Beyond the Resume

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker speak with AJ Jackson, President of Leo Impact Capital, about investing in the missing middle through naturally occurring affordable housing, mixed-income communities, and resident-centered operating strategies. AJ explains how Leo Impact Capital focuses on everyday working renters: teachers, first responders, service technicians, clerks, IT workers, and others who often earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but still struggle to afford market rents in high-opportunity neighborhoods.

AJ breaks down Leo’s investment approach, including the role of NOAH preservation, long-term affordability, social connection, rent reporting, credit building, tax abatement, sustainability investments, and partnerships with local nonprofits like The Lotus Campaign. The conversation also explores AJ’s career path from Capitol Hill and GSA to real estate development and impact investing, along with broader reflections on career exploration, mental health, leadership, hiring, mentorship, and why thriving communities cannot afford to lose the middle.

Chapters

(00:00) Meet AJ Jackson and Leo Impact Capital

AJ introduces Leo Impact Capital and explains the firm’s focus on financial mobility for everyday working renters through real estate investment, strong locations, and social connection.

(00:54) Investing in the Missing Middle

AJ defines the “missing middle” renter: people who are over income for public housing support but still financially pressed by rent, transportation, healthcare, student loans, and other costs.

(04:21) Solving the Housing Cliff

Lisa connects AJ’s work to the benefits cliff, and AJ explains how mixed-income properties can create flexibility for residents as their income rises.

(05:39) Charlotte, Credit Building and Resident Impact

AJ walks through Leo’s Charlotte investment, its partnership with The Lotus Campaign, units reserved for residents at risk of homelessness, and the power of rent reporting to help residents build credit.

(11:39) Tax Abatement, Sustainability and NOAH Preservation

The conversation turns to tax abatement, energy audits, capital planning, and why AJ sees naturally occurring affordable housing as a critical but under-recognized part of the housing affordability landscape.

(15:36) From Alabama to Real Estate Investment

AJ reflects on attending the University of Alabama, beginning his career in politics, working at GSA, going to business school, and eventually finding his way into development and impact investing.

(20:24) Career Lessons, Flexibility and Mental Health

AJ shares the skills that have shaped his career, including moving between big-picture strategy and small details, knowing where passion and talent intersect, and protecting energy, mood, and mental health.

(25:54) Making the Middle Investable

AJ discusses the investment case for NOAH, the challenge of helping investors understand the asset class, and why stable, well-located, affordable housing for middle-income renters remains a major opportunity.

(29:20) The Hot Seat: Books, Podcasts and Habits

AJ shares what he listens to, including The Rest Is History, Founders, and MeatEater, while reflecting on the patterns and habits that show up across successful entrepreneurs and leaders.

(35:29) Hiring for Writing, Grit and Critical Thinking

AJ explains what he looks for when hiring: strong writing, entrepreneurial drive, hunger for the work, and the ability to think through problems rather than simply chase the “right” answer.

(37:19) Mentorship, Purpose and the Middle

AJ closes by reflecting on the mentors who shaped his sense of purpose-driven work, win-win solutions, and why communities need the middle in order to thrive.

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, we sit down with Daniel Rosen of Klein Hornig, an affordable housing and community development attorney whose work centers on helping clients structure, finance, preserve, and close complex affordable housing transactions.

Dan shares how he found his way into affordable housing law during law school, after discovering a career path that brought together social justice, race, cities, place, policy, and mission-driven legal work. He explains why affordable housing law is often “real estate, harder,” with transactions that require deep knowledge of tax credits, HUD approvals, regulatory structures, multiple funding sources, and highly technical financing tools.

The conversation explores how the affordable housing landscape has changed over Dan’s career, especially as projects have become more ambitious, more expensive, and more layered. Dan discusses the growing complexity of deals involving historic rehab, distressed housing redevelopment, mixed-income and mixed-use projects, church properties, office-to-residential conversions, and multi-source financing structures.

Chris, Lisa, and Dan also discuss career paths into affordable housing law, the value of being purposeful in professional choices, and why relationship-building matters even in deeply technical legal work. Dan reflects on the difference between working in-house and serving multiple clients through private practice, the importance of closers in affordable housing transactions, and the role of mentors in shaping his career and the DNA of Klein Hornig.

The episode closes with Dan’s thoughts on the future of affordable housing, rising development costs, political and policy challenges, AI in legal practice, and the balance between mission, technical expertise, and practical execution.

CHAPTERS

(02:07) Finding Affordable Housing Law by Accident

Dan explains how he stumbled into the field during law school and found a practice that connected his interests in social justice, race, cities, and place.

(03:30) “Real Estate, Harder”

Dan breaks down what makes affordable housing law different from conventional real estate, including tax credits, HUD regulations, financing structures, and deal complexity.

(06:40) Why Deals Keep Getting More Complex

The conversation turns to rising costs, layered financing sources, ambitious projects, and why clients are often forced to assemble six, eight, or ten funding sources to close a gap.

(08:26) Building a Career in Affordable Housing Law

Dan discusses how law students and attorneys can enter the field, whether through affordable housing firms, commercial real estate, tax, government, or mission-driven legal work.

(12:03) Relationships Beyond the Desk

Chris and Lisa explore Dan’s approach to networking, brand-building, ULI involvement, and why showing up became part of helping grow a successful legal practice.

(18:20) Costs, Complexity, and the Industry Outlook

Dan reflects on the future of affordable housing, tax credit improvements, political energy around housing, rising per-unit costs, and serious challenges facing nonprofit clients and residents.

(28:12) AI, Timekeeping, and Legal Tech

Dan shares how Klein Hornig is beginning to explore AI, including AI-assisted timekeeping, search tools, and the potential impact of document review and generation on legal practice.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/a4DiHVMRsLY

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

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

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Paul Weissman, Senior Managing Director and Head of Affordable Housing Production at Lument, for a wide-ranging conversation on affordable housing finance, career development, and the human side of real estate. Paul explains Lument’s work as a multifamily commercial real estate lender with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA lending capabilities, while also tracing the company’s legacy through Red Capital, Lancaster Pollard, Hunt Real Estate Capital, CharterMac, and Centerline.

Paul shares how an unconventional path, from studying foreign languages to living in France, the Soviet Union, and Taiwan, eventually led him into law school, business school, tax credit syndication, bond transactions, and affordable housing finance. His story offers practical career advice for students and emerging professionals interested in real estate, LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, FHA lending, and multifamily housing.

The conversation also dives into why affordable housing deals are more like complex, three-dimensional puzzles than straightforward real estate transactions. Paul discusses the evolving challenges of tax credit pricing, taxable debt, recycled bonds, state subsidies, subordinate financing, and the many public and private stakeholders involved in getting a project across the finish line.

The episode closes with reflections on AI in lending, the importance of getting out from behind the desk to see the impact of affordable housing firsthand, the value of mentorship, and why Paul looks for interesting, thoughtful people when hiring. It is a grounded and insightful episode for anyone interested in affordable housing, real estate finance, career pivots, and the people behind mission-driven development.

CHAPTERS

(03:07) From Foreign Languages to Affordable Housing

Paul reflects on studying languages, living abroad, teaching English in Taiwan, and eventually finding his way into law, business school, real estate development, and tax credit work.

(07:59) Where Lenders Fit in the Deal Cycle

Paul explains how lenders often enter the affordable housing process when developers are applying for bonds, credits, or other financing, while also serving as early-stage consultants for clients.

(11:02) Affordable Housing as a Complex Puzzle

The conversation explores why affordable housing transactions require comfort with uncertainty, constant problem-solving, and the ability to balance competing sources, uses, stakeholders, and requirements.

(18:13) Why Scale Is Hard in Affordable Housing

Paul and Chris discuss the growing role of large institutions in affordable housing and why approvals, transaction complexity, and smaller deal sizes make the sector difficult to scale quickly.

(20:48) Learning LIHTC From Scratch

Paul shares that he entered the field without knowing what a low-income housing tax credit or cap rate was, then built his knowledge through conferences, experts, trial and error, and self-directed learning.

(26:27) Seeing the Impact in Person

Paul describes the value of visiting affordable housing properties, including watching a Denver project rise from his office window and later seeing the transformation of a major RAD transaction with NYCHA.

(29:59) AI, Efficiency, and Better Lending Workflows

Paul discusses how AI may help lenders summarize reports and improve efficiency, while emphasizing caution around sensitive information, accuracy, and using AI to support rather than make decisions.

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affordable housing, Lument, Paul Weissman, Beyond the Resume, LIHTC, tax credit equity, FHA lending, Fannie Mae Freddie Mac, multifamily finance, real estate career advice

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Thalia Lankin, Chief Operating Officer at the NHP Foundation, to unpack a career rooted in purpose, impact, and strategic leadership in affordable housing.

Thalia shares her journey from Western Massachusetts to the University of Pennsylvania, and how an early exposure to inequality shaped her commitment to housing accessibility. She dives into her experience working with the Millennial Housing Commission, her 15-year tenure in institutional investment at the Housing Investment Trust, and her transition into the development side of the business.

Listeners will gain insight into how affordable housing actually works—from capital markets to development, operations, and resident services—and why wages, supply, and system-level thinking are critical to solving the housing crisis.

Thalia also breaks down the real role of a COO, how to scale organizations effectively, and what it takes to lead with both empathy and accountability. She offers candid advice for students and young professionals, emphasizing curiosity, decision-making, and adaptability as the most valuable career skills.

The conversation also explores emerging topics like AI in real estate operations, leadership development, hiring philosophy, and the future of property management.

If you're interested in real estate, affordable housing, leadership, or mission-driven careers, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world perspective from one of the industry’s most thoughtful operators.

CHAPTERS

(00:36) Inside the NHP Foundation

Thalia explains NHP’s mission, scale, and impact across 16 states.

(02:39) Choosing Affordable Housing Over Traditional Finance

The pivotal decision to pursue purpose-driven work.

(04:32) What a COO Actually Does

Breaking down operations, strategy, and organizational leadership.

(06:50) Early Career and Affordable Housing Crash Course

The Millennial Housing Commission and formative industry exposure.

(12:28) Wages, Unions, and Housing Affordability

How income levels shape the affordability equation.

(14:45) Transitioning from Capital Markets to Development

Key differences and lessons learned on the development side.

(16:19) AI in Real Estate and Property Management

Opportunities and challenges in adopting new technologies.

(19:24) Leadership Style and Managing Teams

Inclusive leadership, radical candor, and team development.

(22:04) Career Advice for Young Professionals

Curiosity, decision-making, and overcoming fear of failure.

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, host Chris Papa sits down with Jeremy Hoffman, COO of Zen, an affordable housing development consulting firm, to unpack a non-linear career journey that spans architecture, global travel, public policy, and large-scale housing development.

Jeremy shares how a chance encounter abroad led him into real estate development, and how his experience at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) shaped his expertise in policy, finance, and execution. Now back in California, he’s helping scale a consulting firm while leading affordable housing projects across the state.

This conversation explores the intersection of mission-driven work, technical skill-building, and career adaptability, offering valuable insight for anyone interested in affordable housing, urban development, or breaking into the industry.

Key Topics Covered

• Affordable housing development in California vs. New York

• Career pivots and non-linear professional paths

• Financial modeling and real estate fundamentals

• The role of consultants in housing development

• Policy, zoning, and public-sector influence

• Skills needed to succeed in affordable housing

Chapters

(00:00) – Introduction & Wearing Multiple Hats

Jeremy shares what it means to be COO of a growing consulting firm while balancing family life and development work.

(02:15) – What Zen Does: Affordable Housing Consulting Explained

An inside look at how Zen supports developers—from financing strategy to full project management.

(05:00) – Growing Up in Oakland & Early Career Influences

Jeremy’s upbringing, architectural roots, and early exposure to the built environment.

(07:45) – From Construction to Global Travel

A pivot away from traditional paths, including time in New York and traveling through Southeast Asia.

(10:00) – The Turning Point: Discovering Real Estate Development

A chance meeting abroad introduces Jeremy to development as a career.

(12:30) – Grad School & Falling in Love with Financial Modeling

How Jeremy built technical skills and entered the affordable housing space.

(15:00) – NYC HPD: Policy, Power, and Real Impact

Working inside New York City government and helping shape inclusionary zoning policy.

(18:30) – Transition Back to California

Returning to the Bay Area and adapting to a very different affordable housing landscape.

(21:00) – Developer vs. Consultant: Key Differences

Why Jeremy made the move into consulting—and what makes it compelling.

(24:00) – Inside Affordable Housing Deals

Breaking down complexity: partnerships, financing layers, and execution challenges.

(27:00) – Career Advice: How to Break Into Affordable Housing

Why there’s no single path—and what skills actually matter.

(30:00) – Habits, Mentors & Personal Growth

Daily routines, leadership lessons, and the mentors who shaped Jeremy’s career.

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, host Chris Papa is joined by an expert panel moderated by Kristin Niver (Robinson+Cole), featuring leaders from across the rural housing ecosystem:

• Brian Depew — Center for Rural Affairs
• Tom Collishaw — Self-Help Enterprises
• Sarah Kackar — NeighborWorks America
• Nadia Villagran — Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Together, they unpack the realities of rural affordable housing—where limited scale, complex financing, and infrastructure gaps demand creativity, collaboration, and resilience. From deep-dive capital stacks to community-driven innovation, this conversation reveals why rural housing requires an entirely different playbook than urban development.

• Why rural housing projects are harder to finance—and easier to derail
• How USDA programs underpin nearly all rural development
• The hidden role of developers as “orchestrators” in small communities
• Why preservation (rehab) is just as critical as new construction
• How rural communities are quietly leading with innovation
• The growing risks tied to federal funding uncertainty

CHAPTERS

(02:15) – How Rural Housing Differs from Urban Markets
Brian Depew explains the realities of scale: smaller projects, fewer players, and why even a handful of units can shift an entire market.

(07:10) – The San Joaquin Valley Case Study
Tom Collishaw shares 60+ years of work at Self-Help Enterprises, including mutual self-help housing and the evolution of farmworker housing.

(13:40) – Innovation Born from Constraint
Nadia Villagran highlights how rural communities leverage collaboration, local knowledge, and resourcefulness to solve complex challenges.

(18:55) – Why Rural Is Not Monolithic
Sarah Kackar breaks down the diversity across rural America and why one-size-fits-all solutions consistently fall short.

(24:30) – Preservation vs. New Construction
A deep dive into aging housing stock, rehab strategies, and why small-dollar fixes can have outsized impact.

(29:45) – Inside the Rural Capital Stack
Tom Collishaw walks through a typical deal—layered funding, thin margins, and heavy reliance on USDA programs.

(36:20) – The Role (and Limits) of CDFIs & CRA Capital
Brian Depew discusses building flexible capital pools and why CRA-driven bank investment often misses rural communities.

(42:10) – Collaborative Lending & Manufactured Housing
Sarah Kackar explores shared-risk lending models and why modern manufactured housing is an underutilized solution.

(47:30) – Predevelopment Funding & Policy Uncertainty
Nadia Villagran outlines the importance of early-stage capital—and the growing concern over unstable federal funding.

(52:15) – Audience Q&A: Investors, Opportunity Zones & Innovation
The panel responds to questions on tax credit investors, Opportunity Zones 2.0, and emerging financing tools.

(57:30) – Clean Energy, Private Capital & What’s Next
Discussion on integrating sustainability and how private capital may step in amid public funding uncertainty.

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, host Lisa Flicker sits down with Shike Goedar, President and Chief Investment Officer of Arden Logistics Parks, to unpack a dynamic career journey through real estate, private equity, and entrepreneurship.

From starting in debt capital markets during the early days of the financial crisis to transitioning into the buy side and ultimately building a $1.5B industrial platform from the ground up, Shike shares firsthand insights on navigating market cycles, making strategic career pivots, and creating opportunity in uncertain environments.

Listeners will gain valuable perspective on:

• Breaking into real estate and private equity
• Moving from debt to equity roles
• The importance of mentorship and networking
• Why smaller firms can offer outsized career growth
• Leadership development and hiring for grit
• How AI is reshaping the future of work in real estate

Whether you're a student, early-career professional, or seasoned investor, this episode delivers actionable advice on building a resilient, high-impact career in today’s evolving real estate landscape.

CHAPTERS

• (00:00) Cold Starts & Career Beginnings
  Intro and Shike’s early interest in real estate during college
• (02:05) From Atlanta to Wall Street Paths
  Choosing a smaller firm over large institutions for broader exposure
• (04:02) Financial Crisis Pivot
  Layoffs, timing, and transitioning to the buy side in 2008
• (06:25) Breaking Into Private Equity
  Business school, networking, and landing a role at a growing platform
• (08:46) Scaling Platforms & Finding Niches
  Industrial real estate focus and growth at Northstar
• (10:01) Career Strategy: Experience Over Prestige
  Why smaller teams can accelerate learning and impact
• (13:40) From Operator to Leader
  Leadership evolution, hiring smarter people, and building teams
• (18:50) AI, Communication & Future Skills
  Technology shifts and the enduring importance of human connection
• (25:30) Hiring for Grit
  What separates top candidates beyond credentials

How do you go from Catholic friar to leading a rapidly growing affordable housing organization? In this episode of Beyond the Resume, host Chris Papa sits down with Matthew Janeczko, CEO of Sisters of Charity Housing Development Corporation, to unpack one of the most unconventional journeys into affordable housing leadership.

Matthew shares how he accidentally entered the industry with no prior experience—and went on to double his organization’s housing portfolio to 1,500 units across New York. From faith-based development to scaling operations, he explains how mission-driven work, problem-solving, and relationship-building have fueled rapid growth.

This conversation dives deep into:

• The critical role of affordable housing in addressing homelessness
• How faith-based organizations are shaping housing development
• Why there’s no “cookie-cutter” path into the industry
• The importance of services, tenant stability, and community-building
• Leadership lessons from the priesthood applied to real estate development

Whether you’re looking to break into affordable housing, scale a mission-driven organization, or better understand how housing impacts lives, this episode offers practical insights and powerful perspective.

CHAPTERS

(00:24) Origins of Sisters of Charity Housing

(03:54) Scaling to 1,500 Units and Building a System

(05:12) From Catholic Priest to Housing CEO

(07:17) Learning Affordable Housing During the Pandemic

(08:53) Growth Strategy: Faith, Relationships, and Opportunity

(10:39) Faith-Based Development Challenges and Opportunities

(13:07) No Cookie-Cutter Approach to Housing

(16:42) Housing as the Foundation for Stability

(18:55) Vision: 2,000 Units by 2030

(23:45) Daily Routine and Fatherhood Grounding

(25:16) Hiring Philosophy and Building Culture

LINKS

YouTube: https://youtu.be/V9Q54I9VDCE

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

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

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, we sit down with Laura Fanucchi, Director of Programs at HIP Housing, to explore a remarkable 30+ year career in affordable housing and social services in San Mateo County, California.

Laura shares how a background in psychology and early work with vulnerable families led her to a lifelong mission: helping individuals and families find stable, affordable housing in one of the most challenging markets in the country. From pioneering home-sharing programs to launching housing readiness initiatives for seniors, Laura offers a front-line perspective on the evolving housing crisis in Silicon Valley.

The conversation dives into the growing issue of senior homelessness, the power of trauma-informed care, and how HIP Housing supports over 700 individuals annually through innovative programs like home sharing, self-sufficiency housing, and resource hubs. Laura also reflects on leadership, staff retention in mission-driven organizations, and how compassion and personal resilience shape impactful careers.

Whether you're interested in affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, social services, or career growth with purpose, this episode provides valuable insights into making a real difference in your community.

CHAPTERS

(02:18) What Is HIP Housing? Programs & Impact

(06:17) From Psychology to Nonprofit Housing Career

(07:21) Inside HIP Housing’s Four Core Programs

(10:29) The Growing Housing Crisis & Senior Homelessness

(14:13) 30 Years of Change in Housing Access

(18:25) Compassion, Upbringing & Career Motivation

(21:01) Preventing Burnout: Trauma-Informed Leadership

(25:26) Retaining Talent in Mission-Driven Workforces

LINKS

YouTube: https://youtu.be/itCFUDCBCu4

Spotify: https://bit.ly/beyondtheresume-spotify

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

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affordable housing, nonprofit leadership, housing crisis California, senior homelessness, social services careers, trauma informed care, HIP Housing, Silicon Valley housing, nonprofit career journey, home sharing programs

How does affordable housing actually get built—and who makes the financing work?

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Richard Roberts, Principal and Chief Business Development Officer at Redstone Equity Partners, for a deep dive into the world of affordable housing finance, real estate development, and public-private partnerships.

Roberts shares the story behind his unconventional career path—from growing up in Akron, Ohio and attending Yale Law School to becoming Commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development at just 31 years old, overseeing a $1.5 billion budget and 1,200 employees while helping produce 30,000 housing units.

The conversation also explores Roberts’ role in helping launch the Urban Investment Group at Goldman, a platform focused on investing in urban real estate and minority-led businesses, and how mission-driven capital can shape communities.

Today, Roberts works with developers across the country at Redstone Equity Partners, helping structure Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) transactions and connecting affordable housing developers with banks and insurance companies that provide the equity needed to build housing.

Along the way, Roberts reflects on the major themes of his career:

• The intersection of government policy and private investment

• Why relationships drive the affordable housing industry

• Lessons from running a major public agency at a young age

• How innovative housing finance programs get created

• The realities of working in government vs the private sector

If you work in real estate, affordable housing, urban development, housing policy, or community investment, this episode offers a rare insider perspective on how housing deals get financed and built across the United States.

Chapters

(01:38) – Meet Richard Roberts

(02:48) – What Redstone Equity Partners Does

(05:59) – Growing Up in Akron

(08:58) – Becoming NYC Housing Commissioner at 31

(14:31) – Launching Goldman’s Urban Investment Group

(19:16) – The Public–Private Career Theme

(27:02) – Government vs Private Sector Work

(37:23) – Creating an Innovative Housing Program