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Jul 2026

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Welcome and thanks for joining us on The Crexi Podcast, an insider’s look at all things commercial real estate. The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.

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July 8, 20261 hr 0 min

Building a Practice, Chicago's Market, and the Future of Brokerage

Van Vlissingen & Co.'s Gordon Lamphere on Chicago's tale-of-two-cities office market, why energy access is the industry's most under-talked-about asset, and what it actually takes to build a podcast and a practice from scratch. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Gordon Lamphere is a fourth-generation real estate professional, licensed Illinois and Wisconsin broker, and Vice President at Van Vlissingen & Co., the Midwest's oldest private commercial real estate firm. He advises owners, tenants, and investors across more than 100 transactions a year throughout greater Chicagoland, and hosts the Real Finds podcast, where he interviews developers, corporate occupiers, economists, and policy leaders shaping the built environment. In this episode, Gordon joins host Shanti Ryle on how AI has changed the speed and sophistication of deal-making, why Chicago's office market is really a tale of two cities, the industrial and multifamily conversions filling the gap, and why access to power — not politics — may be the biggest driver of the next five years in CRE. 00:00 Welcome to The Crexi Podcast 00:18 Introducing Gordon Lamphere of Van Vlissingen & Co. 01:27 Fourth-generation real estate: growing up around the business 03:00 A detour to law school and Tulane's maritime program 06:00 Why brokerage won out over practicing law 07:00 The grind: 70-hour weeks, no money, no clients 10:30 How AI and digitalization sped up transactions 14:00 Higher client expectations: deal analysis, reporting, and AI 16:00 What lawyers still do that AI can't: real deal advice 19:00 AI isn't God: why brokers still have to seek the truth 22:00 Selecting clients: why he turns down more deals than he takes 25:00 Sniffing out tire kickers before wasting time 27:30 Chicago's office market: a tale of two cities 29:00 Why so much Class B/C office is functionally obsolete 30:30 Industrial and multifamily conversions filling the gap 33:00 Municipalities, zoning, and the housing crisis 35:00 Capital markets: why big deals move slower now 38:00 What makes a deal pencil in 2026 39:30 Sun Belt migration vs. the case for Chicagoland 41:30 Inside the Real Finds podcast: who he talks to and why 42:00 Energy as the most under-talked-about asset in CRE 43:00 Nuclear, hydrogen, and the race for grid access 45:30 Translating macro trends without losing the micro nuance 48:00 The double-edged sword of content creation 52:00 Advice for anyone thinking about starting a platform 55:00 Rapid fire: deploying $50M in real estate today 56:30 The worst advice he's ever gotten 58:00 What keeps him optimistic about Chicagoland. Like this? Hop on over to our blog to check out the latest CRE hot tips and insights: https://bit.ly/3TAD75S Subscribe and receive the latest in CRE from Crexi: https://www.youtube.com/c/CREXi?sub_c Follow Crexi: Website: https://bit.ly/3TAD75S Instagram: https://bit.ly/3SxVtDk Facebook: https://bit.ly/3DppaSH Twitter: https://bit.ly/3D1Qe91 Linkedin: https://bit.ly/3zcDMCh About Gordon Lamphere: Gordon Lamphere is a Vice President and licensed broker at Van Vlissingen & Co., the Midwest's oldest private commercial real estate firm, where he advises owners, tenants, and investors on more than 100 transactions annually across office, industrial, and land assets throughout greater Chicagoland. He holds a JD from Tulane University Law School, where he majored in maritime and logistics law, and is an honors graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland. Beyond his transactional work, Gordon leads Van Vlissingen & Co.'s media and marketing platform and hosts Real Finds, Chicago's leading commercial real estate podcast, where he interviews developers, corporate occupiers, economists, and policy leaders shaping the future of the built environment. About Crexi: Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction — Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has facilitated over $1 trillion in transactions, 8.6 billion square feet leased, and supports a growing community of more For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

June 24, 202657 min

The Broker Who Thinks Like a Landlord: Inside Texas Retail Leasing with Tooba Patoli

