Dirt NC

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Summary: 
Brian and I talk all about his career history and how to make big ideas a reality. We also introduce a new segment, the “$100M Challenge.”

Big Take Aways:
- What would Brian do with $100M?
- I learned about the practice of “slugging in.”
- “If you want advice, ask for a job. If you want a job, ask for advice.”
- What is the secret to sales success? Curiosity.

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About Brian: 
Brian Leary joined Highwoods Properties as executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2019. In this role, he has direct oversight of Highwoods’ eight geographic divisions as well as the development and marketing teams. Brian is ensuring Highwoods’ 28+ million square foot portfolio provides a compelling and competitive advantage to its occupants to return, retain and recruit the best and brightest talent. 

Preceding Highwoods, Brian served as president of Crescent Communities’ commercial and mixed-use business unit from 2014 to 2019 - where he relaunched the commercial division and directed the company’s office, industrial and retail development across the country.

Prior to joining Crescent, Brian held senior management and executive positions with Jacoby Development, Inc., Atlanta Beltline, Inc., AIG Global Real Estate, Atlantic Station, LLC and Central Atlanta Progress. As the managing director of Jacoby Development, a national developer of corporate, mixed-use and retail projects, he launched ONE Daytona, a 4.5-million square foot joint venture with International Speedway Corp. Previously Brian served as president and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., ‐ the organization executing the implementation of the BeltLine, one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment projects in the United States. When complete, the $3B+ project will provide a network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, public art and thousands of units of housing along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling Atlanta.

Brian is a graduate of Georgia Tech’s College of Architecture with an undergraduate degree in architecture with minor concentrations in land development and real estate, and in addition, holds a master’s degree in City Planning from Georgia Tech. While focusing on transportation and land development in graduate school, he finished a redevelopment plan for the Atlantic Steel property that would provide the basis for Atlantic Station. 

Brian, his wife and their two daughters reside in the City of Raleigh.

Connect with Brian: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Mentioned in the show:
- [BOOK] Where Good Ideas Come From
- [BOOK] The Power of Moments
- Slugging - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slugging

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Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformativ

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Summary: In this episode Justin and I talk about the built environment from a journalist's perspective. 

Big Take Aways:
- The power of curiosity.
- The benefits of institutional journalism compared to self-published media.
- Trust = Presence
- Why local issues are great because not only do they affect you, but you can have an effect on them!

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About Justin Laidlaw:
Justin Laidlaw is a journalist born, raised and currently stationed in Durham, North Carolina. He is the founder of multimedia storytelling company Buddy Ruski. In 2023, he was selected as an INDY Week Reporting Fellow. 

Connect with Justin: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Mentioned in the show:
The Buddy Ruski Show Podcast
By The Horns
INDY Week by Justin Laidlaw
Durham City Council Calendar
Raleigh City Council Meeting Series

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Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!

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Summary: Paul and I talk about mixed-use development and innovation in real estate.

Big Take Aways:
- How growing up with “shades of beige” and a desire to deliver a unique project led to Paul's career in development.
- The “100 Points” you need to score to get a real estate job.
- The power of partnership, high standards, and symbiotic mixed-use development.

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About Paul:
Paul is responsible for development and acquisitions for Hines in North Carolina. In this role, he provides market leadership to determine investment strategy, coordinate with Hines’ functional experts and internal funds, and source, capitalize, and execute Hines’ projects across all product types.

Since joining Hines in 2016, Paul has been involved in the development and acquisition of more than 2.5 million square feet of property across mixed-use, multifamily, office, and retail product types totaling over $1 billion. He has led the execution of the firm’s village creation strategy which culminated in the delivery of the first phase of Fenton, a multi-phased, vertically integrated mixed-use village in Cary, the development of the Market District at American Tobacco in Durham, and the acquisition of Waverly Place in Cary. Prior to opening Hines’ North Carolina office, Paul was involved with the development of Hines’ multifamily and mixed-use projects in Florida.  Before joining Hines, Paul spent four years at Amstar, a Denver-based real estate private equity fund.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Duke University, where he was captain of the Swimming and Diving team, and received a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 

Connect with Paul/Hines: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

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Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on Twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!

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Summary: Damon and I talk all about adaptive reuse and Camp North End!

Big Take Aways:
- The importance of being present and noticing space.
- What is a guerilla wedding?
- The power of thinking about projects from a people-first perspective rather than building-first or finance-first.

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About Damon: 
Damon Hemmerdinger is Co-President of ATCO, the owner and developer of Camp North End. He first visited this property in early 2014, and closed on the purchase in late 2016. 

Camp was “his idea,” and he supports the project team in all aspects of the work to develop the project. 

In addition, Damon leads ATCO’s investment and development business, oversees its finance and accounting function, and manages its strategic and corporate affairs. 

In addition to its work in Charlotte, ATCO is actively developing four projects in Austin TX and operates a portfolio of office and residential property in New York City. 

He graduated from Williams College and Yale Law School. He, his wife, and their two daughters live in the Forest Hills Gardens neighborhood of Queens, NY.

Connect with Damon: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Mentioned in the show:
Catfiddle Street - Charleston, SC

[BOOK] Learning from Bryant Park
[BOOK] The Power of Moments

NYAD on Netflix

Sagrada Familia
Camp North End

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Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  f

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Summary: Topher and I talk all about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and belonging.

Big Take Aways:
- The power of curiosity and how things fit.
- Topher’s journey from teacher to developer.
- How the built environment shapes our imagination.
- The importance of an abundance mindset.

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About Topher:
Topher Thomas is a Haitian-American born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He started his career as a high school chemistry teacher there, and taught for 3 years, before moving to Wake Forest, NC to earn a Master's in Education and Counseling from Southeastern Seminary. 

While in seminary, he continued his teaching career at the middle school level and was teaching English to Chinese students online. After completing his master's degree, he began teaching Theology and Servant Leadership at Trinity School of Durham. 

While teaching there he founded an equitable housing company called Coram Houses, committed to creative housing solutions for vulnerable peoples, and creating capital access for underinvested groups. 

He has a wife named Abbi, and 2 daughters, Violet and Margot. 

He’s motivated by breaking cycles of injustice and continues to teach high school and advocates for restorative affordable housing development.

Connect with Topher: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

Mentioned in the show:
[Book] Poverty, by America
[Book] Brave New Home
[Book] Race for Profit
[Book] The Color of Law
[Book] Evicted

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Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!

Send a text

Summary: Brent and I talk about all things robotics and the framing of houses!

Big Take Aways:
- How seeing a group of unhoused folks led to BotBuilt’s mission.
- What is computer vision (CV)?
- How BotBuilt is tackling cost, speed, and safety.
- The importance of and opportunities for collaboration in the AEC industry.

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About Brent Wadas: 
BotBuilt is revolutionizing the building process and solving the labor crisis in construction through flexible, precise robotic systems, proprietary hardware, and cutting-edge software. BotBuilt uses the latest technology to implement advanced motion planning with computer vision to build a more sustainable future for construction, forever changing the way the world builds with automation. 

Brent Wadas and his wife Christy have two wonderful daughters. He founded BotBuilt along with his two business partners Barrett Ames and Colin Devine. Before becoming the CEO and Chairman of BotBuilt, Brent enjoyed success with his investment firm and a SaaS company creating automated processes for business CRM technology. In between civilian adventures, Brent was an officer in the US Army, deploying with Special Operations units alongside the bravest men and women from around the world. He currently resides in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and is dedicated to building the future of robotics and construction. 

Connect with Brent: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Mentioned in the show:
BotBuilt explainer video
Email Brent Wadas
Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) Wikipedia
Y Combinator

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Show Notes: Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!

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Summary: Mary and I talk about all things Planning and Transportation in Raleigh, NC!

Big Take Aways:
- The impact of a bicycling culture on bicycling as a mode of transportation.
- Different ways to get involved in Transportation Advocacy in Raleigh.
- The importance of convening people.
- The power and impact of E-Bikes.
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About Mary Sell: 
Mary Sell is the Planning and Transportation Manager with Downtown Raleigh Alliance. Previously Mary was the Executive Director at Oaks and Spokes, an advocacy organization to advance a more sustainable and equitable transportation system in Raleigh. Mary is committed to working to advance solutions to enable Raleigh to become more resilient and a leader on climate. She loves calling Raleigh home and working within our community to advance solutions to create a vibrant and thriving environment for Downtown Raleigh. You can regularly find her in the bike lane with her family riding to enjoy a local spot in Downtown Raleigh. 

Connect with Mary: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Mentioned in the show:
Oaks and Spokes
DTRaleigh Community
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC)
City of Raleigh Boards and Commissions
(BOOK) This is where you Belong: Borrow/Buy

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Show Notes: Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!

Send a text

Summary: Clayton and I talk about his transition from the media industry into commercial brokerage. Oh, and his connection to Taylor Swift.

Big Take Aways:

• What is “Occupier Services”?
• Building relationships in a new market and new industry.
• The “flight to experience” in the office market.

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About Clayton: Clayton is a member of the market-leading CBRE|Raleigh Occupier Services team where he drives creative strategies to support the needs of office and life science occupiers. Serving in leadership positions on three boards and with involvement in many other non-profits, Clayton is an active member of the Triangle community with a heart for helping others.

Connect with Clayton: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Mentioned in the show:

Daily Dad Newsletter - Ryan Holiday

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry  - Comer

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Show Notes: Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on Twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!

Send a text

Summary: Bill and I chat about the history of Downtown Raleigh Alliance, the state of Downtown Raleigh, and changes in the public realm.

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About Bill: Bill King is the President & CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, a nonprofit devoted to advancing the vitality of downtown for everyone. At DRA, Bill leads a team that provides economic development, marketing & communications, events, problem solving, and safety patrol services for the downtown area. 

DRA has recruited storefront businesses, hosts regular promotions and activations such as Downtown Restaurant Week, First Friday and Moore Square Market, and provides policy advocacy on behalf of downtown stakeholders. 

Prior to this role, Bill served as DRA's lead economic developer, helping to recruit grocery stores to downtown Raleigh and authoring the State of Downtown report. He also worked in Washington, D.C. as a policy analyst and investigator for Congress in areas of economic development, transportation, financial oversight and nuclear nonproliferation. 

Bill has degrees from the University of Georgia in history and public administration and from UNC-Chapel Hill in urban planning. 

Connect with Bill: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

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Show Notes: Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straight to the point.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments/questions/suggestions about Dirt NC or anything land use related you can find me on twitter at @OakCityCRE and if you want a simple and to the point update on Raleigh commercial development you can subscribe to The Top Five, my free weekly newsletter at www.oakcitycre.com 

Until next time, Thank you!

Send a text

Summary: Ken and I have a wide-ranging conversation about all things Raleigh Planning and Development in the City of Raleigh.

Big takeaways include:
- How zoning can only say what can and can’t be built, not what will be built.
- How and why North Carolina has no county roads.
- What the Urban Projects group is, and where they will focus their efforts.

Mentioned in the show:

• Raleigh Planning Academy
• News and Observer
• Triangle Business Journal
• Raleigh Planning and Development
• City Council on Youtube
• Raleigh Midtown Park - Raleigh Magazine
• 99 Percent Invisible Podcast
• Book: Human Transit - Walker
• Book: Better Buses, Better Cities - Higashide
• Book: The Affordable City - Phillips
• Book: Fixer-Upper - Shuetz
• Book: Birth of a Building - Stevens
• Book: City in History - Jacobs
• Book: The Death and Life of Great American Cities
• Book: The Economy of Cities - Jacobs
• Book: Cities and the Wealth of Nations - Jacobs
• Book: City - Whyte

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About Ken: 
Ken Bowers joined the City of Raleigh, NC in 2006, was Planning Director from 2014 to 2019, and now leads a division within a consolidated Planning & Development department focused on plan implementation. Prior to joining the City of Raleigh, Mr. Bowers was a consultant and Principal with the firm of Phillips Preiss Shapiro Associates in New York City, where he prepared plans, market studies and economic strategies for public, private and nonprofit clients in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region and beyond. He has a Masters in Regional Planning from UNC-Chapel Hill and a BS in Physics from NC State University.

Connect with Ken: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

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Show Notes: Welcome to Dirt NC where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome, I am your host Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have covered just about all sides of the land use ecosystem. This show creates an opportunity for me to share what I have learned with you as well as introduce you to some of my  friends, both new and old who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of