Argo Investment Company was founded in 1996 by John Austin and Richard Perlmutter. Since inception, the firm has completed over two million square feet of development and acquisition projects throughout the Washington, Boston and New York metropolitan areas.

The principals of the firm have strong ties to the Washington real estate community since 1981 and have executed projects valued over $3 billion.

The firm is privately held and works cooperatively with financial and development partners in many of its projects.

Richard Perlmutter

Prior to founding Argo, Richard Perlmutter was a senior vice president of South Charles Realty and South Charles Investment, both subsidiaries of Bank of America. He was responsible for over 500 transactions totaling over $1.5 billion of real estate. Among his major projects, he was responsible for several master-planned communities and extensive office projects throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. His expertise ranges from financial engineering to multi-phase project management.

Mr. Perlmutter has a B.A. in Environmental Design from the State University of New York at Buffalo, graduate study at the University of California, Los Angeles and J.D. from the School of Law, University of Oregon.

Mr. Perlmutter has experience working as a lawyer for the United States Senate and real estate developer for several small and large real estate companies. He is active in community and professional affairs and is on the board of the Montgomery Housing Partnership, Executive Committee of the Urban Land Institute Washington District Council and USA Canoe and Kayak. He also is a member of the board of Carl M. Freeman Associates.

John Austin

John Austin was a vice president at South Charles Realty and South Charles Investment where he was responsible for managing several major land development and master-planned community projects.

Previously Mr. Austin was responsible for land acquisition and development at the Oliver T. Carr Companies. He has a BA from the University of Washington.