Gene Spiegelman, vice chairman at RIPCO Real Estate and co-founder of Sagamore Hill Partners, joins us on today's episode of the Broker Brunch podcast to share the secrets behind his 30-year success in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world.

We go deep into his journey from being a new broker with zero experience to becoming one of NYC’s top retail real estate experts. Gene reveals his strategies for navigating the challenges of NYC’s evolving retail landscape—from the role of client relationships and long-term networking, to the technological advances like AI and geofencing that are reshaping how brokers understand modern consumer behavior.

Gene also sheds light on current trends driving the market, the rise of grocery and food-and-beverage leasing, and why the demand for prime retail space is set to soar.

Gene also breaks down what it takes to excel in retail real estate today—and why 2025 is looking like a prime year to grow your real estate portfolio.

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Connect with Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/retailpro1/

Our Socials:
Brian Whelan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-whelan-43155850/
Mitchel Flaherty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchel-flaherty-7b4b1064/


(00:00) Preview and Introduction
(02:00) Gene’s Early Days in Real Estate
(05:25) Evolution of Real Estate Technology
(08:00) Impact of Mobile Phones in Real Estate
(13:00) Decision to Focus on Leasing Over Sales
(16:30) Retail vs. Office Real Estate
(21:45) Canvassing and Prospecting Techniques
(25:15) Assessing Business Health Through Store Visits
(32:10) Importance of Maps and Geographic Familiarity
(37:00) Market Trends in Manhattan Retail Leasing
(39:30) Demand Surge in Food & Beverage
(42:15) Retail Trends in Fashion and Consumer Spending
(49:10) Importance of Work-Life Balance
(51:50) Joining RIPCO and its Entrepreneurial Culture
(57:30) Gene’s Passions
(01:00:30) Building a Resilient Team at RIPCO
(01:03:10) The Future at RIPCO