Episodios

  • Ronnie Gibbons- A Builder's Journey into Real Estate Development (#139)

    Ronnie Gibbons- A Builder's Journey into Real Estate Development (#139)
    Sep 20 2025
    BIORonnie Gibbons is the Senior Vice President of Development at Carmel Partners, where he leads the DC region for development and investments. His responsibilities encompass sourcing new opportunities, evaluating market feasibility, structuring transactions, and overseeing the entire execution process, while also supporting asset management and collaborating closely with the construction team. Carmel Partners, a vertically integrated firm, specializes in development, asset management, investments, and self-performing construction. With over 15 years of experience in multi-family residential, mixed-use, retail, and commercial development, Ronnie brings extensive expertise. He holds a Master's degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University (with a finance focus) and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Maryland. Before joining Carmel Partners in 2018, Ronnie served as Development Director at Monument Realty and held various roles at Foulger-Pratt, including superintendent and project manager on projects such as the Silver Spring Transit Center. He began his career building houses for Ryan Homes. Ronnie has spearheaded significant projects like the Annex on 12th conversion in downtown Washington and the Wardman Park development, a massive 867-unit project that repurposed a bankrupt hotel site. His approach to development, influenced by his blue-collar upbringing, emphasizes risk mitigation, feasibility, and considering the end-user. He is also passionate about sustainable building practices. Key Discussion Points Current Role [7:35-9:09] Leads DC development and investments for Carmel PartnersFocuses on pursuits: sourcing opportunities, evaluating dealsBoth development and value-add acquisitionsWorks closely with vertically integrated construction team Background Journey [9:20-17:00] Born/raised Frederick, MD - fourth generationFather: 40-year maintenance worker at Parkside condos in BethesdaMother: ran home daycareFirst job at 14: collecting newspapers... Chapters (00:00:00) - Icons of DC Real Estate Community Transition to Station DC(00:05:04) - Interviewing Ronnie Gibbons(00:07:21) - Ronnie Carmel Discusses His Role at Carmel Partners(00:09:10) - Growing Up in Frederick, Maryland(00:12:32) - Post-Bacc MS in Economics(00:14:11) - Construction Superintendents at Folger Pratt(00:20:23) - How Starting Your Career at Folger Pratt(00:21:03) - Former Property Engineer at CBRE(00:22:28) - In the Elevator With Folger Pratt's Michael Darby(00:25:16) - Have You Changed Your Approach to Acquisitions and Development?(00:28:01) - In the Elevator Deal,(00:29:47) - Talking to the Monuments Committee(00:31:08) - On Carmel's Investment Committee(00:32:35) - Carmel Partners: Why It Came to Washington DC(00:36:01) - How DC's Property Team Works(00:36:39) - Underpinning Carmel Partners': Construction Division(00:39:17) - Private Equity Companies: The Typical Financing Structure(00:40:48) - Are You Buying Value Added Assets?(00:42:16) - Exploring Douglas Development's Annex on 12th(00:44:35) - Developers Take a Tour of the Smithsonian's New Building(00:49:14) - Greystar delivers 500-unit NOMA project(00:51:44) - Developers Bring Multifamily to Wardman(00:58:33) - How long did it take to get from the conceptual stage to the(01:01:16) - When renovating the Woodman Tower, The Carmel(01:05:58) - What are the green building standards for your building?(01:06:49) - Woodley Park Residential Project, Washington(01:12:29) - Timeline of Lease Up at Embassy Row DC(01:13:39) - Woodley Park 2,000 Unit Comparison(01:17:41) - What is the most misunderstood aspect of the Washington, D.C(01:20:15) - When scanning sub markets, what three signals make you lean in and(01:21:08) - How tight are the submarkets in Washington, DC?(01:22:42) - Why Build 1,000 Units at Once?(01:26:09) - Does the Washington-Baltimore region factor into your deals?(01:29:00) - What Would Your Profession Know That Others Don't?(01:34:21) - Top Executives: Family, Work and Giving Back(01:35:41) - Carmel Partners' CEO on Giving Back(01:36:10) - Projects on the Capital Beltway
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    1 h y 38 m
  • Jamie Weinbaum: Beyond the Transaction (#138)

    Jamie Weinbaum: Beyond the Transaction (#138)
    Aug 26 2025
    Bio Jamie Weinbaum is President & CEO of Horning, overseeing operations, development, and strategic planning. Previously Executive VP at MidCity (4M sf pipeline), COO at Ditto Residential, development executive at JBG Smith, Director of DC Office of Zoning, and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Former ULI Washington chair. JD from GW Law, BA from Wake Forest. Key Discussion Points Career Pivot from Law [00:00-13:17] Childhood passion for built environment - sketching houses, playing with Legos2006 revelation with wife: "what you do 9am-7pm doesn't really do it for me"Marrying passions with profession leads to happier life and more successful careerStarted Atlanta home renovations as side hustle while practicing law Real Estate Entry via AJ Jackson [13:17-25:42] AJ Jackson instrumental in first development job at EYA in 2007Developer as "conductor of the orchestra" - coordinating subject matter expertsOwnership side vs. consultant preference: "you're part of the story for years"2008 downturn layoff after 9 months confirmed industry passion DC Government Leadership [25:42-37:33] Became Director of Office of Zoning under Mayor Fenty administrationCrash course in leadership: humility, listening, bringing people alongTechnology focus: converting paper zoning maps to online GIS resources"Level the playing field" philosophy for residents JBG Development Experience [37:33-51:30] 2011-2014: Twin Brook metro projects, Fort Totten Square (Walmart mixed-use)Risk mitigation and preserving optionality as core JBG principlesInvestment committee meetings: "nobody held back" - heated debatesReal estate development requires communication, analytics, design Family Business Philosophy [51:30-1:05:15] Hired business coach specializing in family companies at MidCityRole as fiduciary working on behalf of family to accomplish their aimsAlignment between personal values and family mission critically importantMulti-generational companies face unique succession challenges Horning Strategy & Amazon Partnership [1:05:15-1:20:45] "Mission-driven for profit" organization focused on affordable housing Chapters (00:00:00) - iJCRE Community Transition to Station DC(00:05:04) - Meet Jamie Weinbaum, President and CEO of Horning Brothers(00:08:41) - ULI Washington's 'Local Voices' podcast(00:10:06) - Horning Brothers President and CEO Explains(00:12:14) - Jamie Oliver on Starting Out(00:13:11) - George Washington Law Student on His Path(00:17:51) - The Day the Plane Hit the Pentagon(00:20:12) - Law School Graduates Turn to Real Estate(00:21:42) - Turning Down the Career Path(00:25:59) - Real Estate Development and the Need for Ownership(00:28:16) - Real Estate Development Leaders: The Multidisciplinary Approach(00:34:01) - How I Pivot: From Law to Real Estate(00:35:36) - In the Elevator With Bob Young(00:36:38) - Former DC zoning commissioner on the public sector(00:42:27) - Post-White House, what lessons did you learn?(00:47:57) - In the Elevator With Tony Hirsch(00:48:47) - JBG on North Bethesda and the Walmart project(00:52:53) - JBG Cos.'s Ben Jacobs on His Experience(00:56:16) - JBG Capital's Executive Committee(01:00:51) - Real Estate's Low-Risk(01:01:47) - Exploring the Multifamily Market at JBG(01:05:58) - In the Elevator: Mid City Real Estate(01:12:10) - Philip Feist on the DC real estate process(01:18:44) - Building a New Multi-Family Building in DC(01:24:41) - Have You Met the Horning Family?(01:26:58) - Hiring a Coaching Coach(01:28:32) - Under the Horning Brothers: Bringing the Future to Horning(01:31:31) - Horning Real Estate Group's diversified development portfolio(01:36:23) - Top DC Office Developers on the Conversion(01:39:29) - Horning Brothers CEO Explains His Vision(01:42:17) - Affordable Housing for Amazon's Hyattsville Property(01:43:42) - Amazon's Mezzanine Funding(01:45:51) - JBG alum on Amazon's deal(01:46:58) - Exclusive: We're Considering a Multifamily Deal(01:48:36) - Leo Capital on Amazon's Housing Equity Fund(01:50:39) - Would You Submit RFPs for Public-Private Projects?(01:54:03) - D.C. Mayor on the Need for Development(02:00:41) - Northern Virginia perspectives on growth in Montgomery County(02:02:51) - Horning Companies' Commitment to Communities(02:05:53) - President Trump suggests militarizing DC police force(02:09:35) - Jamie Oliver on Living a Life in Balance
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    2 h y 14 m
  • Len Forkas: Everest, HopeCam and Business Insights

