Épisodes

  • Scaffolding, Ripples, and Load-Bearing Change (#144)

    Scaffolding, Ripples, and Load-Bearing Change (#144)
    Dec 22 2025

    Bio

    John C. Coe is the founder of Coe Enterprises, an advisory and content studio focused on strategic counsel for real estate and civic leadership. For over six years, he has hosted Icons of DC Area Real Estate, conducting thoughtful conversations with industry leaders. Previously, he founded the Iconic Journey in CRE, a nonprofit platform that fostered intergenerational dialogue and community building in the DC commercial real estate sector. As he prepares to relocate to New York's Hudson Valley in 2026, John reflects on structural transitions, legacy, and the difference between scaffolding that serves temporarily and foundations built to endure.

    Key Chapters

    Scaffolding: The Opening Metaphor [00:00:00-00:07:00] Opening with scaffolding wrapped around buildings—temporary structures enabling permanent growth. Gary Rappaport: "We don't build centers, we build Saturday morning memories." The Iconic Journey in CRE served as scaffolding, holding early confidence, vulnerable questions, and multi-generational dialogue. "Scaffolding is not an insult. It is a compliment of the highest order."

    Ripples & Pebbles: Building Networks [00:07:00-00:11:00] Brad Olson: "You don't build networks, you toss pebbles and ripples do the rest." A personal story of an introduction that took five years to become a capital partnership. Brad tosses pebbles as an ethical posture, not a transaction. After enough ripples overlap, bridges form.

    Bridge Builders: Carrying Load [00:11:00-00:17:30] "Bridges aren't neutral. They carry load." Tom Buzzuto: "People don't want luxury, they want dignity." Bridge builders absorb conflict, translate perspectives, prevent fractures before anyone knows a fracture was possible. Story of two DC leaders headed toward conflict, resolved by quiet presence. "Structural leaders think in load paths, not headlines."

    Load-Bearing vs. Decorative Change [00:17:30-00:24:00] Bob Kettler: "The downturn doesn't change you, it reveals you." Contrast between decorative change (new branding, titles) versus structural change (clear decision authority, simplified reporting, accepted responsibility). Repositioning changes the story; shoring changes the structure. Personal transformation requires shifting from central to foundational roles.

    Jane Jacobs & The Soul of Streets [00:24:30-00:28:00] Jacobs' insight: safety and vitality emerge from ground-up human presence through mixed-use development and the "sidewalk ballet" of daily life on thriving streets. Ray Ritchie: "You can't rush a neighborhood." "You can finance buildings, you can't finance belonging."

    The Transition: IJCRE to Coe Enterprises & Station DC [00:28:00-00:34:00] Internal transition before external: shifting from center to foundation, from carrying weight to distributing it, from owning identity to stewarding legacy. IJCRE concludes its scaffolding purpose. Coe Enterprises emerges as John's advisory platform. Station DC, led by Sam Glass with "pro patria" ethos (for the good of place, profession, next generation), becomes the new framework. Sam's defining moment: "If we don't know who we're serving, the market will decide for us."

    What Endures: Five Commitments [00:34:00-00:37:30] "People always ask what changes, but the wiser question is what doesn't?" Five load-bearing commitments: (1) ethical grounding, (2) relationship-first thinking, (3) intergenerational responsibility, (4) long memory, (5) service over supremacy. For listeners in their "load-bearing season": "You are being prepared for structural responsibility, not decorative accomplishment."

    The Scaffolding Comes Down [00:37:30-00:39:40] Workers arrive, bolts loosen, platforms descend. What remains: "A building standing wholly on its own strength." IJCRE completes its purpose. Coe Enterprises refocuses. Station DC rises. Icons interviews resume 2026 at on...

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - Icons of DC Area Real Estate
    • (00:02:08) - Jane Jacobs and the Soul of DC
    • (00:03:42) - What remains when the scaffolding comes down
    • (00:07:49) - The Ripple of Bridges
    • (00:14:25) - The Role of Bridge Builders
    • (00:23:03) - What is Repositioning and Shoring?
    • (00:25:05) - Jane Jacobs: The Death and Life of Cities
    • (00:28:50) - The Iconic Journey in CRE: The Structural Shift
    • (00:36:55) - What's Your Load Bearing Season?
    • (00:38:28) - A Moment of Community Building at CO Enterprises
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    41 min
  • Evan Goldman-Building EYA’s Enduring Legacy (#143)

    Evan Goldman-Building EYA’s Enduring Legacy (#143)
    Dec 1 2025

    Bio: Executive VP of Acquisitions and Development and part-owner at EYA. MBA from Wharton, Environmental Psychology training from Cornell. Led Pike & Rose development at Federal Realty before joining EYA to continue Bob Youngentob's vision.

