The Landscape

From Crisis to Cranes: Two SF Developers on Building Through Uncertainty

Michael Cohen and Mark MacDonald built their firms in an era of crisis. Now, 15+ years later, they’re navigating a different kind of scarcity, housing. In this episode, two of San Francisco’s most prolific developers share the unconventional paths that led them into real estate (government and Oracle, respectively), the advantages of launching during a downturn, and what’s happening on the ground in 2026. From the Quincy’s exceptional performance to the TI cost problem plaguing retail, Cohen and MacDonald offer a master class in timing, capital allocation, and the rare collegiality of the SF real estate community. Both firms have $500M+ in built projects; both are betting big on the next cycle.

“You’re Out of Business in a Decade”: How AXCS Capital Runs on AI

On this episode of The Landscape, Evan Kinne, Managing Principal, GSP; CEO, AXCS Capital, sits down with Eric Migicovsky, Director at AXCS Capital, who sold his AI startup to the firm and now works across the investment team and the company’s AI platform. They cut through the fear, FUD, and FOMO to get practical: which CRE data actually needs protecting from frontier labs and which concerns are overblown, why AXCS runs open source models locally to control cost and data, and the three levels of AI adoption every real estate firm should understand, from uploading a T-12 for ad hoc analysis to building a full system of record.

Inside GSP’s Mortgage Banking Build: Matt Fisher on Life Companies and the Alison Company Acquisition

Matthew Fisher, Head of Mortgage Banking at George Smith Partners, joins Evan Kinne and David Pascale on The Landscape to break down life company lending, GSP’s acquisition of the 92-year-old Alison Company, and the $1.5 billion servicing portfolio behind GSP’s expanding mortgage banking platform. Matt covers default rates, rate lock at app, and why life companies are quietly winning market share in today’s volatile environment.

$24.4 Billion in Sales: Bob Knakal on 42 Years of New York Investment Sales

Bob Knakal, founder of BKREA, joins Evan Kinne (Managing Principal) and Justin Piasecki (President) on The Landscape to break down 42 years selling buildings in New York. After 2,406 transactions, $24.4 billion in sales volume, and 35 companies now run by brokers he trained, Bob shares the three characteristics behind elite salespeople, why he never went principal, and how proprietary data and AI are reshaping investment sales today.

Why Boring Wins: Jim Dillavou on Grocery-Anchored Retail, AI in CRE, and the Last Mile Thesis

Jim Dillavou, Principal and Co-Founder of Paragon Commercial Group, joins Evan Kinne and David Pascale to explain why “boring” necessity retail has become one of the most sought after asset classes in CRE. After 17 years quietly compounding in West Coast grocery-anchored centers, Jim breaks down the pattern-recognition thesis that led Paragon to lean into retail when no one else would, why capital is now flooding back, and how he closed an acquisition with a zero-dollar legal bill using AI.

Navigating Policy Risk and Opportunity in California CRE with Alain R’bibo, Partner at Allen Matkins

In this insightful interview, real estate attorney Alain R’bibo shares his extensive experience, market insights, and the evolving landscape of commercial real estate, with a focus on California and emerging trends like EV infrastructure and industrial sectors. He also discusses the impact of policies like Measure ULA on transaction activity, the growing role of family-office capital in today’s market, and why long-term opportunity may be emerging in the office sector despite recent challenges.

How to Build Trust and Leverage AI for Sales Success with Matt Savarick, CEO of Vibe DTM

Join host Evan Kinne, Managing Director, as he sits down with guest Matt Savarick, CEO of Vibe DTM, to share his expertise on how AI is transforming sales strategies for mid-sized companies. Discover practical approaches to leveraging AI for pipeline growth, the importance of trust in sales, and the future of human–AI collaboration.

The Landscape Podcast: Navigating the Future of US Treasury Yields with John Rothfield

The Landscape Podcast: Navigating the CMBS Landscape: Insights from Expert, Michael Cohen

In this episode of The Landscape podcast, hosts Evan Kinne and David R. Pascale, Jr. are joined by guest host Jonathan Chassin and special guest Michael Cohen, Managing Partner at Brighton Capital Advisors. The discussion revolves around the current state of the CMBS market post-COVID, the intricacies of special servicing, and the importance of early communication for borrowers facing challenges. Michael shares insights on navigating modifications and extensions, emphasizing the need for borrowers to be proactive and prepared to invest additional capital. The conversation highlights the complexities of the CMBS landscape and the critical role of advisory teams in achieving successful outcomes.

The Future of Retail: A Conversation with Doug Stephens, Founder of Retail Prophet & Bestselling Author

In this episode of The Landscape Podcast, host and Managing Director Evan Kinne sits down with bestselling author and Retail Prophet founder Doug Stephens for a deep exploration of the forces reshaping global retail. From the rise of AI and agentic workflows to shifting consumer behavior, urban evolution, and the evolving role of physical stores, Doug brings decades of research, predictions, and perspective. This episode is a must-listen for retail owners, developers, investors, and anyone interested in where commerce and society are headed.