What does it really take to make it in real estate development? In this episode, Raphael Collazo, CCIM sits down with John McNellis, veteran developer, co-founder of McNellis Partners, and author of the bestselling Making It in Real Estate: Thriving as a Developer (3rd Edition) — for a candid conversation about building a career in commercial real estate from the ground up.With over 40 years of experience and 100+ deals across shopping centers, mixed-use projects, and office buildings throughout Northern California, John shares the hard-won lessons most developers would never admit to. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify and evaluate real estate opportunities, how to structure partnerships and navigate financing, how to survive economic downturns and costly mistakes, and what it truly takes to build lasting wealth through real estate development.Whether you're just getting started or a seasoned developer looking to sharpen your edge, John's insights are practical, honest, and backed by decades of real-world experience. His new book is the field guide he wished existed when he started — and this conversation is one you won't want to miss.▶️ Connect with John McNellis:▶ Website: https://www.johnmcnellis.com▶ Book: Making It in Real Estate: Thriving as a Developer (3rd Edition) — Available on AmazonIf you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment, and share.📌 About Your Host — Raphael Collazo, CCIM:Raphael is a commercial real estate broker, investor, and developer based in Louisville, KY. He is President & Co-Founder of Summit Commercial Group, a CCIM designee, and author of 3 CRE books. He has been featured in Commercial Property Executive for his innovative use of AI in commercial real estate brokerage.🔗 Website: https://raphaelcollazo.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo📧 [email protected] | 📞 502-536-7315🆓 Free CRE Resources: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre

In this episode, we break down a real commercial real estate deal in Louisville, KY, and how we’re transforming it from a vacant building into a stabilized, income-producing asset.We walk through the full process:✅ How we secured national healthcare tenants (including Genoa Healthcare)✅ Navigating permits, zoning, and multiple agencies✅ Managing construction challenges (plumbing, electrical, slab cutting, MEP systems)✅ Solving a flood zone issue to increase long-term value✅ How leasing + execution is helping us increase the property’s valuation✅ Our strategy to refinance and fund the next phase of the projectThis is a real look at what value-add commercial real estate actually takes—beyond the headlines.If you’re interested in:👉🏼 Commercial real estate investing👉🏼 Value-add development👉🏼 Net lease and tenant strategy👉🏼 Passive income through CRE👉🏼 Real estate deals and behind-the-scenes executionThis episode breaks it down step-by-step.Special shoutout to my business partner, Fred Newman (Newman Electric), whose construction expertise is critical to executing this project.📍 Project Location: 706 E Broadway, Louisville, KY

Be sure to join us for an engaging conversation on the latest episode of CRE 101 🎙️In this episode, we sit down with Tim VanWingerden, Principal Broker at VanWingerden Real Estate Advisors, to break down his journey into commercial real estate and what it really takes to succeed in multifamily brokerage in 2026 and beyond.Tim shares practical, real-world insights on building a brokerage career, creating deal flow, and scaling a business in today’s competitive CRE landscape.Whether you're a new broker, investor, or looking to level up your business, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.What We Cover:How Tim got started in commercial real estateWhat multifamily brokerage actually isEarly career struggles (and how to push through them)How to create opportunities and build deal flowSystems and processes that drive consistencyGoing out on your own and building a brandHiring and building a strong teamLong-term vision and where the market is headingBest resources for learning and growthHow to connect with Tim📩 Want to connect or learn more? Drop a comment or reach out directly.🔔 Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes:https://lnkd.in/eW3j2s

AI isn't coming for your CRE business; it's already here. In this episode, we break down the specific AI tools and workflows that brokers, investors, and developers are using right now to analyze deals faster, generate leads, and win more listings.📰 As seen in: Commercial Property Executive — "CRE Brokers Lean Into AI"https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/cre-brokers-lean-into-ai/📌 About Your Host — Raphael Collazo, CCIM:Raphael is a commercial real estate broker, investor, and developer based in Louisville, KY. He is President & Co-Founder of Summit Commercial Group, a CCIM designee, and author of 3 CRE books. He has been featured in Commercial Property Executive for his innovative use of AI in commercial real estate brokerage.🔗 Website: https://raphaelcollazo.com🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo📧 [email protected] | 📞 502-536-7315🆓 Free CRE Resources: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre#CommercialRealEstate #AIRealEstate #CREBrokerage #CRE101 #ChatGPT #ArtificialIntelligence #CREInvesting

▶️ Visit to know more: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ Welcome, and for all your questions, Raphael is here to help you with HA Day In The Life of A CRE Developer with Brian Forrest.If you are interested in learning about the many facets of commercial real estate, whether you're a business owner, investor, or just someone who's curious about the subject, you'll gain value from being a part of the group! In this episode, Brian Forrest, Owner of FJR Commercial Real Estate, talked about his background and how he got into real estate. Along with that, he shared how he broke into commercial real estate development and what a day in the life of a developer looks like.After the talk, we opened up the floor for Q&A. So, watch the full video until the end to learn about his story.▶️ If you're interested in learning more about Brian, click the following links: ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-forrest-1a470a389/▶ Website: https://fjrcom.com/▶ Email: [email protected] you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment, and share. ----------------------------------- ▶️ Check out my Website: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/---------------------------------- ▶️ For business inquiries: [email protected] ▶️ Call/Text me: 502-536-7315---------------------------------- ▶️ FREE REAL ESTATE GUIDES: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre---------------------------------- ▶️ Follow me on: • Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/Commercial-Real-Estate-101/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recollaz/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raphaelcrelouisville• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/----------------------------------- #CommercialRealEstate #RaphaelCollazo #retail #luxuryrealestate #realestate #commercialrealestatelouisville #commercialrealestatelouisvilleky #CRELessons #CRE #brokerage

▶️ Visit to know more: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ Welcome, and for all your questions, Raphael is here to help you with How to Be a Top Investment Sales Broker with Tyler Bindi.If you are interested in learning about the many facets of commercial real estate, whether you're a business owner, investor, or just someone who's curious about the subject, you'll gain value from being a part of the group! In this meeting, Tyler Bindi, Senior Director of Investments at Marcus & Millichap, discussed his background and how he got into the business. He also shares what it takes to become a top investment sales broker and the strategies that get you there.After the talk, we opened up the floor for Q&A. So, watch the full video until the end to learn about his story.▶️ If you're interested in learning more about Tyler, click the following links: ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-bindi/▶ X: https://x.com/TripleNetTyler▶ Email: [email protected] you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment, and share. ----------------------------------- ▶️ Check out my Website: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/---------------------------------- ▶️ For business inquiries: [email protected] ▶️ Call/Text me: 502-536-7315---------------------------------- ▶️ FREE REAL ESTATE GUIDES: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre---------------------------------- ▶️ Follow me on: • Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/Commercial-Real-Estate-101/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recollaz/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raphaelcrelouisville• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/----------------------------------- #CommercialRealEstate #RaphaelCollazo #retail #luxuryrealestate #realestate #commercialrealestatelouisville #commercialrealestatelouisvilleky #CRELessons #CRE #brokerage

▶️ Visit to know more: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ Welcome, and for all your questions, Raphael is here to help you with Understanding the How To Succeed in Multifamily Redevelopment with Zach Molzer.If you are interested in learning about the many facets of commercial real estate, whether you're a business owner, investor, or just someone who's curious about the subject, you'll gain value from being a part of the group! In this meeting, Zach Molzer, Principal & Founder of Molzer Development, discussed his background and how he got into the business. He will also share insights on how he's been able to execute on large-scale multifamily redevelopment projects and ways others can pursue similar projects in their market.After the talk, we opened up the floor for Q&A. So, watch the full video until the end to learn about his story.▶️ If you're interested in learning more about Zach, click the following links: ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmolzer/▶ Website: https://molzerdevelopment.com/▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachmolzer/?hl=enIf you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment, and share. ----------------------------------- ▶️ Check out my Website: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/---------------------------------- ▶️ For business inquiries: [email protected] ▶️ Call/Text me: 502-536-7315---------------------------------- ▶️ FREE REAL ESTATE GUIDES: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre---------------------------------- ▶️ Follow me on: • Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/Commercial-Real-Estate-101/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recollaz/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raphaelcrelouisville• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/----------------------------------- #CommercialRealEstate #RaphaelCollazo #retail #luxuryrealestate #realestate #commercialrealestatelouisville #commercialrealestatelouisvilleky #CRELessons #CRE #brokerage

In this episode of CRE 101, we take you inside an adaptive reuse project we’re actively pursuing at 706 E Broadway in Louisville. My business partner, Fred Newman, and I break down how the deal came together, from sourcing the opportunity and working through due diligence, to structuring the financing and lining up a tenant for half of the first floor. With plans to begin construction soon, this episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to move a development from concept to execution.We walk through the challenges, the decision-making process, and the strategies behind repositioning an existing building into a productive, income-generating asset, without the fluff and without the theory.🎙 Topics covered in this episode:• How we found and evaluated the 706 E Broadway opportunity• The due diligence process and key risks we underwrote• How the financing was structured• How we secured a tenant for ½ of the first floor• What’s next as we move into the construction phaseIf you’re a commercial real estate investor, broker, or developer, or just want a transparent look at how deals actually get done, this episode is packed with practical, real-world insight.🔗 Connect with Raphael Collazo • Website: https://raphaelcollazo.com/ — Explore his commercial real estate services, listings, podcast content, and CRE resources. • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo — Follow Raphael for market insights, deal discussions, and industry commentary.

In this episode of CRE 101, Raphael Collazo and his friend, local real estate developer and podcast co-host Kristi Kandel, dive into the commercial real estate development projects they’re actively pursuing, from Louisville’s evolving retail landscape to Kristi’s large-scale development work in Florida.

It was an engaging and inspiring conversation between two passionate builders who believe in creating value, empowering local communities, and demystifying development. You won’t want to miss this!

🔗 Connect with Raphael Collazo

• Website: https://raphaelcollazo.com/

Explore his commercial real estate services, listings, podcast content, and CRE resources.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo

Follow Raphael for market insights, deal discussions, and industry commentary.

🔗 Connect with Kristi Kandel

• Website: https://kristikandel.com/

Learn more about Kristi’s development work, consulting, and the systems she uses to streamline complex projects.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12

Follow Kristi for development strategies, community-building insights, and CRE education.

🎙 Topics covered in this episode:

• Several development projects Raphael is working on

• Kristi’s vision and flagship project, Elevate, in Florida

• How local development can reshape communities

• Practical insights for CRE investors, brokers, and developers

• Business goals for 2026 and beyond

If you’re in commercial real estate, real estate investing, or just curious about how development works in the real world, this episode is packed with value.

➡️ Subscribe for more: actionable CRE insights, expert interviews, and local development strategy content from CRE 101.

▶️ Visit to know more: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/

Welcome, and for all your questions, Raphael is here to help you with Growing LinkedIn Reach For CRE Success with Gabe Einhorn.

If you are interested in learning about the many facets of commercial real estate, whether you're a business owner, investor, or just someone who's curious about the subject, you'll gain value from being a part of the group!

In this meeting, Gabe Einhorn, Co-Founder and CEO @ VryfID, talked about his background and how he got started in business.

Along with that, he shared insights about how he's been able to grow his LinkedIn reach to generate business opportunities in the CRE industry.

After the talk, we opened up the floor for Q&A. So, watch the full video until the end to learn about his story.

▶️ If you're interested in learning more about Gabe, click the following links:

▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-einhorn-55b74822b/

▶ Website: https://gabesstartupjourney.beehiiv.com/subscribeIf you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment, and share.

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▶️ Check out my Website: https://www.raphaelcollazo.com/

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▶️ For business inquiries: [email protected]

▶️ Call/Text me: 502-536-7315

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▶️ FREE REAL ESTATE GUIDES: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre

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▶️ Follow me on:

• Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/Commercial-Real-Estate-101/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recollaz/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raphaelcrelouisville

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/

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#CommercialRealEstate #RaphaelCollazo #retail #luxuryrealestate #realestate #commercialrealestatelouisville #commercialrealestatelouisvilleky #CRELessons #CRE #brokerage