As the principal architect and founder of June Street Architecture, Sonny’s journey is rooted in sharpening his instincts so clients can contain theirs —and do less.

A bold thinker, his boutique firm - known for preservation work - has created some of L.A.'s coolest homes. Currently wrapping up a ten-year restoration of a Richard Neutra apartment complex, we learn from Sonny what constitutes a good living space. He shares how they started working out of a garage with a handful of employees and have grown to a medium-sized office of 20.

Always entertaining and to the point, we touch on the history of some of L.A.'s most iconic neighborhoods and how Hancock Park may not be as authentic as you would think.

A recurring theme in my own work, we also discuss the importance of building trust with clients so that the process can unfold more smoothly. Relevant to any service-based business, we explore JSA’s first project that led to a career of referrals, the benefits of "finding your lane," and the value of removing your ego.

Sonny's ambitions extend beyond serving clients; he is also focused on identifying his own real estate investment opportunities. We hear about those, including the 40-acre farm and house he and his partner took on, and the fruits of his never-ending curiosity.

I left this conversation with a better understanding not only of rehab work but also of myself—and I had a ball the whole way through!

You’ll learn:

- Sonny Ward’s Start: evolving from into a 20 person firm, and the importance of a solid foundation.

- Experience Shapes Decisions and Trust: Experience refines decision-making, enhancing client’s and your ability to do what you do.

- Pressure and Growth: Sonny discusses how pressure—and sports—play a significant role in both personal and professional growth

- Lessons for Newcomers: Sonny a forever teacher, shares valuable lessons for those starting today, highlighting the importance of finding your niche, and embracing a curiosity-driven mindset.

- Consistency and Uniqueness: Underrated and often misunderstood; it is vital for success. Sonny's commitment to his ongoing search for unique opportunities demonstrates this.

Follow me on my Social media:

💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/

💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub

💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties

💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

You might also like:

✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I

🔰 My playlist : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0IVJkkBL0GRnTsR2uLElHCba1tfvgnSf

#AriWintraub #ATRE #SonnyWard @jsa.la @clw3sonny #ArchitecturePodcast #design #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #ResidentialArchitecture #LosAngelesRealEstate #DesignProcess #LongTermThinking #BuiltEnvironment

Never before have I spent so much time in the following week reflecting on an interview and constant reminders of the conversation with a guest. Dusty Baker, who started at a young age selling foreclosed and bank-owned properties in Santa Barbara, did something very distinct. After a few years in the business, he changed everything he was doing, reinventing himself to become one of the top luxury agents, and now selling nearly $200 million of real estate per year.

How does one achieve this? The mindset to stay the course, makes this episode with Dusty packed with strategy, stories, and inspiring ways to reach one's goals.

Dusty shares how he got started, the countless broker price opinions he completed, the skills he learned, and what helped him transition from selling $600,000 properties to those with a couple of extra zeros. We discuss where the opportunities come from, the ethos behind building trust, and how to remain hands-on while growing.

In this episode, we hear fascinating facts about Santa Barbara and how its population has shifted. We compare Montecito to the Palisades, both of which have experienced devastation from natural disasters, examining how rebuilding in those communities will differ.

Whether you’re new to being an agent, or engaged in any entrepreneurial pursuit, this episode offers a sobering look at what it really takes to grow and reposition oneself. It’s Dusty’s discipline, habits, and attitude that I know you will learn from most, setting him apart from the pack and placing him regularly among the top 100 agents globally at Sotheby’s International Realty.

You’ll learn:

- How Dusty Baker entered the real estate business selling foreclosures & REOs.

- Where the opportunities come from,

- The ethos behind building trust, and how to remain hands-on while growing.

- Who lives and buys in Santa Barbara today—including Rick Caruso

- Why relationships matter when in a small city

- Advice for new investors and agents

Follow me on my Social media:

💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/

💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub

💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties

💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

You might also like:

✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I

🔰 My playlist :

/ @ariwintraub

#AriWintraub #DustyBaker #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInvesting #InvestorMindset #RealEstateJourney #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #HousingMarket

Nearing mid-life, and after selling his ad agency, Michael took a leap of faith and reinvented himself by becoming a residential realtor in Los Angeles. In this competitive industry, where most don’t make it past year one, Michael’s story is different. In this episode, we learn how he did it, including where his prospects come from, the benefits of a partnership, and how he landed at his brokerage. Michael’s mindset of having no fear and trying it all has resulted in success. We break down the numbers on what year one income looked like, what deals they have done, and what it takes to close. Hear how Michael’s own investments have informed him when guiding clients and how he turned a small happy hour get-together into Haps LA, now one of LA’s coolest nights out.