    EYA's Evolution [00:00:01-00:06:31]: Goldman became EVP when he and partners became part-owners. Recent passing of Founder Bob Youngentob, who created sustainable long-term transition plan five years before illness. Goldman, Jack Lester, Akash Thakkar, and McLean Quinn are four of five owners. Time split: 1/3 acquisitions, rest development, focusing on vision, economic viability, and implementation. Core business remains townhomes (3-10 acre sites with high entitlement barriers), but dramatically expanded into commercial mixed-use, master planning, and substantial multifamily practice over 15 years.

    Origin & Education [00:09:34-00:23:45]: Grew up in Suffern, NY in economically unstable household with gambling father (Atlantic City trips as "vacations"). Turned to drawing/sketching houses as outlet and coping mechanism. Early hotel exposure sparked design fascination. Attended Cornell's Design Environmental Analysis program combining interior architecture with Environmental Psychology—studying how spaces psychologically affect people (McDonald's loud, hard-seated quick-turnover design vs. fine dining comfort). Small 11-person cohort provided mentorship and stability.

    Career Journey [00:23:45-00:35:48]: BBGM architecture firm → Mandarin Hotel competition (Tishman Speyer) loss convinced him developers drive key decisions → Russian Tea Room $30M renovation as VP of Design at 26 under perfectionist Warner LeRoy (briefly fired, then brought back with scholarship) → Wharton MBA → Tishman Speyer → Holiday Corp → Federal Realty. Advice for young professionals: Get lots of "reps" on different projects early. Leverage your strengths while staying multidisciplinary enough to ask right questions. Be bold, take calculated risks, "go first"—don't wait for permission.

    Pike & Rose [00:44:48-01:13:01]: Led Federal Realty's 24-acre Mid-Pike Plaza transformation (original Toys R Us site). Massive entitlement: 29M sq ft approved required 80+ community meetings in one year. Hired political organizers (Dewey Square) to combat opposition and build support through polling and targeted outreach. 2008 recession required phased approach with interim and ultimate plans. Collaboration with Don Wood, Street Works, Sandy Clinton, Paula Reese balanced vision with economics using Federal Realty's corporate debt advantage. Key insight: Retail knowledge and street-level activity are foundation for best mixed-use projects. Created Project Visioning Committee (PVC) meeting bi-weekly for Bob Youngentob knowledge transfer to next generation, ensuring design rigor. Goldman frequently asks "What would Bob do?"

    Key EYA Projects [01:18:55-02:37:01]: Montgomery Row: IBM office-to-residential in Rock Spring Park office park. Strathmore Square: Holy Cross Seminary partnership, first geothermal trial. McMillan Reservoir: 15-year effort with JAIR Lynch/Trammell Crow, city handled historic sand filtration restoration, 20-30% affordable housing, overcame legal challenges from external opponents. Graham Park Plaza: Loehman's Plaza retail conversion to attainable smaller townhomes (14-foot units at $600-650K). Robinson Landing: High-end Old Town Alexandria waterfront condos ($1,000+/sq ft), became largest archaeological dig on Eastern Seaboard after discovering three Revolutionary War ships—14-month work stoppage, $7M+ archaeology costs. Providence Reimagined: 25-acre hospital site requiring $30M demolition and complex utility replacement for operating medical office buildings.

    Competitive Edge: In-house construction company provides pricing structure competitors lack. Willing to ta...
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    2 h et 40 min
  • Gerald Divaris - The Generalist CEO: Vertical Integration and the Art of Retail Development (#142)

