For Gary Acquah, the pursuit of a graduate degree in Civil Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) represents more than academic growth—it’s the next chapter in an already ambitious career. Originally from the Bronx, Acquah’s journey spans real estate, construction, and a commitment to sustainable, community-focused innovation.
With over a decade of experience in real estate development, entrepreneurship, and technology, Acquah’s background is as diverse as it is impressive. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Deaf Studies from the College of the Holy Cross (where he also played Division I football), Acquah completed an Executive MBA at Cornell University. This mix of leadership, strategy, and technical insight has allowed him to address complex challenges in the construction industry.
“My most significant achievement at WPI so far has been stepping out of my comfort zone to transition from the world of investment and business administration into immersing myself in the technical aspects of construction, project management, and sustainability,” Acquah explains. “This experience has allowed me to understand how safety, sustainability, and regulatory processes come together to shape successful projects.”
Acquah’s coursework has been pivotal in bridging the gap between the technical and business aspects of real estate development. “I can now confidently sit in a room and contribute to both sides of the conversation, making informed decisions that consider engineering, management, and financial implications,” he says. This dual perspective has enabled him to engage in discussions about policy, government investments, and sustainable practices, further broadening his impact on the industry.
One of Acquah’s standout projects at WPI involves using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to guide the redevelopment of abandoned residential apartments in gateway cities. “BIM has been instrumental in streamlining the design and planning process,” Acquah shares. “It allows me to evaluate structural and design considerations more efficiently while maintaining a focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.”
In addition to redeveloping existing properties, Acquah is exploring opportunities to acquire underutilized land to propose smaller-scale residential projects at scale. “By focusing on volume, this initiative aims to address the housing shortage in these cities while ensuring affordability and accessibility for local communities,” he says. Acquah uses his business expertise to raise capital and build stakeholder support- key elements in turning these projects into reality.
Acquah’s commitment to sustainable housing goes beyond his academic pursuits. As Managing Director and Co-founder of Flex Investments LLC, he works to provide quality housing for families in the Greater Boston and Worcester metro areas. “We partner with affordable housing programs to give opportunities to displaced individuals and families,” Acquah explains. By upgrading and rehabilitating properties, his team creates top-quality units that not only stabilize communities but also make significant return in equity.
Acquah’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t end there. As CEO and Co-founder of Let’s Go Plan, a travel technology platform, he is revolutionizing the way people explore the world. “Travel is a powerful tool for learning and personal growth,” Acquah says. “Through Let’s Go Plan, we aim to connect people with transformative travel experiences that expand their worldview and foster cultural understanding.”
For Acquah, one of the most rewarding aspects of his time at WPI has been the collaborative learning environment. “At WPI, I like to think of my mentors as my classmates—my partners in learning and problem-solving,” he says. Working alongside peers with different technical expertise has helped him overcome challenges and deepened his understanding of construction processes and sustainability. “It’s a reminder that mentorship doesn’t always come from the top down; sometimes, it’s the peers sitting beside you who have the biggest influence on your path.”
After graduation, Acquah plans to expand his work as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) developer in Massachusetts, creating impactful housing solutions that address community needs. “My goal is to grow these efforts on a national and international scale,” he shares. Whether through direct development projects or by advising others, Acquah is committed to leveraging his expertise to drive meaningful change.
Acquah also hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and industry leaders by serving as an advisor or lecturer. “I want to guide students who are looking to take the entrepreneurial path in construction management,” he says. By bridging the gap between the classroom and the field, he aims to give future leaders the tools they need to innovate and make a lasting impact.
Reflecting on his time at WPI, Acquah credits the university’s project-based learning approach with transforming his perspective and preparing him to tackle complex challenges. “WPI has shown me that learning happens everywhere—in the classroom, through collaboration with peers, and in the challenges that push you to grow,” he says. Gary Acquah is ready to build a brighter, more inclusive future, and we are so excited that he is here at WPI!