Beyond the Resume

YouTube: https://youtu.be/up3jgFm5Xe0 • Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode, Jamie Smarr, CEO of the New York City Housing Partnership, joins Chris Papa to explore how affordable housing can revitalize communities and empower residents. Jamie shares lessons from his 30-year career in government and nonprofit leadership, emphasizing the power of project management, writing, and mentorship. From the Bronx’s burning buildings to today’s homeownership initiatives, this conversation dives into the evolution of housing policy, the importance of innovation, and what keeps Jamie motivated to make housing more human.

Chapters

(02:50) The Origins and Mission of the Housing Partnership

(05:29) Affordable Housing in Modern New York

(07:57) Jamie Smarr’s Path from Government to Nonprofit Leadership

(10:51) Skills That Build Careers (and Homes)

(13:41) How Government Drives Housing Policy

(16:19) Future Housing Challenges and Opportunities

(19:05) Personal Insights and Career Advice

(21:57) Memorable Projects and Impactful Developments

YouTube: https://youtu.be/up3jgFm5Xe0

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jamie-smarr

YouTube: https://youtu.be/86yt8WvdBr8 • Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Emily Kurtz, Chief Housing & Development Officer at RiseBoro Community Partnership, to explore her 20-year journey in affordable housing and community development. Emily shares how a sociology degree and a curiosity for cities led her to urban planning, and eventually to leading one of New York’s most impactful housing organizations.

They discuss the evolution of RiseBoro, the realities of nonprofit housing development, and the personal balance required to thrive in mission-driven work. Emily also reflects on mentorship, leadership, and how organizations like Women in Housing and Finance have shaped her career.

If you’re passionate about affordable housing, career growth in the nonprofit sector, or finding purpose in your work, this episode delivers real-world lessons and personal insight.

Chapters

(02:23) RiseBoro’s Mission and Community Roots

(05:13) From Tenant Advocacy to Housing Development

(07:48) Emily’s Path from Sociology to Urban Planning

(10:15) Career Lessons: From IBM to Affordable Housing

(13:20) Finding Fulfillment Through Curiosity and Adaptability

(19:56) Breaking into Nonprofit Real Estate

(21:21) The Challenges Facing Affordable Housing in NYC

(23:38) The Human Cost of Federal Cuts and SNAP Benefits

(26:45) Leadership, Mentorship, and Building Strong Teams

(30:01) Parenting, Perspective, and Career Growth

(31:45) Book & Podcast Recommendations

(32:09) Work-Life Balance and Daily Rituals

(33:21) What Emily Looks for When Hiring

(34:58) Final Reflections: Mission, Community, and Resilience

YouTube: https://youtu.be/86yt8WvdBr8

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/emily-kurtz

YouTube: https://youtu.be/fUiwpBCzMrw • Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Sarah Berman, Founder and President of The Berman Group, one of the leading public relations firms in the real estate and construction industries.

Sarah shares how her early studies in urban planning led her into the fast-paced world of communications, ultimately inspiring her to launch her own firm nearly 20 years ago. She opens up about what it takes to build a PR powerhouse—from crafting compelling client stories and navigating industry challenges to cultivating a company culture rooted in hard work, empathy, and excellence.

This conversation is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, brand building, client trust, and leadership, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to make an impact in real estate or communications.

Chapters

(02:10) From Urban Planning to Public Relations

(04:35) Building a PR Powerhouse from the Ground Up

(07:00) What It Takes to Succeed in PR

(09:45) Earning Trust and Managing Tough Clients

(12:20) Finding a Niche: PR for Construction & Real Estate

(15:00) Growth Through Reputation and Referrals

(18:00) Balancing Family, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship

(19:00) Building Culture and Empowering a Team

(22:00) Optimism and Innovation in Real Estate

(25:40) Most Memorable Projects and Partnerships

(29:10) Mentorship, Hiring, and the Next Generation of PR

(33:00) Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

YouTube: https://youtu.be/fUiwpBCzMrw

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sarah-berman

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, host Chris Papa talks with Jim Mather, President and CEO of Century Housing.

Jim’s story is anything but ordinary — from editing a dirt bike magazine to leading one of the state’s top affordable housing lenders, his career path proves that purpose and curiosity can fuel lifelong impact.

Together, Chris and Jim dive into the origins of Century Housing, the pivotal role of CDFIs and capital markets in community development, and what makes a truly mission-driven leader. Jim also shares how coffee, cooking, and calm focus shape his daily routine — and his leadership style.

If you’re passionate about affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, and social impact, this conversation goes beyond titles and résumés to reveal the real story behind the work.

Chapters

(02:45) The Century Freeway Lawsuit That Built a Legacy

Jim explains the unique origin story of Century Housing and how a major legal settlement led to lasting community development.

(07:58) From Dirt Bikes to Development

How Jim’s early career as a magazine editor and construction worker sparked a lifelong passion for urban planning and housing.

(14:35) Inside the World of CDFIs

A breakdown of what community development financial institutions do — and how they fund affordable housing across California.

(20:18) Leadership Lessons from the Top

Jim shares what it’s like to lead an organization with three business arms — and how he balances impact with innovation.

(24:50) Hiring for Heart and Mission

What Jim looks for in candidates: curiosity, adaptability, intelligence, and a genuine drive to make a difference.

(28:35) Books, Coffee, and Calm

Jim talks about his daily rituals, from pour-over coffee to cooking, and how they keep him grounded as a leader.

(32:10) Looking Ahead: The Future of Affordable Housing

Reflections on policy, capital, and the people who make housing happen every day.

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pt4tPDA6QhY

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jim-mather

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/71orqzeqIoo • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode of Beyond the Resume podcast, we chat with Sharif Mitchell, a seasoned real estate entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Northern Liberties. Sharif shares his inspiring journey from being a Morehouse College scholarship recipient to a thriving real estate mogul. He emphasizes the role of mentorship, the importance of risk management, and his mission to create workforce housing and foster community impact. Sharif discusses the power of daily structure, understanding customers, and building a strong network. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the significance of long-term vision and calculated steps toward success.

Chapters

(04:15) Defining Moments and Risks in Entrepreneurship

(09:36) Building a Purpose-Driven Real Estate Business

(14:14) Daily Habits and Structure for Success

(18:29) Overcoming Setbacks and Learning from Failures

(22:57) The Importance of Mentorship and Community

(26:23) Art as a Reflection of Success

(29:58) Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Professionals

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/71orqzeqIoo

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sharif-mitchell

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/vw26kp7vA38 • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, we bring you another edition of our webinar series. Join Chris Papa and Kristin Niver as they lead an urgent discussion on the future of affordable housing in Washington, D.C. The expert panelists unpack the economic, political, and social factors shaping the city’s housing landscape.

Panelists Mitch Crispell (True Ground Housing Partners), Ed Delany (Capital One), Kimberly Driggins (Washington Housing Conservancy), Chris Marshall (The NRP Group), and Kate Owens (Jair Lynch RE Partners) examine the ripple effects of rent delinquency, eviction backlogs, and the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). Together, they explore how policymakers and developers can balance tenant protections with financial sustainability—while keeping the city’s housing stock intact.

This is a must-listen for developers, lenders, policymakers, and advocates navigating post-pandemic housing challenges in the nation’s capital.

Chapters

(04:35) The Fallout from the 2025 Rental Act

An overview of how the Rental Act emerged as a response to economic vacancy, rent delinquency, and strained landlord-tenant relations in D.C.

(10:12) The Billion-Dollar Problem: Rent Delinquencies

Kimberly Driggins and Kate Owens discuss over $1 billion in lost rent since the pandemic, how emergency-era tenant protections persisted too long, and their destabilizing effects on affordable housing providers.