    Gerald Divaris - The Generalist CEO: Vertical Integration and the Art of Retail Development (#142)
    Nov 24 2025
    Gerald Divaris is Chairman and CEO of the Divaris Group, a vertically integrated commercial real estate enterprise. Co-founded Divaris Real Estate (DRE) in Cape Town, South Africa (1974), relocating to Virginia Beach (1981). DRE manages 40M+ sq ft across 15-16 U.S. cities. Visionary behind Town Center of Virginia Beach. Inducted into Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame (2024). Company Strategy and Structure Primary Focus [3:25] CEO responsibilities center on exceeding client expectations, ensuring cohesive teamwork embodying company ethos, and platform growth. National Operations [4:20] Maintains standards across 15-16 cities through personal CEO visits (monthly/bi-monthly) and "Principal in Charge" in each office embodying firm philosophy. Employee Model [6:24] Unlike industry peers, DRE agents are salaried/on draw vs. independent contractors, ensuring clients receive controllable service rather than commission-driven behavior [7:50]. Vertical Integration [8:55] Retail deeply engrained from family retailer background. Development's longer lead time/higher risk suits stable employee model. Retail is "glue" in mixed-use developments, providing street-level vibrancy attracting office/residential tenants. Realty Resources Network [12:09] Provides national platform of best-in-class local brokerages for seamless nationwide service. Smaller engaged networks led by "deal junkies" [17:23] outperform large publicly-traded firms with heavy infrastructure costs. Management [19:32] "Overbalanced on corporate infrastructure" using salaried professional managers, freeing deal-makers to "lead by example." Origins and Generalist Philosophy African Origins [22:14] Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), moved business to Virginia Beach 1981. Smaller South African economy created "generalist" approach [24:22] across product types—essential for mixed-use development. Retail Family Background [27:21] Greek merchant family from Cephalonia [28:44] owned department stores, liquor stores, groceries. Started working age 10 [30:01], learning customer assessment and merchandising strategy. Art of Retail [32:45] Store deployment is art, not science. Placemaking engages all human senses—family's florist shops used tuberose scent near door [37:28] to pull customers inside. Experiential retail critical [42:23]—Barnes & Noble survived Amazon through "storytelling" and reading experiences. III. Town Center of Virginia Beach Opportunity [45:24] Virginia Beach: largest Virginia city by population but lacked CBD. Strong economy, tourism, minimal national broker competition. "Rough diamond" with suburban sprawl needing heart and soul. Military Economy [50:40] Hampton Roads houses NATO headquarters, major cyber command, world's largest naval base. Demographics underreported 28% [59:41] due to "hidden economy"—young military retirees with full pensions, free medical, VA loans not counted in salary reports. Mixed-Use Success [55:31] Town Center became city's "heart and soul," attracting institutions. Westin (40 stories) is Virginia's tallest structure—iconic landmark. TIF Financing [1:21:10] Public entities own parking garages, Performing Arts Center, roads. Funded through TIF (Tax Increment Financing) above 1999 baseline. Changed city charter (1980s) to permit financing. Free parking key to walkability/density success. Post-COVID Growth 50th Anniversary & Expansion [1:04:03] DRE celebrated 50 years (2024). Stayed open throughout COVID [1:04:31], viewing it as opportunity. Acquired McGarey Group (entertainment/sports development expertise) [1:08:15]. D.C. Market [1:09:05] Greater Washington expansion (May 2024) services Northern Virginia requi... Chapters (00:00:00) - Idols of D.C. Area Real Estate(00:00:51) - Meet Joe Gerald Devares of The Navarros Group(00:03:02) - Top Executive Interview(00:05:12) - Do You Model Your Firm After a Competitor?(00:06:07) - Independent Contractors and their culture(00:08:37) - The Importance of Retail Leasing at Devarus Real Estate(00:11:33) - Devares Real Estate Networks affiliation(00:15:45) - Service of the National Client(00:18:20) - How Do You Manage People?(00:21:48) - Real Estate Lessons Learned from My African Origins(00:24:47) - Real Estate(00:27:13) - Were your parents immigrants to South Africa or your grandparents(00:32:10) - Retailers: Professionalism is Hard(00:32:29) - Walmart Store Deployment: An Art(00:40:04) - On The Evolution of Retail Experiences(00:45:06) - Virginia Beach Realty: The City Center(00:49:07) - Exploring the economy of Tidewater, Virginia(00:52:43) - The Alex Devares Memorial Scholarship(00:55:13) - Exploring Virginia Beach's Town Center(00:57:46) - Virginia Beach Town Center: Hidden Economy(01:01:27) - Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame(01:05:19) - McGarry & Margarita Real Estate Under the Realty(01:09:15) - The Washington Metro: Devarus Group's National Growth(01:10:37) - Vertical Integration at Navarro's Group(01:11:43) - Rejuvenating...
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    1 h et 37 min
  • Beyond the Building: Jason Bonnet on Collaboration, Culture, and Community (#141)

    Beyond the Building: Jason Bonnet on Collaboration, Culture, and Community (#141)
    Nov 5 2025
    Bio Jason Bonnet is Chief Development Officer at Essen, a next-generation development firm. Previously led East Coast Commercial Development for Brookfield Properties ($7B pipeline) and Forest City Realty Trust. Career spans $5B+ development: 4,000+ multifamily units, 1M sf office, 500K+ sf retail. Started Bonnet Development post-UNC. USC MRed, Harvard Business School alumnus. Key Discussion Points [00:00:09-00:04:24] Introduction: Background with Forest City, Brookfield, founding Esen. [00:04:59-00:09:33] Esen Overview: Team of former Forest City/Brookfield executives. Large-scale mixed-use focus, 5,000+ unit pipeline across NY metro, Southeast, Midwest. Lead project: $1.5B Jersey City waterfront (2-3% vacancy, strong demand, Manhattan views, PATH access). [00:09:55-00:14:01] Early Life: Silver Spring upbringing on Queen Anne's Drive. Father: electrical subcontractor (construction exposure). Mother: Fortune 100 HR executive (negotiation skills). Film production aspirations (Stanley Kubrick) led to real estate. Springbrook High School, UNC. [00:17:00-00:23:42] Bonnet Development & Pivot: Started company post-dot-com doing Shaw rowhouse conversions (sub-$2M projects). Partnership accounting dispute taught fiduciary responsibility, when to settle vs. litigate. ULI mentorship (Marcel Acosta) led to USC MRed for institutional scale jump. [00:31:57-00:44:17] Forest City & The Yards: Joined 2011 via mentors Stan Ross, Brian Jones. Debby Ratner Salzberg valued entrepreneurial spirit. 48-acre Southeast DC mixed-use. P4 partnership (DC, GSA, Navy). Eleanor Holmes Norton championed waterfront access. Complex brownfield remediation - Forest City as government agent. Lessons: team collaboration, coalesced vision, passion. DC renaissance period - competitive but collegial, rising tide lifts all boats. [00:48:17-00:57:26] Yards Development Strategy: Creating neighborhood not just place. Flexible entitlements framework. Retail strategy: Blue Jacket Brewery opened before Harris Teeter - people knew brewery before "The Yards" name. Chef Michael White's Osteria Morini gave legitimacy. Ice Cream Jubilee (attorney turned businesswoman) first location. Attention to detail, patience choosing tenant partners, commitment to long-term success. Retail foundation critical - most complex, detail-oriented real estate sector. [00:59:18-01:06:43] San Francisco Projects: Led 5M (Fifth & Mission) and Pier 70 after Brookfield acquisition. Biggest difference: intense NIMBYism - sometimes no win-win possible. CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) extends entitlements 8-10 years via traffic study challenges. 5M took 10+ years. Pier 70: fastest California entitlement approval in history via transparency, over-communication, hundreds of community meetings, port authority partnership alignment. [01:09:18-01:13:50] Scale & Affordability Philosophy: Density builds economy of scale, feeds project economics. More eyes on the ground plane = vibrancy,... Chapters (00:00:09) - Idols of D.C. Area Real Estate(00:04:25) - Essen Real Estate's New Chief Development Officer(00:06:52) - What Excited Investors to Take on The Jersey City Project?(00:09:35) - In the Elevator With Rich People(00:12:45) - Real Estate Was Always in My Imagination(00:14:03) - Real Estate Developer and Student at UNC Asheville(00:19:39) - What was the biggest challenge in doing a real estate project? Was(00:23:42) - Return to School: Urban Land Institute Program(00:30:12) - Leading the Company: The Ratners' Process(00:37:00) - On The Washington Navy Yard Project(00:44:01) - Top Real Estate Executives on the Forest City Hotel(00:47:50) - The Story of Forest City's The Yards(00:50:38) - The Mix of Mixed Use Projects(00:57:22) - The Future of Mixed-Use Real Estate(00:59:33) - Beyond the Yard: The Evolution of Forest City(01:03:28) - Explained: CEQA and the San Francisco project(01:06:32) - Top Executives: Lessons Learned from the Pier 70 Project(01:08:46) - The Need for New Housing in Denver(01:10:21) - Affordable Housing and Density(01:13:53) - Public-Private Partnerships(01:17:11) - Exploring the Middle East: Essen Real Estate(01:21:30) - What Makes a Development Team So Special?(01:23:00) - Essen Real Estate's Core Team(01:24:59) - Jersey City Infrastructure Project(01:26:16) - Private-public partnerships: Trust and Transparency(01:27:48) - Describing the Process of Creating a Valuable Mixed Use Community(01:30:33) - Real Estate: The Art of Development(01:36:17) - The Vision of a Mixed Use Property(01:42:56) - Essen Real Estate's aesthetic philosophy(01:44:49) - What Does Placemaking Mean to You?(01:48:22) - In the Elevator With Steve Jobs(01:48:51) - Top 10 Rich People: Family, Work(01:51:33) - Have You Learned From Your Proptech Experience?(01:54:43) - Real Estate Development Almanac(01:56:40) - Be Present, Be Yourself(01:58:26) - Democracy in the Elevator
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    1 h et 59 min
  • Diane and Victor Hoskins - 1 + 1 = 5: Collaboration as Catalyst (#140)

    Diane and Victor Hoskins - 1 + 1 = 5: Collaboration as Catalyst (#140)
    Oct 22 2025

    Two of the Washington region’s most influential leaders—architect Diane Hoskins and economic-development visionary Victor Hoskins—share the story of parallel careers that converge around one principle: collaboration compounds impact.

