Episoder
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Jennifer Schultz is a partner and the leader of nationwide commercial real estate development at Nixon Peabody. Her impressive legal career includes over a dozen years at Goodwin Procter representing equity investors in real estate, followed by serving in leadership roles at Sullivan and Nixon Peabody. Her expertise lies in comprehensive real estate development processes, all while acting as a trusted advisor to her clients, embodying the role of a modern "consigliere."
The discussion begins by shedding light on a prevalent misconception in real estate—that legal counsel is merely a cost to be managed rather than a vital resource to be exploited. Jennifer outlines how engaging legal advisors early can avert potential pitfalls and enhance project value. Her approach champions legal counsel as indispensable partners throughout a development project’s lifecycle, providing strategic insights and safeguarding future value.
The conversation pivots to explore the firm’s extensive capabilities in real estate development, emphasizing nuanced aspects like permitting, risk management, and innovative collaborations that Nixon Peabody offers. Through Jennifer’s insights, the episode provides a treasure trove of knowledge for those immersed in the nuances of real estate development.
Key Takeaways:
Legal counsel should be viewed as a strategic resource, not just a cost, especially in preemptively managing potential challenges in real estate development.Developing a comprehensive understanding of a client's goals and the full spectrum of a project can significantly mitigate risks and enhance long-term value.Nixon Peabody stands out with its commitment to providing holistic legal guidance, integrating nationwide reach with specialized expertise in areas like affordable housing.Jennifer Schultz emphasizes the value of pairing legal expertise with industry knowledge, offering clients optimal solutions from entitlement processes to development execution.Real estate development is portrayed as an interwoven process where understanding client psychology and building personal relations can stand at par with technical proficiency.Notable Quotes:
"I would say the biggest misconception is that we are a cost to be managed as opposed to a resource to be tapped.""Think about the last day on the first day. You have to be doing that.""In real estate development, you are constantly going in seven different directions, and you have to think like a human in order to manage it.""To be a valuable consigliere, you need to study your clients and their businesses.""When things aren't going right, go left."Resources:
Nixon Peabody LLP Website: Nixon PeabThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Rick Petersen is a principal and partner at OZ Architecture, a renowned firm with international reach based in Denver. During his illustrious career spanning over 35 years, Rick has made significant contributions to various high-profile projects, including the redesign of McMurdo Station in Antarctica and several U.S. national parks projects. His expertise lies in sustainable design and master planning, making a mark in sectors such as resort and hospitality, multifamily housing, and cold climate architecture.
As they delve into OZ's diverse portfolio, Rick touches on the firm's growth from 30 to 125 employees, driven by projects like national parks and resort master planning. Rick emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, leveraging technology like virtual reality for client communication, and maintaining independence in a merger-heavy industry. With strategic leadership development, OZ ensures a strong future pipeline of talent to continue innovating in its field.
Key Takeaways:
Antarctic Architecture: OZ Architecture was chosen to redesign McMurdo Station by bringing a fresh perspective, despite having no prior cold climate experience, highlighting the firm's innovative and adaptive approach.Diverse Expertise: With a comprehensive portfolio, OZ Architecture excels in areas such as resort and hospitality development, multifamily housing, national parks, and international projects like those in Rwanda.Organizational Growth: From a team of 30 in 1990 to 125 today, OZ's strategic focus on mentorship and leadership development has been pivotal for its sustained growth and ability to remain independent.Balancing Design and Productivity: The firm thrives on marrying creative design with efficiency, ensuring that projects are well-coordinated, meeting client expectations without compromising on quality.Technological Advancements: Investing in a VR theater illustrates OZ’s commitment to enhance client engagement and decision-making processes, reflecting their forward-thinking adoption of new technologies.Notable Quotes:
"We were hired not for what we know, but what we don't know." – Rick Peterson"The continent is the coldest, windiest, driest place on Earth." – Rick Peterson"We're always trying to do something today that is a little better and different than we did last week." – Rick Peterson"Everyone's looking for a place in the office in their career where it's meaningful and that they're valued and that they make a difference." – Rick Peterson"If you want them to stay and grow, otherwise they’re going to go somewhere else." – Rick PetersonResources:
OZ Architecture WebsiteThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Manglende episoder?
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Kayla Nassar is the CEO of AMCON, a prominent construction company in New England. Under her leadership, AMCONhas achieved considerable growth, notably implementing a leadership team predominantly composed of women, innovating within the industry, and adopting emerging technologies like AI.
Today, AMCON boasts a leadership team with over 50% women, showcasing Kayla's commitment to diversity. Kayla's conversation with Rens also uncovers insights about navigating family business dynamics, especially during ownership transitions. She shares the importance of clear communication and the flexibility required in shifting leadership roles. The episode further highlights AMCON strategic focus on key sectors, such as retail and hospitality, while expanding geographically within New England. Through this dialogue, listeners gain insight into leadership strategies, embracing change, and how to effectively harness technological advancements to future-proof businesses.
Key Takeaways:
Diversity in Leadership: Kayla emphasizes the importance of female representation in leadership roles, contributing to different decision-making perspectives at AMCON.Leveraging AI: The integration of AI technologies is seen as crucial for future-proofing the company, improving efficiencies and safety on job sites.Family Business Transition: Honest and open communication is critical when navigating ownership transitions in family-owned businesses.EOS Implementation: AMCON utilizes the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to enhance accountability and maintain focus on large-scale goals through structured processes.Continuous Learning: Kayla advocates for relentless growth through reading, peer learning, and actively seeking mentorship to drive personal and professional success.Notable Quotes:
"The cost of under-communicating is far greater than the cost of over-communicating.""We realized pretty quickly that we just didn't have the tools in our toolbox, so we had to bring in other smart, talented people to help us.""Rocks are the big things that need to happen for you to achieve the goal.""True success is when you serve others... that comes tenfold.""If you're not using ChatGPT or something of that sort as a Google search, you probably should get on board."Resources:
AMCON’s Website: AMCONEntrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)Books: "Traction" and "Rocket Fuel" by Gino WickmanThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Mike Auerbach is the Vice President of Growth at 1031 Specialists, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the 1031 exchange industry with tech-forward solutions. With a background as a multifamily broker and experience on both the brokerage and principal sides, Mike has developed deep expertise in real estate investment and the intricacies of 1031 exchanges.
The discussion highlights various applications of the 1031 exchange, including its use among family offices and large investment funds, aiming to simplify and promote this advantageous strategy.
By leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, Mike's team focuses on improving the client service experience, fostering stronger relationships, and providing trusted advice. The conversation touches on the widespread misunderstandings about the 1031 exchange, the application of AI in their business, and the importance of creating a recognizable and respected brand in the real estate industry.
Key Takeaways:
Underutilized Advantage: 85% of real estate professionals do not utilize 1031 exchanges despite their benefits in deferring taxes and compounding wealth.Tech and Service Integration: 1031 Specialist uses technology to automate 137 of 144 process steps, optimizing client service and efficiency.Reverse 1031 Exchange: Investors can purchase replacement properties before selling current ones, providing flexibility in competitive markets.Market Education: There's a pressing need to educate brokers, CPAs, and investors on the advantages and processes of 1031 exchanges.Transparency and Trust: Being clear about revenue models and the benefits of 1031 exchanges builds trust with clients and propels industry change.Notable Quotes:
"It's a gift given to us by the government for free. In my view, this should be the default option." — Mike Auerbach"Attention really is the new currency today, so how do you capture it and at least get someone to spend five minutes to talk to you?" — Mike Auerbach"We automate all those 144 steps besides seven steps that focus on the client service experience." — Mike Auerbach"Most CPAs and tax attorneys are not specialized in 1031 exchanges, so investors really need dedicated professionals." — Mike Auerbach"AI is something for us. We hired an AI engineer to build our own custom solution which now smarter than me and every 1031 professional combined." — Mike AuerbachResources:
1031 Specialist WebsiteMike Auerbach on LinkedInArticles on 1031 Exchange: Basic Guides for Real Estate ProfessionalsThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Mike Hartnett is a prominent figure in the construction and real estate sector, currently serving as a vice president and partner at Plumb House. With a rich history in multifamily construction, Mike has extensive experience in various roles, from his beginnings as a project engineer to becoming a senior superintendent.
Mike offers invaluable insights into the importance of maintaining strong relationships with design partners familiar with wood frame construction to ensure project design aligns with realistic pricing methods.
Throughout the conversation, Mike and Rens explore the strategic advantages of Plumb House's niche focus on multifamily construction and self-performing subcontractor roles. Their discussion reveals how a company's geographical reach and in-depth specialization contributes to its success in limited market segments, enabling better data collection and faster learnings across projects. The importance of cultivating long-term customer relationships, investing in the labor force, and adapting to market fluctuations like the recent tariff uncertainties are also pivotal topics explored in the session.
Key Takeaways:
Early collaboration between design teams and general contractors is crucial for ensuring project success and minimizing costs.Specializing in a niche market allows for better data collection, fostering faster learnings and more predictable project outcomes.Self-performing subcontractor roles can enhance control over schedules and costs, but strong external trade relations remain essential.Investing in skilled labor is more critical than ever to address industry challenges and ensure future project quality and efficiency.Addressing the uncertainty caused by tariffs and fluctuating market conditions requires clear communication and strategic adjustments.Notable Quotes:
"If you can do those things, you don't have to sweat every small mistake. You create the systems to get the big things right.""The most important thing is the investment in labor, skilled trades, and getting kids focused more on the benefits and opportunities within the trades.""We're not chasing the region; we're chasing what our clients need and where they need us to go.""It's important that our budgeting is paired with design partners like you to keep the thing on the rails.""The merit shop philosophy is putting in your time, effort, and the rewards will follow."Resources:
Plumb House WebsiteThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!
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Design Development welcomes David Borden, Managing Director at Ackman Ziff, to discuss the nuances of capital markets amid a volatile economic climate.
David dives into the pivotal role capital advisory firms play in navigating these changes. They discuss the importance of risk-adjusted returns, the impact of treasury rates, and the differing priorities in capital deployment across various markets. Borden also highlights the evolution of Ackman Ziff's approach in maintaining its boutique ethos while servicing both large institutional clients and emerging managers. This episode sheds light on challenges, strategies, and projections for the real estate sector.
Key Takeaways:
Commercial real estate is experiencing volatility due to high interest rates and shifting economic policies, which impacts liquidity and investment decisions.Ackman Ziff remains a leading capital advisor by staying nimble, maintaining strong client relationships, and offering tailored capital solutions across debt, equity, and mezzanine financing.Understanding risk-adjusted returns is crucial, as it drives investment decisions in real estate markets, pushing investors to seek safer or more opportunistic ventures.Effective client service and a focus on business ethics are fundamental to Ackman Ziff's sustained success over nearly a century.Real estate professionals should explore emerging markets and adopt innovative business strategies, including technology, to stay competitive amid changing dynamics.Notable Quotes:
"From a capital markets perspective, there is a lot of liquidity in the market. But with all the dislocation and uncertainty, investors just naturally seek either safer investments or take advantage of market dynamics.""What good is signing up an opportunity or telling somebody you can get that done in order to fall short? We need to hyper-focus on bringing opportunities that don't waste time.""It's our job to add value. If there's an owner or developer doing everything right, we should continue to stay the course and work on other opportunities.""If you want to be a participant in significant institutional grade product, you need to be focused and selective as to what opportunities to bring to capital markets.""Good business ethics is good business. It's a statement that's been such a driving factor in being able to not just exist, but scale for a hundred years."Resources:
Ackman Ziff's Website: ackmanziff.comMind Pump Podcast: A health and fitness podcast recommended by David Borden.Ackman Ziff's AZ education initiative, aimed at educating the next generation of real estate professThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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if you're uncertain about a decision, it's likely a lack of data causing the hesitation. Rens shares his journey of harnessing data to make informed decisions, emphasizing the significance of data in areas like marketing, sales, project management, and cost-effective design strategies in structural engineering. With personal anecdotes, he illustrates how understanding data can shift from a sense of gambling to a confident investment in business strategies.
These experiences later fueled H&O's move toward Open Book Financial Management, underpinning their mission to shatter career ceilings for structural engineers. Through this framework, team members are empowered by understanding the business's financial goals, fostering a culture of smart, informed decision-making. And with the development of the H&O Cost Index, Rens's team bridged the gap between design and client value, ensuring cost-effective structures that align with customer priorities.
Key Takeaways:
Without sufficient data, decisions in business can feel like gambling. Accumulating relevant data creates confidence and reduces the risk of poor decision-making.Exposure to business financials can drastically impact decision-making and communication within a company, leading to outsized returns.Implementing Open Book Financial Management can empower team members by aligning their efforts with the business's financial goals, enhancing overall company performance.Developing systems that align project budgets and goals can prevent inefficiencies and burnout, providing team members with a clear understanding of their resources.Establishing cost-effective design strategies through meticulous data analysis can transform a company's approach, offering high-value services and fostering client satisfaction.Notable Quotes:
"If you are unsure of what decision to make, you lack data.""Exposure to business financials changes how decisions are made and can drive outsized returns for a company.""The H&O Cost Index fundamentally changed how we operate our business and communicate with our clients.""Don't spend $50,000 worth of time solving a $10,000 problem.""We can't expect an engineer to design cost-effectively if they have no cost data to make design decisions."Resources:
Jeremiah's insights from the Great Game of Business by Jack Stack.H&O Structural Engineering's websiteThe Great Game of Business Podcast featuring Jack StackThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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In this solo episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes dives into the wisdom of Charlie Munger, an influential figure whose insights have profoundly impacted Renz's professional journey. This session is packed with valuable lessons drawn from Munger's philosophies, aimed at those in real estate, design, and construction who are eager to enhance their strategic approach and leadership skills.
Rens introduces two impactful quotes from Charlie Munger, discussing how aligning incentives within a company can ensure long-term success and prevent culture debt—a crucial challenge for small to mid-sized businesses.
He elaborates on how reading can expose blind spots, enhance judgment, and promote a well-rounded perspective essential for effective leadership. By sharing how these concepts have shaped his own career, Rens encourages listeners to adopt these strategies for personal and professional development.
Key Takeaways:
Incentives and Outcomes: Aligning incentives among employees, clients, and the company is crucial for sustained growth and success.Culture Debt: Misaligned incentives can lead to high employee churn and culture debt, hindering long-term compounding results.The Power of Reading: Consistent reading is linked to wisdom and improved judgment, helping leaders make well-rounded decisions.Continuous Learning: Being a lifelong learner is vital for exposing blind spots and enhancing leadership skills across various domains.Objective Self-assessment: Reading enables leaders to objectively evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and decision-making processes.Notable Quotes:
"Show me the incentive and I will show you the outcome.""In my whole life I have known no wise people who didn't read all the time. None. Zero.""If you align incentives, you're going to overcome a lot of constraints and a lot of obstacles.""Judgment is far more valuable than time."Resources:
Charlie Munger's insights and videosContent from H&O Structural Engineering: H&O Structural EngineeringListen to the full episode of Design Development for an enriching discussion on aligning incentives and the indispensable role of continuous learning in fostering leadership and organizational success. Keep tuning in for more transformative insights from top performers in the industry.
Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Most business owners go through a pivotal moment—their first real look behind the curtain at how buyers value companies. For Rens Hayes, that moment came when he went through a sale and due diligence process for his father’s structural steel business. What he learned from that experience completely changed how he approached building and scaling his own company, H&O Structural Engineering.
In this episode of Independence by Design™, Rens and host, Ryan Tansom, break down how he engineered his business for value creation, using Ken Sanginario’s Engineer’s Value Opportunity Profile (VOP) as his roadmap. Instead of scaling haphazardly, Rens built his company by systematically improving the eight functional areas that drive business valuation—the same areas buyers care about most.
Rens and his partner have taken a deliberate approach to aligning cash flow, valuation timelines, and growth goals, ensuring that every dollar reinvested moves them closer to financial independence. Whether you are preparing for an eventual exit or simply want to build a business that works for you instead of the other way around, this conversation is packed with insights that will change the way you think about scaling, hiring executives, and managing risk.
Rens Hayes is a structural engineer and entrepreneur who transformed H&O Structural Engineering by applying enterprise value principles to modernize the traditional engineering industry. After experiencing due diligence firsthand, he shifted from operator to owner mindset, implementing Ken Sanginario's Value Opportunity Profile to align business growth with long-term value creation. Hayes helps real estate developers maximize returns through strategic design and cost-efficient engineering, while sharing insights on scaling, capital allocation, and executive hiring—expertise valuable for business owners seeking to build wealth-generating enterprises rather than just larger companies.Resources:
Website: H&O Structural EngineeringLinkedIn: Rens Hayes
Podcast: The H&O Podcast
Sound Bites:
"Scaling a business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about building an asset buyers actually want." – Rens Hayes
"The biggest mistake founders make? Hiring executives before they know what success looks like." – Ryan Tansom
"If you don’t know how to allocate capital inside your own business, you’re just hoping for growth—not engineering it." – Rens Hayes
"There’s a difference between working in the business and working on the business. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you get your time back." – Ryan Tansom
Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Paul Foley is the President of Feldman Geospatial, a respected leader in the industry of surveying and geospatial technologies. With a background as a licensed land surveyor, Paul has guided Feldman to remarkable growth by embracing innovation and maintaining a keen focus on technology integration. they dive straight into the evolution of autonomous technologies like Rugged Robotics, which have revolutionized how construction layouts are approached. Paul sheds light on the strategic adoption of these technologies, highlighting their ability to streamline operations and reduce errors, ultimately saving time and resources across projects.
The discussion broadens to explore the resilience and strategic developments at Feldman Geospatial, emphasizing its status as a third-generation family business. Paul discusses their growth journey from a small surveying firm to a leader in geospatial technology, attributing success to a company-wide commitment to innovation and a robust leadership development program. He shares personal insights from his own career path, including his transition from a hands-on field surveyor to a strategic leader, underscoring the importance of continual learning and adaptive leadership.
Key Takeaways:
Automation in construction, such as Rugged Robotics, significantly increases efficiency, reducing the time and error involved in project layout.Feldman Geospatial experienced transformative growth from a small surveying firm to a leader in geospatial technology through strategic innovation and leadership.Leadership development and continuous learning are key drivers of success, as illustrated by Paul's pursuit of an MBA to enhance strategic decision-making.Engaging and maintaining relationships within the business ecosystem are priorities which Feldman emphasizes as crucial for sustained success.Transparent communication and collective problem-solving are critical in navigating industry challenges and propelling growth.Notable Quotes:
"We don't want to be a solution looking for a problem. That's not what this is.""The biggest thing that I touched on there is the amount of rework. When we reduce that rework, it pays for itself.""You're not powerless. No matter what happens, you’re not powerless.""Discipline equals freedom.""If you don't have relationships and if you don't pay attention to people...then you're not going to go very far because you'll be all alone."Resources:
Feldman Geospatial Website: FeldmanGeo.comRugged Robotics: Company mentioned for autonomous printing technology in construction.Chris Voss's Book: "Never Split the Difference"Jocko Willink's Book: "Extreme OwnershiThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Ed Hodges is the Principal and CEO of DiMella Shaffer, a leading architecture firm. With over 30 years of experience in the architectural sector, Ed has a rich history of guiding projects through various sectors such as senior housing, higher education, science and tech, and residential, making them a diverse practice group. His expertise extends beyond architecture into financial literacy and business management, establishing him as an insightful leader with a focus on cultivating strong relationships and a robust company culture.