Huntington Properties' Tooba Patoli on canvassing from zero, tenant mix strategy, the landlord hat, why AI is killing deals, and what it really takes to build a retail leasing practice in Texas. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Tooba Patoli left a corporate salary job at 22 to go make $0 in commercial real estate. Four and a half years later she's a senior retail specialist at Huntington Properties, leading a team that closed nearly 95 leases across 36 shopping centers in a single year. In this episode, Tooba joins host Shanti Ryle to talk about how she built her book from scratch through canvassing, why she thinks like a landlord even when she isn't one, what's driving Texas suburban retail right now, and why three of her deals recently fell apart because tenants used AI instead of an attorney. Introducing Tooba Patoli of Huntington Properties From corporate salary to $0 commission: why she made the leap at 22 Why retail — and why mom and pops in high-growth Texas suburbs How leasing fundamentals give you an edge in investment sales Mentors, pattern recognition, and joining the right firm 95 leases in a year: how the team pulled it off across 36 shopping centers What her day actually looks like now versus year one The landlord hat: why she never advises a deal she wouldn't take herself Talking to tenants: why it's always case by case The hot chicken deal that almost blew up — and the lesson she still teaches her team She did a second deal with that same tenant four years later Canvassing 101: always start with tenants, not landlords 18,000 miles in year one and the script that actually worked at the door Be a farmer: plant today, bloom in 12 months What's driving Texas retail right now — and where Houston is heading The shortage of quality second gen space and how landlords are getting creative The concepts winning right now: food and bev, Pilates, personal services, froyo TI negotiations, personal guarantees, and why it's a 50/50 market Why AI is killing deals — and who she actually blames The right way to use AI as a broker Advice for new brokers: understand the fundamentals before you feed the model About Tooba Patoli Tooba Patoli is a Senior Retail Leasing Associate at Hunington Properties, where she helps lead the firm's third-party retail division across Texas. She specializes in retail leasing, tenant and landlord representation, and investment sales, working with property owners, developers, investors, and growing businesses. Tooba's approach combines proactive business development, market research, and relationship building to uncover opportunities and help clients achieve their goals. By staying closely connected to local business owners, monitoring emerging retail trends, and maintaining an active presence throughout the market, she helps clients make informed real estate decisions and position their assets for long-term success. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

June 10, 202656 min

Why Knoxville Is One of America's Fastest-Growing Markets

Avison Young's Justin Cazana on Knoxville's office boom, nuclear-driven growth, why tertiary markets quietly survived the office crisis, and how to build a dominant local practice. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Justin Cazana is a third-generation real estate professional and principal at Avison Young in Knoxville. Before commercial real estate, he spent nearly a decade in sports broadcasting — calling minor league baseball, SEC football, and Fox Sports Net Olympic coverage — before the family business pulled him home. In this episode, Justin joins host Adam Siegel on why Knoxville's office market never really broke, what Oak Ridge and nuclear growth are doing to demand, and why investing in people is the unlock most brokers miss. Introducing Justin Cazana of Avison Young Knoxville Third-generation CRE: sweeping warehouses and dinner table deal talk From Auburn journalism to minor league baseball broadcasting Hall of Famers in the same league and why he eventually walked away Coming back to Knoxville and learning the business under his father Opening Cushman & Wakefield's Knoxville office in 2010 with seven brokers Managing people is the hardest part — and why hiring a COO changed everything The 10x mindset: what are the 20 things only you should be doing Assistants, VAs, and why every broker should view hires as investments Why they left Cushman for Avison Young in 2015 In tertiary markets, the relationship outlasts the flag every time Knoxville by the numbers: a million-person metro, 24M square feet of office Why tertiary market office never collapsed the way primary markets did Smaller tenants, local ownership, and coming back to the office faster after COVID The retention math: upgrading from Class C to Class A pays for itself How HR became the real estate decision-maker The 11-minute commute and what makes Knoxville an easy sell No income tax, four seasons, UT football, and a Cubs AA ballpark Oak Ridge, nuclear growth, and 180,000 square feet of engineering deals in one year 92% occupancy, a supply problem, and developers ready to build on lease-up Why institutional developers haven't moved in — and local developers fill the gap Downtown Knoxville: no new office building since 1992 The next three to five years: nuclear, airports, Smith & Wesson, and more About Justin Cazana: Justin Cazana is a Principal and broker at Avison Young's Knoxville office, where he specializes in both tenant and landlord representation across office, industrial, and retail asset classes. He holds both the SIOR and CCIM designations and has deep expertise in the Knoxville market, where he has built a practice rooted in local market knowledge and client relationships. Justin's career path into commercial real estate was far from traditional. Before joining the industry, he worked in television and radio sports broadcasting, including minor league baseball, Fox Sports Net and Comcast Sports. After transitioning into commercial real estate over two decades ago, Justin played a key role in opening Cushman & Wakefield's Knoxville office and later helped lead the migration to Avison Young in 2015. Today, Justin works across most commercial asset classes but with a focus on the Knoxville market and has built a reputation as the go-to expert for understanding one of the country's fastest-growing tertiary markets. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

