Beyond the Resume

Beyond the Resume Podcast with Andrew Germansky (Building Housing that Heals)

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Andrew Germansky, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Westhab, a leading nonprofit affordable housing developer and shelter operator in New York. Andrew discusses his journey from history major to housing leader, the innovations Westhab is bringing to affordable and supportive housing, and why ending homelessness requires bold thinking, public-private partnerships, and a reimagined approach to shelter development.

From shelter design innovations to why affordable housing is national infrastructure, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to develop housing that heals and stabilizes communities.

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Andrew Germansky + Westhab’s Mission

Andrew reflects on joining his first podcast and introduces Westhab’s work across affordable housing, shelters, and services in NYC, Westchester, and Rockland.

(05:29) Building Better Shelters: Zoning, Pushback & Equity

Andrew explains NYC’s shelter models, the "fair share" placement philosophy, and how Westhab works to integrate shelters into underserved neighborhoods with dignity and purpose.

(11:14) Who Experiences Homelessness — and How We Help

The discussion breaks myths about homelessness, highlighting Westhab’s case management approach, family-focused shelters, and the holistic services that help residents transition into stability.

(14:35) From History Major to Housing Developer

Andrew shares his path from studying history to affordable housing, his early roles at Omni New York, and the career pivot that led him to lead real estate development at Westhab.

(18:49) Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Development: Collaboration & Trade-offs

A thoughtful exploration of the relationship between private capital and mission-driven development — and why both are essential to solving the housing crisis.

(27:40) Designing Without Red Tape: Parking, Politics & Possibility

If zoning and budgets weren’t barriers, Andrew says we could build far more housing — especially by eliminating parking mandates that waste space and increase costs.

(32:36) Projects, Podcasts & People Who Inspire

Andrew highlights Dayspring Commons as his most meaningful project, shares real estate podcast recs (like BiggerPockets), and names the mentors who shaped his leadership style.

🎧 Call to Action:

If you care about affordable housing, ending homelessness, or purpose-driven careers in real estate, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe for more deep dives with the people building a better future—one community at a time.

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/aAVJHYxkjN4

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/andrew-germansky

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/xiSqXKXpKtA • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

In this episode of Beyond the Resume with Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker, we speak with David Kramer, President of Hudson Companies, about his unconventional entry into real estate, his leadership approach, and the values that have guided his work across three decades of urban development in New York City.

David shares how his early experiences in public affairs, a strong generalist mindset, and a commitment to civic engagement shaped his journey toward becoming one of the city’s most respected developers. He offers an unvarnished view of the development process — from managing political complexities and public-private partnerships to prioritizing affordable housing and sustainability. David also reflects on his recent four-month sabbatical and what it revealed about trust, systems, and the resilience of his team.

This conversation offers real insight into the real estate industry — both the challenges and the deeply rewarding moments — and delivers practical takeaways for anyone working in development, urban planning, or leadership.

👉 Listen now to learn how thoughtful leadership, strategic patience, and personal balance can shape both cities and careers.

Chapters

Entering Real Estate by Accident
[00:01:05]
David reflects on how a public affairs fellowship unexpectedly introduced him to the world of real estate.

The Power of Being a Generalist
[00:03:55]
How broad interests and soft skills prepared David for the interdisciplinary nature of real estate development.

Hudson Companies: Mission-Driven Development
[00:08:47]
A look at Hudson’s structure, commitment to New York City, and strategic focus on affordability and civic impact.

The Reality of a Developer’s Day
[00:10:55]
David shares his daily routine and why real estate requires both high-level vision and on-the-ground decision-making.

Navigating Politics and Public Resistance
[00:14:56]
Insights on community opposition, political shifts, and the challenges of gaining approvals in NYC.

Development Inside vs. Outside New York
[00:18:44]
A comparison of development hurdles and opportunities in NYC and surrounding regions.

Would He Do It Again?
[00:21:02]
David shares why, despite the obstacles, he would choose this path all over again — and encourages others to consider it.

“Don’t Postpone Joy”: Celebrating Milestones
[00:23:13]
A unique cultural practice at Hudson that helps maintain momentum during long project timelines.

The Four-Month Sabbatical
[00:25:06]
David talks about unplugging, international trekking, and the surprising benefits of stepping away from work.

Hiring, Mentorship, and Leadership Values
[00:38:01]
Why civic knowledge, curiosity, and flexibility matter more than just what’s on paper.

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/xiSqXKXpKtA

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/david-kramer

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/PkVVUsrA_Rs • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Lisa Flicker and Chris Papa sit down with Sydne Garchik, Founder and President of MRK Partners, for an honest, fast-paced, and often hilarious conversation about building a national affordable housing company while raising a family and disrupting industry norms.

Sydne shares how she transitioned from her first job as an admin at Standard Communities to launching MRK Partners with a preservation-first strategy, a belief in people, and a commitment to financing the complex deals no one else wants to touch. From partnering with faith-based groups to launching a nonprofit with her husband, Sydne shows how MRK is not only building quality housing — but building community, connection, and measurable outcomes that matter.

Chapters

(01:38) – Launching MRK: Why Culture Comes First

Sydne explains why being a mom and a woman shaped her approach to founding a mission-driven firm.

(04:30) – Admin to Entrepreneur: A Nonlinear Leap

The early days of her career, her time with Standard, and the leap into starting something bold.

(07:47) – Why She Prioritizes Impact Over Profit

Sydne talks about the role of empathy, her instincts, and the deep-rooted desire to help others.

(10:05) – How Her First Deal Started with Family

The creative and personal story behind her very first affordable housing project.

(12:34) – Doing Hard Things: Conversions, Construction & Complexity

Office-to-housing conversions, faith-based land deals, and the joy of solving messy problems.

(14:16) – What Policy Could Actually Make a Difference

Sydne’s take on tax exemptions, bond reform, and where housing policy really needs to go.

(16:27) – Hiring with Heart, Leading with Mission

Why MRK only hires people aligned with its vision — and what she looks for in every interview.

(19:27) – Resident Services, Real Results

How MRK and its nonprofit Bloom support financial literacy, connection, and holistic wellness.

(25:52) – Scholarships, Support, and Sydne’s Favorite Calls to Make

From seniors to students, Sydne shares what it’s like to call residents and say, “You got it.”

Top 5 Quotes from the Episode:

“I don’t wake up thinking about profitability — I wake up thinking about impact.”

– Sydne Garchik

“We just push forward. Because getting to the result is more important than being right.”

“We’re really good at complicated financing — that’s what sets us apart.”

“If you’re not aligned with our mission, you shouldn’t be at MRK.”

“Affordable housing is for nurses, teachers, baristas. It’s for everyone in your community.”

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/PkVVUsrA_Rs

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sydne-garchik

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/V5eLHRtk-Fw • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Ty Barnes, Head of Investments at Comunidad Partners, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, career pivots, and how mission-driven investing is reshaping the future of real estate.

Ty shares his unconventional journey — from political science major to Wall Street analyst to leading community-focused investments across the country. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned running his family’s business in his 20s, the importance of understanding operations before underwriting, and how personal responsibility sharpened his business instincts.

With refreshing candor, Ty breaks down the hard and soft skills that have guided his growth: humility, hustle, people management, and modeling — both in Excel and in life. Whether you’re early in your career or rethinking your next move, this episode offers sharp takeaways and grounded wisdom for anyone in real estate or impact work.

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps

(00:00) – What is Comunidad Partners?

Ty breaks down the company’s mission and how social impact is built into every deal.

(01:45) – The Market Right Now: Where Deals Are Happening

Insights on Carolina growth, rate locks, and why underwriting discipline still matters.

(03:58) – From Political Science to Real Estate Visionary

Ty shares how a liberal arts degree and Wall Street job turned into a calling.

(06:22) – Running the Family Business in His 20s

The responsibility, the grind — and the education no MBA could match.

(09:50) – Why Operations Make You a Stronger Investor

A masterclass on bridging asset management and acquisitions to de-risk deals.

(12:34) – Excel Skills and the Value of Learning the Hard Way

Why modeling is a language — and why everyone should take the next course.

(14:57) – Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders

Ty reflects on what makes a great team member and how he supports their growth.

(17:29) – Real Talk: Giving Back with Intentionality

From college students to junior team members, why helping others is part of the job.

(20:31) – Favorite Podcast, Favorite Deal, Favorite Lessons

Ty opens up about media, memories, and the deal that almost went up in smoke.

(23:00) – Hiring Advice & Lessons from His Father

Ty on interview green flags, mentorship, and the life-changing example set by his dad.

💬 Top 5 Quotes from the Episode:

“The best way to be great at acquisitions is to understand operations.”

– Ty Barnes

“I ran a company in my 20s where people’s lives depended on me. That taught me more than any MBA.”

“Do your homework before the interview. Don’t just want a job — want this job.”

“You can overcomplicate modeling. You should still be able to underwrite a deal with paper and a calculator.”

“My father was the coolest person I ever met. He taught me everything I know about leadership.”

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/V5eLHRtk-Fw

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/ty-barnes

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/uqwoJ0Rdq7U • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Janea Jackson, CEO of HomeRise, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about leadership, legacy, and the urgent work of supportive housing in San Francisco.

With roots in sociology and urban planning, Janea shares how her early experiences—from working in public schools to redeveloping military bases in Japan—shaped her bold, people-first approach to community development. She breaks down the realities of housing formerly unhoused residents, the growing crisis among elders, and how her team is building operational resilience in uncertain times.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead a mission-driven organization in a moment of political backlash, economic pressure, and social fragmentation — this conversation is your blueprint.

Chapters

(01:03) – Inside HomeRise: More Than Housing

Janea introduces the scale and services of one of SF’s largest permanent supportive housing nonprofits.

(03:55) – A Teacher’s Perspective on Systemic Barriers

From Pasadena classrooms to geographic segregation — and the awakening that changed everything.

(06:40) – Housing the Unseen: Elders on the Edge

Why seniors are the fastest-growing unhoused group — and how HomeRise is stepping in.

(09:44) – From L.A. to Penn to Oahu: A Nonlinear Path

Janea reflects on the winding journey that prepared her to lead with clarity and conviction.

(13:00) – Policy, Resistance, and the Fight for PSH

Navigating the political attacks on supportive housing — and what resilience looks like.

(15:25) – Training for ICE Raids and Mental Health Crises

How HomeRise is proactively preparing staff and residents for social and legal threats.

(19:00) – Changing NIMBYism One Relationship at a Time

Why community connection is the antidote to judgment — and how storytelling can shift narratives.

(22:35) – The Treasure Island Vision: Design, Dignity, and Hope

From SRO renovations to biophilic towers — a reimagined future for supportive housing in SF.

(26:45) – Hiring, Mentors, and Building a Mission-Driven Board

What Janea looks for in people — and how her leadership reshaped HomeRise’s future.

“We’re building community. Full stop. That takes all kinds of people, from all kinds of paths.”

– Janea Jackson

“Our systems are failing elders. We’re seeing seniors come straight from homes to cars to the street.”

“You can’t run a mission without a margin. I treat this nonprofit like the business it is.”

“If you do this work without therapy, you’re crazy. You need space to carry this weight.”

“We want people to see our residents as people. That’s not branding — that’s humanity.”

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/uqwoJ0Rdq7U

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/janea-jackson

affordable housing, Janea Jackson, HomeRise, permanent supportive housing, San Francisco homelessness, nonprofit leadership, urban planning, housing for seniors, mission-driven leadership, real estate social impact

Beyond the Resume Podcast with Sheri Thompson (Stumbling into Real Estate Executive)

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/v5gg2VJx_9A • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sheri Thompson, Executive Vice President and Head of Affordable Housing at Walker & Dunlop, to talk about navigating the complex world of affordable housing finance, taking risks in your career, and the power of mentorship and sponsorship.

From managing equity funding challenges to reflecting on leadership lessons learned through decades in the commercial real estate industry, Sheri shares real talk and actionable advice for anyone looking to grow in the multifamily housing or real estate finance sector.

⏱️ Chapters

(0:00) – Welcome + ULI Denver Recap

Chris opens the episode with guest Sheri Thompson and they reflect on their recent time at ULI in Denver.

(1:06) – What is Walker & Dunlop?

Sheri explains the scope of services at Walker & Dunlop, including their roles in debt, equity, capital advisory, and LIHTC syndication.

(3:43) – Affordable Housing Investment Strategy

An in-depth look at how W&D is innovating around affordable housing with joint ventures, bridge products, and regulatory workaround strategies.

(6:47) – Market Trends: Institutional Capital in Affordable Housing

Sheri discusses how institutional investors are increasingly moving into the affordable housing space, and the education gap that still exists.

(10:28) – Career Journey: From Analyst to EVP

A personal look at how Sheri stumbled into affordable housing—from early jobs in leasing to underwriting and eventually executive leadership.

(16:32) – Key Skills for Real Estate Careers

Sheri outlines essential skills for breaking into and succeeding in real estate today, including credit knowledge, people management, and operations.

(20:54) – Training & Internships at Walker & Dunlop

An inside look at how W&D trains new hires, supports interns, and nurtures talent through lunch-and-learns, mentorship, and hands-on learning.

(24:02) – Hot Seat: Favorite Podcasts & Books

Sheri shares her favorite listens like How I Built This and Acquired, and recommends a surprising read: Lonesome Dove.

(25:46) – Most Memorable Deal Ever

Sheri tells the story of a complex, multi-year deal in Washington D.C. that involved splitting ownership and resolving HUD and Fannie Mae hurdles.

(27:06) – What Sheri Looks for in New Hires

A passionate breakdown of why hunger and intentionality matter more than pedigree in affordable housing hiring.

(29:01) – Mentorship vs. Sponsorship

Sheri shares how a key sponsor, Jim Klingbeil, changed the course of her career—and why sponsorship, not just mentorship, is essential.

✅ Subscribe for more real estate leadership stories, insights into affordable housing development, and expert career guidance.

📩 Have questions or want to get into the industry? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you.

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Links

YouTube:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sheri-thompson

🔑 Keywords: Affordable housing, Walker & Dunlop, real estate careers, multifamily finance, LIHTC, mentorship vs sponsorship, women in leadership, commercial real estate jobs, Sheri Thompson, housing equity

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

In this episode, Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Jeffrey Jaeger, co-founder of Standard Communities, to trace his journey from a philosophy major at Berkeley to building one of the most innovative affordable housing platforms in the U.S.

Jaeger discusses the importance of urgency, detail, and kindness in real estate, the influence of his upbringing, and how failing upward shaped his values. He also shares how Standard Communities scaled to over 30,000 units, how private capital can be mobilized for public good, and why mentorship and grit matter more than credentials.

This candid, wide-ranging conversation covers workforce housing, LIHTC strategy, student outreach, philanthropic leadership, and the deep emotional roots behind his work.

Chapters

(00:00) – The Pitch That Sparked a Movement

How a casual conversation turned into the launch of Standard Communities — now 30,000 units strong.

(02:18) – The Philosophy Degree That Built an Empire

Why Jeffrey’s liberal arts education shaped his business instincts more than an MBA ever could.

(04:55) – Breaking In Without a Business Degree

Jeffrey shares how he hustled his way into real estate — Excel book in hand, unpaid but undeterred.

(07:36) – Why “Act with Kindness” Is a Business Strategy

The origin of Standard’s core values — and why culture matters more than credentials.

(09:10) – Fire vs. Favor: What Gets You Hired

What Jeffrey looks for in interviews, and why hunger still beats pedigree.

(11:25) – The Three Pillars of Scaling Affordable Housing

Standard’s strategic model — from LIHTC to workforce to essential housing investments.

(14:52) – How Private Equity Is Fueling Local Jobs

A bold initiative connects housing with employment — and fills a gap left by banks.

(16:22) – A Mission-Driven Nonprofit Born From a Statistic

Why solving for 75 homeless female veterans launched a 10-year philanthropic journey.

(17:52) – Art, Architecture, and Awe in Affordable Housing

From Skid Row to design-forward developments, how beauty shapes better communities.

(20:08) – The Small Details That Reveal Big Talent

Jeffrey’s unique hiring rituals, favorite failure questions, and what actually signals leadership potential.

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jeffrey-jaeger

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, Lisa Flicker sits down with Brandon Sedloff, Chief Real Estate Officer at Juniper Square, for a rich and candid conversation about career pivots, the power of listening, and the evolution of the real estate industry. From his early dreams of becoming a developer to leading tech-forward strategies at Juniper Square, Brandon shares valuable insights on mentorship, professional identity, and why emotional intelligence (EQ) and AI literacy are the future of private markets. Whether you're a student, emerging leader, or seasoned professional, this episode will inspire you to think bigger about your path — and your purpose.

Chapters

(00:29) – From Real Estate Roots to Tech Leadership

Brandon shares his unconventional career path, growing up in a real estate family, and learning the hard truth: developers need capital.

(04:06) – The Developer Dream vs. Reality

A powerful anecdote from Jim Buie at Hines helps Brandon realize that slow-moving development wasn’t the right path for him.

(07:16) – Making the World Smaller: ULI & Community Building

How Brandon leveraged the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to build communities and expand professionally — from San Diego to Hong Kong.

(12:37) – The Listening Tour & Technology's Tipping Point

Brandon unpacks what he learned from a global “listening tour” and how technology is no longer optional in real estate.

(14:06) – AI and the Future of Real Estate

Real talk on AI, prompt engineering, and why technophobia is no longer an option for real estate professionals.

(20:53) – The Distribution Podcast: Origins & Purpose

Brandon explains how his podcast came to be, its mission, and why storytelling matters more than ever.

(24:44) – The Gap Year That Changed Everything

A story about almost saying no to a trip around the world—and why lived experiences outside of work matter in your career.

(28:55) – Honest Expectations in Internships & Jobs

Advice for young professionals on setting mutual expectations with employers to avoid mismatched outcomes.

(34:24) – The Hot Seat

Rapid-fire questions on books, exercise, hiring, and why grit and storytelling matter more than resumes.

(39:06) – Mentorship Moments

Brandon shares pivotal advice from mentors that helped him clarify his “personal genius” and career direction.

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/GLD0dLKRJIM

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/brandon-sedloff

In this episode of Beyond the Resume, host Lisa Flicker sits down with Alex Valente, a former actor turned real estate developer and Principal at Trammell Crow Company. Alex shares his unconventional journey from the stages of Hollywood to the construction sites of Southern California, including how he leveraged acting, tennis coaching, and a deep curiosity to build a successful career in real estate development.

From living in 6 communities in 18 months to better understand the renter experience, to leading iconic mixed-use projects in San Pedro, Alex explains why empathy, curiosity, and authenticity matter just as much as spreadsheets and steel beams in today’s real estate industry.

Whether you’re just entering the field or pivoting careers, Alex’s story offers a compelling, human-centered view of what it means to lead and grow in development today.

Chapters

(00:00) From NYC to LA: Acting Dreams and Tennis Lessons

(02:40) Breaking Into Real Estate with Help from a Mentor

(04:15) IMDb Credits, Soap Operas, and the Cold Case Cameo

(06:30) What Acting Taught Him About Commitment and Career Change

(07:10) Starting in Real Estate During the Post-Recession Recovery

(09:00) Why Trammell Crow & Learning from the Best Matters

(11:00) Public-Private Projects, RFPs, and Urban Transformation

(12:30) Favorite Project: Vivo on Harbor in San Pedro

(14:00) The Power of Retail Activation and Community Engagement

(15:20) Living in His Own Projects: Six Places in 18 Months

(17:40) Boots on the Ground: What Real Empathy in Development Looks Like

(21:00) What Trammell Crow Looks for When Hiring New Talent

(23:00) How Acting Informed His Leadership Style in Development

(24:00) Final Reflections on Mentorship, Authenticity, and Family

Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9IEv2dqXqfA

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/alex-valente

Beyond the Resume presents a special throwback episode for Affordable Housing Month, featuring Sean Kelly, Partner & Executive Vice President of Leon N. Weiner & Associates (LNWA). In this deep-dive conversation with host Chris Papa, Sean shares the mission-driven legacy of LNWA, how affordable housing development really works, and what it takes to succeed in the industry today. From LIHTC and HUD financing to social service coordination and local engagement, this episode is packed with practical insights and powerful stories for anyone passionate about housing equity.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, Sean’s journey — from construction laborer to real estate leader — offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complexity and impact of affordable housing development.

Subscribe and share to support mission-driven real estate!

Chapters

(03:00) LNWA’s History & Vertically Integrated Business Model

(06:00) Affordable Housing Development Focus & LIHTC Strategy

(08:00) Navigating Local Politics & Building Community Buy-In

(11:00) Leasing & Income Qualification for Affordable Housing

(13:00) Resident Support Services & Community Impact

(17:00) Sean’s Personal Career Path & Family Legacy

(20:00) Lessons from the Field: From Laborer to Leader

(23:00) Advice for Entering the Affordable Housing Industry

(27:00) The Hot Seat

(30:00) Skiing, Family Life & Finding Balance

(32:30) Hiring Insights & What LNWA Looks for in Talent

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Links

YouTube: https://youtu.be/mf2R_ssH7Jg

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT

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

Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sean-kelly