Adventures in CRE Audio Series

Strategy Discussion and Full Model Walkthrough of RV@Olympic

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Michael walks Spencer and Sam through the RV park development model used to analyze Michael's current project with Firm Ridge, RV@Olympic, spotlighted in episode 8. Michael also shares additional insights on the overall strategy, supply and demand dynamics, the strategic location, and market positioning of the RV@Olypmic project for a comprehensive understanding of the factors driving its potential success. You can download the underwriting model ...

Building a Winning CRE Strategy & Team

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Sam, Michael, and Spencer talk about the role that CRE teams play in different real estate strategies. Michael's current work at Firm Ridge lays the foundation for the conversation and allows Michael to share his experience with how a well-assembled team is important. In this conversation, the guys cover topics such as entitlements, local expertise, contractors, and more. Listen to this episode for a comprehensive understanding of how assembling t...

RV@Olympic - A Firm Ridge Development

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, led by Michael, who is working on an RV Park development with Firm Ridge, the guys talk about the burgeoning RV park market. RV parks can serve as a good investment opportunity, as they are flexible, short-term ground lease opportunities with guests bringing their own RVs. Michael's RV Park development strategy focuses on developing a portfolio of RV parks close to national parks, capitalizing on the soaring demand for RV ownership and rentals coupl...

Team Spotlight Edition: Business & Marketing Strategy with Sam Carlson

In this special intermission episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Sam Carlson, a member of the A.CRE team, takes center stage as he shares insights into his background and the role he plays within the A.CRE. Sam also discusses his approach to strategy, marketing, and persuasion, and offers valuable advice to job seekers and others looking to market themselves effectively.  Listen to this episode to hear Sam's journey from running a software company in marketing and advertising to joining the...

The Sixth Sense of Real Estate: An Intro to Super Forecasting

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Spencer, Sam, and Michael explore the concept of "super forecasting," featured in the book "Superforecasting" by Philip Tetlock and Dan Gardner. The guys discuss the skills of super forecasters, people with a knack for prediction, and how they can be valuable in CRE. Through a practical forecasting exercise, they highlight the significance of the methodology used in superforecasting prediction. Listen to this episode for a deeper exploration of su...

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Commercial Real Estate - The Good & Bad

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, the team explores the impact of AI on the world of commercial real estate. While the last episode talked about AI in general, this episode discusses how it applies to CRE. This episode explores how AI is reshaping careers within the industry, and how roles may evolve in the future. From AI-driven screening interviews to the prospect of customized, in-house tools, the episode touches on various use cases that could revolutionize CRE. Tune in below ...

The AI Paradigm Shift

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Spencer, Sam, and Michael discuss the evolving landscape of commercial real estate in a world where AI is becoming extremely prominent. They explore the real impact of AI on business and whether all the publicity surrounding it is justified. From AI-powered Excel add-ins to interview preparation coaching, the team at A.CRE shares their experiences in harnessing the power of AI to make significant strides in the field. Join the conversation to lear...

Disruption and Evolution in the CRE Markets

Welcome back to season 4 of the A.CRE Audio Series! In this latest podcast episode, Spencer, Sam, and Michael discuss the disruption and evolution that has occurred in real estate and capital markets in the past several years. Specifically, we'll talk about how rising interest rates and the post-COVID world have changed CRE. Listen here to learn about risks, opportunities, and changing human behavior in this new episode. Read the article: https://www.adventuresincre.com/audioseries-s4e2/

Intro to the A.CRE Audio Series Season 4: A.CRE On Site

Welcome back to this new season 4 of the Adventures in CRE Audio Series! Join Sam, Michael, and Spencer as they take you on a journey through the future of commercial real estate. This season, they'll dive into AI, evolving CRE trends, and provide an exclusive inside look at a real deal in progress.  Listen to this episode to learn about everything you can expect from season 4 of the A.CRE Audio Series.

A Look at Commercial Real Estate Lease Audits with Michael Hetchkop

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Spencer, Michael, and Sam consult Michael Hetchkop about the complicated world of commercial real estate lease audits. Michael Hetchkop, a seasoned professional in the field, shares his expertise on the nuances of lease audits, the complexities of lease terms and expenses, and common issues that can arise when leases are not thoroughly examined. Whether you're a tenant looking to ensure you're not overpaying or a property owner seeking transparenc...