June 3, 202646 min

Dylan Walsh on NYC Investment Sales: Development, Debt, and Deals

Cushman & Wakefield Executive Director Dylan Walsh on NYC investment sales, development sites, debt maturities, and why pessimism in a down market is always the wrong call. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Dylan Walsh has handled more than 100 transactions and over $2 billion in NYC commercial real estate. After stops at Rosewood Realty and Marcus & Millichap, he returned to Cushman & Wakefield in 2022 as Executive Director overseeing capital markets. In this episode, Dylan joins host Shanti Ryle on NYC investment sales, why development sites are the hottest asset class, how lenders and sponsors are navigating debt maturities, and why staying contrarian is where the real money gets made. Welcome to The Crexi Podcast Introducing Dylan Walsh of Cushman & Wakefield From Martha's Vineyard rentals to Cushman intern — and not getting the job Three years at Rosewood Realty: the art of the call Marcus & Millichap: team structure, suits every day, and why multifamily is the most nuanced asset class in New York Still 80% brokerage: time blocking, pipeline reviews, and building a team Class A office is back, residential vacancy is at 1.5%, and development sites are the hottest asset class Office conversions, the June 2026 commencement rush, and the quagmire of Class B and C The 485X abatement, the 99-unit workaround, and who is buying right now 1031 exchanges, two seller buckets, and debt maturities coming to a head How lenders and sponsors are navigating the foreclosure conversation Retail up 30% from 2019, industrial running out of space, and rezoning to residential Salesforce, AI, and why relationships don't commoditize Finding windows of opportunity in every conversation Rapid fire: Greenpoint, Ridgewood, and why bad markets create the best opportunities About Dylan Walsh: Dylan Walsh joined Cushman & Wakefield as an Executive Director in January 2022, to oversee the Cushman & Wakefield Capital Markets. His team is one of the most active in NYC commercial real estate sales and represents landlords on the disposition of their CRE in New York City. His experience spans all asset classes including office, land, multifamily, retail, industrial and development, air right transfers, coops and conversions. Dylan’s clients include private equity, institutions, family offices, high net worth individuals, debt funds and the government. Dylan has handled the sale of over 100 transactions, totaling more than $2 billion worth of commercial real estate in New York City. He also specializes in transitioning his client’s debt and equity out of NYC into income producing properties across the country using the 1031 tax exchange. Dylan has over 12 years of brokerage experience and started his career as an intern at Cushman & Wakefield in 2013. Throughout his tenure, Walsh spent 3 years at Rosewood Realty in Manhattan and 6 years at Marcus & Millichap working in NYC for the New York Multifamily Team. He has a bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and has family located across New York and Denver. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

