In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, hosted by Kyle Matthews, we dive deep into the world of real estate investments and development with Laith Hermiz, founder and CEO of Ironside Realty. Laith shares his journey from being the COO and Executive Vice President at Agree Realty Corporation to founding his own firm. With a rich career spanning both public REITs and private real estate, Laith discusses his critical role in acquiring and developing over $2 billion in assets, and the importance of strategic growth, value creation, and cultivating industry relationships. They explore current market trends, particularly the net lease space, and Laith offers insights on strategies and opportunities during disruptive times. The conversation also touches on the personal anecdotes, lessons learned from navigating the commercial real estate industry, and the importance of continuous learning, networking, and mentorship. 

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:29 Guest Introduction: Laith Hermiz

00:57 Early Career and Achievements

01:58 Net Lease Market Insights

06:44 Personal Anecdotes and Stories

13:57 Laith's Background and Family History

14:03 Education and Early Career Path

32:01 Discovering the Value of Networking

32:41 Transitioning from Law to Real Estate

33:41 Early Career in Real Estate Development

34:34 Major Projects and Career Milestones

34:58 Navigating the REIT Space

35:38 Balancing Career and Family

37:37 Motivations and Wealth Creation

39:10 Key Career Achievements

40:45 The Importance of Relationships

45:00 Challenges and Lessons from the GFC

51:44 Building a Successful Acquisition Platform

58:56 Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate

01:00:53 Founding a New Venture

01:06:06 Navigating Market Shifts and Opportunities

01:06:55 The Appeal of STNL Retail Space

01:08:24 Challenges and Surprises as a Founder

01:10:11 Balancing Passion and Hard Work

01:11:25 The Art of the Deal and Building Relationships

01:14:39 Advice for Aspiring Professionals

01:24:10 Networking and Professional Growth

01:35:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections