developing operating platforms, and navigating shifting market conditions with a measured approach.
Early Foundations in Hillsborough and Berkeley
John attended Menlo School in Atherton and graduated in 1990. He later earned a degree in Economics from UC Berkeley in 1994. His academic experience helped him develop a structured approach to markets, incentives, and risk. These concepts later became central to how he evaluated opportunities as an entrepreneur and investor.
Rather than pursuing a traditional corporate role after college, John chose environments where accountability was direct and results were visible. He preferred roles that required daily decision-making and hands-on leadership, a preference that influenced the direction of his early career.
Building One of the Early Online Mortgage Platforms
In 1999, as internet-based financial services were still emerging, John entered the real estate brokerage business and founded Infoloan, also known as the Mortgage Superstore, along with Infohome, a mortgage and real estate services firm. At a time when online lending was still uncertain, he focused on combining technology with disciplined sales execution.
Over the years, John has hired and trained more than 300 licensed agents and facilitated over $7 billion in closed transactions from 1999 to the present. Infoloan operated offices in Silicon Valley and Taiwan, allowing the company to serve a broader client base while maintaining an operational structure.
During the first dot-com boom, Infoloan ranked #4 on Gomez.com’s list of top online loan agents. This period reinforced John’s belief that organizations can scale responsibly when systems and training are prioritized alongside growth.
Technology, Media Exposure, and Global Trade
John’s interest in technology extended beyond real estate finance. In 2003, he co-founded ImportNow.com, an online international marketplace that connects buyers and suppliers across borders. As co-founder and CEO, he oversaw the company’s development during a period of rapid expansion.
ImportNow.com was featured on CNNfn and received coverage from FORTUNE, USA Today, and Yahoo! Internet Life Magazine. For John, the attention highlighted the importance of credibility and execution in digital businesses, particularly when trust plays a central role in connecting global participants.
Expanding into Hospitality Across Asia
From 2005 through 2013, John spent a significant portion of his career in Asia, where he opened, managed, and developed food and beverage operations in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. His responsibilities included quick-service retail, bar concepts, and full-service restaurants.
These roles required direct involvement in daily operations and close collaboration with local teams. The experience reinforced the importance of clear systems and reliable processes, especially in environments with cultural and logistical differences. The time spent overseas added practical operational insight to John’s broader business background.
Real Estate Development and Value Growth Properties
John currently leads Value Growth Properties, focusing on real estate development and consulting throughout the Bay Area. He views real estate as a long-term operating business rather than a sequence of isolated transactions.
His work emphasizes fundamentals such as tenant quality, capital structure, and end-user experience. Clients and partners value his ability to communicate clearly with lenders, contractors, and investors. He is also known for identifying potential issues early, helping projects stay aligned with long-term objectives.
In parallel, John continues to invest in startups in the United States and Asia. He often works with founders on go-to-market planning, capital discipline, and organizational structure, offering guidance shaped by his own operating experience.
Community Involvement and Giving Back
Despite working across multiple industries and regions, John has remained engaged in his local community. He regularly volunteers his time and supports organizations that focus on underserved communities and the arts. These include Mercury Soul, Menlo School, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and CuriOdyssey, all of which have been part of his life for several years.
He also serves on the Alumni Board at Menlo School, maintaining a strong connection to the school while contributing to programs that support current and future students.
Discipline Beyond the Boardroom
John applies the same sense of structure and consistency to his personal pursuits. In May of 2025, he placed third at the Masters Powerlifting Nationals in Reno. Competing at a national level required long-term preparation and steady training, reflecting an approach built on patience and incremental improvement.
A Career Built on Range and Responsibility
John Chen of Hillsborough has developed a career defined by steady involvement across industries rather than rapid shifts or short-term wins. From early work in online mortgage platforms to international trade, hospitality operations across Asia, and long-term real estate development in the Bay Area, his path reflects sustained responsibility and adaptability. Those who work with him recognize a practical leader who understands where organizations tend to struggle and how consistent execution helps them remain stable over time.
Portfolio 1: https://johnchenhillsborough.com/
Portfolio 2: https://johnchenca.com/