    From Chicago’s skyline to the Amazon HQ2 deal, from design constraints to billion-dollar surpluses, the Hoskins demonstrate how empathy, partnership, and systems-level thinking can reshape cities and careers. Their joint mantra—

    “Get wisdom, and with all that getting, get understanding.”
     —anchors a conversation that’s equal parts master class and love story.

    Chapter Markers

    Time

    Segment

    Highlights

    00 : 00 – 02 : 20

    Introduction

    John Coe frames the series and today’s guests.

    02 : 21 – 03 : 46

    Roots & Creative Upbringing

    Diane on Chicago’s architecture and her mother’s artistry.

    03 : 47 – 06 : 55

    First-Gen Philanthropy

    The Hoskins on giving back to education.

    07 : 00 – 08 : 33

    Dartmouth Decision

    Challenge as catalyst for growth.

    09 : 11 – 11 : 39

    Negotiating Across the Table

    MIT-trained empathy in public–private deals.

    12 : 01 – 24 : 53

    Diane’s Arc: SOM → Olympia & York → Gensler

    Mentorship, mega-projects, and a developer’s lens.

    24 : 54 – 32 : 28

    Transforming DC as Business

    CityCenter DC, The Wharf, Union Market → $7.5 B investment.

    32 : 41 – 35 : 45

    Regionalism & Collaboration

    DMV economy beyond borders.

    36 : 01 – 39 : 31

    Amazon HQ2 – Talent as Currency

    Education beats incentives; $1 B talent pipeline.

    40 : 16 – 41 : 55

    Fairfax Digital Hub

    7.5 K companies + 100 universities bridging skills.

    42 : 07 – 47 : 20

    Design Within Constraints

    Amtrak Call Center → innovation through limits.

    49 : 43 – 55 : 46

    Workplace as Destination

    Variety, neurodiversity, and WPI metrics.

    57 : 03 – 59 : 53

    Community in Buildings

    Amenities as connection + shared spaces.

    1 : 00 : 15 – 1 : 04 : 36

    Cross-Disciplinary Leadership

    Co-CEO model and latticework learning...

    Chapters
    • (00:00:09) - Icons of D.C. Area Real Estate
    • (00:02:56) - Diane and Victor on the Power of Architecture
    • (00:07:00) - Goat at Dartmouth
    • (00:08:54) - How to navigate complex public-private partnerships
    • (00:12:18) - Gensler's Founder and First Woman Partner
    • (00:21:03) - Working for Gensler
    • (00:24:55) - Deputy Mayor Victor Gray on DC's Transformation
    • (00:30:47) - The City of Washington's role in the District's tax revenue
    • (00:32:53) - Northern Virginia Regional Executive Discusses Regional Collaboration
    • (00:36:01) - How Virginia Secured Amazon's HQ2
    • (00:39:52) - What Keeps Tech Giants in Fairfax County?
    • (00:41:55) - Developers and Architects: The Connectivity
    • (00:49:27) - Gensler on the New Pittsburgh Airport
    • (01:00:15) - Gensler on Multidisciplinary Workforces
    • (01:08:12) - The Common Area of Modern Buildings
    • (01:10:02) - Gensler's one firm, network philosophy
    • (01:12:54) - Northern Virginia Tech's Presidential Innovation Advisory Council
    • (01:19:48) - How Fairfax County Economic Development Leverages Veterans to Fill Cybersecurity and
    • (01:22:40) - Gensler's Commitment to Carbon Reduction
    • (01:28:02) - Gensler on its CO2 Action
    • (01:29:12) - Design Is Not a Luxury, It's for Everyone Everywhere
    • (01:34:19) - Gensler Co-Leaders: Maximizing Time Together
    • (01:38:09) - Gensler on Baltimore's Inner
    • (01:39:36) - How To Build a Prominent Career With Consistency
    • (01:44:38) - How to Lead a Competitive Real Estate Career
    • (01:50:50) - Builders: Internships and Fellowship
    • (01:55:21) - Does Diversity Enhance Commercial Real Estate Talent Pipeline?
    • (01:57:45) - Data Centers: The Challenges
    • (02:03:26) - In the Elevator With Neuroarchitecture
    • (02:04:25) - "Get Wisdom and With All Your Getting..."
    • (02:05:10) - Real Estate Talk: Washington, DC
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    2 h et 8 min
  • Ronnie Gibbons- A Builder's Journey into Real Estate Development (#139)

