Les Strech

Les is Founder and CEO of Varcity. Founded in late 2021, through public private partnerships, Varcity builds University Branded Retirement Communities on the campuses of the most iconic American universities.

Inspired by Blue Zone principles that increase human health span, Les has developed a reputation for crafting intergenerational real estate developments that invigorate and regenerate purpose for older adults. Les was previously the President of Thrive Senior Living, where he developed and operated more than 20 senior living communities, doing over $350 million of new development across 10 states.

Because of his creative influence on industry thinking toward the built environment, he was named American Changemaker in Senior Living by Senior Housing News.

Les’ affection for entrepreneurship has allowed him to serve on the board of several organizations. Les has served as board chairman for Joseph’s Junk Removal since early 2021. In January 2024, there was a strategic sale of the business to a private equity partner. Les continues to hold an advisory role in the larger strategy today. Les serves as a member of the Baylor Innovation Advisory Council and guest lectures each semester in Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business and Diana Garland School of Social Work. Additionally, Les serves on the board of Kindness for Kids, a nonprofit that helps foster children in the US who are close to aging out of the system by pairing them with a dedicated life coach.

Les earned his BBA in Finance from Baylor University, where he met his wife, Emily, of 25 years. While leading his home of four children, Les also impacts the community as a men’s Bible study leader at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Additionally, he is the head coach for the Under Armor-sponsored Atlanta Xpress travel basketball team and a Varsity Assistant Coach for the Lassiter High School boys basketball team.