May 27, 202653 min

Nina Steiner: Hollywood's Tenant Rep and the Writers' Room Whisperer

Saxum West's Nina Steiner on finding space for Hollywood studios, the LA office market, proof stacking, and why the riches are in the follow-up. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Nina Steiner spent years in television production before finding her way into commercial real estate. Ten years later she is one of the only tenant reps in LA who specializes in entertainment: securing writers' rooms, production studio space, and flexible offices for showrunners, studios, and production companies. In this episode, Nina joins host Adam Siegel to talk about what makes entertainment real estate different, how she built her niche, why she chose proof stacking over cold calling, and what staying in the game looks like. Welcome to The Crexi Podcast Introducing Nina Steiner of Saxum West From TV production and internet new media to commercial real estate The Santa Monica meetup that started everything Getting licensed and choosing the tenant rep lane What surprised her most: rules, vetting, and learning on the fly Why having a previous career is an advantage in brokerage Storytelling as a trust-building tool How the stonecutter's creed changed her mindset Why she chose tenant rep over investment sales and landlord work Flexible workspace as a differentiator — volume where others saw small potatoes How the entertainment niche evolved without a business plan The showrunner rule: they want to be close to where they live Eight leases closed in Sherman Oaks in Q1 Why production people avoid managed flex: always in stealth mode What entertainment clients need: perimeter offices, bullpen, large conference room Working a UK writers' room placement across a 12-hour time difference Staying calm, offering options, and not deciding for the client Proof stacking: saying the same thing consistently even when there are crickets Be niche, narrow your market, know your lane Boutique versus big shop and why flexibility matters LA's entertainment real estate ebbs and flows with content cycles Amenities are now table stakes for landlords Lease terms getting shorter: startups taking 3 months, not 3 years Staying on the good side of both sides: communication first Act when a space hits 90% of the boxes — a LOI is non-binding Watching streaming as research for her next client LinkedIn, proof stacking, and posting even when nobody seems to be watching AI tools: Gamma for presentations, Claude for prompts and content Building referrals through warm calls and doing right by people The Vancouver referral: turning a cross-border deal into a handoff Advice for early-career brokers: interview tenured brokers, pick one lane The thrill of the hunt: what still gets her up in the morning The 10-minute walk to the beach and why balance matters Half a commission beats no commission About Nina Steiner: Nina Steiner has over 10 years of experience as a commercial real estate tenant representative in Los Angeles, specializing in office and retail leasing. Her unique background as a former television line producer gives her an edge in understanding the entertainment industry's specific needs, from securing writers' rooms to finding the perfect space for production studios. Nina focuses on providing customized solutions that fit each client's long-term business objectives, whether it's in traditional leasing or managed flexible office spaces around the globe. Nina approaches each client with empathy, putting herself in their shoes to understand their challenges and goals. Her niche expertise in finding creative spaces for Hollywood studios sets her apart, while her deep knowledge of the LA market ensures her clients get the best possible deals. Through regular social media updates and educational content, she keeps tenants informed about market trends and real estate opportunities. Nina is a trusted advisor for businesses looking to expand or relocate in Los Angeles. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

May 21, 202649 min

David Green & Cory Mais on NYC Retail: Brooklyn, Pilates, and Froyo

KSR's David Green and Cory Mais on New York retail leasing, why Brooklyn is where the smart money is going, building a team, and why you should never send the ChatGPT email. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. David Green has leased more than a million square feet of retail space across the New York Metro Area since 2015. Cory Mais joined his team less than a year ago and is already on pace to close 25 deals in his first year. In this episode, they join host Shanti Ryle on what is driving New York retail, why Brooklyn is the market to watch, how David thinks about building a team, and why the best brokers know exactly when not to use AI. Welcome to The Crexi Podcast Introducing David Green and Cory Mais of KSR David's origin story: a summer internship that never ended How KSR grew from 10 brokers to 150 since 2015 From chasing deals to building relationships COVID as the turning point: getting the deal done wasn't enough Cory's background and the cold call that got him hired The week of harassment that became a litmus test for hustle Why New York City is the world's greatest and biggest mall Neighborhoods that got stronger post-COVID: East Village, Upper West Side Why David is most bullish on Brooklyn right now Building a team: culture over resume "If you need to pay rent next month, this is not the right job for you" Ego, accountability, and what David looks for in a new hire Hardest part of year one: time kills deals Easiest surprise: how fast a hot tenant can sign and close West Village on a Wednesday looks like a weekend Green Point: the market David is most focused on right now Landlord-tenant equilibrium, transparency, and smart tenants in 2026 The best deals are when nobody is fully happy What national tenants get wrong about New York City Food and beverage: alcohol down, health and wellness up Pilates is on fire: five leases out with five new concepts Frozen yogurt is back and nobody saw it coming TI, free rent, and when landlords open checkbooks The 7th Street Burger story: a pandemic listing that became 30 locations AI in retail leasing: marketing and data yes, sourcing no How to spot a ChatGPT email, and why sending it will cost you Technology that works: lead generation and online presence Cory's LinkedIn strategy and why David lets him handle it Authenticity is the competitive advantage when everyone else goes AI Rapid fire: $50M goes to Brooklyn retail Worst advice: avoid bad news Pick a lane and go all in; brokers aren't going anywhere About David Green: David Green is the Executive Managing Director of Retail Leasing at KSR, where he has been a driving force since joining the firm in 2015. Over the course of his career, David has leased more than 1,000,000 square feet of retail space across the New York Metropolitan Area. He brings deep expertise in representing both landlords and tenants, working with national brands including Cotton On, Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Luckin Coffee, and 7th Street Burger, as well as prominent property owners including Ashkenazy Acquisitions, Icon Realty Management, The Moinian Group, Crown Acquisitions, and others. David holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Hunter College and has been recognized industry-wide, earning accolades including Commercial Observer's 30 Under 30 in 2022, and CREXI Platinum Award in 2022, 2023, and 2024. About Cory Mais: Cory Mais started his career in business brokering, closing several notable deals including a 150-key hotel in Albany and a 20-unit apartment building in Pennsylvania. He transitioned into retail leasing last June and has hit the ground running, already on pace to close 25 deals in his first year. He closed his first deal within his first month, a vintage store relocating to New York, and has not slowed down since. Now working under David Green, Cory is focused on continuing to learn, build relationships, and grow his presence in the retail leasing world. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