    Ronnie Gibbons- A Builder's Journey into Real Estate Development (#139)
    Sep 20 2025
    BIORonnie Gibbons is the Senior Vice President of Development at Carmel Partners, where he leads the DC region for development and investments. His responsibilities encompass sourcing new opportunities, evaluating market feasibility, structuring transactions, and overseeing the entire execution process, while also supporting asset management and collaborating closely with the construction team. Carmel Partners, a vertically integrated firm, specializes in development, asset management, investments, and self-performing construction. With over 15 years of experience in multi-family residential, mixed-use, retail, and commercial development, Ronnie brings extensive expertise. He holds a Master's degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University (with a finance focus) and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Maryland. Before joining Carmel Partners in 2018, Ronnie served as Development Director at Monument Realty and held various roles at Foulger-Pratt, including superintendent and project manager on projects such as the Silver Spring Transit Center. He began his career building houses for Ryan Homes. Ronnie has spearheaded significant projects like the Annex on 12th conversion in downtown Washington and the Wardman Park development, a massive 867-unit project that repurposed a bankrupt hotel site. His approach to development, influenced by his blue-collar upbringing, emphasizes risk mitigation, feasibility, and considering the end-user. He is also passionate about sustainable building practices. Key Discussion Points Current Role [7:35-9:09] Leads DC development and investments for Carmel PartnersFocuses on pursuits: sourcing opportunities, evaluating dealsBoth development and value-add acquisitionsWorks closely with vertically integrated construction team Background Journey [9:20-17:00] Born/raised Frederick, MD - fourth generationFather: 40-year maintenance worker at Parkside condos in BethesdaMother: ran home daycareFirst job at 14: collecting newspapers... Chapters (00:00:00) - Icons of DC Real Estate Community Transition to Station DC(00:05:04) - Interviewing Ronnie Gibbons(00:07:21) - Ronnie Carmel Discusses His Role at Carmel Partners(00:09:10) - Growing Up in Frederick, Maryland(00:12:32) - Post-Bacc MS in Economics(00:14:11) - Construction Superintendents at Folger Pratt(00:20:23) - How Starting Your Career at Folger Pratt(00:21:03) - Former Property Engineer at CBRE(00:22:28) - In the Elevator With Folger Pratt's Michael Darby(00:25:16) - Have You Changed Your Approach to Acquisitions and Development?(00:28:01) - In the Elevator Deal,(00:29:47) - Talking to the Monuments Committee(00:31:08) - On Carmel's Investment Committee(00:32:35) - Carmel Partners: Why It Came to Washington DC(00:36:01) - How DC's Property Team Works(00:36:39) - Underpinning Carmel Partners': Construction Division(00:39:17) - Private Equity Companies: The Typical Financing Structure(00:40:48) - Are You Buying Value Added Assets?(00:42:16) - Exploring Douglas Development's Annex on 12th(00:44:35) - Developers Take a Tour of the Smithsonian's New Building(00:49:14) - Greystar delivers 500-unit NOMA project(00:51:44) - Developers Bring Multifamily to Wardman(00:58:33) - How long did it take to get from the conceptual stage to the(01:01:16) - When renovating the Woodman Tower, The Carmel(01:05:58) - What are the green building standards for your building?(01:06:49) - Woodley Park Residential Project, Washington(01:12:29) - Timeline of Lease Up at Embassy Row DC(01:13:39) - Woodley Park 2,000 Unit Comparison(01:17:41) - What is the most misunderstood aspect of the Washington, D.C(01:20:15) - When scanning sub markets, what three signals make you lean in and(01:21:08) - How tight are the submarkets in Washington, DC?(01:22:42) - Why Build 1,000 Units at Once?(01:26:09) - Does the Washington-Baltimore region factor into your deals?(01:29:00) - What Would Your Profession Know That Others Don't?(01:34:21) - Top Executives: Family, Work and Giving Back(01:35:41) - Carmel Partners' CEO on Giving Back(01:36:10) - Projects on the Capital Beltway
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    1 h et 38 min
  • Jamie Weinbaum: Beyond the Transaction (#138)

