Icons of DC Area Real Estate

By John CoeBusiness Education History Careers

Icons of DC Area Real Estate episodes

December 01, 2025 Evan Goldman-Building EYA’s Enduring Legacy (#143)
Bio: Executive VP of Acquisitions and Development and part-owner at EYA. MBA from Wharton, Environmental Psychology training from Cornell. Led Pike & Rose development at Federal Realty before joining EYA to continue Bob Youngentob's vision.
EYA's Evolution [00:00:01-00:06:31]: Goldman became EVP when he and partners became part-owners. Recent passing of Founder Bob Youngentob, who created sustainable long-term transition plan five years before illness. Goldman, Jack Lester, Akash Thakkar, and McLean Quinn are four of five owners. Time split: 1/3 acquisitions, rest development, focusing on vision, economic viability, and implementation. Core business remains townhomes (3-10 acre sites with high entitlement barriers), but dramatically expanded into commercial mixed-use, master planning, and substantial multifamily practice over 15 years.
Origin & Education [00:09:34-00:23:45]: Grew up in Suffern, NY in economically unstable household with gambling father (Atlantic City trips as "vacations"). Turned to drawing/sketching houses as outlet and coping mechanism. Early hotel exposure sparked design fascination. Attended Cornell's Design Environmental Analysis program combining interior architecture with Environmental Psychology—studying how spaces psychologically affect people (McDonald's loud, hard-seated quick-turnover design vs. fine dining comfort). Small 11-person cohort provided mentorship and stability.
Career Journey [00:23:45-00:35:48]: BBGM architecture firm → Mandarin Hotel competition (Tishman Speyer) loss convinced him developers drive key decisions → Russian Tea Room $30M renovation as VP of Design at 26 under perfectionist Warner LeRoy (briefly fired, then brought back with scholarship) → Wharton MBA → Tishman Speyer → Holiday Corp → Federal Realty. Advice for young professionals: Get lots of "reps" on different projects early. Leverage your strengths while staying multidisciplinary enough to ask right questions. Be bold, take calculated risks, "go first"—don't wait for permission.
Pike & Rose [00:44:48-01:13:01]: Led Federal Realty's 24-acre Mid-Pike Plaza transformation (original Toys R Us site). Massive entitlement: 29M sq ft approved required 80+ community meetings in one year. Hired political organizers (Dewey Square) to combat opposition and build support through polling and targeted outreach. 2008 recession required phased approach with interim and ultimate plans. Collaboration with Don Wood, Street Works, Sandy Clinton, Paula Reese balanced vision with economics using Federal Realty's corporate debt advantage. Key insight: Retail knowledge and street-level activity are foundation for best mixed-use projects. Created Project Visioning Committee (PVC) meeting bi-weekly for Bob Youngentob knowledge transfer to next generation, ensuring design rigor. Goldman frequently asks "What would Bob do?"
Key EYA Projects [01:18:55-02:37:01]: Montgomery Row: IBM office-to-residential in Rock Spring Park office park. Strathmore Square: Holy Cross Seminary partnership, first geothermal trial. McMillan Reservoir: 15-year effort with JAIR Lynch/Trammell Crow, city handled historic sand filtration restoration, 20-30% affordable housing, overcame legal challenges from external opponents. Graham Park Plaza: Loehman's Plaza retail conversion to attainable smaller townhomes (14-foot units at $600-650K). Robinson Landing: High-end Old Town Alexandria waterfront condos ($1,000+/sq ft), became largest archaeological dig on Eastern Seaboard after discovering three Revolutionary War ships—14-month work stoppage, $7M+ archaeology costs. Providence Reimagined: 25-acre hospital site requiring $30M demolition and complex utility replacement for operating medical office buildings.
Competitive Edge: In-house construction company provides pricing structure competitors lack. Willing to take entitlement risk others avoid. 30-year track record: only one failed entitlement of 50+ projects. Never closes on land until fully entitled. Programmatic relationship with Bernstein Management Company (8 years) for townhome equity. Targets distressed suburban office/retail for residential conversion.
Civic & Personal [02:37:01-02:44:06]: 2012 Livable Communities Leadership Award for Pike & Rose. Coalition for Smarter Growth advocate. ULI vice chair, chair of mission advancement, involved in Future Forum on regional collaboration. Family priority: wife Amy (investments), three kids in Adams Morgan. Charitable focus: Jewish community (JCC board, Jewish Federation, Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School). Hockey coach/team manager for son's travel team.
Billboard Message [02:35:58]: "That house you love, the coffee shop, farmers market, grocery store, office—all brought to you by your neighborhood developer." Reminds public development creates the spaces we live in, including parks and playgrounds. Advocates viewing development as ecosystem, working collaboratively vs. demonizing industry, which hinders affordable housing and infrastructure progress.