How To Setup a Real Estate Fund Like A Pro with Matt Burk

In the latest episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Spencer, Sam, and Michael delve into the world of real estate investment funds with Matt Burk, CEO of Fairway America. Matt brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned from individual deals to pooled investment funds in the late '90s. This episode explores various facets of real estate fund management, from understanding the ideal profile of a sponsor to considerations for LPs (limited partners) and different fund structures. Listen t...

The Insider's Edge to Real Estate Investing with James Nelson

In the newest episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, James Nelson, principal and head of Avison Young's Tri-State Investment Sales Group (as well as an active CRE investor himself), shares his insights and expertise on various aspects of real estate investing to help CRE professionals develop an insider's edge with their investments. James and the guys discuss multiple topics such as finding opportunities, leveraging partnerships, understanding seller motivations, and the importance of transpare...

The Real Estate Entrepreneurial Journey From Employed to Self-Employed with Drew Breneman

Pathway to Career Success: CRE Alumni Associations, Networking, and Giving Back with Chad Hagle

In this episode of the Adventures in CRE podcast, Chad Hagle, CEO of Aventine Development and founding member of the Stanford Professionals in Real Estate (SPIRE), discusses the importance of CRE alumni associations and networking in launching successful careers. Chad shares his experience in forming SPIRE and overcoming initial resistance, highlighting the power of creating a culture and mission within an organization. He emphasizes the value of relationships and performance in career advan...

How to Win a Real Estate Case Competition

Real estate case competitions are a great opportunity for real estate students to show what they know and practice skills used in the real estate industry. Winning a competition can be a great achievement and improve a student's future. In this article, we will explore the success story of Monty McClendon and Justin Du from the University of Texas at Austin, who recently won the Undergraduate Real Estate Case Competition in Austin. We will delve into their strategy, preparation, and executio...

From Ukraine Pursuing a CRE Dream In Time of Conflict

In the midst of conflict and uncertainty, chasing a dream can seem like a daunting task. For Dima Nazarenko, who's featured in this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, this was establishing a successful career in commercial real estate. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing armed conflict in his home country, Dima remains undeterred in his pursuit of a career in CRE in Ukraine. Watch this episode below to hear about how he got into the real estate industry and the challenges h...

Diversifying The Face of CRE with SEO

In today's society, diversity and inclusivity have become important topics across all industries, including commercial real estate. As businesses strive to be more representative of the communities they serve, CRE professionals are also recognizing the benefits of a diverse team. To gain insights on the topic of diversifying CRE, we sat down with Angela Gorbold and Pamela McKoin from Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), who shared their experiences in the field. Listen to this episo...

Advice From a Seasoned CRE Pro During Times of Economic Uncertainty

In times of economic uncertainty, commercial real estate (CRE) professionals face unique challenges in navigating the market. To gain insights into how to manage these challenges, we sat down with seasoned CRE pro and founder of Patriot Holdings, Jeremiah Boucher, to get his advice. With decades of experience in the industry, Jeremiah has weathered multiple economic downturns and emerged stronger.  Listen to this episode to hear his valuable insights on how to navigate the current landscape ...

Student to Skilled CRE Analyst With Travis Headapohl

In this newest Accelerator in Action episode, Sam talks to Travis Headaphol. Travis, like many young professionals, started his career in commercial real estate as a student. Through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to learning, he went from a novice to a skilled CRE analyst. In this podcast episode, we'll take a closer look at Travis's journey and the steps he took to succeed in this dynamic field. Read the episode transcript: https://www.adventuresincre.com/audioseries-aia10/ Co...

Transitioning From Employee to CRE Entrepreneur with Kyle Keene

In this newest special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam and Michael talk with Kyle Keene from Keene Development Group. Kyle transitioned from working for a construction management group into starting his own development group. Listen to this episode to learn about how to bridge the gap from employee to entrepreneur and how to make the transition.