(18:40) The Ripple Effect on Building Maintenance & Operations

Panelists explain how sustained delinquencies have made it difficult to maintain buildings, pay mortgages, and keep affordable units habitable—creating a vicious cycle of disrepair and nonpayment.

(26:58) Financing Fallout: The Lender’s Perspective

Capital One’s Ed Delany reveals how rising vacancies and thin margins are forcing lenders to step back from D.C. investments, chilling multifamily development across the city.

(36:25) Eviction Backlogs & the ERAP Program

A deep dive into D.C.’s eviction crisis—why court delays stretch up to 24 months, how federal judicial vacancies compound the issue, and whether new protective order requirements under the Rental Act can help.

(46:02) Lessons from Virginia’s Approach

Mitch Crispell contrasts D.C.’s dysfunction with Virginia’s more efficient systems, including resident services, consistent rental assistance, and functioning courts—keeping evictions below 2%.

(52:10) Investor Confidence & Regional Shifts

Kate Owens and Ed Delany describe a migration of investor capital from D.C. to Maryland and Virginia as developers seek more predictable outcomes and faster lease-ups.

(58:30) Understanding TOPA: Tenant Rights vs. Development Realities

Panelists unpack the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, exploring its origins, intentions, and unintended consequences for preservation and new construction.

(1:10:22) Policy Wins & What’s Next

Kate Owens and Kimberly Driggins reflect on the coalition that made the Rental Act possible and the ongoing need to refine eviction timelines, clarify tenant association rules, and modernize the courts.

(1:20:40) Road to Recovery: A Path Forward

Audience Q&A explores how to fix D.C.’s eviction bottlenecks, fill judicial vacancies, and restore investor trust in the market. Panelists close with ideas for keeping housing both affordable and financially viable.

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/vw26kp7vA38

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/webinar-washingtondc

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/-0v5kuRE6ZU • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Matt Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer at The Michaels Organization, one of the nation’s largest privately held owners and operators of affordable housing. Matt shares his personal journey from studying politics at Princeton to leading a company with more than 80,000 units across 39 states, all while staying true to Michaels’ vision of creating communities that lift lives.

Along the way, Matt discusses the future of real estate, the challenges of building affordable housing, and how leadership grounded in purpose can change lives.

Chapters:

(01:00) Inside The Michaels Organization

Matt shares the company’s history, its four asset classes (affordable, military, student, and multifamily housing), and how Michaels continues to grow responsibly with a $4 billion pipeline.

(03:10) From Princeton to Real Estate

Matt reflects on his path from politics to real estate, how a liberal arts education shaped his problem-solving skills, and why he believes in intellectual curiosity.

(07:30) Career Lessons & Leadership Philosophy

Matt explains the role of a COO, the importance of strategy and guardrails, and why putting people in positions where they can succeed is his most important leadership lesson.

(11:00) Technology & the Future of Housing

How Michaels is using AI, clean energy solutions, and insurance innovations to improve operations and resilience across its 80,000-unit portfolio.

(14:45) Scholarships & Community Impact

Matt highlights the Michaels Educational Foundation, which has awarded over $19 million in scholarships since 1991, helping residents—including many first-generation students—pursue higher education and trade schools.

(17:00) Transforming Camden, NJ

Stories of revitalization, homelessness initiatives, and partnerships with local health providers that are reshaping Camden into a city of opportunity.

(21:15) Favorite Book & Big Projects

Matt shares how The Real Estate Game influenced his career and discusses a groundbreaking Army barracks privatization project at Fort Irwin, California.

(25:00) Recruiting & What Makes a Great Employee

What Matt looks for when hiring, why curiosity matters more than credentials, and the role of brain teasers in his interviews.

(27:40) Mentors & Final Reflections

Matt honors his father, mentors at Michaels, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your growth.

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/-0v5kuRE6ZU

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/matt-sullivan

In this episode, we sit down with Brian J. Fishback, Director at Red Stone Equity Partners, to explore how alternative investments are shaping the future of affordable housing. Brian breaks down Red Stone’s $12 billion track record in real estate investment management, the company’s growing focus on preservation housing, and why affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges in today’s market.

He also shares his personal journey — from a collegiate soccer career and public accounting to leading investment strategies at Red Stone — offering unique insights into career development, teamwork, and the value of strong mentorship. Along the way, Brian reflects on the role of opportunity zones, the impact of rising housing costs, and how private capital can serve the public good.

Whether you’re interested in real estate careers, affordable housing policy, or the evolving landscape of alternative investments, this conversation delivers actionable takeaways and inspiration.

Chapters:

(01:33) – Red Stone Equity Partners Overview

(04:12) – Affordable Housing & Preservation Strategies

(06:59) – Career Path & Skills for Success

(09:38) – Accountants in Real Estate Careers

(12:33) – Transitioning from Public Accounting to Red Stone

(15:17) – Opportunity Zones & Investment Potential

(17:56) – Teamwork and Mentorship in Professional Growth

(20:48) – Growth & Future of Red Stone

(23:44) – Personal Insights & Recommendations

(26:16) – Memorable Deals & Entrepreneurial Spirit

(29:12) – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/BnlA3rM5RgY

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/brian-fishback

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/jweAvO99hZE • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

How does a history major from New Jersey end up transforming housing for farm workers in California’s San Joaquin Valley? In this episode, Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Tom Collishaw, President & CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, a nonprofit that has pioneered affordable housing solutions since 1965.

Tom shares his 43-year journey from a VISTA volunteer digging fence posts to leading one of the nation’s most respected community development organizations. He explains the mutual self-help housing model where families build homes together, the role of water infrastructure in creating livable communities, and the challenges posed by political shifts and immigration fears. Along the way, Tom highlights the importance of mentorship, trust, and reputation in nonprofit leadership — and why he still believes in the resilience of communities to overcome today’s housing crisis.

Chapters

(02:15) The Mutual Self-Help Housing Model Explained

(06:50) From New Jersey to California: Tom’s VISTA Journey

(10:40) Learning Affordable Housing on the Job

(14:20) Weathering Political Shifts in Housing Policy

(18:35) Community Trauma, Immigration, and Housing Access

(22:45) Water, Infrastructure, and Rural Development Challenges

(27:30) The Lofts at Fort Visalia Project

(33:40) Mission-Driven Leadership and Mentorship Lessons

(38:45) Reputation, Resilience, and Looking Ahead

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/jweAvO99hZE

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/tom-collishaw

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/SJdBFyAKZeM • 👂 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, to explore the rise of purpose-built single-family rental communities and what it takes to scale a real estate company from the ground up. Richard shares his journey from accounting to real estate leadership, how Quinn integrates sustainability and technology into its homes, and why culture and language—like calling residents “residents,” not tenants matters for long-term success.

Richard also opens up about leadership lessons, his yoga practice, and even the origin of Quinn’s name — which traces back to Gladiator and Roman history. From handling industry challenges like trespassing scams to shaping the future of housing demand, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in real estate, leadership, and building purpose-driven companies.

Chapters

(03:18) From the Great Recession to today: why build-to-rent has exploded

(05:42) Who rents these homes? Millennials, families, and empty nesters

(07:31) Sustainability in action: solar, flooring, leak detection, and smart tech

(10:38) Building efficient operations: Quinn’s hub-and-spoke model

(12:16) Company culture: why they say “residents” instead of “tenants”

(13:44) Tackling trespassing and scams with technology and legislation

(17:07) Richard’s path from accounting to real estate leadership

(22:44) What a CEO really does: people, strategy, and letting go of control

(31:20) Why Quinn is named after a Roman general in Gladiator

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/SJdBFyAKZeM

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4oUQ62r

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/richard-ross