Jon DiPietra: Building a Career on Valuation and Trust

Jon DiPietra has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of markets, real estate, and decision-making. His career spans trading floors, institutional valuation, and leadership at scale. Today, he serves as Executive Vice President and co-founder of H&T Appraisal, where he helps lead a growing national valuation platform.
“I’ve always been drawn to work that requires judgment,” DiPietra says. “Real estate valuation forces you to think critically every day.”
Early Life and Perspective
DiPietra was born in New York City and spent his early childhood in East Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1985, his family moved to Latham, New York, a shift that exposed him to different environments and ways of life.
“Growing up between suburban New Jersey and upstate New York gave me two very different perspectives,” he says. “It helped shape how I look at people and markets.”
He attended Shaker High School and grew up with two siblings. His family remains an integral part of his life, providing a steady foundation throughout his career.
Music, Numbers, and Early Career
In 1994, DiPietra moved to Burlington, Vermont, where he pursued music while studying accounting and finance. The combination reflected a balance that would later define his professional approach.
“Music teaches discipline and patience,” he says. “Finance teaches structure and accountability. Both reward preparation.”
In 1999, he returned to New York City and began working as an equity trader, gaining firsthand exposure to market dynamics and high-pressure decision-making.
“That experience taught me how markets actually behave,” he says. “Not in theory, but in real time.”
Entering Real Estate Valuation
In 2001, DiPietra transitioned into real estate valuation, beginning as a residential appraiser. What started as a career shift quickly became a long-term focus.
“I enjoyed the analytical side of the work,” he says. “Every assignment required research, judgment, and the ability to clearly explain conclusions.”
By 2004, he moved into commercial appraisal, initially working on small apartment buildings and mixed-use properties before expanding into more complex asset types, including retail, industrial, office, and special-use properties.
Appraising Complex and High-Profile Assets
In 2007, DiPietra joined a prominent New York–based valuation firm, where the scale and complexity of assignments increased significantly. Over time, he earned senior credentials, including the Appraisal Institute’s MAI designation, and worked with institutional clients on some of the most prominent properties in the country.
His appraisal experience includes assets such as the New York Times Building, 2, 4, and 7 World Trade Center, American Copper, and the Nike Global Flagship.
“At that level, precision matters,” he says. “There’s no room for shortcuts.”
Leadership and Growth
In 2018, DiPietra assumed leadership of the firm’s New York City office, managing a team of approximately 40 professionals. Under his leadership, the group scaled significantly, producing over $22 million in annual revenue at peak and completing roughly 5,000 appraisals per year.
“Leadership is about solving problems and supporting people,” he says. “You’re accountable to clients and to your team at the same time.”
The role further shaped his views on culture, operational discipline, and sustainable growth, earning him a reputation for consistency and client satisfaction across the industry.
A New Chapter with H&T Appraisal
After more than a decade in senior leadership, DiPietra saw an opportunity to help build something new. In 2024, he co-founded H&T Appraisal in partnership with Horvath & Tremblay, a nationally recognized real estate investment firm.
“The timing was right to rethink how valuation firms operate,” he says. “We’re building a national platform that combines strong local expertise with centralized production and support.”
The firm has focused on organic growth, bringing in experienced professionals with broad valuation backgrounds.
“We’re adding partners thoughtfully,” he says. “The goal is steady, earned growth. We’ve been bringing in about one new partner per month and plan to accelerate that pace heading into 2026.”
Life Beyond Work
Outside of his professional work, DiPietra enjoys skiing, enduro motorcycles, fitness, and studying art, history, and anthropology. These interests reflect a broader curiosity that carries into his professional life.
“I believe personal balance matters,” he says. “It helps you think clearly and make better decisions.”
A Career Defined by Consistency
Long-term development rather than quick wins mark Jon DiPietra’s career. His approach emphasizes technical mastery, clear communication, and steady leadership through changing market cycles.
“I’m always learning,” he says. “That never stops.”
In an industry built on judgment and trust, that mindset continues to shape both his career and H&T Appraisal’s future.
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