Ragston Investment Group LLC (RIG) is a purpose-driven real estate investment and development firm committed to long-term value creation, disciplined growth, and meaningful community impact. The firm focuses on residential and mixed-use investment opportunities designed to meet modern market demand while contributing to the stability and growth of the communities it serves.
As a Disabled Veteran and Minority-Owned company, Ragston Investment Group approaches every project with a mission-oriented mindset. Real estate is not viewed solely as an asset class, but as a platform for creating generational wealth, supporting local economies, and delivering consistent, well-managed returns to investors.
RIG’s strategy emphasizes:
Data-driven acquisitions and underwriting
Risk-managed development and renovation models
Strong operational oversight and governance
Long-term alignment with investors and partners
With a primary focus on Texas-based opportunities—particularly in emerging and high-growth markets—Ragston Investment Group positions itself at the intersection of responsible investing and sustainable development.
Our Leadership Philosophy
Ragston Investment Group reflects a belief that strong leadership combines decisive action with genuine responsibility. The firm operates with integrity at every level, maintaining open communication, disciplined execution, and a long-term perspective.
Every project is guided by a simple principle:
Build it right. Manage it responsibly. Ensure it serves both investors and the community for the long term.
This philosophy drives how RIG structures investments, manages assets, and builds lasting partnerships.
Our Commitment
Ragston Investment Group is committed to responsible development, investor alignment, and community-focused growth. By combining operational excellence with values-driven leadership, RIG aims to create opportunities that endure well beyond a single project—leaving a lasting legacy for investors, partners, and the communities it serves.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
DERRICK C. RAGSTON SR.
Derrick C. Ragston Sr. is a visionary entrepreneur, seasoned operations strategist, and the Founder, Owner, and Chief Executive Officer of Ragston Investment Group LLC (RIG). A 14‑year U.S. Army veteran, he began his military career in the enlisted ranks and rose to the distinguished level of Warrant Officer, a path reserved for the military’s most technically skilled and leadership‑driven professionals. His service cultivated exceptional expertise in organizational leadership, mission execution, and high‑stakes technical operations—capabilities that continue to define his executive approach.
Before joining the Armed Forces, Mr. Ragston attended the historic HBCU Prairie View A&M University, where he studied Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration. This early foundation in technology, systems thinking, and business strategy set the stage for a career marked by innovation, precision, and disciplined growth.
Throughout his military tenure, Mr. Ragston led diverse teams, managed complex technical environments, and oversaw mission‑critical infrastructure across multiple operational theaters. His ability to integrate leadership, technical mastery, and strategic planning has provided him with a depth of knowledge that directly strengthens his work in real estate, business development, and organizational governance.
As CEO of Ragston Investment Group, Mr. Ragston has built a company grounded in:
Operational Discipline & Process‑Driven Execution
Compliance, Documentation, and Fiduciary Responsibility
Ethical Governance and Transparent Investment Structures
Sustainable, Scalable Growth Models
Investor and Client Trust as Core Operating Principles
His leadership philosophy—rooted in clarity, accountability, and execution—guides every aspect of RIG’s operations. Under his direction, the company prioritizes risk‑controlled investment strategies, strong documentation practices, and community‑centered development models that support long‑term stability and generational wealth.
Mr. Ragston’s investment approach balances prudence with opportunity. He focuses on stable appreciation, predictable income, and capital preservation while maintaining the agility to adapt to evolving market conditions. His ability to blend military precision, technical expertise, and business acumen positions him as a trusted leader in real estate investment and strategic operations.
With a career defined by service, discipline, and forward‑thinking leadership, Derrick C. Ragston Sr. continues to build RIG as a minority‑led, mission‑driven firm committed to integrity, community impact, and sustainable growth.
Ragston Investment Group LLC
Building Wealth
Strengthening Communities
Leaving a Legacy
Chief Operating Officer
MARY A. KENDALL-WASHINGTON
A highly accomplished leader and 10‑year veteran of the United States Air Force, she served with distinction and rose to the respected rank of Sergeant (SGT). Throughout her military career, she became known for her exceptional discipline, operational expertise, and ability to lead teams through complex, high‑pressure environments. Her service laid the foundation for a career defined by integrity, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
She is a dual‑degree graduate of University of Maryland University College, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Acquisitions and Supply Chain Management. Her advanced education reflects a deep mastery of procurement strategy, logistics, organizational efficiency, and resource optimization—skills that position her as a powerful force in both corporate and community‑driven initiatives.
As a partner of Ragston Investment Group (RIG) and the incoming Vice President of Operations, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operational framework, growth strategy, and long‑term impact. Her leadership will be instrumental in developing RIG’s community outreach and engagement programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that the company’s mission—supporting minority, veteran, and woman‑led housing and rental solutions—translates into measurable, meaningful change.
Her professional strengths include:
Operational Leadership: Proven ability to design, implement, and optimize systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and mission success.
Strategic Program Development: Skilled in building outreach initiatives, community partnerships, and service‑driven programs that expand organizational impact.
Supply Chain & Acquisition Expertise: Advanced knowledge of procurement, vendor management, contract oversight, and resource allocation.
Team Development & Leadership: Experienced in mentoring diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and driving high‑performance cultures.
Community‑Centered Vision: Passionate about creating pathways to stability, housing access, and economic empowerment for underserved populations.
With a rare blend of military precision, academic excellence, and community‑focused leadership, she stands as a driving force behind RIG’s mission to uplift neighborhoods, empower families, and build sustainable, inclusive housing solutions. Her work reflects not only her professional expertise but also her deep commitment to service, equity, and long‑term community transformation.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!