Bob Harris is a land use and real estate attorney with Lerch, Early and Brewer who helps landowners strategically improve the use and value of their real estate. He represents commercial, residential, and institutional landowners before planning commissions, courts, government agencies, and elected officials to obtain development approvals and protect land use rights in Montgomery County, Maryland and surrounding jurisdictions.

Leading legal guide Chambers USA describes Bob as “engaged, knowledgeable, and insightful,” and The Best Lawyers in America twice has named him Washington, DC’s Land Use & Zoning “Lawyer of the Year.” He brings extensive experience and a strategic focus to housing (multifamily, walkable infill, single family, and senior), mixed-use, office, retail, and new urbanism projects. His clients include Brookfield Office Properties, Carr Properties, EYA, Pulte Homes, GEICO, Lennar Homes, Adventist Healthcare and Tri Pointe Homes.

Bob advises and represents clients in land development and real estate, including master planning, zoning, subdivision, site plans, and special exceptions. This includes advocating in legislative matters at both local and state levels, and participating in court proceedings. He is experienced in issues like smart growth, traffic management, adequate public facilities controls, public infrastructure, mixed-use planned development, environmental issues, urban design, affordable housing, real estate taxation, and historic preservation.

Bob is a Life Director of the Maryland Building Industry Association, he holds various positions with the Urban Land Institute, and he is a former Chair of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce.

When he’s not working, Bob, who was raised in Montgomery County, enjoys being outdoors. He is an avid skier, and has been to more than 40 resorts in five different countries. He also plays golf, bikes and is learning to the play the guitar. After a workout, he takes pleasure in good food and wine; fortunately, his wife is a gourmet cook.

The Role of a Land Use Attorney (00:06:00)
Bob Harris describes his role as a land use attorney at Lerch Early and Brewer, including being a mentor and advisor to younger attorneys.

Origins and Upbringing (00:08:50)
Bob Harris talks about his blue-collar upbringing, his parents’ occupations, and the values of hard work and self-sufficiency that he learned from them.

Working Hard and Early Jobs (00:10:20)
Bob Harris discusses his early jobs, including being a waiter and an apprentice carpenter, and the importance of hard work and initiative in his life.

The college experience (00:16:00)
Bob talks about his experience paying for college and working to support himself while studying.

Interest in business law (00:18:30)
Bob discusses his fascination with business law and contracts during his college years.

Transition to law school (00:22:30)
Bob shares how his sister’s decision to apply to law school inspired him to pursue a legal career, despite initially not being a great student in college.

The Socratic Method (00:30:30)
Describes the Socratic method of teaching in law school and its impact on critical thinking and research skills.

Challenging a Professor (00:32:20)
Shares a story about challenging a professor in law school by using information from his own brief, highlighting the importance of research and critical thinking.

Joining Wilkes Artis (00:39:30)
Explains how the speaker joined Wilkes Artis law firm and opened a new office in Bethesda, specializing in zoning and land use law.

The history of zoning law (00:43:40)
Bob Harris talks about how he found his passion for zoning law and its role in shaping the future.

Working with creative developers (00:44:45)
Bob Harris discusses his involvement in various projects, including the Chevy Chase Bank headquarters building and Fallsgrove community.

The Fallsgrove project (00:46:30)
Bob Harris shares his experience working on the Fallsgrove project, where he advised clients on purchasing and developing the property, resulting in the construction of 1500 homes.

The Land Use Attorneys in Montgomery County (00:56:45)
Discusses the market for land use attorneys in DC and how it differs in Montgomery County.

The Legacy of Linowes and Blocher (00:59:15)
Talks about the history and significance of the land use firm Linowes and Blocher in Montgomery County.

The Importance of Living in the Client’s Shoes (01:04:20)
Explains the mindset and approach of a successful land use attorney, emphasizing the need to understand and advocate for the client’s perspective.

Negotiating with Different Parties (01:07:45)
Bob Harris discusses the importance of negotiation in land use cases, including negotiating with opposition, clients, and different perspectives.

Challenges in Real Estate Law (01:10:30)
The biggest challenges in real estate law today, and Harris discusses the complexity and burden of current zoning ordinances and regulations.

The Land Use Approval Process (01:14:30)
Bob Harris explains the land use approval process in Montgomery County, including the countywide master plan and the comprehensive plans that have been developed over the years. He also discusses the challenges of overly restrictive regulations and the importance of flexibility for clients.

The relationship with clients and the importance of building relationships with decision-makers (01:19:00)
Bob Harris discusses the importance of maintaining client relationships and building relationships with decision-makers in the industry.

Lessons learned from a failed case and a zoning law change (01:28:00)
Bob Harris shares two stories about experiences that taught him important lessons in his career, including the importance of dispelling rumors and the ability to change laws for one’s benefit.

The vision behind the Bethesda Row project (01:33:58)
Bob Harris discusses the unique vision behind the Bethesda Row project and the shift towards street front retail in the industry.

The zoning ordinance battle (01:34:41)
Discussion about a community outreach meeting to convince people about a multifamily development project and the involvement of real estate developer, Ben Jacobs.

Changing the law for height restrictions (01:35:52)
The use of the “helipad principle” to change the zoning law and allow for increased height in the project area.

The importance of organizations and community involvement (01:38:27)
The speaker’s active participation in various organizations, including board memberships and real estate organization leadership, for visibility, personal satisfaction, and business opportunities.

The commitment to work and giving back (01:45:45)
Bob Harris discusses his dedication to his work, the challenges and rewards he enjoys, and his commitment to giving back through scholarships and internships.

Inspiring underprivileged students (01:47:30)
Bob Harris talks about the internship program he set up for underprivileged students, where they get an insight into the world of construction and are inspired to achieve.

Advice to his 25-year-old self (01:49:00)
Bob Harris reflects on his younger years and advises his 25-year-old self to be smarter and start his career earlier, while also teasing about the stupid things he did.

Billboard Sign (1:49:20)
Bob actually posted a sign on the Capital Beltway when he was in high school: A “Go Gonzaga, Beat St. John’s” sign

Matthew Pestronk is co-founder of Post Brothers, a real estate investment, development and management company with singular and unique expertise in urban real estate development. Matthew serves as President of the company, engaged in the sponsorship of 40 Class-A multifamily, mixed-use and retail development projects comprised of over 8,000 units that are operating, under development or disposed plus, over 700K sf of office and retail space, with a total capitalized cost in excess of $4 billion. Matthew shares strategic leadership of the company with his brother, Michael, and is engaged in asset management, financing, and project and capital formation. Matthew has worked in real estate capital transactions for his entire 20+-year career and was a real estate financing executive in New York City prior to forming Post Brothers. Matthew is also very active in his community serving as trustee of Washington D.C.’s Federal City Council and a director of Pennsylvania’s Regional Olympic Training Center plus has board service experience for multiple charitable organizations including the Federal City Council of Washington, D.C., the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, Beat the Streets Philadelphia, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and is the Immediate past Chair of Jewish Federation Real Estate.

John Coe & David Orr

David Orr, founder and Chairman of Orr Partners, possesses 40 years of experience and has been involved in over 20 million square feet of construction projects. Mr. Orr began his career with one of the world’s largest construction companies, Morse Diesel, where he oversaw projects in New York City such as the Park Lane Hotel in Central Park South and 88 Pine Street.

After relocating back to the Washington, DC area, Mr. Orr was hired by Marriott International to supervise construction of Marriott Headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Subsequently, Mr. Orr gained additional experience with Richmarr Construction and as Partner for Lee Sammis Associates, where he directed their Washington, DC offices and managed the development of 14 master planned office parks.

In 1988, Mr. Orr founded David Orr Associates, the predecessor to Orr Partners, which has grown to be one of the Washington metropolitan area’s top development and project management firms. In 2006, Orr Partners was named to the Washington Business Journal’s Top 10 commercial real estate developers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Orr Partners has established a reputation for providing all of its clients with the highest quality of independent, impartial, and professional advice and project management expertise. David maintains oversight of the company’s upcoming projects and serves as Principal-in-Charge on key projects. He has been involved in over 35,000,000 SF of construction projects.

Mr. Orr leads Orr Partners development activities and also provides the firm’s clients with the highest quality of construction and project management services. He brings an extraordinary depth of expertise, creativity, and technical skills and is particularly strong in his knowledge of construction and in contract negotiation. He is recognized for a number of innovations in construction and program management including procedures with cost estimating and analysis, scheduling, contract management, and communications.