May 13, 202656 min

Ken Ashley: The Prescription for Building a Career in CRE Brokerage

Cushman & Wakefield Executive Director Ken Ashley on breaking into CRE brokerage, his book The Prescription, CREI Summit, office market trends, and why the fortune is in the follow-up. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Ken Ashley has spent 30 years helping companies translate business strategy into real estate as a top 1% producer at Cushman & Wakefield. He founded CREI, mentored thousands of early-career brokers, and distilled it all into The Prescription — a field guide for building a CRE brokerage career. In this episode, Ken joins host Shanti Ryle on what separates brokers who make it, following up without being annoying, why AI is not coming for this industry the way people fear, and what the office market looks like right now. Ken Ashley's background and 30 years at Cushman & Wakefield What is The Prescription and why he wrote it The COVID passion project that became a field guide Who the book is for: entry-level, mid-career, and senior brokers The fortune is in the follow-up, and why most people miss it Follow-up one: send something they love with no ask Follow-up two: ask for advice, not a job How to close with "If you were me, what would you do?" Never say "pick your brain" or "let me know when you're available" The minimum viable yes: reduce the cognitive burden on decision makers Analyst, researcher, or broker: how to choose your path You can change your niche: Ken did, from industrial to office Self-awareness and hustle: the honest conversation you need first The Prescription as a filter before meeting with someone new What is CREI and why Ken started it in March 2020 The badge idea that accidentally built a community Six lists, volunteer curators, and the abundance mentality CREI Summit in Savannah: AI, Create Labs, and pirates Three warnings: stack bloat, over-reliance, and AI-generated emails Two bright lines: serve clients better and grow your book Listening tools, trigger events, and calling at the right moment Sensor data and propensity-to-return tools for office decisions Atlanta: 1.6M square feet leased, 1.1M in the suburbs Flight to quality is real and Class B is getting a second look MOB conversions, tech startups, and who is taking Class B space Return to office: leverage has shifted back to employers in 2026 Speed of business and kicking rocks: the case for being in office Flexible design, soft seating, and earning the commute Autonomous vehicles and what happens to all those parking garages Paying your civic rent: the imperative to give back What still makes Ken passionate after 30 years Rapid fire: $10M into STNL as a limited partner Worst advice: win at all costs, including badmouthing competition Contrarian belief: the office market can turn on a dime For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog. Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi: https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Ken Ashley: Ken Ashley is an Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield and has spent the last 30 years helping businesses translate strategy into real estate decisions. He is a top 1% producer nationally and holds SIOR, CCIM, and MCR designations—credentials earned by fewer than 1% of practitioners in the industry. Ken and his team are perennial top producers in Atlanta and at Cushman & Wakefield nationally. In 2020, Ken founded CREi (Commercial Real Estate Influencers), a community built to help brokers adapt to a changing industry by leveraging modern tools, social media, and intentional relationship-building. Through CREi, Ken has taught and mentored thousands of aspiring and early-career brokers, helping them get hired, get meetings, build confidence, and gain real traction. Ken recently released his book, The Prescription, a field guide for people who want to build something real in commercial real estate brokerage. The book distills 30 years of frameworks, systems, and patterns into actionable steps for breaking into the industry and building a sustainable career. Ken is an award-winning instructor in CoreNet Global and believes strongly in "paying your civic rent." He serves on the Board of Leadership Atlanta, the National Properties Committee for Boy Scouts, the Atlanta Police Foundation's Crime Stoppers Task Force, and the youth-serving organization Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. Ken has been married to his wife Karen for 34 years and is the proud father of four kids and two lazy pugs. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

May 6, 202642 min

Pablo Barreiro: Building Preschools and Solving the Childcare Desert Crisis

Pablo Barreiro of Fortec on childcare real estate, daycare deserts, preschool development, and the investment case for early education CRE. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Pablo Barreiro started in real estate at 18 and spent years learning the business before co-founding Fortec: a Miami-based developer focused exclusively on early childhood education real estate. Since 2020 he has led more than $240 million in preschool developments across 14 states, building the case that childcare real estate deserves its own institutional asset class. In this episode, Pablo joins host Shanti Ryle to talk about what a childcare desert actually is, why 51% of the US lives in one, how Fortec underwrites and scales preschool developments nationwide, and why finding the right investors matters more than finding the right deal. Pablo Barreiro's background and path to founding Fortec Getting licensed at 18 and learning real estate before the degrees Why he pursued law and economics alongside development From general CRE to spotting the childcare niche in Hollywood, Florida What early childhood education real estate actually is Greenfield builds, retrofits, and repositioning mom-and-pop centers Why he went exclusively national instead of picking one market The social economic case: 40 jobs per preschool, community infrastructure Hiring local GCs and architects to earn community trust Spending on entitlements before acquiring the property The new $30M fund and the goal of becoming the institutional player What a childcare desert is: 3x demand for every available seat 51% of the US lives in a childcare desert 88% of employees late to work cite childcare issues How reducing rent helps reduce tuition for families The 5% tuition increase versus 8% cost increase problem The biggest investor misconception: this is not a standard triple net Children, jobs, and community impact — what makes this asset class different Where the need is greatest: follow the housing buildout Multifamily developers calling Fortec to handle the school component Permit timelines: 12 to 14 months total, six to eight of actual construction Construction costs: slight decreases giving some breathing room How to enter the childcare real estate space — capital network comes first The real risk: doing four deals and running out of investors What success looks like for Fortec in 10 to 15 years Rapid fire: invest in the company over any single deal Worst advice: find the deal first, find the money later Contrarian belief: preschool beats every other retail asset class About Pablo Barreiro: Pablo Barreiro is the chairman and co-founder of Fortec, a Miami-based real estate developer focused exclusively on early childhood education real estate. He has played a pivotal role in helping define and scale this emerging sector, leading more than $240 million in developments over the past five years and drawing on more than two decades of commercial real estate experience as the niche has rapidly gained momentum nationwide. Under his leadership, Fortec has emerged as a category-defining platform in education-focused development, earning recognition as Best Developer by Aventura Magazine and ranking among the South Florida Business Journal's fastest growing companies. Pablo has also been individually recognized on Worth Magazine's Worthy 100 list for his impact and leadership in business. His work addresses critical infrastructure gaps such as child care and daycare deserts, while advancing a scalable investment model that aligns real estate performance with long-term community impact. A University of Miami graduate, Pablo holds multiple undergraduate degrees and a master's degree and earned his Juris Doctor from Florida International University. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 2017, bringing a rare blend of legal and real estate expertise to complex, high-value transactions. His market insights and commentary have been featured in leading outlets, including CNBC, Bisnow, The Real Deal, and other real estate and business publications. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

