Fried on Business

From Lawyer to Bestselling Author: James Grippando’s Journey and Writing ProcessEpisode 795 | 11.20.24In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim interviews New York Times bestselling author James Grippando. They discuss James' latest novel The Goodbye Girl, his journey from lawyer to author, and his long-standing involvement with the Miami Book Fair. James also shares insights into his writing process, the inspiration behind his legal thrillers, and how Miami serves as both a backdrop and a character in his books. Tune in to hear this fascinating conversation about literature, law, and the power of storytelling. *************************************About Our Guest:James Grippando is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 novels of suspense to his credit, and the winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. His latest, Goodbye Girl (HarperCollins 2024), is No. 18 in his popular series featuring Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck. His books are enjoyed worldwide in 28 languages. James is also a practicing attorney and teaches Law & Literature at the University of Miami School of Law. He lives and writes in south Florida. Visit his website at www.jamesgrippando.com---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

Dolphin Great Ed Newman - Author Of Warrior King Episode 794 | 11.13.24In this episode of Fried On Business, host Jim Fried interviews NFL legend and retired judge Ed Newman. They discuss Ed’s book Warrior Judge, his journey from professional football to the courtroom, and the life lessons that shaped him. From overcoming adversity as a Jewish athlete to setting an example of resilience and strength, Ed shares powerful insights on family, faith, and building a legacy. Tune in to hear Ed’s inspiring story of balancing toughness with compassion.*************************************About Our Guest:Ed NewmanThe “Perfect Season” Miami Dolphins selected Ed in the sixth round of the 1973 NFL draft. Ed went on to play 12 seasons (1973 to 1984) for Coach Don Shula, during which time he participated in one winning Super Bowl and two American Conference championships. Ed earned All-Pro recognition four times and played in 167 games, of which he started in 113. Ed reluctantly broke from the Dolphins after a knee injury that occurred in 1985.Ed went on to pursue a law degree and served as a civil litigator from 1987 to 1994. After a successful election campaign, Ed was commissioned as a County Court Judge in and for Miami-Dade. Ed first served in the Domestic Violence Division, and over the span of 28 years, he rotated to preside over thousands of cases in the county’s Civil and Criminal Courts. In recognition of his charitable contributions, the South Florida Blood Service had “N.W. 17th Street” renamed to “Ed Newman Street.” The Miami Dolphins inducted Ed into their Walk of Fame in 2014, for his contributions to the team and the community. The following year, he was honored as one of the “Top 50” Miami Dolphins to have played within the first 50 years of the franchise. ---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

From Pulitzer Prize to Novelist: Leonard Pitts’ Journey and New Book 54 MilesEpisode 793 | 11.06.24 In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Leonard Pitts Jr. to discuss his latest novel, 54 Miles. They explore the powerful story of characters impacted by America’s Civil Rights Movement, the meaning behind the book’s title, and Leonard’s transition from journalist to novelist. Set against the backdrop of the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, this conversation delves into the themes of justice, accountability, and family. Tune in to hear Leonard’s unique perspective on history, writing, and what drives him to tell these essential stories.*************************************About Our Guest:Leonard Garvey Pitts Jr. (born October 11, 1957) is an American commentator, journalist, and novelist. He is a nationally syndicated columnist and winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. He was originally hired by the Miami Herald to critique music, but quickly received his own column, in which he has dealt extensively with race, politics, and culture from a progressive perspective.Raised in Los Angeles and educated at the University of Southern California, Pitts currently lives in Bowie, Maryland. He has won awards for his writing from the Society of Professional Journalists, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, and the National Association of Black Journalists, and he was first nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1993, eventually claiming the honor in 2004.Pitts' first book, Becoming Dad: Black Men and the Journey to Fatherhood, was published in 2006. His first novel, Before I Forget, was released in March 2009, and earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The novel centers on a faded soul singer whose early-onset Alzheimer's disease compels him to reconnect with his father and son. Pitts's third book, Forward from This Moment: Selected Columns, 1994–2008, was published in August 2009. It is a selec---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

Creative Capital Market Solutions Episode 792 | 10.30.24Jim speaks with Jon Gitman of Brideginvest on current bridge lending terms. They talk about markets, product types, general cost of capital, structures and more. *************************************About Our Guest:Partner of BridgeInvest since 2013. Jon Gitman oversees loan origination and underwriting at BridgeInvest. In his role as Partner of BridgeInvest, Jon has expanded the company’s presence in new markets including Texas, Georgia and the Carolinas. While at BridgeInvest, Jon has closed over $1 billion of commercial real estate loans. Prior to BridgeInvest, Jon was an Acquisitions Associate with Resource Real Estate where he was charged with the deployment of a $1 billion private REIT focused on the acquisition and work-out of non-performing commercial real estate and real estate related debt throughout the United States. Jon is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with concentrations in both finance and real estate. ---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

Rate Cuts and Real Estate: How to Navigate Residential Mortgages in 2024Episode 791 | 10.23.24In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim and home mortgage expert Ed Cairo discuss the recent 50 basis point interest rate cut and its impact on the residential real estate market. They dive into refinancing strategies, rate and term financing, and the complexities of the condo market. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or looking to refinance, this episode provides practical advice on navigating the current mortgage landscape. Learn how to make informed financial decisions in today’s fluctuating market.*************************************About Our Guest:With all the attention dedicated to the residential real estate market, we all understand that no transaction can occur without financing. Ed Cairo (President, American Home Finance Group) helps people close easily and with great positive energy.Realtor License since 1983. Mortgage Broker/Owner since 2000."We have a fully automated mortgage brokerage company that will get your deals closed on time. We are always available. With my 20 years lending experience, I work with my clients to structure a loan that makes sense for them."American Home Finance Group NMLS 336310Ed Cairo NMLS 322440---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

Navigating Rising Insurance Costs - What Can We Do? Episode 790 | 10.16.24In this episode of Fried On Business, host Jim Fried tackles the insurance crisis impacting the real estate industry. Rising premiums in homeowners and flood insurance are affecting property values, liquidity, and the cost of occupancy across the U.S. Jim offers insights on how these issues impact residential and commercial real estate, with a focus on the Southeast. Tune in for practical advice on managing rising insurance costs, from understanding policy options to strategies for lowering occupancy costs.---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

Carrying The Rock With Steve VecchittoEpisode 789 | 10.09.24In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with South Florida real estate veteran Steve Vecchitto, founder of Avenir. They dive deep into multifamily real estate investing, Avenir’s unique culture, and the importance of long-term relationships in business. Steve shares his insights on sustainable housing, his team-first philosophy, and why he prioritizes high-net-worth investors over institutional capital. Tune in for a conversation that blends real estate expertise, mentorship, and a vision for building community-driven projects.*************************************About Our Guest:Stephen Vecchitto founded Advenir, Inc in 1996 and is its Managing Director. Advenir is a multi-family real estate investment, development and management company. Advenir currently controls and owns jointly with investors over 13,000 plus units, valued in excess of $3.3B of real estate assets in Florida, Texas, Colorado, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas, and generates $230M+ in annual revenue. The Company has over 400 employees, is based in Miami, Florida, and has offices in Atlanta, Houston, Denver and Orlando. Mr. Vecchitto was the founder of VSM, LLC; a Hartford based Certified Public Accounting and financial services firm. The firm grew to 40 professionals and became the fifth largest private firm in Hartford. While at the firm Mr. Vecchitto was the Managing Partner, created and grew the litigation support division, concentrated on mergers and acquisitions, became certified as a Certified Fraud Examiner, and an Accredited Member of the Association of Appraisers – Business Valuation concentration. He was qualified to testify as an expert in both State and Federal courts. Mr. Vecchitto sold the Firm in 1996. Stephen continues to be a strategic advisor to businesses and high net worth individuals. Mr. Vecchitto dedicates much of his spare time and is very active in the business community at large and philanthropy. He is an Associate Board of Director for Apartment Life, participates on the Advisory Board of City-to-City Miami, and is a Cornerstone Member of Make-A-Wish Foundation in South Florida. He is the father of two daughters and the proud grandfather of six grandchildren who all live in Hawaii.---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

How to Finance Your Hospitality Property in a Shifting Economy Episode 788 | 10.02.24In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim dives into the current state of hotel financing, discussing the challenges and opportunities in the hospitality market. Whether you're facing maturity refinancing, looking for gap financing, or interested in inflation-proof investments, Jim shares actionable strategies to navigate this complex landscape. Tune in to learn how you can position your hospitality property for success in a shifting economy, with insights on bridge capital, preferred equity, and working with lenders.---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

Interest Rate Cuts: What It Means for Real Estate and Your WalletEpisode 787 | 09.25.24Jim dives into the recent Fed interest rate cuts and what they mean for both residential and commercial real estate markets. Jim shares actionable advice on how to navigate these changes, whether you're a homebuyer, investor, or business owner. He also discusses the broader economic impact of these rate cuts and offers tips on how to capitalize on the opportunities they present. Tune in for expert insights and learn why now might be the perfect time to act in the real estate market.---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com

Mentorship, Investment Insights, and Building a Career: Lessons from a 40-Year Business Veteran and His InternEpisode 786 | 09.18.24In this episode of Fried On Business, host Jim Fried sits down with his intern Noah Kam, a finance student from the University of Florida, to discuss their mentor-mentee relationship. Together, they explore the significance of internships, the impact of mentorship, and Noah’s experiences in the Gator Student Investment Fund. The conversation delves into practical investment strategies, insights on industrial sectors, and the value of building networks in business. With decades of experience in commercial real estate, Jim shares valuable advice on cold calling, business organization, and staying adaptable in today’s competitive market.---------------------Jim Fried has been a real estate business person since 1980 and has had his own radio show since 2009. Mr. Fried specializes in capitalizing commercial real estate transactions, unearthing urban land opportunities and is also a private lender. He has been active in the real estate industry for many years as a financial intermediary, broker and investor. He has experience with many property types including, but not limited to: apartments, condominiums, retail centers, office buildings, industrial parks and health care – with a special focus on memory care. Jim has closed over $3BB in real estate transactions during his career in markets across the eastern US. Jim uses his communication skills to inform and entertain on his weekly podcast show – Fried on Business. Of course, the show discusses real estate, but he also tackles issues such as branding, sports business, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, public private partnerships as well as health and wellness. He is also a mentor to many up and coming people in the real estate industry through his membership on the Board of The University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies. Mr. Fried is a winner of the Miami-Dade Public School Alumni Achievement Award. Contact Jim via email at jim@friedonbusiness.com