    Len Forkas: Everest, HopeCam and Business Insights
    Aug 4 2025
    BioLen Forkas is founder/CEO of Milestone Towers, a digital infrastructure company building wireless towers on public lands for over 25 years. Adventure athlete who completed the Seven Summits (becoming 5th oldest globally), Race Across America winner, and non-profit founder of Hopecam.org, a charity supporting children with cancer. Author of leadership books drawing from extreme sports experiences.Key Discussion PointsEverest Achievement & 2023 Failure Lessons [0:50-16:00]Key Moment: Len Forkas completed the Seven Summits after a 2023 Everest failure due to pulmonary complications Business Lesson: Deconstructing every decision that led to the failure and meticulous preparation are crucial. Forkas dedicated a year to preparation, including weightlifting, trekking with a 50-lb pack, climbing in Indonesia & Ecuador and hypoxic sleep trainingCrevasse Incident & Systems Validation [33:00-36:00]Key Moment: After a successful summit, Forkas fell into a 70-foot crevasse at 27,000 feet while descending to the South Col.Business Lesson: The importance of safety systems and meticulous preparation. His polar expedition training saved his life.Hopecam Growth & Impact [36:00-51:00]Key Moment: Hopecam doubled its applications from 500 to 1,000 children annually post-COVID and grew hospital partnerships from 60 to 180 in five years. 70% of Hopecam students attend title one schools. Business Lesson: Viewing sponsors as "investors" in mental health outcomes created by the nonprofit rather than as a traditional donors. Milestone Towers Business Evolution [72:00-95:00]Key Moment: Milestone Towers rebranded from Milestone Communications to reflect its real estate asset focus Business Lesson: Strategic niche and barriers to entry protect competitive advantage. AI is optimizing existing equipment efficiency, and use of 5G networks has not hit full stride. Difficult to entitle locations have the highest value for both the tower owner and wireless carriers. Leadership Philosophy [114:00-125:00]Key Moment: Len Forkas' son Matt joined the company after five years of external experience 15.Business Lesson: Trust and preparation are essential for success in both business and extreme sports. Letting team members own and solve problems is crucialNext challenge: North Pole expedition, but prioritizing family and team presence for now. RESOURCES:https://www.lenforkas.com/https://coeenterprises.com/podcast/len-forkas-renaissance-man-33/What Spins The Wheel: https://www.amazon.com/What-Spins-Wheel-Leadership-Lessons/dp/0996096906?sr=8-2Cold Hard Truth: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Hard-Truth-Special-Color-ebook/dp/B09VDY69FC?sr=8-1https://www.hopecam.org/https://youtu.be/D6qjcwEVQYc Chapters (00:00:00) - The Iconic Journey and CRE: Expanding our Reach and Impact(00:02:47) - Icons of DCRE Real Estate(00:05:57) - Len Forkas Successfully Summits Mount Everest(00:08:55) - Eve Everest Attempt(00:13:34) - Foldus Climbed All 8,000 Meter Mountains at 59(00:16:37) - Tim Everest on Training for His 7 Summits(00:22:34) - Philanthropist and Mountaineer(00:27:30) - Experienced polar trekkers on(00:31:58) - The Value of Preparing for the Future(00:33:08) - Exploring HopeCam's Growing Need for Cancer Services(00:36:18) - Hope Camp reaches children with cancer through hospital partnerships(00:38:07) - Hope Camp for Kids: Challenges(00:40:01) - Hope Cam and other survivors of cancer(00:42:35) - How do you view your investment in HopeCamp?(00:45:34) - How Leadership Lessons from Your Experiences(00:50:02) - Hope Cam: A Letter from a Cancer Patient(00:51:30) - Hope Camp: Connecting Kids with Cancer(00:53:49) - Hope Camp's journey with cancer survivor(00:55:25) - What kinds of programs does Hope Camp offer to families?(00:56:27) - Milestone Towers Rebrands as Communication & Infrastructure(00:57:56) - Milestone Towers: Public-Private Partnerships(01:01:01) - How Has 5G Impact the Wireless Industry?(01:04:49) - How Is AI Affecting the Cell Industry?(01:11:34) - Is There a Connection Between Data Centers and Cell Towers?(01:13:06) - Are Emerging Trends Threatening the Traditional Cell Tower Business?(01:15:57) - Will Edge Computing Affect Cell Towers?(01:18:25) - Are Regulations Help or Hurt Your Industry?(01:20:29) - Father-Son Partnership at Milestone Towers(01:22:23) - The Legacy of Folger Pratt and Basuto(01:25:17) - Tim Ferriss on Leadership(01:30:46) - Len Forkas on His Heroism(01:32:20) - A Few Words From Len Ayers
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    1 h y 33 m
  • Hilary Goldfarb: Building the Future

