S1Ep104 Ramin Bassam on Real Estate Development, Big Leaps, and Bigger Payoffs

Real estate development is never a straight line—and Ramin Bassam is living proof.

From humble beginnings as a concrete subcontractor to developing high-end condominiums, and ultimately rising to become a premier general contractor trusted by some of Los Angeles' most affluent clients—Ramin's journey has been defined by craftsmanship, vision, and relentless work. Over the last 10 years, he’s delivered more than $300 million in built projects through his firm, Rane Construction.

Ramin started out working driveway jobs with his dad’s concrete crew, scraping together $10K over nearly a decade. His first real estate development deal was a burned-out liquor store in Washington, DC. He turned it into two condos and walked away with $70K in profit. That deal changed the trajectory of his life—and how he saw the business.

In this episode of Builder Straight Talk, Ramin shares how those early DC projects taught him what real estate development really demands: risk tolerance, decisive action, and the discipline to reinvest. One of his biggest wins came when he sold two condo projects before they were even finished, walking away with $11.5 million in early returns—no punch list, no post-close stress.

That momentum gave him the confidence to pack up and start over in Los Angeles. No contacts. No crew. Just a teardown property and a willingness to learn everything from scratch. Fast forward to today, and through Rane Construction, he’s managing ultra-high-end builds for a private client list that includes celebrities, investors, and legacy homeowners in Beverly Hills and beyond.

“Every project is years off your life,” Ramin says. “You better make it count.”

Today, 90% of his work is client-driven, not spec. That pivot—from risky personal development to high-trust, high-budget general contracting—changed everything. Ramin still builds his own projects, including a 20-unit condo development in West Hollywood, but his focus is on managing expectations, delivering precision, and maintaining long-term relationships.

He uses transparent, tech-forward tools that let clients track everything—from budgets and invoices to timelines and trade performance. But the biggest differentiator? Personal connection. He insists on meeting every client face-to-face before he signs on.

“You’re not just building a house. You’re managing a dream, an investment, a relationship,” he says.

Even as his projects scale, Ramin hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He’s vocal about the power of the trades, sharing stories of immigrant builders who went from pickup trucks to $300 million companies. He’s living proof that real estate development, when done right, is still one of the most powerful paths to independence and long-term wealth.

To see what Ramin and his team are building now, visit RaneBuild.com.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen here or on your favorite podcast platform.

About Ramin Bassam
Ramin Bassam is the founder and president of RANE Construction, a fully integrated real estate development and construction firm based in Los Angeles. Established in 2006 with the development of a single row house, RANE has evolved into a leading company specializing in luxury single-family homes and high-end urban multifamily properties. With a focus on premium craftsmanship and strategic urban development, RANE has delivered over $300 million in residential projects, shaping exceptional living spaces that define modern luxury and elevate communities.​

Ramin's journey began with humble beginnings as a concrete subcontractor, leading to the development of high-end condominiums and ultimately rising to become a premier general contractor trusted by some of Los Angeles' most affluent clients. His commitment to quality, creativity, and community integration continues to drive RANE's growth and reputation as an industry leader.

About Michael Krisa
Michael Krisa is the host and producer of the Builder Straight Talk Podcast, where he shares expert interviews and real solutions to the U.S. housing shortage. With a background in SEO, video marketing, and real estate, Michael leverages his experience to deliver unfiltered insights into the building industry. His mission is to help builders navigate challenges and succeed by providing practical strategies and stories from those who have been in the trenches.​

Through Builder Straight Talk, Michael offers a platform for builders, contractors, and tradespeople to share their journeys, lessons learned, and strategies for growth. His straight-talking, casual but credible approach resonates with a no-nonsense, practical-minded audience seeking to scale their businesses and fund more projects.