BIO
Owen Billman is the President of Blake Real Estate, managing a 2.5 million sq ft portfolio and eight companies. He previously facilitated over $1 billion in CRE transactions and is a speaker at universities and corporations. Awarded CREBA's 2014 Leasing Transaction of the Year and BISNOW's Top 35 under 35. He chairs the American Heart Association's Greater Washington Region, is a board member of the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation, and co-founded the Junior Council supporting Children's National Health System.
REVISED SHOW NOTES
[0:00-1:38] Introduction and Guest: John Coe introduces the "Icons of DC Area Real Estate" podcast and its partnership with Iconic Journey in CRE. Owen Billman, President of Blake Real Estate and Chair of the Golden Triangle BID, is welcomed. His career, Blake’s strategies, and DC's future are discussed.
[1:38-5:11] Owen's Role at Blake: Owen describes his role, focusing on portfolio performance and managing leasing, property management, and construction. He mentions growing third-party management while emphasizing the core portfolio.
[5:11-9:42] Background: Owen shares his upbringing in rural Southern Maryland and working at his father's hardware store, learning customer service and work ethic.
[9:42-14:28] University: Owen recounts his time at the University of Maryland, including the impact of 9/11, and deciding to stay in the DC area.
[14:28-22:14] Starting at Co-Star: Owen details his entry-level job at Co-Star, learning about CRE data collection and analysis.
[22:14-27:02] Market and Blake: Owen reflects on market trends during the Global Financial Crisis and joining Blake in 2010.
[27:02-36:53] Blake's Evolution and Lease Structure: Owen describes learning Blake's unique cash flow model and lease structure. He explains the pros and cons vs. market standards.
[36:53-44:06] Leadership and Rollup Strategy: Owen discusses his leadership transition and Blake's recent rollup strategy to consolidate ownership and flexibility.
[44:06-52:24] Market Adaptability: Owen reflects on Blake’s adaptability during the pandemic, distressed assets, and retailer impact. He shares Blake’s occupancy rate and return to the office.
[52:24-61:44] GSA and Golden Triangle BID: Owen discusses Blake’s GSA leasing experience and his role as Chair of the Golden Triangle BID, advocating for downtown revitalization.
[61:44-78:21] DC's Future: Owen addresses "why DC?" in the context of remote work and strategies to attract new industries, create a 24/7 city, and potential projects.
[78:21-93:23] Change Catalysts: Owen highlights past catalysts for DC's development and the need for a catalyst employer, a new pitch beyond government, and expresses optimism.
[93:23-102:56] John Coe and Community: John Coe discusses Iconic Journey in CRE. Owen shares advice for young professionals and talks about Blake's culture and tech adoption.
[102:56-111:22] Heart Association and Initiatives: Owen discusses the American Heart Association and Blake's initiatives, including collaborative space and flexible work.
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