You’ll learn:

How to Transition Your Career: Michael's background before entering residential real estate and why he decided to make the shift despite early struggles.

- Building a Brand: Discover the importance of social media in growing his brand and how consistent posting has enhanced his connection with clients.

-Client Relationships: Understand how Michael connects with clients authentically and the emotional aspects of buying and selling homes that he navigates.

- Differentiation in the Market: Gain insights into what separates good agents from average ones, including the significance of trust, honesty, and local knowledge.

-Advice for Aspiring Agents: Receive practical advice for new real estate agents on staying focused, managing stress, and handling buyer expectations versus market realities.

Follow me on my Social media:

💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/

💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub

💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties

💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

You might also like:

✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I

🔰 My playlist :

/ @ariwintraub

#AriWintraub #michaelabraham.realtor #RealEstatePodcast #ResidentialRealEstate #RealEstateAgentLife #NewAgentTips #HomeBuying #ListingAgent #RealEstateStories #AgentMindset

In this episode, Ari gets to know Morgan McMullin, who shares how he geared up to be an owner by putting in reps as a broker. Morgan also breaks down the investing mindset behind “Date the cap rate, marry the basis,” the one metric you can control when trying to buy good deals, and how he sets yearly investment goals that actually move his career forward.

Ari and Morgan also dig into what raising capital really takes, how to stay balanced while growing fast, and the brutal story of an Escrow that took a full year to close a deal that had been a six-year headache.

Whether you’re new to commercial real estate or looking to multiply your output, this episode is a blueprint for momentum.

You’ll learn:

- How Morgan broke into CRE with zero prior experience

- Why “date the cap rate, marry the basis” is critical for investors

- The one metric he focuses on to buy better deals

- What you actually need before raising capital

- How he sets yearly investment targets

- How he maintains work–life balance during growth

- Lessons learned from the six year headache

Follow me on my Social media:

💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/

💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub

💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties

💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

You might also like:

✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I

🔰 My playlist :

/ @ariwintraub

#AriWintraub #MorganMcMullin #CommercialRealEstate #CREBroker #RealEstatePodcast #CapRate #DealFlow #RealEstateCareer #CREProspecting #EntrepreneurMindset #MultiFamily #RealEstateInvesting

What does it really take to build, scale, and sustain a startup in today’s fast-changing market?

In this episode of All Things Real Estate, Ari Wintraub hears from Diego Torres-Palma, how he has leveraged his start up mindset to to grow companies and own buildings. He shares candid insights on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship — from early failures to raising capital, scaling teams, and using problem solving as a guiding light for what business to start. Through discovery of voids in the market, Diego has rescued failing coffee shops, launched successful breweries and now is about to open another establishment, which stands to be the best of its kind. Hint, it’s a in former pawn shop.

You’ll learn:

- The importance of failing fast.

- Lessons from opening bars in LA, and how it’s about politicians “falling in love with you”.

- The importance of consistency in providing something special.

- Strategies for raising capital and working with investors

- And the role that entrepreneurship plays in self discovery.

Whether you’re a founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone with a dream to own a building, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in the startup world.

Follow me on my Social media:

💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/

💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub

💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties

💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

You might also like:

✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I

🔰 My playlist :

/ @ariwintraub

#NoVacancyPodcast #AriWintraub #DiegoTorresPalma #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #TaylorAvakian #Fundraising #Leadership #StartupJourney #BusinessGrowth

Join host Ari Wintraub as he sits down with Dorothy Alon, the visionary interior designer behind some of LA’s most luxurious developer homes. From her early days learning each and every detail of what to takes to be an interior designer to managing a studio with 20+ annual projects, Dorothy reveals:

- Why developers can benefit from a hiring a designer, and the focus on what can be seen.

- The #1 mistake developers make on projects (hint: it’s about timing).

- How to make a $10M home feel functional and "lived-in"

- Her toughest on-site problem-solving moments.

- Why lighting is the last place to cut budgets (and where to compromise instead).

Dorothy’s passionate and candid take on trends (RIP Wabi-Sabi), her globetrotting material hunts, and the stress of overseeing $250M+ in projects make this a must-listen for designers, developers, and real estate pros.