2 hr 40 min
November 24, 2025Gerald Divaris - The Generalist CEO: Vertical Integration and the Art of Retail Development (#142)
Gerald Divaris is Chairman and CEO of the Divaris Group, a vertically integrated commercial real estate enterprise. Co-founded Divaris Real Estate (DRE) in Cape Town, South Africa (1974), relocating to Virginia Beach (1981). DRE manages 40M+ sq ft across 15-16 U.S. cities. Visionary behind Town Center of Virginia Beach. Inducted into Hampton Roads Business Hall of Fame (2024).
Company Strategy and Structure
Primary Focus [3:25] CEO responsibilities center on exceeding client expectations, ensuring cohesive teamwork embodying company ethos, and platform growth.
National Operations [4:20] Maintains standards across 15-16 cities through personal CEO visits (monthly/bi-monthly) and "Principal in Charge" in each office embodying firm philosophy.
Employee Model [6:24] Unlike industry peers, DRE agents are salaried/on draw vs. independent contractors, ensuring clients receive controllable service rather than commission-driven behavior [7:50].
Vertical Integration [8:55] Retail deeply engrained from family retailer background. Development's longer lead time/higher risk suits stable employee model. Retail is "glue" in mixed-use developments, providing street-level vibrancy attracting office/residential tenants.
Realty Resources Network [12:09] Provides national platform of best-in-class local brokerages for seamless nationwide service. Smaller engaged networks led by "deal junkies" [17:23] outperform large publicly-traded firms with heavy infrastructure costs.
Management [19:32] "Overbalanced on corporate infrastructure" using salaried professional managers, freeing deal-makers to "lead by example."
Origins and Generalist Philosophy
African Origins [22:14] Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), moved business to Virginia Beach 1981. Smaller South African economy created "generalist" approach [24:22] across product types—essential for mixed-use development.
Retail Family Background [27:21] Greek merchant family from Cephalonia [28:44] owned department stores, liquor stores, groceries. Started working age 10 [30:01], learning customer assessment and merchandising strategy.
Art of Retail [32:45] Store deployment is art, not science. Placemaking engages all human senses—family's florist shops used tuberose scent near door [37:28] to pull customers inside. Experiential retail critical [42:23]—Barnes & Noble survived Amazon through "storytelling" and reading experiences.
III. Town Center of Virginia Beach
Opportunity [45:24] Virginia Beach: largest Virginia city by population but lacked CBD. Strong economy, tourism, minimal national broker competition. "Rough diamond" with suburban sprawl needing heart and soul.
Military Economy [50:40] Hampton Roads houses NATO headquarters, major cyber command, world's largest naval base. Demographics underreported 28% [59:41] due to "hidden economy"—young military retirees with full pensions, free medical, VA loans not counted in salary reports.
Mixed-Use Success [55:31] Town Center became city's "heart and soul," attracting institutions. Westin (40 stories) is Virginia's tallest structure—iconic landmark.
TIF Financing [1:21:10] Public entities own parking garages, Performing Arts Center, roads. Funded through TIF (Tax Increment Financing) above 1999 baseline. Changed city charter (1980s) to permit financing. Free parking key to walkability/density success.
Post-COVID Growth
50th Anniversary & Expansion [1:04:03] DRE celebrated 50 years (2024). Stayed open throughout COVID [1:04:31], viewing it as opportunity. Acquired McGarey Group (entertainment/sports development expertise) [1:08:15].
D.C. Market [1:09:05] Greater Washington expansion (May 2024) services Northern Virginia requirements. D.C. presence legitimizes national platform internationally.
Repositioning Strategy [1:13:38] Key: determining if market changed—population shifts, neighborhood relevance. Examples: Tampa mall to back-office space; Newport News mall to shipyard engineering offices [1:16:23].
Omnichannel [1:18:29] Stores as showrooms. Pottery Barn/West Elm use in-store terminals/design professionals. Ikea [57:46]: predetermined route + food/entertainment. Lego: experiential with finished models.
Office Amenities [1:23:02] Real estate as recruitment/retention tool. Class A++ with communal gyms, conference rooms, function spaces. Mixed-use convenience: "live, work, play."
Philosophy and Legacy
Longevity [1:31:53] DRE celebrated 50 years (2024). Longevity (employees up to 47 years) cultivated through "practice what you preach" [1:32:04]—demonstrating hard work, never accepting "no" as final answer.
Civic Leadership [1:33:13] Central Business District Association involvement essential for understanding community and better customer service.
Alex Divaris Legacy [1:34:41] Honors late son Alexander (passed age 40 from cancer) through internship program starting at high school level.
Billboard Message [1:35:00] "Love life. Don't hesitate. Think positive." [1:35:42] Emphasizes U.S. as country of opportunity achievable through hard work and positive focus.