    Hilary Goldfarb: Building the Future
    Jul 16 2025
    Bio

    Hilary Allard Goldfarb is Senior Managing Director and Head of Development for Mid-Atlantic at Rockefeller Group. Native Washingtonian, Princeton graduate, Harvard Urban Planning master's. Previously at Bozzuto Development and ProMark Real Estate. Active in ULI, Federal City Council, Economic Club.

    Key Discussion Points

    Rockefeller Group Role [00:00-08:38]

    • Leads D.C. office overseeing development, acquisitions, design, financing
    • Diverse portfolio: multifamily, industrial, office, mixed-use including "catalytic trophy product"
    • National platform empowers regional creativity without product ideology
    • Six regional directors nationally focused on "most compelling deals"

    Career Journey [10:01-27:17]

    • Driven by excellence, hard work, integrity
    • Strong Japanese investor relations (Mitsubishi affiliates) - visits every 2-3 weeks
    • Focus on diversity, collaboration, creative problem-solving
    • "World's greatest colleagues" - no palace politics
    • Native Washingtonian, Garrett Park/Montgomery County roots
    • Princeton (with twin brother Nate), Harvard Urban Planning
    • Corcoran Gallery experience during Frank Gehry expansion
    • Started at ProMark (Metro-adjacent development with Eisinger family)
    • Joined Bozzuto (Crown Farm, Chevy Chase Lake projects - met Toby at dentist)
    • Recruited to Rockefeller Group in 2018 to "start a business" - said no multiple times initially

    Major Projects [29:00-53:00]

    • Boro Tower, Tysons: 437k sq ft trophy office with Meridian Group, stabilized occupancy
    • 1901 L Street NW: First WELL-certified office building in D.C., focus on energy efficiency and tenant experience
    • 600 Fifth Street NW: $375M downtown redevelopment of former Metro HQ, only new office under construction in D.C., 400k sq ft, 50% pre-leased to Crowell & Moring, historic site of DC's first synagogue and Metro's money vault
    • Port 460 Logistics: 5M sq ft industrial development near Port of Virginia with Matan Companies, leveraging port-centric expertise