April 29, 202641 min

Roxanne Klein on Leasing SoCal Retail in a Tight & Shifting Market

Progressive Real Estate Partners SVP Roxanne Klein on Southern California retail leasing, tenant trends, lease negotiation blind spots, and why not all franchisees are created equal. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. Crexi Platinum Award-winner Roxy Klein spent 20-plus years building sales instincts running a candy manufacturing business across 30 states before finding her way into commercial brokerage. Today she is SVP of Retail Leasing and Sales at Progressive Real Estate Partners, the number one retail firm in the Inland Empire, specializing in landlord representation and leasing across Southern California. In this episode, Roxy joins host Yannis Papadakis on what is moving in SoCal retail, why footprints are shrinking, what CC&Rs and amperage issues are quietly killing deals, and why she backs a 20-year mom-and-pop over a franchise tenant with no business experience. Welcome to The Crexi Podcast Roxy Klein's background and path to Progressive Real Estate Partners From candy manufacturing and trade shows to commercial brokerage No playbook: learning retail CRE from a 35-year mentor Why retail: combining business, merchandising, and real estate The value of specializing at a firm that only does retail Boutique versus big shop: why entrepreneurial spirit matters Landlord rep versus tenant rep: why listing agreements mean security Watching retail go from dirt to grand opening Balancing prospecting: door-to-door, phone, social, in-person Why you have to walk into the store before you prospect it Building relationships with national brands through ACRE Independent pharmacies filling former Rite Aid boxes Head spas, beauty tenants, and the risk of over-broad use clauses Footprints are shrinking — and rent is the reason Car washes, drive-through ground leases, and demo opportunities Why drive-throughs dominate: convenience, speed, busy families Coffee is the hottest category — drive-through and independent Large full-service restaurants: very few players left Minimum wage, inflation, and which food tenants are on pause SoCal vacancy: low but rising, and the spaces dragging the number up Keep an open mind, respond fast, don't wait for a better offer CC&Rs blocking gyms, car washes, and entertainment Amperage: the deal killer nobody checks until it's too late Use clauses, exclusives, and inherited lease problems How lease renewals create waiver negotiating leverage Three things new retail brokers must know before their first assignment Rapid fire: $10M into a multi-tenant asset close to home How to spot a fad before it becomes your vacancy Don't get caught up in the franchise name — vet who's signing Parting words: stick with it, and call Roxy About Roxy Klein: Roxanne “Roxy” Klein is the Senior Vice President of Retail Leasing & Sales at Progressive Real Estate Partners, specializing in the leasing and sale of retail properties in Southern California’s Western Inland Empire, Eastern San Gabriel Valley, and Northern Orange County. With over 20 years of real estate and business management experience, Roxy’s expertise includes leasing, sales, client relations, landlord and tenant representation, contract negotiation, research, and marketing. Roxy has completed transactions with a wide range of corporate retailers, including brands like Sprouts, Chipotle, Dunkin’, Circle K, Broken Yolk Café, Capriotti’s, Visionworks, Five Below, and American Family Care, among many others. Roxy graduated from the University of La Verne with a Bachelor of Science in Business, Marketing, and Law. She is on the ACRE So Cal (Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives of Southern California) board, where she has served in various leadership roles, including President in 2024, and Vice President in 2023; Roxy is also the Best Practice Chair for RIAOC (Realty Investment Association of California), a role she is currently serving for the fourth consecutive year and a Captain on the Retail Brokers Network Restaurant Council. She also is a Crexi Platinum Award winner for 2026. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

April 22, 20261 hr 10 min

Inside the Mind and Investment Playbook of StripMallGuy (Repost)

In honor of the 2026 Real Estate Gala, we’re throwing the podcast back to our 2025 interview with none other than Don Tepman, Founder of TownCentre Capital and creator of StripMallGuy. The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with top CRE professionals. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, hosted by Shanti Ryle, Don Tepman shares his career trajectory from unexpectedly entering commercial real estate to becoming a prominent figure both in the market and on social media. Don reveals his journey of managing and investing in strip malls, adding value to properties, and building meaningful relationships with tenants and investors. Additionally, he discusses his influential social media presence, the creation of the 'Strip Mall Guy' brand, and its impact on his business. The episode also delves into the upcoming Strip Mall Guy Gala and its significance in the commercial real estate community. Welcome to the Crexi Podcast Meet Don Tepman: The Strip Mall Guy Don's Early Career and First Deal Learning the Business: Mentorship and Growth Creative Problem Solving in Real Estate The Evolution of Don's Investment Strategy Analyzing and Adding Value to Properties Building Relationships with Brokers Fair Market Rent and Tenant Relations Tenant Improvement Allowances and Win-Win Strategies The Strip Mall Guy Brand The Impact of Social Media on Real Estate The Gala: Celebrating Community and Success Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts About Don Tepman: Don Tepman runs TownCentreCapital, a real estate fund he founded which focuses on buying neighborhood strip centers throughout the United States. He also runs the 'StripMallGuy' account on social media, which has approximately 325,000 followers across three platforms, and has become a primary dealflow source. Mr. Tepman started his career in 2002, and led his first strip center purchase in 2006. He has completed 45 purchases, and raised over $150M in LP capital. Now based in New York City, Mr. Tepman graduated from Santa Clara University with a Finance degree, and grew up in Cupertino, CA For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/ https://www.crexi.com/instagram https://www.crexi.com/facebook https://www.crexi.com/twitter https://www.crexi.com/linkedin https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

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