Contact: [email protected]
1 hr 37 min
November 05, 2025 Beyond the Building: Jason Bonnet on Collaboration, Culture, and Community (#141)
Bio
Jason Bonnet is Chief Development Officer at Essen, a next-generation development firm. Previously led East Coast Commercial Development for Brookfield Properties ($7B pipeline) and Forest City Realty Trust. Career spans $5B+ development: 4,000+ multifamily units, 1M sf office, 500K+ sf retail. Started Bonnet Development post-UNC. USC MRed, Harvard Business School alumnus.
Key Discussion Points
[00:00:09-00:04:24] Introduction: Background with Forest City, Brookfield, founding Esen.
[00:04:59-00:09:33] Esen Overview: Team of former Forest City/Brookfield executives. Large-scale mixed-use focus, 5,000+ unit pipeline across NY metro, Southeast, Midwest. Lead project: $1.5B Jersey City waterfront (2-3% vacancy, strong demand, Manhattan views, PATH access).
[00:09:55-00:14:01] Early Life: Silver Spring upbringing on Queen Anne's Drive. Father: electrical subcontractor (construction exposure). Mother: Fortune 100 HR executive (negotiation skills). Film production aspirations (Stanley Kubrick) led to real estate. Springbrook High School, UNC.
[00:17:00-00:23:42] Bonnet Development & Pivot: Started company post-dot-com doing Shaw rowhouse conversions (sub-$2M projects). Partnership accounting dispute taught fiduciary responsibility, when to settle vs. litigate. ULI mentorship (Marcel Acosta) led to USC MRed for institutional scale jump.
[00:31:57-00:44:17] Forest City & The Yards: Joined 2011 via mentors Stan Ross, Brian Jones. Debby Ratner Salzberg valued entrepreneurial spirit. 48-acre Southeast DC mixed-use. P4 partnership (DC, GSA, Navy). Eleanor Holmes Norton championed waterfront access. Complex brownfield remediation - Forest City as government agent. Lessons: team collaboration, coalesced vision, passion. DC renaissance period - competitive but collegial, rising tide lifts all boats.
[00:48:17-00:57:26] Yards Development Strategy: Creating neighborhood not just place. Flexible entitlements framework. Retail strategy: Blue Jacket Brewery opened before Harris Teeter - people knew brewery before "The Yards" name. Chef Michael White's Osteria Morini gave legitimacy. Ice Cream Jubilee (attorney turned businesswoman) first location. Attention to detail, patience choosing tenant partners, commitment to long-term success. Retail foundation critical - most complex, detail-oriented real estate sector.
[00:59:18-01:06:43] San Francisco Projects: Led 5M (Fifth & Mission) and Pier 70 after Brookfield acquisition. Biggest difference: intense NIMBYism - sometimes no win-win possible. CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) extends entitlements 8-10 years via traffic study challenges. 5M took 10+ years. Pier 70: fastest California entitlement approval in history via transparency, over-communication, hundreds of community meetings, port authority partnership alignment.
[01:09:18-01:13:50] Scale & Affordability Philosophy: Density builds economy of scale, feeds project economics. More eyes on the ground plane = vibrancy, security, safety. Dynamic public realm. Scale enables affordable housing financially - a difficult concept for government officials. Yards success: Due South restaurant server qualified for 50% AMI unit next door, living and working in community - very rewarding outcome.
[01:17:11-01:26:30] Esen Formation & Values: Started during down cycle - ideal timing. Small, quick, nimble vs. legacy companies. Entrepreneurial spirit, institutional pedigree. Creative solutions. Team of teams, flat organization: CEO Matt Elsesser (Forest City/Brookfield), CIO Dave Boillot (USC classmate), Jim Chang (Croesus Group). Core approach: transparency - one word for negotiations, relationships, partnerships. Quickly builds trust with private partners, cities. Want win-wins for all. Mixed-use not four-letter word - people always want dynamic environments.
[01:29:47-01:46:15] Design & Neuroarchitecture: Most rewarding: seeing vision executed - restaurant you negotiated 2 years prior, celebratory drink, half staff living in your building. Art essential (music, film, built environment). "Your Brain on Art" - awe, transcendence, soul in places. Neuroarchitecture: three key elements creating ambiance - LIGHT (daylighting brutalist structures, welcoming spaces, productivity), SOUND (live music, curated playlists not elevator music, elevate experience), SMELL (bakery bread, coffee roasting - can't go wrong with coffee). Placemaking: being true to place and community, inviting participation, value creation. Does this place have soul or is it soulless? Singularity of vision so strong it permeates entire process to end user.
[01:49:08-01:51:33] Personal Priorities: Family absolute priority. Health (personal, mental). Work-life balance critical - healthy home environment makes you productive at work. Giving back through mentorship - nowhere without mentors like John Coe. Always available for next generation navigating career decisions.
[01:56:56] Billboard Message: "Estoy aquí" (I am here) - reminder to be present in the moment with others.

