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Tony Nigro is the Senior Vice President of Design and Construction at Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Tony has been an instrumental figure in the development of Tuscan Village—a significant project turning a once empty area into a vibrant city-like environment. Prior to his current role, Tony garnered substantial expertise at companies like William A. Berry and Suffolk Construction, working on large-scale projects such as the Boston Convention Center. 

In this episode, Tony shares his experience and lessons learned under the mentorship of Joe Faro, the visionary principal behind Tuscan Brands. From understanding the importance of balancing qualitative experiences with quantitative results to ensuring quality control and thoughtful design, Tony brings to the forefront the essential elements of innovative development. 

Key Takeaways:

• Visionary Development: The creation of Tuscan Village reflects a commitment to excellence and community, transforming an empty space into a vibrant, multifunctional environment.
• Balancing Quality: Joe Faro's approach to development emphasizes qualitative impacts over immediate quantitative gains, resulting in a more engaging and sustainable community.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Tony Nigro draws on his extensive experience, including his military background, to highlight the importance of alignment, trust, and collaborative problem-solving in construction projects.
• Quality Assurance: Successful projects like those Tony has led at Suffolk Construction and Mill Creek necessitate robust QA/QC programs that set clear standards and processes.
• Career Evolution: Tony's journey across different sectors displays his adaptability and commitment to growth, reinforcing the value of pursuing new challenges and opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

• "For him, his famous saying that I've learned painfully over and over is that he is incapable of building something that he doesn't love."
• "It's amazing what you can accomplish when you don't care who gets the credit."
• "What Joe Faro looked at and took his version of the best from all of those."
• "You have to cut that waste out before you become a fan of Lean."
• "Sometimes when you convince yourself that you can walk on water, every once in a while you kind of do."

Resources:

• Tuscan Village: Tuscan Village Website
• Suffolk Construction: Suffolk Construction Website
• Good to Great by Jim Collins:

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Known for his strategic prowess in acquiring off-market self-storage and manufactured housing communities, Matt delves into the operational efficiencies and relationship-driven approaches that have set Crystal View Capital apart. 

The discussion emphasizes the strategic choice of a fund-based model over deal-by-deal equity raises, which allows for flexibility and rapid response to investment opportunities. Matt also elaborates on the merits of vertical integration within Crystal View Capital, illustrating how transparency, integrity, and dedicated management practices foster investor trust and unlock sustained value. 

Key Takeaways:

• Relationship-Driven Acquisitions: Matt Ricciardella's success in acquiring 92% of his investments off-market highlights the importance of building relationships with current owners to find valuable, hidden opportunities.
• Strategic Fund-Based Model: Crystal View Capital's adoption of a fund-based investment approach allows for flexibility and swift capital deployment, optimizing opportunities in the secondary and tertiary markets.
• Focus on Manufactured Housing and Self-Storage: These sectors offer recession-resilient investment opportunities with significant room for adding value through strategic enhancements.
• Vertical Integration: The firm distinguishes itself by maintaining control over all facets of operation, from capital raising to property management, optimizing returns and ensuring transparency.
• Community Impact: Crystal View Capital emphasizes transforming communities by enhancing quality of life through improved properties and fostering a sense of ownership among residents.

Notable Quotes:

• "At the end of the day this is a relationship business. Identify Crystal View as the best steward for their asset that they built over generations."
• "Unlike multifamily, where you have to maintain the unit, none of that happens in this industry because we only own the infrastructure."
• "There's no way I could do these things on my own. Yes, I'm the visionary behind it, but I've been very fortunate with the people that are around me on a daily basis."
• “Transparency for me and in my career in business has had nothing but Positive impacts. It's never come back to bite me.”
• "In a down market, demand for affordable housing rises even more, making these assets very recession-resilient."

Resources:

• Crystal View Capital: crystalviewcapital.com
• Investments Contact: [email protected]

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In this engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes sits down with Ryan Tansom to discuss transitioning a business to align with personal goals. Ryan shares candid insights from his personal journey, which includes overcoming high-stakes financial hurdles, strategic business pivots, and eventual exit strategies. Listen to Ryan discuss the conceptual foundation of his framework, Independence by Design, which focuses on empowering businesses to see the 'matrix' of operations, cash flow, and value growth. With his experience as a guiding backdrop, Ryan dives deep into the nuances of ensuring business longevity and aligning daily operations with long-term personal and commercial objectives.

Key Takeaways:

• Aligning Ownership and Operations: Understanding the interplay between ownership goals and operational strategies is crucial for business sustainability and harmony.
• Importance of Financial Metrics: Learning financial forecasting, valuation, and structuring can help prevent costly mistakes and enhance decision-making efficacy.
• Personal vs. Business Goals: Recognizing and aligning what you want from your life with your business's strategic direction prevents misalignment and conflict.
• The Role of Decision-Making: Effective decision-making is paramount, underpinned by access to relevant data and clarity regarding trade-offs involved.
• Independence by Design Framework: A strategic approach that empowers owner-operators by offering a comprehensive understanding of business mechanics and personal financial outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The only reason I know what to do now is because I've done everything the wrong way for a long time." – Ryan Tansom
2. "When the goal is clear and it's the right goal, everyone aligns around it." – Ryan Tansom
3. "It's like seeing the Matrix... we have to have a financial forecast before going into EOS." – Ryan Tansom
4. "Time, cash flow, and wealth are the constraints and the only way we can dig out of that is with the data." – Ryan Tansom
5. "Understanding the game gives us the highest probability of staying independent and doing what we want every day." – Ryan Tansom

Resources:

• Built to Sell: John Warrillow
• Finish Big: Bo Burlingham
• EOS Framework
• Scaling Up by Verne Harnish
• The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack

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In this episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes sits down with Isaac Weinberger, a leading authority in cost segregation with Madison Specs. The discussion revolves around the role of cost segregation in real estate tax strategy, providing listeners valuable insights on how to maximize tax benefits and improve cash flow through strategic planning. Isaac shares his professional journey and how his creative thinking and hustle have carved his niche in the real estate sector.

With key insights into the mechanics of cost segregation, Isaac explains the considerable tax-saving opportunities available to property owners and the strategic advantage of engaging professionals like Madison Specs. The conversation explores the specifics of depreciation strategies, the impact of tax law changes, and when and how real estate developers should consider cost segregation before value-add renovations. Isaac also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning in influencing investor decisions and structuring real estate deals effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Cost segregation is a powerful tool for real estate owners to accelerate depreciation deductions and improve tax savings.
• Engaging a professional for cost segregation studies can provide compliance and legitimacy in the face of IRS audits.
• Timing of the cost segregation study is crucial, ideally before renovations to maximize tax benefits on pre-renovation components.
• Understanding depreciation recapture can aid in strategic planning for asset sales.
• Awareness of the STR loophole and different state regulations is crucial for optimizing tax strategies, especially for Airbnb owners.

Notable Quotes:

1. "A dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow." - Isaac Weinberger
2. "Cost segregation changes the dynamic of a deal." - Isaac Weinberger
3. "Think out of the box. How can I make money? How can I do this?" - Isaac Weinberger
4. "In a down market, in the cost seg world, because you're dealing with hundreds of people, even if half of them are not transacting, you have the other half that are." - Isaac Weinberger
5. "He paid $750 in taxes because of cost segregation and 1031s, legally by the government's code." - Isaac Weinberger

Resources:

• Madison Specs: madisonspecs.com (not directly mentioned, provided for context)
• Stage Debate Podcast: Available on various podcast platforms (no direct link provided in the transcript)
• Isaac Weinberger on LinkedIn: A valuable resource for updates and insights on cost segregation.

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In this engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes delves into the multifaceted world of commercial construction with Marvin LaHoud. Marvin's insights offer a refreshing view on the challenges faced by general contractors, notably the high-risk, low-margin nature of the business. The conversation revolves around finding differentiation in a commoditized market by lowering costs and risks, aligning with principles that focus on 'risk engineering' and 'cost engineering.'

Marvin also shares his experiences with Tocci, a progressive construction and consultancy firm. Key topics include the exploration of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), modular construction, and the application of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Marvin emphasizes innovations like Project Rescue, which seek to drive down costs and enhance efficiency by leveraging data and transparent communication. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through discussions on his roles with Marvin Capital and his new venture, C Street, a platform that aims to revolutionize price discovery and optimization in construction.

Key Takeaways:

• High-Risk, Low-Margin Industry: General contractors operate in a challenging environment requiring precise execution and risk management to secure profitability.
• Differentiation in Commoditized Markets: Success hinges on lowering costs and risks, adopting roles that emphasize engineering over management.
• The Power of VDC: Virtual Design and Construction can significantly reduce the inherent risks and costs in construction projects when applied effectively.
• Entrepreneurial Initiatives: Marvin's ventures, such as C Street, indicate a movement towards using technology to solve longstanding industry inefficiencies.
• Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: Marvin underscores the importance of continuous education and applying first principles thinking in achieving business success.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's a lot of risk management and it's finding ways to make that profit, to get any net profit at the end of the day." - Marvin LaHoud
• "You accept the fact that you're a commodity, but differentiate yourself on your ability to drive cost down, risk down." - Marvin LaHoud
• "C Street is just price discovery and optimization because we figured that the biggest enemy to construction costs is the opacity of the market." - Marvin LaHoud

Resources:

• Marvin LaHood's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-lahoud-3a91384b
• Tocci Website: https://www.tocci.com/
• C Street: https://cstreet-cre.squarespace.com/
• Books Mentioned

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Design Development, we have Brandon Schwab, CEO of Shepherd Premier Senior Living, to discuss a pressing issue—the senior living crisis. Schwab explains the challenges facing the industry, such as financing, staffing shortages, and the escalating costs of assisted living homes. 

Schwab shares his unique journey from detailing cars for the affluent to tackling short sales and wholesaling in real estate, learning invaluable lessons along the way. Emphasizing the importance of offering clients flexible options, he discusses how he transferred those negotiation skills to create Shepherd Premier Senior Living. With his new fund, Brandon is poised to make significant strides towards solving the senior living crisis, offering a compelling opportunity for investors to align with a mission-driven company.

Key Takeaways:

• Senior Living Crisis: The senior living industry faces a critical shortage, with over 775,000 new units needed by 2030. Financing and staffing remain significant challenges.
• Boutique Senior Living Model: Brandon Schwab promotes a care model with 5-8 residents per caregiver, offering a higher quality of care compared to traditional facilities.
• Entrepreneurial Journey: Schwab’s background in detailing and real estate revealed insights into market needs that shaped his approach to senior living.
• Creative Financing: Schwab used creative financing techniques, like owner financing and HUD 232 loans, to scale his business and address capital challenges.
• Strategic Growth Plans: Shepherd Premier Senior Living aims to build 300 homes by 2030, with a fundraising strategy for scalable growth.

Notable Quotes:

1. "How we care for folks that are older in our country is we have big, huge facilities that have an odor, that are not good. They treat them just like cattle."
2. "Folks really need to open their eyes up to those options and get those things done at an age where it isn't going to be that expensive."
3. "I found very quickly that the healthcare piece was beyond me very quickly. And I had to build a healthcare team of people that had heart."
4. "Even if you found the cure for aging, you are going to always need housing."
5. "Financing wasn't there. And the average person that didn't have the history that I did would likely have just quit."

Resources:

• Learn more about Shepherd Premier Senior Living: Shepherd Premier Senior Living
• Check out the Boutique Senior Living Fund: Boutique Senior Li

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Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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In this engaging episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes reconnects with long-lost high school friend David Libardoni, now a partner in Nutter's Real Estate Division. This conversation unveils David’s illustrious journey from Bishop Feehan High School to becoming a leading real estate attorney. 

David dives into various intriguing aspects of real estate law, including acquisitions, dispositions, land use, and environmental compliance. Through numerous anecdotes, David highlights the intricate world of real estate development, emphasizing how essential communication, negotiation, and having a holistic understanding of how different sectors and specialists intersect in real estate projects truly are. In addition, the discussion touches upon modern challenges such as adapting to market shifts, the role of AI in legal practices, and the pivotal need for judgment in an era where automation is becoming increasingly influential.

Key Takeaways:

• David Liberdoni's Path: David shares his unique career path, from athletics to law school, highlighting the impact of early life experiences and global exposure.
• Mock Trial Beginnings: His involvement in mock trials at Bishop Feehan High School sparked an interest in legal proceedings, setting the foundation for his future career.
• Real Estate Law Insight: David provides insights into various aspects of real estate law including zoning, permitting, environmental compliance, and complex transactions.
• Balancing Legal Practice Areas: Nutter's approach to integrating diverse facets of real estate law and fostering client relationships is discussed extensively.
• Adaptation in Real Estate: The episode explores current market trends and the need for legal professionals to adapt creatively and strategically in changing environments.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The tools law school gives you allow you to be a problem solver that represents others and leads organizations to success."
2. "Understanding different perspectives, even through something as simple as a world map, can provide essential insights for a legal career."
3. "We value transparency in career progression, providing a framework for associates aiming for partnership."
4. "Negotiation in our field is about understanding each side's interests and finding alignment."
5. "Ultimately, clients look for judgment calls that can make or break deals and protect their interests."

Resources:

• Nutter: Nutter Law Firm (URL not mentioned but relevant)
• Fulbright Program: Fulbright Program

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Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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In this engaging episode of Design Development, hosted by Rens Hayes, listeners are introduced to Bryan Lee, co-founder and principal of Transom Real Estate, a leading firm specializing in innovative and sustainable property development around Boston. Rens and Bryan delve into Bryan's journey from a real estate analyst during the Great Recession to becoming a pioneering real estate developer in Boston. Throughout the conversation, they explore the importance of practical experience in the real estate industry, emphasizing how Bryan transitioned from observing development plans while working on consulting and appraisals to influencing projects directly.

The episode provides insights into Transom's strategic approach to urban development, particularly focusing on how they overcame the challenges posed by high construction costs and regulatory hurdles in Boston. Bryan shares his experiences working on significant projects like 212 Stuart Street and discusses how Transom differentiates itself through unique facade designs and thoughtful amenity planning. The conversation also touches on affordable housing solutions, strategies for managing economic slowdowns, and how developers can creatively navigate the real estate market's existing challenges. 

Key Takeaways:

• Bryan Lee's path from real estate consulting during the recession to co-founding Transom Real Estate highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic risk-taking in career growth.
• Transom Real Estate focuses on distinct design elements, notably facades, to differentiate projects in dense urban environments, allowing properties to stand out without relying heavily on extensive amenities.
• Bryan emphasizes the importance of creative networking and differentiated value propositions in capturing opportunities, particularly during economic downturns.
• The intersection of affordable and workforce housing and the supporting infrastructure are crucial components for sustainable urban development, pointing toward future growth and planning.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I want to do those great...authentic projects. I want to do more of them."
2. "If you talk to a doctor, they probably say, I learned a lot about medicine in school, but I had no idea how to run my practice."
3. "The market has to mature enough where those features we can do without added costs."
4. "What's the worst that's going to happen if it doesn't work? I have skills, I have degrees. I probably just go get another job."

Resources:

• Transom Real Estate Website
• MIT Real Estate Development Program
• Lex Fridman Podcast (mentioned as

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In this episode, Harry Wheeler, principal architect of JCJ & hospitality consultant, shares the lessons he's learned about the value of organizational balance and collaboration in project management and design. Harry shares his journey from studying at Wentworth, becoming a partner at Group One, and leading its merger with JCJ Architecture. 

Harry also highlights lessons in leadership, the tremendous impact of hiring a business coach, and how Group One navigated the 2008 recession through financial preparedness and transparent communication. This episode offers insights into team leadership, strategic growth, and resilience in the hospitality industry. 

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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For the first episode of 2025, Edd Hamzanlui joins Design Development to explore the critical issues surrounding the affordable housing crisis. With a deep dive into the structural problems rooted in historical zoning laws, Edd provides a nuanced perspective on the impact on cities like Greater Boston. 

In this episode, he shares his journey from Iran to the U.S., education and early career, as well as his insights on the current state of affordable housing and regulatory challenges. He also discusses his entrepreneurial venture, MassCAN Capital, and his focus on workforce housing in Massachusetts gateway cities.

Throughout the conversation, Ed emphasizes learning from experience, continued growth, and the importance of a bipartisan effort in addressing housing issues.

Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.

Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!

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