    Industry Insights [57:00-70:00]

    • Bullish on D.C.'s resilience despite current challenges, believes in long-term competitive advantages
    • $2.3B pipeline includes three trophy office, three industrial, two multifamily projects
    • Development strateg...
    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - The Iconic Journey in CRE: Expanding our Reach and Impact
    • (00:02:47) - Icons of DCRE
    • (00:06:10) - The Invisibles of D.C. Real Estate Podcast
    • (00:07:51) - Is the Rockefeller platform consistent across the country or does it vary based
    • (00:09:06) - Do you have a global market analysis group that kind of does an
    • (00:10:48) - White House Correspondent on Princeton and His Family
    • (00:13:28) - The Corcoran Gallery of Art and Real Estate
    • (00:18:56) - Real Estate Executive Toby Basuto on Bringing Promark back to Washington
    • (00:22:56) - When I Joined JBG Rosenfeld, I Was Thrown Into
    • (00:24:19) - Exploring Chibi Cheese Lake in Montgomery County
    • (00:26:40) - President Obama on the Rockefeller Property
    • (00:27:25) - Rockefeller's surprise move to Penn Station
    • (00:29:37) - Exploring the Burrow Tower Deal
    • (00:35:08) - Exploring The 1901 Ella Building
    • (00:38:29) - The History of Verizon's Building
    • (00:39:29) - Well-Certified Building
    • (00:43:16) - Private Equity Partners on the 5th Avenue Development
    • (00:45:46) - Top Executives on Metro's Construction Project
    • (00:49:04) - Top Executives Discuss The Port of Virginia Deal
    • (00:55:13) - Rock Property Group's Future
    • (00:59:15) - Exclusive: The Office Opportunity in the DMV
    • (01:03:43) - Golden Triangle President on the Neighborhood's Future
    • (01:10:37) - Mayor Bowser on Place Making in Washington
    • (01:14:46) - ULI President Linda Knows How to Balance Family and Work
    • (01:20:05) - Building a Law Firm's New Home
    • (01:24:17) - Billboard Question
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    1 h y 26 m
  • Evan Regan-Levine on Real Estate's Trifecta of Design, Data & Communication

    Evan Regan-Levine on Real Estate's Trifecta of Design, Data & Communication
    Jul 1 2025
    Bio

    Evan Regan-Levine is Chief Strategy Officer at JBG Smith, shaping investment approaches through data analytics, strategic initiatives, and investor relations. Key role in National Landing transformation and Amazon HQ2. Previously JLL research analyst and Monday Properties Associate. Georgetown Political Science graduate who pivoted from law school track to real estate after art professor suggested architecture.

    Key Discussion Points

    Strategic Priorities [3:06-8:35]

    • National Landing transformation beyond Amazon: residential, retail, infrastructure
    • Capital allocation focus: maximizing NAV per share for JBGS, targeted acquisitions
    • Leveraging permanent capital as public company vs. fund life cycles

    Career Journey [8:47-32:23]

    • Academic family: law professor father, first-grade teacher mother
    • Georgetown, planned law school until real estate internship in Pittsburgh
    • JLL research exposed him to all verticals: investment sales, leasing, development
    • In 2013, he joined JBG as research associate working for Matt Kelly
    • Investment committee exposure from day one with industry veterans

    Real Estate Philosophy [20:08-26:00] Success requires: communication, analytics, design

    • Design undervalued but critical - example: functional dryer vents vs. beautiful facades
    • Market research informs decisions - Amazon focus groups changed architecture
    • Multifamily as consumer product requiring research like cars/phones
    • Hospitality mindset essential across all property types

    Crystal Park One [$40M Repositioning] [43:19-52:53]

    • 300-person conference center ("hotel ballroom without hotel")
    • Ground floor activation with street engagement
    • JLL operates conference, Episcope handles Food & Beverage
    • Aviation theme: Constellation café, Altitude vinyl wine bar
    • Nooks Works partnership for classified meeting space

    National Landing Strategy [37:03-43:00] "Regional mall" approach with anchors: Pentagon, Amazon (8K today, up to 38K), Virginia Tech

    • Demolished excess office, tripled street retail, added multifamily
    Chapters
    • (00:00:09) - The Iconic Journey and CRE: Expanding Our Reach and Impact
    • (00:02:47) - Idols of D.C. Area Real Estate
    • (00:05:25) - Evan To The Iconic Journey In Real Estate
    • (00:06:23) - JBG Smith's Strategic Imperatives for National Landing
    • (00:08:36) - Your dad is a law professor and you grew up all over the country
    • (00:14:01) - Post-Graduation Advice from JLL's Research Group
    • (00:16:10) - Getting Out of The Real Estate Job
    • (00:19:54) - Real Estate: Communication, Design, and Analytics
    • (00:27:07) - Do Office Features Still Matter in Multifamily?
    • (00:30:39) - JLL's Matt Kelly on His Elevation
    • (00:34:00) - JBG Real Estate's Growth
    • (00:36:48) - JBG Smith's National Landing transformation
    • (00:39:19) - The battle for Crystal City's retail
    • (00:41:46) - JBG Smith's Crystal Park repositioning effort
    • (00:45:51) - The National Landing Office Complex
    • (00:51:05) - JBG Property Group on the Conference Facility
    • (00:56:21) - Is the Conference Facility Open to the Public?
    • (01:00:28) - National Landing: The Need for Anchors
    • (01:07:04) - Amazon's return to work policy
    • (01:11:23) - Amazon's Future of Work
    • (01:15:28) - JBG Smith's Approach to Office Demand
    • (01:17:09) - JBG Smith's Development Risk and Opportunity
    • (01:18:33) - Have You Changed Your Capital Allocation Mindset?
    • (01:19:30) - JBG Companies' Urban Propulsion
    • (01:23:00) - JBG Smith's Place Making Approach
    • (01:25:29) - How important is mentorship in real estate?
    • (01:30:19) - Build a cushion for your real estate investments
    • (01:33:58) - JBG Smith Philanthropy's Impact on the Community
    • (01:36:40) - Leo's Giving Back and Philanthropy
    • (01:39:33) - Working Parents' Work-Life Balance
    • (01:41:34) - Have You Turned Down Your Family?
    • (01:43:17) - Real Estate Investors: Evan's Passion for Cars
    • (01:44:49) - Likely Porsche or BMW Drivers?
    • (01:47:16) - BMW and the Detroit Air and Space Museum
    • (01:51:02) - J.B. Smith on the Future of the Firm
    • (01:53:58) - A message on National Landing
    • (01:55:18) - Evan Jones on His Story
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    1 h y 56 m
  • Catherine Buell- Designing Communities for Longevity and Connection (#134)

    Catherine Buell- Designing Communities for Longevity and Connection (#134)
    Jun 9 2025

    Catherine Buell is founder of Wellness Real Estate Innovations. Previously director of Amazon Housing Equity Fund, president/CEO of Atlanta Housing Authority, chair of DC Historic Preservation Review Board, and executive director of St. Elizabeth's East Campus Redevelopment. Harvard Kennedy School Loeb Fellow.

    (00:00) Introduction to second interview. Former Amazon Housing Equity Fund director, Atlanta Housing CEO, Harvard Kennedy School Loeb Fellow.

    (03:14) New company Wellness Real Estate Innovations - bringing wellness real estate solutions to diverse urban audiences at intersection of health and housing.

    (03:42) Personal motivation: mother's dementia/loneliness during COVID highlighted lack of aging options even in expensive continuum care facilities.

    (05:33) Philosophy: housing is healthcare and building with care. Traditional housing continuum has cracks - expensive senior housing, limited diverse options. Beautiful places impact how you feel through social connection, walkability, vibrancy.