    Jamie Weinbaum: Beyond the Transaction (#138)
    Aug 26 2025
    Bio Jamie Weinbaum is President & CEO of Horning, overseeing operations, development, and strategic planning. Previously Executive VP at MidCity (4M sf pipeline), COO at Ditto Residential, development executive at JBG Smith, Director of DC Office of Zoning, and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Former ULI Washington chair. JD from GW Law, BA from Wake Forest. Key Discussion Points Career Pivot from Law [00:00-13:17] Childhood passion for built environment - sketching houses, playing with Legos2006 revelation with wife: "what you do 9am-7pm doesn't really do it for me"Marrying passions with profession leads to happier life and more successful careerStarted Atlanta home renovations as side hustle while practicing law Real Estate Entry via AJ Jackson [13:17-25:42] AJ Jackson instrumental in first development job at EYA in 2007Developer as "conductor of the orchestra" - coordinating subject matter expertsOwnership side vs. consultant preference: "you're part of the story for years"2008 downturn layoff after 9 months confirmed industry passion DC Government Leadership [25:42-37:33] Became Director of Office of Zoning under Mayor Fenty administrationCrash course in leadership: humility, listening, bringing people alongTechnology focus: converting paper zoning maps to online GIS resources"Level the playing field" philosophy for residents JBG Development Experience [37:33-51:30] 2011-2014: Twin Brook metro projects, Fort Totten Square (Walmart mixed-use)Risk mitigation and preserving optionality as core JBG principlesInvestment committee meetings: "nobody held back" - heated debatesReal estate development requires communication, analytics, design Family Business Philosophy [51:30-1:05:15] Hired business coach specializing in family companies at MidCityRole as fiduciary working on behalf of family to accomplish their aimsAlignment between personal values and family mission critically importantMulti-generational companies face unique succession challenges Horning Strategy & Amazon Partnership [1:05:15-1:20:45] "Mission-driven for profit" organization focused on affordable housing Chapters (00:00:00) - iJCRE Community Transition to Station DC(00:05:04) - Meet Jamie Weinbaum, President and CEO of Horning Brothers(00:08:41) - ULI Washington's 'Local Voices' podcast(00:10:06) - Horning Brothers President and CEO Explains(00:12:14) - Jamie Oliver on Starting Out(00:13:11) - George Washington Law Student on His Path(00:17:51) - The Day the Plane Hit the Pentagon(00:20:12) - Law School Graduates Turn to Real Estate(00:21:42) - Turning Down the Career Path(00:25:59) - Real Estate Development and the Need for Ownership(00:28:16) - Real Estate Development Leaders: The Multidisciplinary Approach(00:34:01) - How I Pivot: From Law to Real Estate(00:35:36) - In the Elevator With Bob Young(00:36:38) - Former DC zoning commissioner on the public sector(00:42:27) - Post-White House, what lessons did you learn?(00:47:57) - In the Elevator With Tony Hirsch(00:48:47) - JBG on North Bethesda and the Walmart project(00:52:53) - JBG Cos.'s Ben Jacobs on His Experience(00:56:16) - JBG Capital's Executive Committee(01:00:51) - Real Estate's Low-Risk(01:01:47) - Exploring the Multifamily Market at JBG(01:05:58) - In the Elevator: Mid City Real Estate(01:12:10) - Philip Feist on the DC real estate process(01:18:44) - Building a New Multi-Family Building in DC(01:24:41) - Have You Met the Horning Family?(01:26:58) - Hiring a Coaching Coach(01:28:32) - Under the Horning Brothers: Bringing the Future to Horning(01:31:31) - Horning Real Estate Group's diversified development portfolio(01:36:23) - Top DC Office Developers on the Conversion(01:39:29) - Horning Brothers CEO Explains His Vision(01:42:17) - Affordable Housing for Amazon's Hyattsville Property(01:43:42) - Amazon's Mezzanine Funding(01:45:51) - JBG alum on Amazon's deal(01:46:58) - Exclusive: We're Considering a Multifamily Deal(01:48:36) - Leo Capital on Amazon's Housing Equity Fund(01:50:39) - Would You Submit RFPs for Public-Private Projects?(01:54:03) - D.C. Mayor on the Need for Development(02:00:41) - Northern Virginia perspectives on growth in Montgomery County(02:02:51) - Horning Companies' Commitment to Communities(02:05:53) - President Trump suggests militarizing DC police force(02:09:35) - Jamie Oliver on Living a Life in Balance
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    2 h et 14 min
  • Len Forkas: Everest, HopeCam and Business Insights