Follow me on my Social media:

💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/

💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub

💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties

You might also like:

✅https://youtu.be/KG2gSjXQQ9w

✅https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk

✅https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I

🔰 My playlist :

https://www.youtube.com/@AriWintraub/playlists

#DorothyAlon #LuxuryDesign #DeveloperSecrets #InteriorArchitecture #DesignTrends #RealEstatePodcast #AriWintraub #HomeStaging #RealEstateInvesting #LuxuryHomes #DesignTips #InteriorDesign #RealEstateSecrets #WomenInDesign

How do you turn a neglected city center into one of the most sought-after real estate markets in America?

In this episode of All Things Real Estate, Ari Wintraub sits down with Hal Bastian, affectionately known as The Mayor of Downtown LA, and a key figure in LA’s early 2000’s renaissance, to gain insights on what has gone wrong in Los Angeles’ urban core. From the late 90’s when the city was a ghost town at night, to it’s pre-covid-peak, and now it’s current downturn, Hal has been there. In this interview he shares a passionate, sometimes painful look at the evolution of the city and what needs to happen to see DTLA rise again.

You’ll learn:

- What it takes to turn historic buildings into modern multifamily housing

- How Bunker Hill high rises destroyed residential living in downtown

- How Hal helped bring residents and retailers back downtown

- Lessons from dealing with zoning, homelessness, and political red tape

- What to do with Oceanwide Plaza, AKA: “Graffiti Towers”

A powerful episode about urban reinvention, civic pride, and the people who build our cities from the inside out.

You can find Ari on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7740rGWkiC5lEKGbbD1gJq

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariwintraub/

#AllThingsRealEstate #AriWintraub #HalBastian #DTLA #UrbanRenewal #RealEstateDevelopment #CityPlanning #LosAngelesRealEstate #HistoricConversions #CivicLeadership #DowntownLosAngeles

In this episode of All Things Real Estate, Ari Wintraub sits down with Joseph Cilic, a powerhouse LA agent whose story is equal parts grit and strategy. From law school to leadership roles in brokerage management to rebuilding a business after personal loss, Joseph shares hard-earned lessons on what it takes to thrive in real estate today.

You’ll learn:

How he transitioned to becoming an Agent — twice

How to win listings even when you're not the “local expert”

His strategies for tough clients, tough deals, and tighter markets

How the Palisades fire reshaped his mindset and business forever

If you’re looking for resilience, real strategy, and real estate wisdom — this interview delivers.

You can find Ari on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7740rGWkiC5lEKGbbD1gJq

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariwintraub/

#AllThingsRealEstate #JosephCilic #AriWintraub #RealEstatePodcast #SothebysRealty #ResilientAgent #RealEstateMindset #PalisadesFire #TeamBuilding #ListingStrategies

How do you design homes that stand the test of time?In this episode of All Things Real Estate, Ari Wintraub sits down with world-renowned architect William Hefner, founder of Studio William Hefner, whose work blends architecture, interiors, and landscape into cohesive, timeless environments.William walks us through:- Designing a 60,000 sq ft château in Bel Air- Treating light, materials, and framing as critical design tools- The risks of chasing trends vs. committing to strong identity- Building his own Montecito home that launched a new studio- Losing 12 homes in the Palisades fire — and what came nextWhether you're a developer, designer, or real estate lover, this episode is a masterclass in building homes that matter.You can find Ari onSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7740rGWkiC5lEKGbbD1gJqApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariwintraub/

What’s really going on behind the scenes in a real estate deal?

In this episode of "All Things Real Estate", Ari Wintraub sits down with Matt Granger, one of L.A.’s top title rep of 38 years, to unpack the lesser-known mechanics of title insurance, escrow, and what a successful Investor, Realtor or Title Rep does to win.

Learn how Matt:

- Best ways to take Title, and close deals

- Offers title insights from LA’s complex Westside market, including: bankruptcies, liens & judgment

- Navigates industry change—like electronic recordings & ULA taxes, and Jan 7 Palisades Fires

- Leads with technical service, not swag, and never waiver from his “Giver” mindset

Whether you're a realtor, investor, or just curious how real estate really transacts, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s most important, least understood role.

You can find Ari on

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7740rGWkiC5lEKGbbD1gJq

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariwintraub/

#AllThingsRealEstate #TitleInsurance #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateTips #Escrow #LARealEstate #WestsideDeals #RealEstateAgentLife #TrustsAndTitle #RealEstateTransactions