    (09:05) Amazon lessons: Corporate investments influence markets but can't solve entire spectrum. Healthcare organizations increasingly investing in affordable housing targeting high-cost patients. Innovation gap for aging demographic - need co-housing, shared living, wellness communities.

    (15:23) Combat loneliness through intentional community design - new urbanist model plus different housing types, oversized green spaces, shared amenities for organic connection.

    (17:06) Alternative models: co-housing, shared living, ADUs. PadSplit's tech approach for $27K income essential workers - streamlined access to furnished shared rooms. Shared models add people without changing community character, help aging in place.

    (21:26) Key challenge: lack of documented data on wellness community benefits. Need to document outcomes from 1990s/2000s wellness communities.

    (23:37) Global Wellness Institute trends:

    • Wellness as Infrastructure (WAI) - Bhutan mindfulness city
    • Wellness as Service (WAAS) - integrated cleaning, nursing, caregiving
    • Wellness ROI (WROI) - significantly higher returns
    • Longevity Economy (WRELE) - aging population focus

    (27:38) Gap: middle-income households with $80-120K retirement income can't afford elite wellness solutions ($400K-$1M deposits), don't want to leave social networks.

    (32:48) Policy needs: data on health/housing intersection, true cost of "do nothing" strategy, economic benefits. Fastest growing DC population is 55+. Loneliness epidemic costs $6.7B annually to Medicaid.

    (37:20) Example: dementia village in Ward 7 - 13% of DC seniors have dementia (16% east of river). Netherlands-inspired model with store, pub, church, arts room for quality of life vs traditional memory care.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:09) - Interviewing Icons of D.C. Real Estate
    • (00:00:45) - The Iconic Journey and CRE: Expanding Our Reach and Impact
    • (00:02:47) - In the Elevator With Katherine Buell and Kathryn Bue
    • (00:05:15) - Catherine Polley on Wellness Real Estate
    • (00:08:22) - Seniors' Housing: Health Care
    • (00:11:33) - Alex Jones on Wellbeing and Housing Innovation
    • (00:17:50) - How Co-Housing and Shared Living Can Help Reduce Social Eng
    • (00:24:00) - What's the Wellness Real Estate?
    • (00:26:02) - Will Wellness Real Estate Impact?
    • (00:31:58) - Sip and Solve: Wellbeing and Housing
    • (00:35:24) - Washington DC Mayor on Wellbeing and Intergenerational Communities
    • (00:39:34) - Real Estate News: Wellbeing and Intergenerational Housing
    • (00:47:39) - Wellness Real Estate Innovation
    • (00:50:21) - Wellness initiatives in real estate
    • (00:53:01) - The Need for More Data on Aging and Housing
    • (00:57:07) - Amazon's $2 Billion Housing Fund
    • (01:00:31) - Jeff Bezos on Large-Scale Housing Investments
    • (01:03:47) - The Harvard Loeb Fellowship
    • (01:06:17) - Teaching at Harvard: Health and Housing Innovation
    • (01:07:29) - Will Wellness Real Estate Be an Investment?
    • (01:12:48) - Is Wellbeing a Driving Factor in Hotel Branding?
    • (01:15:44) - Office and Retail: Wellbeing in the Office
    • (01:17:44) - Have We Seen Innovation in Retail for Wellness?
    • (01:20:20) - Wellness in the Real Estate Market
    • (01:23:16) - Top Real Estate Book recommendations for the Wellness Industry
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    1 h y 26 m
  • James Barlia- Reshaping DC Real Estate with Tech Innovation (#133)

    James Barlia- Reshaping DC Real Estate with Tech Innovation (#133)
    May 27 2025
    Bio:

    James Barlia is Executive Director of Station DC, a private members club for Frontier Tech innovators, investors, and policy makers advancing American national interest. Previously VP at Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund (Steve Case) investing in startups outside traditional tech hubs. Earlier worked at Greenspring Associates in fund of funds/impact VC. DC native, Tulane graduate.

    Key Discussion Points

    Station DC Overview [1:11-3:00]

    • Private members club for frontier tech in DC
    • 13,000 sq ft space in Union Market for work, meetings, events
    • Mission: Ensure American tech leadership endures with DC at forefront
    • Focus on economic development, business attraction, diversification from federal government

    Background & Journey [3:49-10:07]

    • Influenced by entrepreneur father's renewable energy work
    • Failed toothpaste startup in high school led to meeting angel investor
    • Internship at 1776 DC tech incubator exposed him to impactful founders
    • Learned "Rise of the Rest" thesis at Greenspring before joining Revolution

    Venture Insights [11:02-17:00]

    • Innovation exists everywhere, not just traditional hubs
    • Place creates competitive advantage through network effects
    • Key founder qualities: intrinsic motivation, unique insights, relentless effort
    • Evaluation requires time, multiple meetings, references

    Market Observations

    • SVB Collapse [21:05-25:02]: Created resilience, highlighted treasury management importance
    • Amazon HQ2 [26:10-27:00]: Real impact on talent/real estate but job numbers lower than marketed
    • DC Commercial Real Estate [29:10-34:00]: Tech startups need flexible office space; landlords should offer flexibility and engage directly with founders

    DC Tech Ecosystem [40:08-43:00]

    • Influx driven by critical sectors: space, energy, synthetic biology, AI, defense
    • Tech companies view DC as ally, not adversary
    • Has required talent, customers (federal gov't, Fortune 500), knowledge, capital
    • Major VC firms establishing DC satellite offices

    Emerging Trends [63:00-67:00] Beyond AI: data centers, space economy, robotics, autonomy, defense systems. Frontier tech companies need dollars, talent, customers, capital - often found in DC.

    Advice for Young Professionals [69:00-95:00]
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    1 h y 25 m
  • Roberta Liss- Leaving Cushman & Wakefield to Build the Data Center Future (#132)

    Roberta Liss- Leaving Cushman & Wakefield to Build the Data Center Future (#132)
    May 8 2025
    Bio: Roberta Liss has launched LNSS Advisors, a commercial real estate consultancy focused on data centers and highest and best use advisory. This new firm is motivated by her vision for her professional "last chapter" and the significant economic impact of AI and technology. Liss draws on over 42 years of experience, including a decade as President of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions at Cushman & Wakefield. Her career spans key roles at Trammel Crow, CBRE, and BECO Management, executing over 30 million square feet in transactions. Crucially, she has an early technical background in data center precursors from mechanical contracting, raised floors, and network operating centers. At LNSS Advisors, her expertise covers critical data center aspects like land assemblage, zoning, securing power, and adaptive reuse. Her foundation includes a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from Penn State University (1978-1983) and data center infrastructure education from IDCA. Show Notes Strategic Transition (6:00)
    • Pivoted from Cushman and Wakefield regional presidency to found LNSS Advisors focusing on data center advisory
    • Positioned data centers as critical infrastructure underpinning the AI revolution and digital economy
    • Launched firm immediately after C&W departure, targeting high-growth sector with specialized expertise
    • Combines commercial real estate advisory with highest and best use evaluations and data center focus
    Personal Foundation (9:45)
    • Atlantic City upbringing provided firsthand exposure to real estate valuation principles
    • Father's FAA Tech Center background fostered interest in technical systems and early computer modeling
    • Mother's artistic influence balanced technical perspective with creative problem-solving
    • Observed demolition of historic Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, demonstrating highest/best use concepts
    • Atlantic City's casino redevelopment provided early lessons in market transformation dynamics
    Technical Expertise (19:00)
    • Penn State Architectural Engineering provided technical foundation for complex asset evaluation
    • Initial interest in architecture evolved toward technical engineering applications
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    2 h y 44 m