Streamlining Asset Management with RE Analytics

In this newest special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam, Michael, and Spencer talk to George Burchlaw and Carol Ann Flint from Re Analytics Business Development. RE Analytics is a service that partners with real estate investment companies to provide efficient, cost-effective back-office asset management and analyst services. Listen to this episode to learn about RE Analytics and how they solve the problem of common complications of handling information and documents through the enti...

Impact Development Doing Good While Doing Well with Brian Murray

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam, Michael, and Spencer talk to Brian Murray, the CEO of Shift Capital. Shift Capital is a B-certified impact real estate group. A B-certification is a designation that certifies that a group focuses on social and environmental returns to society. Founded with the mission of influencing the poverty equation, Brian Murray and his team at Shift Capital invest in underserved local communities. They function in such a way so that they're not...

Why Manufactured Housing Communities (MHC) are the safest investment in CRE with Brandt Foster

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Brandt Foster, Director at Northwestern Mutual Real Estate, one of the largest real estate investors in the nation. In this conversation, Spencer and Sam ask Brandt about MHCs, manufactured housing communities, where there are multiple different tiers of property types that sit within the community. Here at A.CRE we have our own specialties when it comes to real estate properties that we tend to focus on. As we've expanded, howe...

Leveraging Data & Technology to Streamline Real Estate Debt Procurement

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Yaakov Zar and Sammy Greenwall, the founders of Lev Capital, a commercial mortgage marketplace for capital market advisors. In this conversation, Spencer, Michael and Sam ask Yaakov and Sammy about what Lev is doing to bring real estate financing into the 21st century. Watch, listen, or read below to learn about Lev Capital, how they're inventing new technologies and innovating real estate capital, and their plans for the future. ...

The Forefront of Climate Solutions for The Built Environment with Jacob Racusin

This episode of the A.CRE Audio Series features Jacob Deva Racusin, a real estate professional and co-founder of New Frameworks. New Frameworks is a worker-owned cooperative focused on environment-friendly construction. An active member of the carbon leadership forum, Jacob is engaged in code and policy development, professional training, and other initiatives supporting the transition to a more just industry. Watch, listen, or read this episode to hear Spencer, Michael, and Sam speak with...

How Innovation is Poised to Disrupt Development with Aleks Gampel

This episode of the A.CRE Audio Series features Aleksandr Gampel, a real estate professional and co-founder of Cuby Technologies. Cuby is a tech company working to change the way we build buildings altogether. If you look into the recent past, you'll see that the construction process overall hasn't changed in decades. With the huge growth of commercial real estate and its emphasis on the asset class, the demand for construction is higher than ever. However, with how we build today, it would b...

Phosphor and Oliver Beavers - Changing the Way Real Estate is Underwritten

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we talk with a special guest and friend to A.CRE, Oliver Beavers, the founder of Phosphor who is working on a new financial modeling tool. Originally, similar to multiple new professionals in the industry, Oliver entered the finance world needing to learn Excel to map out complex financial deals. As many of our users know very well, the process of creating and modifying financial models can be a hugely time-consuming effort, which may requir...

How To Model Like a Deal Seasoned Pro - Introducing the Accelerator 2.0

In 2018, Michael and I designed and built the A.CRE Accelerator program. We sought to build the preeminent tool for learning and mastering real estate financial modeling. It was intended to provide a clear path to real estate financial modeling mastery, and ultimately give Accelerator Graduates a significant advantage in the industry. Now as we approach the 3-year anniversary of the Accelerator's initial launch, it's inspiring to see how the Accelerator program has accomplished all of that a...

Using "Money Ball" Strategies In Commercial Real Estate With Brandon Taubman

In this fourth special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam, Spencer, and Michael discuss how to create a real estate portfolio with special guest, Brandon Taubman. Brandon is a data scientist and financial engineer with 15 years of experience within investment banking, sports analytics, and real estate.  With Brandon's experience in a variety of fields, we ask for his advice in creating a portfolio through an analogy of baseball. Watch, listen, or read below to learn how to evaluate rea...

Data-Driven Self Storage Strategy With Drew Dolan

In this third special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam and Spencer discuss self-storage data-driven strategies with special guess Drew Dolan. Drew is a Principal & Fund Manager at DXD Capital, a data-driven self-storage development company. Here at A.CRE, we've tried to create a wide array of cre content and one of the more recent areas we've dived into was self-storage, specifically with our self-storage development model. In this episode, we talk to Drew on exactly that niche. Concer...

Perfecting Your Strategy, Process, & Product With Scott Choppin

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Scott Choppin, the CEO and founder of The Urban Pacific group of companies, a real estate development company based in Southern California. In this conversation, Spencer, Michael, and Sam consult Scott for his insights into the development side, as well as other things happening from an actual deal-doer and maker in the business. As we've tried to emphasize in this season, both strategy and action are required for a successful d...

Leveling Up as a CRE Entrepreneur With Mark Rios

In this first special episode of the 3rd season of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Mark Rios, a real estate entrepreneur with a background in media. In addition to being an A.CRE Accelerator Graduate, he is the principal and co-founder of Prosperity CRE. Growing up in Hollywood, Mark planned for a career in the entertainment industry and spent 30 years in various acting roles. Through the years he eventually fell into commercial real estate and co-founded Prosperity CRE, a private real es...

Executing The Plan | Managing The Asset - S3E7

Now that we've discussed the strategy and capital behind deal-making, and the due diligence required in conducting deals, let's talk about how to manage your assets. Ultimately, this is the step where quite frankly, the value comes to reality. Both Michael and Spencer have been on the development side of the real estate business and this episode features their advice when it comes to assets in real estate. What's interesting is that real estate is a relationship business, it's a people busin...

Creating Your CRE Strategy - S3E2

In this second episode of this special season of the A.CRE Audio Series, we're talking about how to create a strategy for deal-making and deal doing, the theme of season 3. Strategy is an important part of deal-making: before you can go out and identify deals, you need to have a strategy, a reason to pursue those deals. The strategy really is the foundation of all real estate. As part of this episode, Spencer Burton, co-creator of A.CRE and our resident strategy expert is going to share two ...

Putting Together Your Capital Stack - Debt - S3E5

As far as deal-making, and deal doing are concerned. the last three episodes or so have been really focused on the making side. But making deals is great, but if you can't get them closed, they're not worth anything. In this episode, we're beginning to bridge over to the doing side. Episode 5 is the second part of putting together your capital stack for deal-making and deal-doing in commercial real estate. Where the last episode talked about equity, this episode specifically talks about de...

Here's What To Expect In Season 3 - S3E1

Welcome to Season Three of the A.CRE Audio Series! In this season, I am joined by the creators of Adventures in CRE, Spencer Burton, and Michael Belasco. This season is the first chance Spencer, Michael and Sam had been able to get together in person since 2019, and so they decided to do something special. As opposed to past seasons, season 3 is focused entirely around a central theme: Deal Making and Deal Doing. This series is comprised of 8 episodes that deep-dive the various nuances o...

Pro Level Due Diligence - S3E6

Now that we've really dug into the details about deal-making in commercial real estate, it's time to get into the weeds concerning deal-doing. This episode talks about how to go about due diligence in CRE at a pro-level. Hear Michael's perspective on the three main things for keys to success in real estate due diligence. We'll talk about the big buckets of due diligence.  As a side note, we'd love to hear from you guys! If anybody had questions or comments, feel free to follow up if you wa...

Putting Together Your Capital Stack - Equity - S3E4

As briefly mentioned in the last episode, before you can start sourcing deals and finding investment opportunities, you need a strategy and you need money. Episode 1 talked about how to develop a strategy. Episodes 4 and 5 talk about how to put together the capital required for closing a deal in real estate. Specifically, this episode addresses equity when putting together your capital stack. Just as in the last episode, the key to capital is networking. You can raise capital. You can find...

Maximizing Outcomes | Disposition - S3E8

Welcome to the last regular episode of season 3, Deal Making and Deal Doing, from the A.CRE Audio Series. With both Michael and Spencer, today we talk about disposition. We're talking about bringing the whole thing full circle: realizing your profits and realizing your strategy. It seems like a very simple thing. If we've done everything up to this point correctly, as we've discussed and really executed on the plan, you would think that you're done, but there's a little bit more to it than t...

How To Source Deals - S3E3

Now that we've talked about the strategy behind deal-making in commercial real estate, it's time to get into the actual deals! This episode of season 3 of the A.CRE Audio Series talks about how to actually source deals and identify investment opportunities and the relationships needed to properly find these real estate investment opportunities. You've watched episode 1 and have a strategy. Once you've got a strategy and you've got money (something we'll talk about later in the season), you...

The A.CRE Networking Reboot Cruise

One of our biggest goals here at A.CRE is building a community and engaging with our readers. Recently, you've likely seen our posts on the A.CRE Networking Reboot Cruise. This cruise we're putting together is another effort to bring that community together, give value back to our readers, and allow us to interact in person in a more substantive way. This cruise will take place in April 2022 and is to help all CRE students and professionals get back into networking in the post-covid world. ...

How to Maximize Value for Tenants featuring Justin Smith

This episode of the A.CRE Audio Series features Justin Smith, Senior Vice President at Lee & Associates and the author of Industrial Intelligence: The Executive's Guide for Making Informed Commercial Real Estate Decisions. In this episode, he sits down with Michael, Spencer, and Sam to talk about how to maximize value for tenants. A big thanks to Justin for making himself and his story available to our viewers!

Making the Career Transition into CRE featuring Caleb Staub

This episode of the A.CRE Audio Series features Caleb Staub, a Real Estate Investor and Construction Project Manager. In this episode, we ask Caleb's advice on how to transition into the commercial real estate field. A big thanks to Caleb for offering his knowledge to our viewers!

Maximizing Your ROI on In Person CRE Events'

In this episode, watch as Spencer, San, and Michael discuss how to maximize your ROI on In-Person CRE Events.

Internship Opportunities and More with A.CRE Fellow Samuel Obasi

In this episode of Accelerators in Action, we're so happy to feature Samuel Obasi, the current A.CRE Fellow. In this episode we talk about the opportunities that come with a Fellowship as well as internships and so-on.  This is our 9th episode in a growing sub-series of interviews with commercial real estate professionals. This Accelerators in Action sub-series tells the stories of CRE professionals at all stages of their career, from students to senior-level professionals. Their experienc...

Launching a Co-Living Company Amidst a Global Pandemic with Johannes Peter

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we're pleased to be joined by Johannes Peter, the Founder & CEO of TomoDomo Co-Living in Switzerland. TomoDomo provides Co-Living residences in Switzerland. Through Co-Living, TomoDomo's goal is for their residents to consciously share their living space in order to build relationships, think further, aim higher and live better. This episode discusses how to accomplish this amidst a global pandemic. We're very grateful for Johannes's willingness t...

Building a Diverse and Competent Team with Garland Fuller

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we're pleased to be joined by Garland Fuller, a Diversity Recruiting Leader and Inclusion & Equity Strategist at CBRE. For this episode, we consult Garland on the best way to build a diverse team in the CRE profession. We're very grateful for Garland's willingness to share their knowledge with the A.CRE audience!

CRE Networking in 2021 with Allison Weiss

With the events of 2020, networking in CRE has changed. In-place interactions have taken a necessary backseat to virtual connections. We all must adapt in order to advance our careers. In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we’re pleased to be joined by Allison Weiss, Principal and Founder of CRE Recruiting. Allison offers excellent insights into how to network in 2021 and beyond. We’re very grateful for Allison’s willingness to share her knowledge with the A.CRE audience!

Elevator Pitches and Other Career Advice with Jenn Cook

Many of our content here at Adventures in CRE recently has been about career help and advice. This isn't accidental. With the current pandemic, we're doing our best to help our readers get through the recession. This episode features Jenn Cook, a Corporate Recruiter and Learning & Development Manager at Crow Holdings, and talks about various career advice, such as how to polish your elevator pitch, how to guide conversations with CRE employers, what questions to ask them, and more. We're v...

Setting your Sights High with Alex Williams

One important aspect present in real estate more than any other industry is the need to shoot above your station. Alex Williams, a Financial Analyst at CBRE Capital Markets and our guest today exemplifies this. As just an intern in college, he cold-called and asked to speak with the CEO to close a deal. In this episode, watch as Sam asks Alex about his experience shooting for the stars as an inexperienced young professional. A huge thank you to Alex for talking to us about his career thus ...