Ed discusses his rich journey offering personal anecdotes and valuable insights on a career spanning over three decades. Throughout the discussion, Ed shares actionable strategies for personal and professional growth, including the importance of financial literacy, the concept of the 'Art of Balance' in architecture, and transitioning leadership roles within an evolving firm. He highlights how maintaining diversified market sectors can safeguard a company against economic fluctuations.
Key Takeaways:
Financial Literacy Matters: Understanding investments and the principles of financial growth are essential skills for professional success and long-term security.Art of Balance in Architecture: Great design stems from understanding and balancing client needs, design aesthetics, and practical constraints.Transitioning to Leadership: Moving from a project-focused role to a leadership role requires stepping back and letting team strengths shine while focusing on high-level strategy.Cultural and Market Diversification: Building a company resilient to economic changes through market diversification can ensure continuous growth and stability.Personal Life Lessons in Management: Management principles can be deeply enriched by personal life experiences, such as parenting a special needs child, which teaches patience, the value of small wins, and focusing on strengths.Notable Quotes:
"The biggest risk you have is not having enough money to retire, not the particular few years in the market.""Projects are a bit like children... you don't want to choose your favorite, but the journey of growing this firm has itself been a big project for me.""Changing work is easier than changing the culture.""If you talk to them, you will find you have a lot more time... This changed my life.""There has to be this sort of humbleness... if you keep yourself at the center of it for too long, your other people don't get recognized for doing the work."Resources:
DiMella Shaffer Website: dimellashaffer.comBook: "Tools of Titans" by Tim FerrissTim Ferriss Podcast and TEDThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Patrick Callahan is the President of Callahan Construction, a prominent open shop construction management company in New England. With over 70 years of family history in the business, Pat has been pivotal in expanding Callahan Construction's reach and capabilities. Starting as a laborer, he worked his way up through various roles in the company, including project management and estimating.
This explores the challenges and triumphs involved in running a construction company, particularly in navigating economic downturns like the Great Recession and the impact of labor shortages in the construction industry. Through Pat’s candid reflections, we learn about the company’s strategic geographic expansion and the importance of building lasting client relationships to drive repeat business. By the episode's end, Renz and Pat discuss future trends in construction management and the potential for sustained growth in sectors like multifamily housing amidst market fluctuations.
Key Takeaways:
Path to Leadership: Patrick’s journey from laborer to president of Callahan Construction highlights the importance of understanding every facet of the business.Importance of Relationships: Building strong client relationships is crucial for securing repeat business and sustaining growth in the construction industry.Navigating Economic Challenges: Callahan Construction's strategies during economic downturns, like moving to a four-day workweek, helped preserve the company’s core team.Labor and Market Adaptation: The construction industry faces significant labor shortages, requiring innovative approaches to project management and scheduling.Future Vision: Geographic and market diversification are key strategies for adapting to industry shifts and capitalizing on future growth opportunities.Notable Quotes:
"It's all part of growing up right at the end of the day, learn what you don't want to do then ideally step it up and work hard.""If you need me to go to the moon, just give me time to build a spaceship to get there.""The execution side, there's no doubt. I like to say money is the universal language of design, construction and development.""Our focus was pretty much all private construction, private development. And that's what we've been.""It built a lot of like teamwork. How do we work together? How do we get through a tough time?"Resources:
Callahan Construction Company: https://callahan-inc.com/Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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This episode welcomes Barry Barber, Chairman of the Board at Kimley-Horn. Barry shares invaluable insights into how Kimley-Horn has become a leader in the AEC space, growing to over 8,500 employees with innovative expansion strategies. The interview delves into Kimley-Horn's distinctive ownership model and Barry's deep commitment to organizational culture and leadership development, emphasizing flexibility, community, and high performance at scale.
The conversation also highlights Kimley-Horn’s meticulous approach to recruiting top talent, sharing strategies for maintaining culture even during rapid organizational growth. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the path to ownership within the firm, emphasizing performance-driven progression and the importance of developing future leaders. Barry’s stories and experiences underscore a commitment to sustainable business practices, employee empowerment, and customer satisfaction, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about successful business and team management strategies in the AEC industry.