    Len Forkas: Everest, HopeCam and Business Insights
    Aug 4 2025
    BioLen Forkas is founder/CEO of Milestone Towers, a digital infrastructure company building wireless towers on public lands for over 25 years. Adventure athlete who completed the Seven Summits (becoming 5th oldest globally), Race Across America winner, and non-profit founder of Hopecam.org, a charity supporting children with cancer. Author of leadership books drawing from extreme sports experiences.Key Discussion PointsEverest Achievement & 2023 Failure Lessons [0:50-16:00]Key Moment: Len Forkas completed the Seven Summits after a 2023 Everest failure due to pulmonary complications Business Lesson: Deconstructing every decision that led to the failure and meticulous preparation are crucial. Forkas dedicated a year to preparation, including weightlifting, trekking with a 50-lb pack, climbing in Indonesia & Ecuador and hypoxic sleep trainingCrevasse Incident & Systems Validation [33:00-36:00]Key Moment: After a successful summit, Forkas fell into a 70-foot crevasse at 27,000 feet while descending to the South Col.Business Lesson: The importance of safety systems and meticulous preparation. His polar expedition training saved his life.Hopecam Growth & Impact [36:00-51:00]Key Moment: Hopecam doubled its applications from 500 to 1,000 children annually post-COVID and grew hospital partnerships from 60 to 180 in five years. 70% of Hopecam students attend title one schools. Business Lesson: Viewing sponsors as "investors" in mental health outcomes created by the nonprofit rather than as a traditional donors. Milestone Towers Business Evolution [72:00-95:00]Key Moment: Milestone Towers rebranded from Milestone Communications to reflect its real estate asset focus Business Lesson: Strategic niche and barriers to entry protect competitive advantage. AI is optimizing existing equipment efficiency, and use of 5G networks has not hit full stride. Difficult to entitle locations have the highest value for both the tower owner and wireless carriers. Leadership Philosophy [114:00-125:00]Key Moment: Len Forkas' son Matt joined the company after five years of external experience 15.Business Lesson: Trust and preparation are essential for success in both business and extreme sports. Letting team members own and solve problems is crucialNext challenge: North Pole expedition, but prioritizing family and team presence for now. RESOURCES:https://www.lenforkas.com/https://coeenterprises.com/podcast/len-forkas-renaissance-man-33/What Spins The Wheel: https://www.amazon.com/What-Spins-Wheel-Leadership-Lessons/dp/0996096906?sr=8-2Cold Hard Truth: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Hard-Truth-Special-Color-ebook/dp/B09VDY69FC?sr=8-1https://www.hopecam.org/https://youtu.be/D6qjcwEVQYc Chapters (00:00:00) - The Iconic Journey and CRE: Expanding our Reach and Impact(00:02:47) - Icons of DCRE Real Estate(00:05:57) - Len Forkas Successfully Summits Mount Everest(00:08:55) - Eve Everest Attempt(00:13:34) - Foldus Climbed All 8,000 Meter Mountains at 59(00:16:37) - Tim Everest on Training for His 7 Summits(00:22:34) - Philanthropist and Mountaineer(00:27:30) - Experienced polar trekkers on(00:31:58) - The Value of Preparing for the Future(00:33:08) - Exploring HopeCam's Growing Need for Cancer Services(00:36:18) - Hope Camp reaches children with cancer through hospital partnerships(00:38:07) - Hope Camp for Kids: Challenges(00:40:01) - Hope Cam and other survivors of cancer(00:42:35) - How do you view your investment in HopeCamp?(00:45:34) - How Leadership Lessons from Your Experiences(00:50:02) - Hope Cam: A Letter from a Cancer Patient(00:51:30) - Hope Camp: Connecting Kids with Cancer(00:53:49) - Hope Camp's journey with cancer survivor(00:55:25) - What kinds of programs does Hope Camp offer to families?(00:56:27) - Milestone Towers Rebrands as Communication & Infrastructure(00:57:56) - Milestone Towers: Public-Private Partnerships(01:01:01) - How Has 5G Impact the Wireless Industry?(01:04:49) - How Is AI Affecting the Cell Industry?(01:11:34) - Is There a Connection Between Data Centers and Cell Towers?(01:13:06) - Are Emerging Trends Threatening the Traditional Cell Tower Business?(01:15:57) - Will Edge Computing Affect Cell Towers?(01:18:25) - Are Regulations Help or Hurt Your Industry?(01:20:29) - Father-Son Partnership at Milestone Towers(01:22:23) - The Legacy of Folger Pratt and Basuto(01:25:17) - Tim Ferriss on Leadership(01:30:46) - Len Forkas on His Heroism(01:32:20) - A Few Words From Len Ayers
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    1 h et 33 min
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