1 hr 59 min
October 22, 2025 Diane and Victor Hoskins - 1 + 1 = 5: Collaboration as Catalyst (#140)
Two of the Washington region’s most influential leaders—architect Diane Hoskins and economic-development visionary Victor Hoskins—share the story of parallel careers that converge around one principle: collaboration compounds impact.
From Chicago’s skyline to the Amazon HQ2 deal, from design constraints to billion-dollar surpluses, the Hoskins demonstrate how empathy, partnership, and systems-level thinking can reshape cities and careers. Their joint mantra—
“Get wisdom, and with all that getting, get understanding.”
—anchors a conversation that’s equal parts master class and love story.
Chapter Markers
Time
Segment
Highlights
00 : 00 – 02 : 20
Introduction
John Coe frames the series and today’s guests.
02 : 21 – 03 : 46
Roots & Creative Upbringing
Diane on Chicago’s architecture and her mother’s artistry.
03 : 47 – 06 : 55
First-Gen Philanthropy
The Hoskins on giving back to education.
07 : 00 – 08 : 33
Dartmouth Decision
Challenge as catalyst for growth.
09 : 11 – 11 : 39
Negotiating Across the Table
MIT-trained empathy in public–private deals.
12 : 01 – 24 : 53
Diane’s Arc: SOM → Olympia & York → Gensler
Mentorship, mega-projects, and a developer’s lens.
24 : 54 – 32 : 28
Transforming DC as Business
CityCenter DC, The Wharf, Union Market → $7.5 B investment.
32 : 41 – 35 : 45
Regionalism & Collaboration
DMV economy beyond borders.
36 : 01 – 39 : 31
Amazon HQ2 – Talent as Currency
Education beats incentives; $1 B talent pipeline.
40 : 16 – 41 : 55
Fairfax Digital Hub
7.5 K companies + 100 universities bridging skills.
42 : 07 – 47 : 20
Design Within Constraints
Amtrak Call Center → innovation through limits.
49 : 43 – 55 : 46
Workplace as Destination
Variety, neurodiversity, and WPI metrics.
57 : 03 – 59 : 53
Community in Buildings
Amenities as connection + shared spaces.
1 : 00 : 15 – 1 : 04 : 36
Cross-Disciplinary Leadership
Co-CEO model and latticework learning.
1 : 35 : 19 – 1 : 38 : 35
Partnership & Time
“Design shared geography to protect time.”
1 : 38 : 09 – 1 : 39 : 26
Baltimore Inner Harbor Vision
Legacy of Rouse & Schaefer reborn.
1 : 39 : 29 – 1 : 41 : 00
Reputation & Integrity
Habits of professionalism compound trust.
2 : 02 : 18 – 2 : 03 : 54
Longevity & Neuro-Architecture
Design for 100-year impact and human brains.
2 : 04 : 13 – 2 : 05 : 10
Mantra on the Beltway
“Get wisdom… get understanding.”
2 : 05 : 10 – 2 : 06 : 32
Final Reflections
Learning across industries to create lasting value.
2 hr 9 min
September 20, 2025Ronnie Gibbons- A Builder's Journey into Real Estate Development (#139)
BIO

Ronnie Gibbons is the Senior Vice President of Development at Carmel Partners, where he leads the DC region for development and investments. His responsibilities encompass sourcing new opportunities, evaluating market feasibility, structuring transactions, and overseeing the entire execution process, while also supporting asset management and collaborating closely with the construction team. Carmel Partners, a vertically integrated firm, specializes in development, asset management, investments, and self-performing construction.

With over 15 years of experience in multi-family residential, mixed-use, retail, and commercial development, Ronnie brings extensive expertise. He holds a Master's degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University (with a finance focus) and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Maryland.

Before joining Carmel Partners in 2018, Ronnie served as Development Director at Monument Realty and held various roles at Foulger-Pratt, including superintendent and project manager on projects such as the Silver Spring Transit Center. He began his career building houses for Ryan Homes.

Ronnie has spearheaded significant projects like the Annex on 12th conversion in downtown Washington and the Wardman Park development, a massive 867-unit project that repurposed a bankrupt hotel site. His approach to development, influenced by his blue-collar upbringing, emphasizes risk mitigation, feasibility, and considering the end-user. He is also passionate about sustainable building practices.

Key Discussion Points
Current Role [7:35-9:09]
Leads DC development and investments for Carmel Partners
Focuses on pursuits: sourcing opportunities, evaluating deals
Both development and value-add acquisitions
Works closely with vertically integrated construction team
Background Journey [9:20-17:00]
Born/raised Frederick, MD - fourth generation
Father: 40-year maintenance worker at Parkside condos in Bethesda
Mother: ran home daycare
First job at 14: collecting newspapers/magazines at father's property
Blue-collar upbringing emphasized education, work ethic, service to others
Career Evolution [17:00-25:00]
Started Ryan Homes (2005-2008) building houses - 40 homes to 1 during recession
Foulger-Pratt: 5 years construction (Silver Spring Transit Center), 5 years development
Georgetown Masters during recession positioned for recovery
Monument Realty (2 years): learned calculated risk-taking from Michael Darby
Company Comparisons [27:53-32:00]
Foulger-Pratt: Focused on financing partnerships, self-performed construction
Monument: Higher risk tolerance, optimistic approach, extensive experience base
Carmel: Intensive team approach, data science, thorough investment committee process
Major Projects
Annex on 12th [42:24-49:04]: 100-year GSA building conversion, 560 units, historic preservation, complicated utilities/Metro tunnel proximity
The Hail [49:16-51:40]: 500-unit NOMA ground-up, maximized density, smaller efficient units
Wardman Park [51:58-1:08:00]: 867 units, bankrupt hotel site, 9-12 acres, two buildings with resort amenities
Wardman Details [55:13-1:17:00]
Bankruptcy auction acquisition, by-right zoning
Honored historic Wardman Tower, created private courtyard
Two buildings: Aire (larger units, 3BR) vs Zephyr (studios, smaller)
4 pools total, 55K sq ft amenities, studios to 1800+ sq ft penthouses
Led Silver LEED, 90% material recycling
Market Insights [1:17:42-1:22:00]
DC underestimated due to political noise - fundamentally strong city
Data science department provides behavioral analysis across submarkets
Very low new inventory coming online - near zero within year
Region defined as close to major Metro, up to Frederick/Loudoun
Advice for Young Professionals [1:29:14-1:30:26]
No shortcuts - only hard work and learning from others
Want success for people around you - if not, change environments
Learn from everyone, including those with less experience
Best learning comes from doing the work
Personal Philosophy [1:30:51-1:37:02]
Family first (wife, 5-year-old daughter)
Parents modeled service orientation and work ethic
Work/family unity rather than balance
Currently focused on emptying tank for Carmel Partners
Billboard Message [1:36:17] "When things get grim, be the reaper." - Patrick Mahomes quote about performing under pressure.
Resources:

Ronnie Gibbons LinkedIn
Carmel Partners
Aerie Apartments
Zephyr Apartments
1 hr 39 min
August 26, 2025Jamie Weinbaum: Beyond the Transaction (#138)
Bio
Jamie Weinbaum is President & CEO of Horning, overseeing operations, development, and strategic planning. Previously Executive VP at MidCity (4M sf pipeline), COO at Ditto Residential, development executive at JBG Smith, Director of DC Office of Zoning, and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Former ULI Washington chair. JD from GW Law, BA from Wake Forest.
Key Discussion Points
Career Pivot from Law [00:00-13:17]
Childhood passion for built environment - sketching houses, playing with Legos
2006 revelation with wife: "what you do 9am-7pm doesn't really do it for me"
Marrying passions with profession leads to happier life and more successful career
Started Atlanta home renovations as side hustle while practicing law
Real Estate Entry via AJ Jackson [13:17-25:42]
AJ Jackson instrumental in first development job at EYA in 2007
Developer as "conductor of the orchestra" - coordinating subject matter experts
Ownership side vs. consultant preference: "you're part of the story for years"
2008 downturn layoff after 9 months confirmed industry passion
DC Government Leadership [25:42-37:33]
Became Director of Office of Zoning under Mayor Fenty administration
Crash course in leadership: humility, listening, bringing people along
Technology focus: converting paper zoning maps to online GIS resources
"Level the playing field" philosophy for residents
JBG Development Experience [37:33-51:30]
2011-2014: Twin Brook metro projects, Fort Totten Square (Walmart mixed-use)
Risk mitigation and preserving optionality as core JBG principles
Investment committee meetings: "nobody held back" - heated debates
Real estate development requires communication, analytics, design
Family Business Philosophy [51:30-1:05:15]
Hired business coach specializing in family companies at MidCity
Role as fiduciary working on behalf of family to accomplish their aims
Alignment between personal values and family mission critically important
Multi-generational companies face unique succession challenges
Horning Strategy & Amazon Partnership [1:05:15-1:20:45]
"Mission-driven for profit" organization focused on affordable housing
Plaza Towers acquisition: Amazon Housing Equity Fund + 99-year affordability covenant
Creative financing: Freddie primary debt + Amazon below-market mezzanine
Locks in affordability for 288 units at 80% AMI in gentrifying Hyattsville
Development Challenges [1:20:45-1:35:20]
901 Monroe/Ravenna: 25-year timeline for 230-unit project due to appeals
Ground-up development "really, really tough environment" in DC region
Acquisition at below replacement cost preferred over new construction
Advocates sometimes oppose affordable housing projects intended to help residents
Personal Integration Philosophy [1:35:20-1:48:30]
"Integration" not "balance" - career, family, community as separate cups
Each cup must be tended individually - one full cup can't fill others
Striving for peace and wholeness across all life dimensions
Market Outlook [1:48:30-2:05:00]
Federal surplus property disposal could create "next wharf" opportunity
Independence Avenue to Wharf corridor: extraordinary development potential
Need bipartisan political consensus for multi-year development projects

Resources:

https://www.horningdc.com/
2 hr 14 min
August 04, 2025 Len Forkas: Everest, HopeCam and Business Insights
Bio
Len Forkas is founder/CEO of Milestone Towers, a digital infrastructure company building wireless towers on public lands for over 25 years. Adventure athlete who completed the Seven Summits (becoming 5th oldest globally), Race Across America winner, and non-profit founder of Hopecam.org, a charity supporting children with cancer. Author of leadership books drawing from extreme sports experiences.

Key Discussion Points

Everest Achievement & 2023 Failure Lessons [0:50-16:00]
Key Moment: Len Forkas completed the Seven Summits after a 2023 Everest failure due to pulmonary complications
Business Lesson: Deconstructing every decision that led to the failure and meticulous preparation are crucial. Forkas dedicated a year to preparation, including weightlifting, trekking with a 50-lb pack, climbing in Indonesia & Ecuador and hypoxic sleep training

Crevasse Incident & Systems Validation [33:00-36:00]
Key Moment: After a successful summit, Forkas fell into a 70-foot crevasse at 27,000 feet while descending to the South Col.
Business Lesson: The importance of safety systems and meticulous preparation. His polar expedition training saved his life.

Hopecam Growth & Impact [36:00-51:00]
Key Moment: Hopecam doubled its applications from 500 to 1,000 children annually post-COVID and grew hospital partnerships from 60 to 180 in five years. 70% of Hopecam students attend title one schools.
Business Lesson: Viewing sponsors as "investors" in mental health outcomes created by the nonprofit rather than as a traditional donors.

Milestone Towers Business Evolution [72:00-95:00]
Key Moment: Milestone Towers rebranded from Milestone Communications to reflect its real estate asset focus
Business Lesson: Strategic niche and barriers to entry protect competitive advantage. AI is optimizing existing equipment efficiency, and use of 5G networks has not hit full stride. Difficult to entitle locations have the highest value for both the tower owner and wireless carriers.
Leadership Philosophy [114:00-125:00]
Key Moment: Len Forkas' son Matt joined the company after five years of external experience 15.
Business Lesson: Trust and preparation are essential for success in both business and extreme sports. Letting team members own and solve problems is crucial
Next challenge: North Pole expedition, but prioritizing family and team presence for now.
RESOURCES:
https://www.lenforkas.com/
https://coeenterprises.com/podcast/len-forkas-renaissance-man-33/
What Spins The Wheel: https://www.amazon.com/What-Spins-Wheel-Leadership-Lessons/dp/0996096906?sr=8-2
Cold Hard Truth: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Hard-Truth-Special-Color-ebook/dp/B09VDY69FC?sr=8-1
https://www.hopecam.org/
https://youtu.be/D6qjcwEVQYc

1 hr 34 min
July 16, 2025Hilary Goldfarb: Building the Future
Bio
Hilary Allard Goldfarb is Senior Managing Director and Head of Development for Mid-Atlantic at Rockefeller Group. Native Washingtonian, Princeton graduate, Harvard Urban Planning master's. Previously at Bozzuto Development and ProMark Real Estate. Active in ULI, Federal City Council, Economic Club.
Key Discussion Points
Rockefeller Group Role [00:00-08:38]
Leads D.C. office overseeing development, acquisitions, design, financing
Diverse portfolio: multifamily, industrial, office, mixed-use including "catalytic trophy product"
National platform empowers regional creativity without product ideology
Six regional directors nationally focused on "most compelling deals"
Career Journey [10:01-27:17]
Driven by excellence, hard work, integrity
Strong Japanese investor relations (Mitsubishi affiliates) - visits every 2-3 weeks
Focus on diversity, collaboration, creative problem-solving
"World's greatest colleagues" - no palace politics
Native Washingtonian, Garrett Park/Montgomery County roots
Princeton (with twin brother Nate), Harvard Urban Planning
Corcoran Gallery experience during Frank Gehry expansion
Started at ProMark (Metro-adjacent development with Eisinger family)
Joined Bozzuto (Crown Farm, Chevy Chase Lake projects - met Toby at dentist)
Recruited to Rockefeller Group in 2018 to "start a business" - said no multiple times initially
Major Projects [29:00-53:00]
Boro Tower, Tysons: 437k sq ft trophy office with Meridian Group, stabilized occupancy
1901 L Street NW: First WELL-certified office building in D.C., focus on energy efficiency and tenant experience
600 Fifth Street NW: $375M downtown redevelopment of former Metro HQ, only new office under construction in D.C., 400k sq ft, 50% pre-leased to Crowell & Moring, historic site of DC's first synagogue and Metro's money vault
Port 460 Logistics: 5M sq ft industrial development near Port of Virginia with Matan Companies, leveraging port-centric expertise
Industry Insights [57:00-70:00]
Bullish on D.C.'s resilience despite current challenges, believes in long-term competitive advantages
$2.3B pipeline includes three trophy office, three industrial, two multifamily projects
Development strategy: develop, stabilize, sell (not long-term hold)
Emphasizes placemaking and BID efforts for downtown vitality
Values partnerships over going solo - "sum is greater than its parts"
Company Culture [1:02:19-1:03:43]
Driven by excellence, hard work, integrity
"World's greatest colleagues" - no palace politics
Focus on diversity, collaboration, creative problem-solving
Advice & Personal Philosophy [1:18:25-1:25:05]
Billboard message: "Hard work gets noticed and beats luck, coincidence, and favors" - her father Nick Allard's adage. Work-life integration rather than balance - children visit construction sites, color plan sets, know her colleagues. Active in ULI (chairs Federal City Council Developer Roundtable), Economic Club.
1 hr 27 min
July 01, 2025Evan Regan-Levine on Real Estate's Trifecta of Design, Data & Communication
Bio
Evan Regan-Levine is Chief Strategy Officer at JBG Smith, shaping investment approaches through data analytics, strategic initiatives, and investor relations. Key role in National Landing transformation and Amazon HQ2. Previously JLL research analyst and Monday Properties Associate. Georgetown Political Science graduate who pivoted from law school track to real estate after art professor suggested architecture.
Key Discussion Points
Strategic Priorities [3:06-8:35]
National Landing transformation beyond Amazon: residential, retail, infrastructure
Capital allocation focus: maximizing NAV per share for JBGS, targeted acquisitions
Leveraging permanent capital as public company vs. fund life cycles
Career Journey [8:47-32:23]
Academic family: law professor father, first-grade teacher mother
Georgetown, planned law school until real estate internship in Pittsburgh
JLL research exposed him to all verticals: investment sales, leasing, development
In 2013, he joined JBG as research associate working for Matt Kelly
Investment committee exposure from day one with industry veterans
Real Estate Philosophy [20:08-26:00] Success requires: communication, analytics, design
Design undervalued but critical - example: functional dryer vents vs. beautiful facades
Market research informs decisions - Amazon focus groups changed architecture
Multifamily as consumer product requiring research like cars/phones
Hospitality mindset essential across all property types
Crystal Park One [$40M Repositioning] [43:19-52:53]
300-person conference center ("hotel ballroom without hotel")
Ground floor activation with street engagement
JLL operates conference, Episcope handles Food & Beverage
Aviation theme: Constellation café, Altitude vinyl wine bar
Nooks Works partnership for classified meeting space
National Landing Strategy [37:03-43:00] "Regional mall" approach with anchors: Pentagon, Amazon (8K today, up to 38K), Virginia Tech
Demolished excess office, tripled street retail, added multifamily
Scale and control enables neighborhood-wide placemaking investments
Amazon Return-to-Office [78:35-87:00]
Five-day mandate positive: apartment leasing, foot traffic increases
Office demand permanently lower but utilization shifting toward collaboration
AI may reduce heads-down work, increase collaborative importance
Investment Philosophy [95:22-103:33]
Structure deals for maximum optionality when volatility hits
Investment committee discipline: anyone can veto deals
Public company permanent capital allows long-term vision execution
Virginia Tech Impact [103:33-107:04]
Produces clearable talent for defense technology sector
