Ready to discuss your commercial real estate needs?

Call me: 704-777-7003
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-dunn-42738863
Email: bdunn@trinity-partners.com
Website: www.trinity-partners.com/people/bradley-dunn

Host Bradley Dunn welcomes J.P. Conklin, Founder of Pensford Financial Consulting and
LoanBoss, for a candid deep dive into the forces shaping today’s economy, from inflation and
labor to the Fed’s next move. Known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense approach, J.P.
breaks down complex economic dynamics into clear, actionable takeaways for business and
CRE leaders navigating a changing interest rate environment.

Together, they unpack what’s really happening behind the headlines, from job reports and
wage growth to inflation data and Fed decision-making, offering a practical framework for
interpreting market signals and positioning for what’s ahead. Whether you’re a CFO, developer,
investor, or operator, this episode delivers a grounded perspective on how to think about rates,
capital, and the broader economic cycle in 2025 and beyond.

Ready to discuss your commercial real estate needs?
Call me: 704-777-7003
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-dunn-42738863/
Email: bdunn@trinity-partners.com
Website: https://www.trinity-partners.com/people/bradley-dunn

In this episode of Industrial Voices, host Bradley Dunn sits down with Jon Morris, Senior Partner at Beacon Partners, to unpack the story of one of the Carolinas’ most prolific full-service real estate firms.

From joining Beacon in the mid-1990s to helping scale it into a $2.8B platform with more than 33 million square feet developed and acquired, Jon has witnessed—and led—transformative growth in Charlotte’s industrial landscape. He shares the origin story of Beacon, funny “scrappy” moments from the early days, and the culture that continues to define the firm today.

Listeners will also hear detailed insights on flagship projects like Carolina Logistics Park and how Beacon secured competitive sites, phased capital, and balanced design with tenant demand. Jon also breaks down today’s industrial market trends and offers practical takeaways for manufacturers, distributors, and brokers alike.

Whether you’re a developer, occupier, broker, or investor, this conversation offers a rare inside look at how a top regional platform navigates cycles, executes large-scale parks, and invests in both community and culture.

Bradley is joined by Georgia Ports Authority’s Stacy Watson to explore the critical role ports play in the flow of goods across America—and how Savannah has emerged as a global powerhouse in ocean freight. They discuss the fundamentals of port operations, the ripple effects of the Panama Canal expansion, and the major infrastructure investments shaping the next decade of U.S. trade.

Show Notes:
In this episode of Industrial Voices, host Bradley Dunn sits down with Stacy Watson, Director of Economic & Industrial Development at the Georgia Ports Authority, to unpack the mechanics, strategy, and future of one of the nation’s fastest-growing ports.

With over three decades at GPA, Stacy has guided manufacturers, distributors, and site selectors through the complexities of global freight. From explaining TEUs and free trade zones to outlining how ocean freight connects seamlessly with rail and truck, Stacy offers a rare insider’s view of how ports operate—and why Savannah’s model is winning.

The conversation also covers GPA’s response to the Panama Canal expansion, current cargo trends in a post-COVID world, and the capital projects positioning Georgia Ports for sustained growth.

Topics Covered:

• Ocean Freight 101: TEUs, cargo types, and how ports fit into a supply chain
• The impact of the 2016 Panama Canal expansion on East Coast ports
• Savannah Harbor Expansion Project and dredging strategy
• How Georgia Ports influences the Southeastern U.S. economy
• Trends in port traffic, global sourcing, and e-commerce logistics
• Current and future infrastructure investments at GPA
• When and how industrial users should engage with port leadership

About the Guest:
Stacy Watson is the Director of Economic & Industrial Development at the Georgia Ports Authority, overseeing strategies that connect global trade to inland U.S. markets. Based in Savannah, he works closely with economic development teams, corporate site selectors, and industrial developers to integrate port access into long-term logistics planning.