Key Takeaways:
Strategic Growth: Kimley-Horn's expansion to 150 offices is driven by local leadership and opportunities identified by employees and clients.Ownership Structure: With around 925 owners, Kimley-Horn’s ownership transition plan emphasizes performance and participation over tenure.Culture and Integration: The firm’s success is heavily attributed to its focus on maintaining culture and ensuring smooth integration of new hires and offices.Talent Acquisition: The emphasis on college recruiting and personalized interview processes helps attract talented individuals who align with the company values.Leadership Development: Continuous leadership training and development help prepare emerging leaders for future responsibilities, fostering personal and professional growth.Notable Quotes:
"I decided I'd rather own a small piece of something bigger than a big piece of something small." - Barry Barber"It’s kind of the old build your people and they’ll build your organization." - Barry Barber"The flywheel's going. The flywheel's going." - Barry Barber on Kimley-Horn's continuous growth strategy."Our job is to help other people be successful." - Barry Barber reflects on leadership roles."There's rarely a dull moment in it, but it’s been a cool thing." - Barry Barber discussing his journey in HR.Resources:
Kimley-Horn Website: kimley-horn.com"The Outsiders" by William ThorndikePodcast Recommendation: Acquired PodcastThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Tony Nigro is the Senior Vice President of Design and Construction at Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Tony has been an instrumental figure in the development of Tuscan Village—a significant project turning a once empty area into a vibrant city-like environment. Prior to his current role, Tony garnered substantial expertise at companies like William A. Berry and Suffolk Construction, working on large-scale projects such as the Boston Convention Center.
In this episode, Tony shares his experience and lessons learned under the mentorship of Joe Faro, the visionary principal behind Tuscan Brands. From understanding the importance of balancing qualitative experiences with quantitative results to ensuring quality control and thoughtful design, Tony brings to the forefront the essential elements of innovative development.
Key Takeaways:
Visionary Development: The creation of Tuscan Village reflects a commitment to excellence and community, transforming an empty space into a vibrant, multifunctional environment.Balancing Quality: Joe Faro's approach to development emphasizes qualitative impacts over immediate quantitative gains, resulting in a more engaging and sustainable community.Leadership and Teamwork: Tony Nigro draws on his extensive experience, including his military background, to highlight the importance of alignment, trust, and collaborative problem-solving in construction projects.Quality Assurance: Successful projects like those Tony has led at Suffolk Construction and Mill Creek necessitate robust QA/QC programs that set clear standards and processes.Career Evolution: Tony's journey across different sectors displays his adaptability and commitment to growth, reinforcing the value of pursuing new challenges and opportunities.Notable Quotes:
"For him, his famous saying that I've learned painfully over and over is that he is incapable of building something that he doesn't love.""It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't care who gets the credit.""What Joe Faro looked at and took his version of the best from all of those.""You have to cut that waste out before you become a fan of Lean.""Sometimes when you convince yourself that you can walk on water, every once in a while you kind of do."Resources:
Tuscan Village: Tuscan Village WebsiteSuffolk Construction: Suffolk Construction WebsiteGood to Great by Jim Collins: A book that inspired Tony's leadership style.Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Known for his strategic prowess in acquiring off-market self-storage and manufactured housing communities, Matt delves into the operational efficiencies and relationship-driven approaches that have set Crystal View Capital apart.
The discussion emphasizes the strategic choice of a fund-based model over deal-by-deal equity raises, which allows for flexibility and rapid response to investment opportunities. Matt also elaborates on the merits of vertical integration within Crystal View Capital, illustrating how transparency, integrity, and dedicated management practices foster investor trust and unlock sustained value.
Key Takeaways:
Relationship-Driven Acquisitions: Matt Ricciardella's success in acquiring 92% of his investments off-market highlights the importance of building relationships with current owners to find valuable, hidden opportunities.Strategic Fund-Based Model: Crystal View Capital's adoption of a fund-based investment approach allows for flexibility and swift capital deployment, optimizing opportunities in the secondary and tertiary markets.Focus on Manufactured Housing and Self-Storage: These sectors offer recession-resilient investment opportunities with significant room for adding value through strategic enhancements.Vertical Integration: The firm distinguishes itself by maintaining control over all facets of operation, from capital raising to property management, optimizing returns and ensuring transparency.Community Impact: Crystal View Capital emphasizes transforming communities by enhancing quality of life through improved properties and fostering a sense of ownership among residents.Notable Quotes:
"At the end of the day this is a relationship business. Identify Crystal View as the best steward for their asset that they built over generations.""Unlike multifamily, where you have to maintain the unit, none of that happens in this industry because we only own the infrastructure.""There's no way I could do these things on my own. Yes, I'm the visionary behind it, but I've been very fortunate with the people that are around me on a daily basis."“Transparency for me and in my career in business has had nothing but Positive impacts. It's never come back to bite me.”"In a down market, demand for affordable housing rises even more, making these assets very recession-resilient."Resources:
Crystal View Capital: crystalviewcapital.comInvestments Contact: [email protected] Mentioned: "Am I Being Too Subtle?" by Sam ZellPodcasts Mentioned: All-In PodcasThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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In this engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes sits down with Ryan Tansom to discuss transitioning a business to align with personal goals. Ryan shares candid insights from his personal journey, which includes overcoming high-stakes financial hurdles, strategic business pivots, and eventual exit strategies. Listen to Ryan discuss the conceptual foundation of his framework, Independence by Design, which focuses on empowering businesses to see the 'matrix' of operations, cash flow, and value growth. With his experience as a guiding backdrop, Ryan dives deep into the nuances of ensuring business longevity and aligning daily operations with long-term personal and commercial objectives.
Key Takeaways:
Aligning Ownership and Operations: Understanding the interplay between ownership goals and operational strategies is crucial for business sustainability and harmony.Importance of Financial Metrics: Learning financial forecasting, valuation, and structuring can help prevent costly mistakes and enhance decision-making efficacy.Personal vs. Business Goals: Recognizing and aligning what you want from your life with your business's strategic direction prevents misalignment and conflict.The Role of Decision-Making: Effective decision-making is paramount, underpinned by access to relevant data and clarity regarding trade-offs involved.Independence by Design Framework: A strategic approach that empowers owner-operators by offering a comprehensive understanding of business mechanics and personal financial outcomes.Notable Quotes:
"The only reason I know what to do now is because I've done everything the wrong way for a long time." – Ryan Tansom"When the goal is clear and it's the right goal, everyone aligns around it." – Ryan Tansom"It's like seeing the Matrix... we have to have a financial forecast before going into EOS." – Ryan Tansom"Time, cash flow, and wealth are the constraints and the only way we can dig out of that is with the data." – Ryan Tansom"Understanding the game gives us the highest probability of staying independent and doing what we want every day." – Ryan TansomResources:
Built to Sell: John WarrillowFinish Big: Bo BurlinghamEOS FrameworkScaling Up by Verne HarnishThe Great Game of Business by Jack StackThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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In this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes sits down with Isaac Weinberger, a leading authority in cost segregation with Madison Specs. The discussion revolves around the role of cost segregation in real estate tax strategy, providing listeners valuable insights on how to maximize tax benefits and improve cash flow through strategic planning. Isaac shares his professional journey and how his creative thinking and hustle have carved his niche in the real estate sector.
With key insights into the mechanics of cost segregation, Isaac explains the considerable tax-saving opportunities available to property owners and the strategic advantage of engaging professionals like Madison Specs. The conversation explores the specifics of depreciation strategies, the impact of tax law changes, and when and how real estate developers should consider cost segregation before value-add renovations. Isaac also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in influencing investor decisions and structuring real estate deals effectively.
Key Takeaways:
Cost segregation is a powerful tool for real estate owners to accelerate depreciation deductions and improve tax savings.Engaging a professional for cost segregation studies can provide compliance and legitimacy in the face of IRS audits.Timing of the cost segregation study is crucial, ideally before renovations to maximize tax benefits on pre-renovation components.Understanding depreciation recapture can aid in strategic planning for asset sales.Awareness of the STR loophole and different state regulations is crucial for optimizing tax strategies, especially for Airbnb owners.Notable Quotes:
"A dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow." - Isaac Weinberger"Cost segregation changes the dynamic of a deal." - Isaac Weinberger"Think out of the box. How can I make money? How can I do this?" - Isaac Weinberger"In a down market, in the cost seg world, because you're dealing with hundreds of people, even if half of them are not transacting, you have the other half that are." - Isaac Weinberger"He paid $750 in taxes because of cost segregation and 1031s, legally by the government's code." - Isaac WeinbergerResources:
Madison Specs: madisonspecs.com (not directly mentioned, provided for context)Stage Debate Podcast: Available on various podcast platforms (no direct link provided in the transcript)Isaac Weinberger on LinkedIn: A valuable resource for updates and insights on cost segregation.Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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In this engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes delves into the multifaceted world of commercial construction with Marvin LaHoud. Marvin's insights offer a refreshing view on the challenges faced by general contractors, notably the high-risk, low-margin nature of the business. The conversation revolves around finding differentiation in a commoditized market by lowering costs and risks, aligning with principles that focus on 'risk engineering' and 'cost engineering.'
Marvin also shares his experiences with Tocci, a progressive construction and consultancy firm. Key topics include the exploration of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), modular construction, and the application of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Marvin emphasizes innovations like Project Rescue, which seek to drive down costs and enhance efficiency by leveraging data and transparent communication. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through discussions on his roles with Marvin Capital and his new venture, C Street, a platform that aims to revolutionize price discovery and optimization in construction.
Key Takeaways:
High-Risk, Low-Margin Industry: General contractors operate in a challenging environment requiring precise execution and risk management to secure profitability.Differentiation in Commoditized Markets: Success hinges on lowering costs and risks, adopting roles that emphasize engineering over management.The Power of VDC: Virtual Design and Construction can significantly reduce the inherent risks and costs in construction projects when applied effectively.Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Marvin's ventures, such as C Street, indicate a movement towards using technology to solve longstanding industry inefficiencies.Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: Marvin underscores the importance of continuous education and applying first principles thinking in achieving business success.Notable Quotes:
"It's a lot of risk management and it's finding ways to make that profit, to get any net profit at the end of the day." - Marvin LaHoud"You accept the fact that you're a commodity, but differentiate yourself on your ability to drive cost down, risk down." - Marvin LaHoud"C Street is just price discovery and optimization because we figured that the biggest enemy to construction costs is the opacity of the market." - Marvin LaHoudResources:
Marvin LaHood's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-lahoud-3a91384bTocci Website: https://www.tocci.com/C Street: https://cstreet-cre.squarespace.com/Books Mentioned: "Sapiens" and "A Short History of Nearly Everything" for broader perspectives on history and science.Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Design Development, we have Brandon Schwab, CEO of Shepherd Premier Senior Living, to discuss a pressing issue—the senior living crisis. Schwab explains the challenges facing the industry, such as financing, staffing shortages, and the escalating costs of assisted living homes.
Schwab shares his unique journey from detailing cars for the affluent to tackling short sales and wholesaling in real estate, learning invaluable lessons along the way. Emphasizing the importance of offering clients flexible options, he discusses how he transferred those negotiation skills to create Shepherd Premier Senior Living. With his new fund, Brandon is poised to make significant strides towards solving the senior living crisis, offering a compelling opportunity for investors to align with a mission-driven company.
Key Takeaways:
Senior Living Crisis: The senior living industry faces a critical shortage, with over 775,000 new units needed by 2030. Financing and staffing remain significant challenges.Boutique Senior Living Model: Brandon Schwab promotes a care model with 5-8 residents per caregiver, offering a higher quality of care compared to traditional facilities.Entrepreneurial Journey: Schwab’s background in detailing and real estate revealed insights into market needs that shaped his approach to senior living.Creative Financing: Schwab used creative financing techniques, like owner financing and HUD 232 loans, to scale his business and address capital challenges.Strategic Growth Plans: Shepherd Premier Senior Living aims to build 300 homes by 2030, with a fundraising strategy for scalable growth.Notable Quotes:
"How we care for folks that are older in our country is we have big, huge facilities that have an odor, that are not good. They treat them just like cattle.""Folks really need to open their eyes up to those options and get those things done at an age where it isn't going to be that expensive.""I found very quickly that the healthcare piece was beyond me very quickly. And I had to build a healthcare team of people that had heart.""Even if you found the cure for aging, you are going to always need housing.""Financing wasn't there. And the average person that didn't have the history that I did would likely have just quit."Resources:
Learn more about Shepherd Premier Senior Living: Shepherd Premier Senior LivingCheck out the Boutique Senior Living Fund: Boutique Senior Living FundBook Recommendation: "Lifeonaire" by Steve CookThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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In this engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes reconnects with long-lost high school friend David Libardoni, now a partner in Nutter's Real Estate Division. This conversation unveils David’s illustrious journey from Bishop Feehan High School to becoming a leading real estate attorney.
David dives into various intriguing aspects of real estate law, including acquisitions, dispositions, land use, and environmental compliance. Through numerous anecdotes, David highlights the intricate world of real estate development, emphasizing how essential communication, negotiation, and having a holistic understanding of how different sectors and specialists intersect in real estate projects truly are. In addition, the discussion touches upon modern challenges such as adapting to market shifts, the role of AI in legal practices, and the pivotal need for judgment in an era where automation is becoming increasingly influential.
Key Takeaways:
David Liberdoni's Path: David shares his unique career path, from athletics to law school, highlighting the impact of early life experiences and global exposure.Mock Trial Beginnings: His involvement in mock trials at Bishop Feehan High School sparked an interest in legal proceedings, setting the foundation for his future career.Real Estate Law Insight: David provides insights into various aspects of real estate law including zoning, permitting, environmental compliance, and complex transactions.Balancing Legal Practice Areas: Nutter's approach to integrating diverse facets of real estate law and fostering client relationships is discussed extensively.Adaptation in Real Estate: The episode explores current market trends and the need for legal professionals to adapt creatively and strategically in changing environments.Notable Quotes:
"The tools law school gives you allow you to be a problem solver that represents others and leads organizations to success.""Understanding different perspectives, even through something as simple as a world map, can provide essential insights for a legal career.""We value transparency in career progression, providing a framework for associates aiming for partnership.""Negotiation in our field is about understanding each side's interests and finding alignment.""Ultimately, clients look for judgment calls that can make or break deals and protect their interests."Resources:
Nutter: Nutter Law Firm (URL not mentioned but relevant)Fulbright Program: Fulbright ProgramBooks & Podcasts:"The Big Dig" Podcast by WGBH"Club Random" Podcast by Bill MaherThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.
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