The Insider's Edge To Real Estate Investing

You'll learn about the importance of reaching out and following up in this episode with David Shorenstein, principal at Hildreth Real Estate Advisors, where he oversees various tasks including real estate investing and brokerage. Known for his tenacity in canvassing and cold calling, David talks about his early career, his time working at Marcus & Millichap, and the founding of Silvershore Properties. You'll hear about working with partners who are experts and going after opportunities to succeed. David shares insight about diversifying into other asset classes like shopping centers, laundromats, and car washes, all while maintaining a focus on cash flow and value-add investments. You can connect with David through LinkedIn and HREA. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll hear about getting started, connecting with others, and building a successful career in real estate in this milestone 200th episode. For nearly four years, guests on the show have shared their expertise and insight to help you gain the Insider's Edge. This special episode revisits five memorable conversations with prominent figures in real estate who have appeared on the show. You'll listen to clips from: 1. Don Peebles, who is the founder, chairman, and CEO of The Peebles Corporation, a privately held national real estate and development company specializing in large-scale residential, hospitality, retail, and mixed-use commercial properties. He discusses his journey from public service to real estate development, with a focus on bringing diverse voices to the industry. You can connect with Don at LinkedIn and his website The Peebles Corporation. 2. MaryAnne Gilmartin, the founder of MAG Partners, has led major real estate development projects and now runs her own female-led development firm. In this episode, she discusses her work in re-zoning and development projects. You can connect with MaryAnne at LinkedIn and her website MAG Partners 3. Ian Ross, founder and principal at Somera Road, Inc., shares his strategy for evaluating markets across different cities. He highlights his method for quickly understanding the local real estate landscape. You can connect with Ian at LinkedIn and his website Somera Road. 4. Ryan Serhant is founder and CEO of SERHANT, a multi-dimensional real estate brokerage that sits at the intersection of media, entertainment, education, and technology. He has starred in the series "Million Dollar Listing: New York" and "Owning Manhattan." He also wrote the foreword to the book "The Insider's Edge to Real Estate Investing." You can connect with Ryan through Instagram and his website SERHANT. 5. Scott Rechler is chairman and CEO of RXR, an innovative investor, developer, and place-maker committed to applying a customer and community-centered approach to building properties, services, and products that create value for all stakeholders. You can connect with Scott at LinkedIn and his website RXR.

You will learn about overcoming barriers and building relationships in this episode with Diego Hodara, founder and CEO of Titanium Realty Group, a privately-held, fully integrated owner, operator, and developer focused on mixed use and residential assets in transit oriented, emerging markets within the New York metro area. Originally from Uruguay, Diego shares how he used his background as an architect and urban planner, along with hard work, to move into real estate investing and development. You'll hear about starting small and scaling, along with learning from challenges like financial setbacks and supply chain issues during Covid. Diego stresses the importance of teaming up with others to get great results. You can connect with Diego at his company website and on LinkedIn. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

Mission-Driven Development with Robin Zeigler You'll learn about targeting emerging markets and creating value in this episode, with Robin Zeigler, founder and CEO of MURAL Real Estate Partners. Robin worked for Ernst and Young and as COO for two grocery anchored REITS, Cedar Realty Trust and Federal Realty Investment Trust, before launching her own mission-driven real estate firm MURAL, which stands for Mixed Use Revitalization Approached Locally. MURAL focuses on mixed-used, mixed-income developments in underinvested markets. Robin discusses strategies to direct capital into retail and ground floor plane activation to build communities. She shares how she leverages partnerships to carry out projects that meet the demands of the market. You can connect with Robin at her company website. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about the capital stack and its components in the second episode of this Capital Stack Series with Scott Singer, a Cornell alumni and principal at Avison Young and co-lead of the Tri-State Debt and Equity Finance Group. Scott is involved in different facets of financing and helps clients, including owners and families, in New York City. You will hear about debt, including senior and mezzanine debt, and equity levels like preferred equity and common equity. Scott shares insight on what lenders focus on when evaluating financing options for a deal. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to make connections and navigate challenges in this conversation with Christie Philbrick-Wheaton, Senior Director of Business Development at New York Life Real Estate Investors. The company has around $70 billion of assets under management and operates in 140 markets. It acts as a commercial mortgage lender and invests in debt, real estate securities, and equity. Christie talks about moving into institutional investing and learning from downturned markets. She also discusses the value of a culture that holds in-person events and helps team members with career development. You can connect with Christie on LinkedIn Here You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about the role of debt and equity advisors in real estate transactions in the first episode of this Capital Stack Series with Scott Singer, a Cornell alumni and principal at Avison Young and co-lead of the Tri-State Debt and Equity Finance Group. Scott is involved in different facets of financing and helps clients, including owners and families, in New York City. You will hear about ways to help buyers navigate the complexities of financing as they consider moving forward with a deal. Scott shares insight on building personal relationships and learning about the needs of buyers to best advise them. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn the value of in-person meetings for real estate investing in this conversation with Beth Azor, the founder and owner of Azor Advisory Services, a commercial real estate advisory and investment firm based in South Florida. Known as the "Canvassing Queen," Beth has personally canvassed for more than 10,000 hours. She offers extensive training programs through Azor Academy, including coaching for leasing agents. Beth talks about saving and then starting in real estate investing as a limited partner. She advocates for women to get involved in commercial real estate and shares how she helps others improve their skills and get more deals. You can connect with Beth at her company website (https://www.bethazor.com/) and X (https://x.com/bethazor1). You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about the importance of working with a specialized attorney for the contract and closing in this episode of the Sell High series. If you work with a professional who approaches the process with a problem-solving mindset, the final steps of a deal could go smoothly. You'll hear about gathering the right documents before listing your property for sale. You'll also get an idea of what closing costs to expect, and how to manage them to maximize your net proceeds from the sale. If you have a great broker to carry out the negotiation process, the final walk through and closing can typically be carried out without any surprises. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about the importance of having a broad pool of buyers and creating leverage in this episode of the Sell High series. If you're selling property and want to get the highest price possible, you'll want to work with a broker who understands the negotiating process and can advocate for you in a transparent way. You'll hear about sharing the right information upfront and addressing issues about a property in a timely manner. You'll also get an idea of what to expect for a deposit, and how to work with a team of specialists, including a transactional real estate attorney, to get the best price and terms. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will gain insight into working with investors and finding the right partner in this conversation with David Schwartz, co-founder and principal of Slate Property Group. David has more than 20 years of real estate experience, and oversees development and construction projects worth $2 billion, representing 2,000 apartments in New York City. Previously he co-founded two development firms and worked at Crescent Heights of America. David has been involved in nearly $5 billion of real estate development throughout his career. You'll hear about ways to approach development and the value of learning on the job, with an emphasis on building relationships and understanding deals. David discusses his efforts to create more affordable housing for Americans, and his goal to help change the housing landscape in the country to make it more accessible. You can connect with David at LinkedIn and his company website Slate Property Group. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about the advantages of a broad marketing campaign for your property in this episode of the Sell High series. If you work with a broker who understands what buyers and sellers are transacting in the market, and can be in your corner as an advocate throughout the process, your property could sell for the best price. You'll hear how long the marketing process usually takes, and how to be upfront about the benefits and potential drawbacks related to a property. If buyers know about any issues with the property before they transact, the negotiating process can be smoother. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about scaling a real estate business in this conversation with Bob Hart, president and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily. Robert founded the company in 2013 and under his leadership, it has grown to become a Top 24 apartment owner in the United States. There can be opportunities to give back, and Bob discusses some of his charitable contributions, including his involvement with Chrysalis, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for homeless and low-income individuals. You can connect with Robert at his company website and his podcast, "Building Better Communities." You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

How to Value a Property You will learn about the importance of getting an accurate valuation in this episode of the Sell High series. If you work with a broker who is knowledgeable of the market trends and can help your property get maximum exposure, your property could sell for a higher price. You'll also hear about what goes into the valuation of a property, including how gathering information about cap rates, income, expenses, and the square footage from a reliable source can lead to a realistic value. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about the value of branding for real estate investments in this conversation with Whitney Arcaro, chief review officer at RXR, a vertically integrated operating and development company based in New York. RXR has expertise in a wide array of value creation activities, including ground up real estate, infrastructure, and industrial development. It oversees 25 million square feet of property, including commercial and residential. You'll hear about ways to brand a property so it conveys the right message. Whitney also discusses how your personal brand is often a part of your overall real estate marketing. You can connect with Whitney through RXR at LinkedIn and Instagram. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

Welcome to Sell High. You will learn about what to look for in a broker in this episode of the Sell High series. If you select a broker who specializes in your area and asset class, and has a strong track record, you could maximize the price when selling. You'll also want to check what type of marketing campaign the broker plans to carry out to get the most exposure for your property with qualified buyers. A broker who puts themselves in your shoes can help you navigate the process and bring options to the table. Look for someone who has your best interest in mind and can see the bigger picture. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will gain insight into working at smaller real estate firms and larger institutions in this conversation with Stuart Milstein, president and founder of Drake Street Partners. Prior to the company, Stuart was a senior vice president at Beacon Capital Partners, and a vice president at Vornado Realty Trust where he was responsible for acquisitions, note purchases, and asset financing. Stuart also worked at Clarion Partners, in investment banking at Bear Stearns Real Estate Group, and at Laidlaw Equities. He has a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University. You'll hear about ways to work through challenges in deals and spot opportunities that others might not see. Stuart discusses how he focuses on adding value, along with how he raises capital for his investments. You can connect with Stuart at LinkedIn and his company website Drake Street Partners. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about timing in the sales process in this episode of the Sell High series. If you can be a patient seller, you could maximize value and get the highest price. Most sales processes in commercial real estate take about six months to complete. For buyers, you'll want to learn about the seller's motivation, and make sure that your financing aligns with your overall business plan. I also discuss fluctuations in the market and best practices for timing the sale. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to analyze opportunities with Jesse Terry, chief investment officer of real estate acquisitions at HUBB NYC. The company owns and operates Free Market, Rent Stabilized, and Rent Controlled homes. Jesse vets between 50 and 60 broker setups each month and uses a system to identify which opportunities to pursue. To navigate investing, Jesse discusses the value of having a team to work on different aspects of the deal. He also emphasizes the importance of due diligence when moving from bid to close. He draws on his own extensive experience, which includes viewing thousands of deals, when making decisions about an investment. You can connect with Jesse at LinkedIn and his company website HUBB NYC. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about ways you can use technology in real estate in this conversation with Eric Brody, founder of ANAX Real Estate Partners, a real estate capital advisory firm. Eric is an accomplished developer and investor in New York City with nearly two decades of experience in the mid-market multifamily sector. He has developed approximately 800 units across NYC, totaling nearly $1 billion worth of real estate. You'll hear about opportunities in today's market, and how to use technology to get ahead and be competitive. Eric is also the founder of ANAX Ventures, an early-stage PropTech investment fund which identifies, tests, and invests in solutions that redefine urban landscapes. He is the host of the Real Tech Talk podcast, which discusses how technology can affect change within the industry. You can connect with Eric at LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and his company website ANAX Real Estate Partners. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn to keep a long-term approach when investing in real estate in this conversation with Bill Rudin, co-executive chairman of Rudin Management Company. The company was founded in 1925 by Samuel Rudin and is now led by the third and fourth generations. The portfolio is comprised of residential buildings totaling more than 4 million square feet and commercial office buildings totaling more than 10 million square feet. Bill shares how the company stays true to its founder's guideline principles and monitors trends to make decisions. He emphasizes the value of giving back to your community, and getting involved in ways that can help people in need. You can connect with Bill Rudin at his company website Rudin Management Company. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will hear how to learn as you go in this conversation with Rob Kaliner, founder of RoundSquare Development, which specializes in ground-up development, value-add, distressed properties, and commercial condominiums. Rob has been involved in the development of luxury condominium buildings such as the A Building in the East Village, 133 West 22 nd Street in Chelsea, and the Georgica on the Upper Side. Prior to entering the world of New York real estate, Ron had a successful career in the textile industry. You'll hear how he jumped into the real estate market and asked questions to understand the process. Ron also emphasizes the value of being transparent and building strong relationships. You can connect with Rob Kaliner at LinkedIn and his company website RoundSquare Development. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about strategies you can use to be successful in real estate, including having the right mindset, being optimistic, and continually learning. I also share my story of how I got into the real estate business and the incredible mentors who taught me valuable lessons during the early years of my career. You'll hear about managing your day and I share some of the routines I follow to make the most of my time. I also give an overview of this new series on selling high, which can help you reap the rewards of your real estate investment. Connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about city development and leading teams in this conversation with Paula Carethers, director of real estate for the Archdiocese of New York. Paula is responsible for strategy and oversight of properties for its nearly 300 parishes. She has held leadership roles in large-scale projects including the master planning for Ford Motor Company's restoration of Michigan Central Station in in Detroit and approvals for redevelopment of the historic Domino Sugar property in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. You'll hear about the advantages of networking with alumni and hometown connections, and how that can help you grow and learn in your career. Paula talks about shifting from government to private and nonprofit organizations, and the importance of understanding culture and tapping into everyone's talents. You can connect with Paula at LinkedIn. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to pursue development opportunities in this episode with Victor Sigoura, CEO and founder of Legion Investment Group, a real estate developer, owner, and operator focused on acquiring and executing developments in strategic and highly sought-after locations to create value for its investors. Victor has been responsible for directing and overseeing new developments worth over $7 billion across multiple sectors of the real estate industry. You'll hear about the value of establishing relationships and being honest throughout the lifecycle of a deal. Victor shares his focus on integrity to build trust and attract investors when he has a development opportunity. You can connect with Victor at LinkedIn, his website Legion Investment Group. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to focus on an asset class and be a great operator in this conversation with Chris Powers, founder and executive chairman of Fort Capital, a vertical real estate firm which has invested over $2.1 billion in Class B industrial, commercial, multifamily, student housing, and land development projects throughout the state of Texas and the Sunbelt. Since 2016, the company has focused on Class B Industrial full-time, and that is where the firm dedicates the majority of its resources. You'll learn about AI and how it can be used to support real estate firms, along with tips on building culture and raising capital. Chris shares insights regularly as host of The Fort, an entrepreneurship podcast. You can connect with Chris at LinkedIn, his website Fort Capital, and podcast The Fort. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYCMy Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to consider the impact of a development project in this conversation with Ashley Stiles, CEO and founder of Tribe Development, a comprehensive real estate consulting and development firm which aims to develop better spaces and experiences for everyone. Ashley brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate along Colorado's Front Range. During her career, she has developed more than $1 billion in assets. You'll hear how Ashley gathers input from the community when developing a new project. Her signature approach for development includes a focus on function and design, along with considerations for the people who will use the finished result. She also speaks of forming partnerships and setting the terms at the beginning of a deal to allow for future changes. You can connect with Ashley at Instagram and her website Tribe. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYCMy Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

In. this episode, You will learn about building spaces with amenities to exceed expectations in this conversation with Ezra Stark, CEO of Stark Enterprises, a full-service real estate development company. Stark Enterprises has a footprint of 9 million square feet of Class A properties in more than seven states with a value of over $2 billion. The company's portfolio contains more than 50 properties in retail, office, apartment, hotel, and student housing segments. You'll hear about strategies to operate and sustain a family business as well. Ezra oversees the company his father started, and he discusses ways to draw boundaries, gain experience, and operate with an eye for the future. You can connect with Ezra at LinkedIn and his website Stark Enterprises. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYCMy Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about going public and managing REITs in this conversation with Kenneth Bernstein, president and CEO of Acadia Realty Trust. Acadia is a real estate investment trust which specializes in the acquisition, redevelopment, and management of open-air retail properties. The trust owns or has ownership interest in more than 100 properties totaling approximately $4 billion in value. In addition, Acadia launched Fund V, which is capitalized to acquire $1.5 billion in retail. You'll hear about the advantages and drawbacks that come with going public or remaining private. Kenneth discusses the development of Acadia, which he co-founded in 1998 and is a public company. He also shares his thoughts from his experience in the retail trends of the past decades, and the future of omnichannel in the industry. You can connect with Kenneth at LinkedIn and his website Acadia Realty Trust. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn the value of listening to tenants and working with not-for-profits with Brian Steinwurtzel, Co-CEO and principal of GFP Real Estate, a vertically integrated owner, operator, property manager, and developer of commercial real estate in the New York Tri-State Region. Helmed by three generations of family members over six decades, GFP's portfolio includes some of New York City's most iconic real estate assets, including the Flatiron Building and The Film Center. You'll hear how to build relationships to secure long-term leases, along with insight on converting office spaces to residential. Brian mentions that volunteering and contributing to improve the neighborhood can also increase the value of the real estate in those locations. You can connect with Brian at LinkedIn and his website GFP Real Estate. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles

You'll hear about achieving financial freedom in this conversation with Marco Santarelli, a two-time Inc. 1000 entrepreneur, investor, author, and Broadway producer. Marco is the founder of Norada Capital Management and Norada Real Estate Investments, the largest nationwide provider of turnkey investment property. You'll also learn how Marco has a mission to help people achieve personal and financial goals. He offers training programs and covers the benefits of having a lifelong learner mindset. You'll hear about the differences between active and passive investing, and the important role a sponsor plays in the outcome of an investment. To connect with Marco, follow him on Instagram and visit his website. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about leadership skills and solving problems from G. David Bednar, principal and founder of Devotio Capital Management: The Real Estate Private Bank. His company serves as an investment advisor and fiduciary, providing bespoke, private real estate investing solutions to ultra-high net worth individuals and families. Prior to creating his own capital management platform, David spent time at other well-known real estate companies, including Ladder Capital, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. You'll hear how military service can be applied to real estate leadership, and how to draw on your experiences to provide more value to clients. David also explains that having a strong mentor can help you develop the skills you'll need for long-time success. You can connect with David at LinkedIn and his website Devotio. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles

You will learn how to build a real estate business and create an investment fund with Gary Chesson, the retired co-founder of Trinity Partners, a full service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gary and his partners also co-founded Trinity Capital Advisors, a private equity real estate investment firm which has invested $4.1 billion through acquiring and developing more than 28 million square feet of office and industrial assets primarily in the Southeast. You'll hear how to create an open and generous culture which shares profits evenly. Gary offers advice on how to prioritize family, fun, and balance to avoid burnout. He also shares insight on having an entrepreneurial mindset and taking risks. Gary is the author of "Creating Trinity—Blueprints of a Real Estate Entrepreneur & Investor," and mentors younger real estate professionals in his free time. You can connect with Gary at LinkedIn. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles

You will learn how to educate investors to create a base for real estate investing with Moses Kagan, co-founder and partner at Adaptive Realty, which focuses on managing high-quality Southern California real estate. Adaptive Realty was founded in 2011 with no outside capital, and now owns about $200 million of real estate. You'll gain insight on how to distribute content on social media to attract others who want to participate in a deal. You'll also hear about the importance of looking at the numbers before moving forward with an acquisition. Moses emphasizes that the key to long-term success includes getting and keeping the trust of investors. You can connect with Moses at Twitter, his blog, and website Adaptive Realty. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to understand value in real estate investing with Jonathan Marcus, principal at New England Investment Partners, LLC, which focuses on the national market and actively pursues the acquisition of office, industrial, retail, and multi-family properties. The company takes a conservative and holistic approach to add value while improving the tenant experience. You'll hear about being involved in real estate when it's a family business, and how to start on your own with real estate investing. You'll also gain insight on moving from multi-family properties to office spaces. Jonathan discusses the advantages that come from continuing to move forward and raise capital when you find a great deal. You can connect with Jonathan at LinkedIn and his company website New England Investment Partners. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to get started, network continually, and build relationships in real estate with Brian Ray, co-founder, managing partner, and principal of Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners and ABR Partners, LLC, his family holding company. During his 20-plus year career, Brian has acquired, developed, and managed properties with a value exceeding $3 billion. You'll glean information on how to set up partnerships and build long-term success, along with managing everything and having fun along the way. Brian advises looking at situations in a way to help solve problems and deliver an outcome to the client. A long-term approach can lead to great success, and Brian has been involved with iconic buildings across the New York skyline, including 40 Bond Street, Seagram's Building, and One Rockefeller Center. You can connect with Brian Ray at LinkedIn and Instagram. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about remote real estate investing in this conversation with Stacy Conkey. Stacy is a veteran real estate investor and co-founder of Remote Multifamily Investing Academy, which provides coaching and support for those interested in real estate investing. You'll take away tips on overcoming fear, as Stacy describes how she got out of her comfort zone to become a public speaker and find properties that could generate cash flow. After going through training herself, she decided to create a solution that would help others who wanted to make connections and get started in real estate. You can gain insight into setting metrics for remote real estate investing, which include looking at job growth and population trends. Stacy also explains her 1% rule and breaks down how joint ventures work. She encourages listeners to learn as they go and build on their past experiences to create a lasting portfolio. You can connect with Stacy on LinkedIn and through the Remote Multifamily Investing Academy Facebook group. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about how to choose partnerships and qualify opportunities in this conversation with Ari M. Shalam, the founder and managing partner of RWN Real Estate Partners LLC, a New York City-based middle market real estate private equity investment platform. Ari started the investment platform more than 10 years ago, and it is backed by Marc Rowan, the CEO of Apollo Global Management. RWN targets direct and controlled joint venture investment opportunities across most property types. Previously, Ari served as the president of Enterprise Asset Management, Inc., a real estate centric multi-family office, and was a senior partner and director of Acquisitions at Taconic Investment Partners, a fully integrated real estate investment and development company focused on New York City. You'll gain insight on the value of honesty in relationships in the episode. Ari also speaks on setting filters to choose locations to make investments. He shares that RWN has transacted in various places, which include New York City, Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Miami, and Puerto Rico. To learn more about Ari and connect with him, you can find him through LinkedIn and Instagram. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how to set priorities and learn the processes of real estate investing in this conversation with Gino Barbaro. Gino is an investor, business owner, and entrepreneur who has grown his real estate portfolio to over 2,120 multifamily units with $280 million in assets under management. You'll also hear how Gino shifted from being involved in the pizza industry to real estate, a decision he made when looking for passive income streams. He set up a strategy with his partner, Jake Stenziano, built a track record, and delved into coaching. The partners are co-founders of Jake & Gino, a multifamily real estate education community where they teach others how to invest in apartments. You can also learn about Gino's various ventures which support his investments. He is the best-selling author of three books, Wheelbarrow Profits, The Honey Bee, and Family, Food and the Friars. He currently resides in St. Augustine, Florida with his wife Julia and their six children. To connect with Gino, visit his website Jake & Gino, or look for him on LinkedIn and Instagram. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about how to surround yourself with excellence to get started in real estate in this episode with Ross Hamilton. Hear about the value in taking action, connecting with others, and participating in a network to find investment opportunities. You'll also learn ways to help others who are struggling to keep their homes. Ross has a fascinating story and background, which includes a passion for BMX freestyling as a young adult. After an injury caused him to step aside, he began investing in real estate and quickly amassed a portfolio of 50 residential properties. He used some of the profits to establish Connected Investors, an investment property marketplace and social network for real estate investors. Eventually, Ross's tech company sold to First American for approximately $100 million and he retired at 40 years old to start SavingHomes.org, a real estate charity to help those in need. You can connect with Ross to access additional resources by emailing him at [email protected]. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about financing deals and how to get involved in the debt side of real estate in this episode with Kevin Amolsch, a real estate investor and private money lender at Pine Financial Group. You'll gather insight on how to be creative with financing and get into properties with no money down. Kevin earned his degree in finance after serving four years in the U.S. Army. After college, he spent two years working with Wall Street as a mortgage bond analyst. He stepped away to get involved in real estate financing for investors full time, and he and his companies have closed on more than 2,400 transactions as a buyer, seller, or private money lender. Kevin shares insight in his book, "The 45-Day Investor," and has reports about private lending and the housing crisis available at ThePineReport.com. You can connect with Kevin through his company website Pine Financial Group. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn the differences between investing actively and passively, and what might be best for you on this episode with Mark Khuri, co-founder of SMK Capital Management, a boutique private equity real estate investment firm. Mark talks about the value of diversifying with best-in-class sponsors across multiple asset classes and geographies. Mark's career in real estate began in 2005 when he started investing in residential real estate in California and Florida. In 2010, he co-founded SMK Capital Management, which focuses on recession resistant investment opportunities. Mark has experience analyzing thousands of investment opportunities, and he shares the value of understanding the story behind the property to find where value could be added. His investments span from mobile home parks to self-storage, ATM machines, and triple net industrial, among others. If you are going to invest passively, qualifying the sponsor is essential. Mark shares how best to go about this process. You will also benefit as we get under the hood on how these deals are structured. You can connect with Mark through his company website SMK Capital Management, LLC. And I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn the benefits of moving forward in real estate, one step at a time, in this conversation with Liz Faircloth, co-founder of The Real Estate InvestHER® community and Facebook group. Liz has developed a model that connects women who are interested in getting started in real estate—or are looking for ways to scale. She is also co-founder of the DeRosa Group, a family-owned business investing in residential and commercial property with a mission of transforming lives through real estate. If you're looking for tips on balancing priorities, Liz shares advice on how to focus on one task at a time, create the right spaces, and step back periodically to think about the big picture. The Real Estate InvestHER® community offers mentorship and accountability to reduce a sense of being overwhelmed. The holistic approach includes three pillars, which are real estate investing, business strategies, and self-care. You can join to connect both online and in-person at meetups across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about Liz and get involved, head to The Real Estate InvestHER® website and the Real Estate InvestHER® Community group on Facebook. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how to think ahead of get ready for what's next in this conversation with Rod Santomassimo. Rod is the founder and president of The Massimo Group, a leading national commercial real estate coaching and consulting organization. He has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry as a broker, owner, and manager of local, regional, and international firms. Rod is a best-selling author with books that include Brokers Who Dominate, Teams Built to Dominate, Knowing Isn't Doing, and most recently, Dominators of Commercial Real Estate Brokerage. In the interview, Rod discusses the pandemic as an accelerator that led to hybrid working, telecommuting, and teleconferences, among other advances. He also covers ways to leverage AI to stay on top of trends and make processes more efficient. "What's happening right now in AI and the AI world is the greatest accelerant that we have ever seen in our history in regards to what is possible and how quickly it can happen," he shares. When discussing the key attributes to look for in a broker, Rod suggests searching for an advisory figure. While a broker's role is often viewed as a facilitator of the transaction, the true dominating brokers will focus on the facilitation of a relationship. "That's what matters," Rod says. "One question I would always ask a broker is, 'Tell me a time where you advised your client not to sell.'" He also mentions seeking a broker who is a specialist or has a team of specialists. In addition, he states, "One mistake that most investors make is they focus on the fee versus the result." To find more opportunities, Rod mentions the power of creating a presence pyramid. This consists of personal, physical, and digital layers. Establishing a presence as either a broker or investor in the marketplace can help you reach a broader audience and gain credibility in the space. "Presence is paramount in everything you do," Rod says. During the episode, Rod encourages listeners to find a mentor and ask three questions when connecting: What's new? What's next? What do you need? "Intellectual curiosity will be the way to grow—be the doer," he adds. You can connect with Rod at his website The Massimo Group and find his books on the Resources page. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how to collaborate with others in real estate and learn at every step in this interview with Adam Altman. Adam is the founder and managing member of KABR, which is a vertically integrated private equity real estate firm responsible for the investment, development, and management of real estate. The portfolio includes commercial, multifamily, industrial, hospitality, and development assets. In his role, Adam is instrumental in fundraising, structuring JV partnerships, and sourcing and acquiring real estate property and debt. Adam has participated in transactions totaling approximately 6 million square feet of commercial properties, along with thousands of residential units, hotels, and new development land with over 6,000 units of entitlements. Prior to joining KABR, Adam focused on acquisitions, development, management and disposition of real estate for a multi-billion-dollar healthcare company. He has also worked with the private wealth team at Deutsche Bank and as a portfolio manager and analyst at Chestnut Ridge Capital. In addition, Adam founded and sold Freshpair.com, an ecommerce company. Adam was intrigued with real estate from early on, as he walked blocks and neighborhoods while studying at NYU. After college, he went to other ventures, including Wall Street, his own internet company, and a family office, and eventually turned again to real estate. Along the way he learned valuable lessons, such as how to put capital together and the emphasis on personal relationships in real estate. He applied these to his later efforts with his partner at KABR. Today Adam's firm focuses on the geographical areas of the New York metro area and the Southeastern region of the U.S. Looking back on his track record, he says, "Being able to trust someone is almost more important than anything else. It doesn't guarantee outcomes, but it does guarantee alignment." He also emphasizes the value of teamwork, saying, "It's about collaborating and making it interesting." For beginning investors, Adam shares the importance of looking for ways to be helpful. Part of his success was built on his willingness to reach out and share information with others without expecting anything in return. "If you love real estate, the best way to do something is to go and do it," he says. You can connect with Adam at his website KABR Group. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

On this week's episode, You'll learn how to get connected to others in real estate and build a track record in this conversation with Shawn DiMartile. Shawn is a real estate investor based in San Diego with more than 300 rental units, a boutique hotel, and several Airbnbs, with a cumulative value of more than $50 million. He is also host of the podcast The Real Estate Takeoff and co-founder of Takeoff Capital. Shawn is a U.S. Navy veteran and worked as an air traffic controller prior to investing in real estate. During his time as an air traffic controller, Shawn found he lacked time freedom, often working six days a week and putting in long hours. After looking into real estate, he liquidated his 401(k) to partner with his now business associate on a 32-unit apartment property located in Indiana. The investment presented several challenges, though within two years, they were able to triple the value of the asset and sell for a substantial profit. The experience left an impression on Shawn and motivated him to further pursue real estate investing. Recognizing the need for guidance to scale his efforts, Shawn found a mentor who had been an accomplished apartment investor for more than two decades and had a portfolio with 8,000 units. Shawn went on to syndicate his first 150-unit multifamily property in 2021. Just two months later, he syndicated a 145-unit multifamily property. With an eye for San Diego, Shawn recognized the historic limitations for investors based on low cap rates and landlord tenant laws. However, when San Diego implemented its ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Bonus program to resolve its housing crisis, Shawn found an opportunity to create a niche and build additional rental units on properties. He outlines his investment strategy in his ebook "California Gold." During the episode, Shawn encourages listeners to overcome the fear of making mistakes when starting out, and to look for ways to contribute when connecting with others. "Become friends and surround yourself with real estate in every way you can," he shares. "Then start as early as you can to provide value to other people." You can connect with Shawn through Instagram and his website Investor Shawn. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn valuable information about affordable housing, institutional investing, and senior living in this conversation with Chris Finlay. Chris is CEO and chairman of Lloyd Jones, a global real estate investment firm with subsidiaries in development and construction. It also has a platform called AVIVA Senior Living and concentrations in multifamily and the hospitality industry. Its investment partners include institutions, family offices, accredited investors, and its own principals. Chris began his career as a commercial airline pilot with Eastern Airlines and invested in real estate on the side. His real estate business evolved, and in 1983 he shifted from the airline industry to focus exclusively on commercial real estate. He opened Finlay Company, which grew into one of the largest real estate firms in New England. In 1990, Chris delved into real estate development and during the next 15 years developed, constructed, and managed approximately 40 multifamily and senior housing communities and luxury condominiums. When the Great Recession of 2008 hit, it provided numerous investment opportunities in the multifamily segment, and Chris began investing in the asset class. Those investments led to Lloyd Jones, a company that offered outside investors an opportunity to participate in the acquisitions. Several years later, Chris added senior living and development subsidiaries to capitalize on the exploding demand for senior housing. More recently, spotting opportunities in the hospitality industry, he added a hotel investment division to the company. Now with a 40-year track record in real estate, Chris also has educational credentials which include Upper Canada College and post-graduate studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He has completed extensive industry training and participates on the board of the National Multifamily Housing Council. Chris is a member of the American Seniors Housing Association and a strong supporter of Shelters to Shutters, a nonprofit organized to connect individuals facing homelessness to employment options and housing within the multifamily community. During our conversation, Chris discusses how he has followed different segments and been able to make moves during downturns. His vast experience ranges from low-cost housing programs to raising institutional capital and building out a senior living operations business. For listeners starting their journey, he shares, "Primarily we've been a multifamily developer, investor, and owner, and I'm a believer that it's the best asset class in the world for anybody to be in." He also sees unique opportunities in senior living. Regarding what's ahead, he says, "I think there's been a disruption in the market, and we have a period of time here before it gets corrected—and then it will be a very nice ride up." You can connect with Chris at his company website Lloyd Jones and also AVIVA Senior Living. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about gauging risk and spotting opportunities in this conversation with Kaitlin McCarthy. Kaitlin established Ionic Development Company, which is a certified Woman Business Enterprise, in 2022. She has more than 10 years of experience managing large development and construction projects in downtown Boston. Before she founded Ionic, Kaitlin served as vice president at The HYM Investment Group. She has worked on projects such as The Sudbury with 368 apartments and 55 condos, and One Congress, which is the world headquarters of State Street Bank. Kaitlin grew up in Connecticut and had an interest in architecture from early on. She studied engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, and leaned into construction management, working for a company called Turner Construction after graduating. While there, she became fascinated with the concepts and many pieces that went into creating a space. To gain skills to help her with the development perspective, she went to Harvard for a MBA. After finishing her studies there, Kaitlin went into management consulting and worked for Boston Consulting Group. While she gained insight into business and strategy, she also realized she missed the building aspects. With that in mind, in 2017 she connected with HYM Investment Group, a large real estate developer in Boston. During the pandemic, Kaitlin used the time to step back and realized she wasn't seeing any women-owned developers in her area. She had an "aha" moment and thought, "Maybe I can go out and try this on my own…to make a difference in what the scene of Boston real estate development looks like." In 2022, she took the leap and started her own company, Ionic, a real estate development firm. Even though the market is going through a challenging time, Kaitlin has found opportunities to pursue development management assignments and projects. From brainstorming the answer to handling office buildings to using technology in new ways, she focuses on the task at hand and maintains a willingness to take a risk. She believes a mindset to try new things and think differently will help set her company apart in the coming years. You can connect with Kaitlin and her certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) Ionic Development Company through LinkedIn. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll gain insight into playing an innovative role in real estate in this conversation with Laura Rapaport. Laura is the founder and CEO of North Bridge, a company offering financing solutions that serve the intersection of real estate, technology, and sustainability. North Bridge is a one-stop-shop for clients nationwide and covers all asset classes, providing support to both improve the built environment and create a greener future. When she started out, Laura initially took on an internship in real estate prior to her freshman year of college. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and began her career at Lehman Brothers in their Global Real Estate Group in London. She later served as a Director in the New York development group of Tishman Speyer. Laura received an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and went on to become a Managing Director at L&L Holding Company, an owner-operator and developer in New York City. There she was a key member of the leadership team for almost a decade, and her roles included running capital raising and serving as Development Manager of 425 Park Avenue. Today her company North Bridge specializes in sustainable real estate solutions by providing financing through C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy). C-PACE is a flexible form of ESG financing which allows borrowers to access low-cost, long-term, fixed-rate, pre-payable funding in exchange for making sustainable improvements to buildings. It facilitates energy efficiency, water efficiency, structural resilience, and renewable measures. Borrowers who qualify can use the capital proactively, or they can apply it retroactively to strengthen a capital stack. C-PACE may be used for a variety of functions, including large scale renovations, new construction, acquisition financing, refinancing, and rescue capital. Based on her experience and background, founding North Bridge "plays to my strengths of being entrepreneurial, but having an institutional expertise and understanding to translate and bring everything together," Laura says. For someone interested in real estate who wants to help create a more sustainable environment, she adds, "I think there's a tremendous opportunity to innovate…there will be more products that have not even been thought of or created that will help all of us make that a reality." You can connect with Laura through LinkedIn and her company website North Bridge. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how to strive for the next level while maintaining a healthy balance in this conversation with John Hopfensberger. With more than 30 years of experience in the commercial real-estate industry, John is the founder and president of CMK Properties, and has developed more than $200 million of real estate. In addition to his business accomplishments, John is a triathlete and a two-time Ironman finisher. He also serves on advisory boards and in various nonprofit capacities. John grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he was taught to have a strong work ethic. "When we were building a shed, building on the barn, renovating the house…we did as much work as we could ourselves," he says. This fostered a passion for construction, and right out of college, John took on a two-family fixer upper. He made the needed repairs, rented the place, and became hooked on real estate. He obtained a general contractor license and started to take on larger projects, eventually expanding into multiple states. Facing the decision of whether to become a national-level general contractor or focus on what he loved doing, which was real estate development and investment, John opted for the latter. He also laid out objectives to grow that were attainable, timely, and realistic. He has continued with this strategy, and today holds regular meetings with his team to talk about business goals. Together they break them down into people, operations, marketing, sales, and financial aspects. He also keeps his goals in front of him on a desk. Now based in Brentwood, Tennessee, John's company CMK Properties serves as a fully integrated real estate investment, development, and management company. It carries out build-to-suit projects for major brands, and has clients such as Dollar General and Tractor Supply Company. For anyone looking to get started in this development space, he suggests finding a site and presenting it to a potential tenant. After breaking into this segment, his company has gone on to generate repeat business and create a portfolio of over $385 million, with more than $235 million in successful exits. You can connect with John through LinkedIn and his company website CMK Properties. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson