Built World Advisors Podcast: The Definitive Biography of the People Building Our Cities

By Ben Hoffman & Felipe AzenhaBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement

Built World Advisors Podcast: The Definitive Biography of the People Building Our Cities episodes

December 16, 2025Jaime Sturgis - CEO & Founder of Native Realty Co.
Jaime Sturgis made the trip down from the U.S. (Fort Lauderdale) armed with a bottle of Don Fulano tequila, to talk about how he became one of South Florida’s neighborhood-makers.
As Founder and CEO of Native Realty, Jaime has spent the last decade curating emerging districts, from Miami’s Wynwood to Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, completing millions of square feet of transactions and setting multiple pricing records along the way.
A triple-major FSU alum and a frequent voice in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, GlobeSt, and more, Jaime has built a brokerage known for disrupting the traditional model and shaping the next generation of urban neighborhoods. In this episode, we get into his rise, some surf talk, his approach to placemaking, and where he sees South Florida’s growth heading next.
Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 12 min
December 11, 2025Chuck Bohl - Director of Masters of Real Estate Development + Urbanism Program, University of Miami
Sipping on a pour (or two) of Macallan, Chuck Bohl sits down with us to share the winding, unexpected journey that led him to become the founding director of the University of Miami’s Master of Real Estate Development program. We go all the way back to his early years growing up on a farm, where hard work and curiosity first took hold, before jumping into his teenage days shredding guitars and dreaming of being a rock star.

Chuck walks us through his time roaming the streets of 1980s New York City, the grit, the music, the culture, and the urban chaos that shaped his fascination with how cities work. It was there that the spark of placemaking and New Urbanism first ignited, eventually guiding him toward a career dedicated to building better neighborhoods, walkable communities, and transformative public spaces.

From music to academia, from farm life to urban design, Chuck’s story is a masterclass in following your interests wherever they lead. This episode is a thoughtful, entertaining look at how one of Miami’s most influential urban thinkers found his calling, and how he's helped shape the minds of hundreds of developers who now build the cities we live in.
Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 56 min
December 04, 2025Built World Hot Shots - Featuring David Moret
This is Built World: Hot Shots , recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, where every guest takes a shot of tequila or espresso before diving into some rapid-fire questions. Today, David Moret joined us for an espresso shot and a quick-hit conversation.

Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
13 min
December 02, 2025Gil Dezer - CEO, Dezer Development
In this episode, we sit down with legendary Miami developer Gil Dezer, the force behind Porsche Design Tower, Armani Residences, and the upcoming Bentley building. Gil opens up about hustling through high school and college, selling condos and timeshares before joining his father’s real estate empire and leading the charge himself.
He walks us through the Dezer family story from his father immigrating from Israel in the 60s, building a typesetting business, then becoming one of the biggest owners in Chelsea before assembling oceanfront land in Sunny Isles starting in the 1980s.
Gil shares the raw truth of surviving the 2008 crash, when he owed $475 million and no buyers showed up for closings. By 2011, he had paid off every lender and officially took over Dezer Development.
We get into his first big project, Trump International, and how it led to iconic brand partnerships like Porsche, Armani, and Bentley. Gil also breaks down the creation of the Dezervator, the patented car elevator, and why he maintains patents in all countries.
Beyond real estate, we dive into Gil’s passions: the Gumball 3000 rally (which he’s driven 13+ times), his 32-car collection, and breaking both legs, and how him and his father are both collectors.
Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 41 min
November 26, 2025Built World Hot Shots - Featuring Russell Galbut
This is Built World: Hot Shots , recorded live at The Real Deal Forum, where every guest takes a shot of tequila or espresso before diving into some rapid-fire questions. Today, Russell Galbut joined us for an espresso shot and a quick-hit conversation.

Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
18 min
November 25, 2025Irwin Raij - Partner & Co-Chair of the Entertainment, Sports and Media, Sidley
Ever wondered how a stadium gets built, a pro sports team gets bought or sold, or who actually pays for it? Meet Irwin Raij, the sports and entertainment attorney behind some of the biggest deals in modern sports. From advising Inter Miami CF on their stadium, to helping negotiate the record-breaking $6.05B sale of the Washington Commanders, to working on acquisitions involving the Charlotte Hornets and major European soccer leagues Irwin’s career sits at the intersection of sports, law, politics, and mega-deals.

Growing up hustling in his dad’s Lincoln Road shoe store to working in the White House, on the Gore campaign, and today co-chairing Sidley’s global Sports & Entertainment group, Irwin brings stories you won't hear anywhere else.
Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 50 min
November 18, 2025Bob Knakal - Chairman & CEO, BKREA
The legend of New York City commercial real estate brokerage himself, Bob Knakal, flew down to Miami and joined us over some 1942 tequila to tell his story. From shoveling driveways as a kid to co-founding Massey Knakal in 1987, and ultimately selling it for $100 million, Bob takes us through the highs and lows of building one of the most iconic brokerage firms in the country.

With over 2,363 buildings sold and more than $23 billion in total transaction volume, Bob’s track record speaks for itself. But what really stands out is his love of the game, relentless energy, and contagious optimism. Grab a drink and hit play, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 46 min
November 11, 2025David Martin - CEO, Terra Group
We recorded this episode live from Bilzin Sumberg’s office, in front of a packed room of ULI Leadership Institute alumni, sharing a pour of Don Julio 1942 with David Martin, CEO of Terra. David takes us through his Miami upbringing, his early entrepreneurial hustle (including the coffee shop he launched and sold while attending the University of Florida), and how that drive evolved into a career shaping the city’s skyline. From his first deal to a pipeline of nearly 30 projects, this conversation offers a candid look at how one of Miami’s most influential developers thinks, builds, and leads.
Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 24 min
November 04, 2025Gabe Navarro - Managing Partner, MMG Equity Partners
Over some Japanese whisky, we sit down with Gabe Navarro to talk about the family legacy behind the Navarro Pharmacy chain, a true Miami institution. Gabe shares what it was like growing up in the business, from sweeping floors and stocking shelves to ultimately helping lead the company through its major exit to CVS.
We get into how he and his siblings transformed Navarro from a neighborhood pharmacy brand into a real estate powerhouse, investing in shopping centers across Florida, developing multifamily projects, and even purchasing a ski resort in Idaho.
Gabe’s story is one of family, vision, and generational success, and he’s as genuine and humble as they come.
Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 20 min
October 27, 2025David Whitaker - President & Chief Executive Officer, GMCVB
Hailing from the Napa Valley of Onions, Vidalia, Georgia, David Whitaker joins us over a glass of Bendersky Reserve Scotch to share his remarkable journey.

David first arrived in Miami in the 1980s, where his introduction to the city was anything but smooth. He was mugged at gunpoint his first Friday in town, and then carjacked the following week. Undeterred, he stayed, built his career, and eventually rose to become the President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. We get into the growth of the city, and how he is marketing our city to the rest of the world.

Along the way, David held leadership roles in Chicago and Toronto, served on the executive staff of the United Way of Miami-Dade, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication & Public Relations from the University of South Florida.

Connect with us
Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
📧 Get in touch: Built World Advisors
🎙️ Listen & Watch: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
📱 Follow the show: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with the Hosts:
Felipe Azenha
Ben Hoffman
Our Partners & Sponsors
🏢 Studio Space: A special thank you to Büro coworking space for hosting us!
Proudly sponsored by:
Top of Mind PR
Vizzda
Vinya
1 hr 33 min

About Built World Advisors Podcast: The Definitive Biography of the People Building Our Cities

From the publisher's feed

The Built World Podcast is the premier biographical series and educational resource dedicated to the visionaries, risk-takers, and Institutional Operators shaping the landscape of…

Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Urbanism, and Property Development.

Hosted by Felipe Azenha and Ben Hoffman, active Commercial Real Estate Brokers and Co-Founders of Built World Advisors in Miami, this show is more than a market update—it is a deep-dive exploration into the life stories, personal philosophies, and investment strategies of the industry’s most influential leaders. Each episode is a professional masterclass delivered through the lens of a personal history, uncovering the "good, the bad, and the ugly" of the entrepreneur’s journey from their first deal to their most iconic project.

Conversations, Cocktails, and High-Level Banter

We believe the best insights happen when the guard comes down. Our signature "Conversations & Cocktails" format creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere where the banter is light, the humor is sharp, and the drinks are flowing. But don't let the cocktails fool you—the dialogue is profoundly intelligent, offering a tactical look at the Capital Stack, Asset Management, and Market Economics. It’s the kind of high-stakes "shop talk" you usually only hear in a private boardroom or a closed-door partner meeting.

Virtually Every Asset Class Explored:

While Felipe and Ben are specialists in the Miami Industrial and Warehouse sector, The Built World Podcast explores the entire spectrum of the built environment. We provide high-level analysis across virtually every asset class, including:

Industrial & Logistics: From Small-Bay Industrial and Last-Mile Distribution to Flex Space and Cold Storage.
Multifamily & Residential: High-rise luxury, Workforce Housing, and Build-to-Rent (BTR).
Office & Mixed-Use: The evolution of the workplace and the rise of Live-Work-Play environments.
Retail & Hospitality: The transformation of the High Street, boutique hotels, and experiential retail.
Niche Assets: Self-storage, medical office buildings (MOB), and life sciences.

What We Explore:

If you are looking for an insider’s read on the South Florida Real Estate Market and national CRE Trends, we dive deep into:

The Miami Market: Navigating the Miami Skyline, Wynwood, Brickell, Miami Beach and beyond.
Capital Markets & Debt: Real-time perspectives on Cap Rates, interest rate impacts, GP/LP structures, and why veteran operators are moving off the sidelines.
The Operator’s Playbook: A look at the "Operator" side of the business—scaling income, professionalizing property management, and building high-performance brokerage teams.
PropTech & Innovation: How AI in Real Estate, advanced prospecting tools, and new construction technologies are redefining Placemaking.

Our Guest List:

We feature a "Who’s Who" of the built world, including: Real Estate Developers, Principals, Institutional Asset Managers, Capital Markets Brokers, Architects, Attorneys, and Urban Planners.

Who This Is For: Whether you are a seasoned Commercial Broker, an Active Investor looking for a Value-Add play, a student, or an entrepreneur obsessed with the future of our cities, this show offers a front-row seat to the minds redefining the built world.