Technology transfer creates university spin-offs
Helps retain engineering talent historically exported from region
Community Impact [116:19-122:33]
Leo Impact Capital: for-profit affordable housing fund
Policy engagement on innovation districts
Scale enables transformative community investments
Personal [127:17-140:02]
Automotive enthusiast with garage lifts for restoration
BMW M3s, Porsche 911 favorites
Professional networking through car connections
Air and Space Museum supporter
JBG Future [140:02-145:33]
Constants: change and people-focused culture
Merit-based advancement: anyone can lead company
13-year relationships with core team
Billboard Message [145:33] Placing on National Landing: "The future is built here" - greatest concentration of innovation and national security.
Related Episodes:
Matt Kelly
Moina Banerjee
AJ Jackson
1 hr 56 min
June 09, 2025Catherine Buell- Designing Communities for Longevity and Connection (#134)
Catherine Buell is founder of Wellness Real Estate Innovations. Previously director of Amazon Housing Equity Fund, president/CEO of Atlanta Housing Authority, chair of DC Historic Preservation Review Board, and executive director of St. Elizabeth's East Campus Redevelopment. Harvard Kennedy School Loeb Fellow.
(00:00) Introduction to second interview. Former Amazon Housing Equity Fund director, Atlanta Housing CEO, Harvard Kennedy School Loeb Fellow.
(03:14) New company Wellness Real Estate Innovations - bringing wellness real estate solutions to diverse urban audiences at intersection of health and housing.
(03:42) Personal motivation: mother's dementia/loneliness during COVID highlighted lack of aging options even in expensive continuum care facilities.
(05:33) Philosophy: housing is healthcare and building with care. Traditional housing continuum has cracks - expensive senior housing, limited diverse options. Beautiful places impact how you feel through social connection, walkability, vibrancy.
(09:05) Amazon lessons: Corporate investments influence markets but can't solve entire spectrum. Healthcare organizations increasingly investing in affordable housing targeting high-cost patients. Innovation gap for aging demographic - need co-housing, shared living, wellness communities.
(15:23) Combat loneliness through intentional community design - new urbanist model plus different housing types, oversized green spaces, shared amenities for organic connection.
(17:06) Alternative models: co-housing, shared living, ADUs. PadSplit's tech approach for $27K income essential workers - streamlined access to furnished shared rooms. Shared models add people without changing community character, help aging in place.
(21:26) Key challenge: lack of documented data on wellness community benefits. Need to document outcomes from 1990s/2000s wellness communities.
(23:37) Global Wellness Institute trends:
Wellness as Infrastructure (WAI) - Bhutan mindfulness city
Wellness as Service (WAAS) - integrated cleaning, nursing, caregiving
Wellness ROI (WROI) - significantly higher returns
Longevity Economy (WRELE) - aging population focus
(27:38) Gap: middle-income households with $80-120K retirement income can't afford elite wellness solutions ($400K-$1M deposits), don't want to leave social networks.
(32:48) Policy needs: data on health/housing intersection, true cost of "do nothing" strategy, economic benefits. Fastest growing DC population is 55+. Loneliness epidemic costs $6.7B annually to Medicaid.
(37:20) Example: dementia village in Ward 7 - 13% of DC seniors have dementia (16% east of river). Netherlands-inspired model with store, pub, church, arts room for quality of life vs traditional memory care.
(45:02) Vision: "love villages" for all incomes/races, especially African-American women. 20-year plan for third trimester of life - staying engaged, active, socially connected.
(47:47) Advice: think outside box, start conversations at zoning stage, consider demographic shifts. Half of five-year-olds today expected to live to 100.
(50:34) Data needs: true cost of scattered-site aging approach vs building-based services. Scale understanding - seniors on fixed income ending up in homeless shelters due to high rent.
(55:05) Dream: healthcare company partnership like Amazon model. Bold investments shift markets. DC has higher income retirees as asset.
(58:02) Large-scale insights: Takes time but start somewhere. Even $2B Amazon investment wasn't enough - need everyone's resources including data, land, support, thought leadership.
(61:12) Harvard Loeb Fellowship transformative - stepped back, reflected, met amazing global innovators. Inspired by young people paying attention to details.
(63:47) Teaching role keeps energy up, learning from students exploring health/housing innovations.
(64:49) Wellness real estate as investment category: Hope integrates into all asset classes, not siloed. References "Bowling Alone" - loss of civic connections, shift to individualism. AI may increase focus on personal wellbeing.
(69:18) Asset class integration:
Hospitality: business travel community experiences, coworking spaces
Office: well building certifications, air quality, collaboration spaces
Retail: spas, fitness studios, sensory experiences, food halls as gathering spaces
(71:44) Resources: Global Wellness Institute annual real estate report, Jeremy Noble's "Project Unlonely", Ezra Klein
1 hr 26 min

About Icons of DC Area Real Estate

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An interview show with leading commercial and multifamily real estate participants in various disciplines. John Coe, a 41 year real estate finance professional, will interview many of his long time…