David Orr’s Role and Focus [00:05:00]
David Orr describes his role as founder and leader of Orr Partners, focusing on mentorship, strategic planning, and involvement in major transactions.

Real Estate Development and Economic Factors [00:05:30]
David Orr discusses how real estate development is influenced by macroeconomic conditions, interest rates, and customer needs.

Reducing Hard Costs in Projects [00:06:00]
David Orr talks about the challenges of handling hard costs in today’s market and shares strategies to reduce costs and gain a competitive advantage.

Origin Story [00:06:30]

David grew up in construction side of business. Grew up in Montclair, NJ. Dad worked for a general contractor in NYC. He was a laborer in NYC in high school.

Education [00:09:00]

Went to Syracuse and studied engineering and was in Air Force ROTC and did not serve. Discusses his passion for the US Navy and experiences on an aircraft carrier.

First Job [00:13:50]

Worked for Morse Diesel, a major contractor. Cited 200 Park Ave. project in NY.

Logistics of Building Large Projects [00:15:00]
Discussion on the importance of logistics in building large projects and the use of cranes.

Construction of the Empire State Building [00:16:00]
Talk about the construction of the Empire State Building in 1933 and the speed at which it was completed.

Working for Marriott and Building Headquarters [00:18:20]
Conversation about working for Marriott, developing their headquarters building, and the involvement of Jack Graves and Bill Marriott. Ed Davis, VIcki Davis’ father was his boss.

Joined Richmarr Construction [00:20:20]

Worked on several projects including Skyline project with the Charles E. Smith Company. Collapse of building there created “critical structures” programs

Joined Lee Sammis Company [00:23:30]

Worked with Joe Svatos and Mark Hassinger. Learned the development business there.

Communications, Mathematics, and Design [00:26:00]
The importance of understanding and mastering these three elements in commercial real estate.

Negotiation Skills in Real Estate Development [00:23:14]
The unique aspect of real estate development being that every aspect of it is negotiable, and the importance of becoming a skilled negotiator.

The Risk and Liquidity of Real Estate Development [00:25:12]
The risk involved in real estate development and the long time frames required for projects, as well as the illiquidity of real estate investments.

Pete Scamardo of Centennial Development approached him on a new company [00:30:50]

Pete was a mentor to him and helped him learn how to “make a living” as a developer. David bought Pete out of their business

The integrity and loan repayment [00:37:30]
David Orr discusses his integrity and commitment to repaying loans, highlighting it as a key attribute of his business.

The need for real estate projects [00:39:10]
After experiencing the collapse of the industry, David realizes the need for real estate projects and starts doing fee development and project management.

Developing a system for predictability of outcome [00:39:30]
David discusses how he developed a system that ensures predictability of outcome, on-time and on-budget, which became a pivot point for his project management business.

Teaching principles webinar [00:49:30]
David Orr discusses the upcoming webinar where they will teach proven principles and ask for payment in return.

Pivoting to project management [00:51:30]
David Orr explains how they pivoted to project management after the market meltdown in 1989 and 1990.

Leasing strategy during COVID-19 [00:55:00]
Ryan Orr’s research on advertising net effective rents and offering concessions to reinvigorate leasing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The multifamily side of the business [01:00:00]
David Orr discusses how they got started in the multifamily side of the business with a 70 unit deal on Capitol Hill.

Steel and concrete construction vs. stick built construction [01:01:00]
David Orr explains the difference between steel and concrete construction and stick built construction, and why they chose stick built for a project in Arlington.

Cutting edge technology: Mass timber [01:03:45]
David Orr discusses their exploration of mass timber construction and the potential benefits of prefabrication and efficiency in building projects.

Smart Buildings [01:06:30]

Technology innovation for buildings

Programmatic Relationship with ELV [01:11:10]

ELV from Boston reached out to them to form relationship

The relationship with United Bank [01:12:10]
David Orr discusses the company’s relationship with United Bank and how they have been a reliable source of financing for their projects.

The development of the Gulfstream relationship [01:13:15]
David Orr explains how their relationship with Gulfstream began when they built General Dynamics headquarters and how it expanded to include various projects for Gulfstream.

Building facilities for Gulfstream [01:15:30]
David Orr talks about their long-standing relationship with Gulfstream, building manufacturing facilities, R&D centers, and service centers for their jets. Built 5 million s.f. of buildings for them.

Work for Electric Boat (General Dynamics subsidiary) work [01:19:45]

The most secretive part of the military…nuclear powered submarines.

Building projects in Arlington [01:22:50]
Discussion about the long history of building projects in Arlington, including the construction of the FDIC headquarters.

Expansion into property management and interiors [01:25:45]
Explanation of how the company has expanded into property management and interiors, including the hiring of experts in those areas.

The importance of construction background in project management [01:34:20]
Construction background is considered crucial for project managers due to the intricacies and risks involved in construction projects.

Challenges faced by developers in managing construction costs [01:36:45]
Developers who lack construction knowledge often struggle with managing construction costs, leading to project delays and budget overruns.

Opportunities in the housing and industrial sectors in the DC market [01:39:15]
The future of the DC market lies in housing, particularly multifamily and single-family housing, as well as the growing demand for data centers in Prince William County.

The need for human connection and collaboration [01:45:20]
David discusses how people still have a need for human connection and collaboration, and how many companies are struggling with remote work.

Prioritizing giving back [01:46:15]
The speaker talks about how giving back is a priority for him and his wife, and how they donate to charities and encourage their employees to do the same.

The importance of integrity [01:47:30]
The speaker emphasizes the importance of integrity in shaping their culture, business, and relationships, and shares a compliment he received about his own integrity. Don’t give up!

Billboard Answer [01:49:50]

“It’s All About Your Integrity”

A third-generation builder/developer, Bob founded Buchanan Partners’ predecessor company more than 40 years ago and launched Buchanan Partners in 1998. Under Bob’s guidance, Buchanan Partners has become one of the leading full-service real estate firms in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. From its early focus on flex/industrial buildings, Buchanan is now involved in the development, ownership, and management of office, retail, industrial, residential, and large mixed-use communities. Buchanan Partners has become a trusted business partner for investors worldwide.

Bob Buchanan's Real Estate Background [00:05:00]

Bob Buchanan's Role as Founder of Buchanan Partners [00:05:22]

Bob Buchanan's Navy Experience and Language Training [00:07:45]

The Korean coast mission [00:16:20]

The surprise inspection [00:18:30]

The impact of being a Vietnam vet [00:22:30]

The delay in getting the permit [00:27:30]

Earning the trust of civic leaders [00:30:00]

Starting the Ballston Partnership [00:30:30]

The development of a relationship with Sun Oil Company [00:39:00]

Financing the acquisition in the early 1990s [00:43:00]

Bringing art into the development business [00:50:00]

Bob's attention to detail [00:51:30]

Expansion of the company [00:52:30]

Handling market downturns [00:59:45]

The uncertainty in the real estate market [01:04:20]

Company culture and partners' roles [01:05:15]

The changing dynamics of the real estate market [01:09:00]

Regarding Marriott's Corporate Headquarters- Expanding Parking and Public-Private Partnership [01:13:00]

Reality Check Program and Regional Growth [01:18:45]

Evolution of Dulles Airport and Regional Leadership [01:24:45]

Importance of Economic Development [01:28:55]

Need for regional collaboration [01:30:30]

Formation of the 2030 Group and regional thinking [01:31:30]

Lack of outreach and leadership [01:43:30]

Future of Downtown Washington [01:47:00]

Role of Matt Kelly in leading the region [01:50:45]

Need for regional analysis [01:55:30]

Importance of academic leadership in regional planning [01:57:00]

The challenge of shaking up complacency [02:05:45]

The future of technology and its impact on society [02:08:30]

Concerns about social issues and the middle class [02:10:00]

Bob's Involvement in Fairfax County's growth [02:13:30]

The mindset we need [02:16:00]

Bob's Billboard Statement: "If you are lucky enough to read this, enjoy the ride! [02:18:00]

Adventures with his wife [02:19:00]

Gary D. Rappaport, is Chief Executive Officer of Rappaport, a retail real estate company he founded in 1984. Rappaport provides leasing, tenant representation, management and development services for more than 14.7 million square feet. Rappaport’s portfolio includes more than 76 shopping centers and ground floor retail in some 115 mixed-use properties, both residential and office, located primarily throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Mr. Rappaport is Principal Partner for approximately 5 million square feet of the shopping centers managed by Rappaport.

He has made tremendous contributions to the shopping center industry as former Chairman and Trustee of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and through his service on ICSC’s Executive, Executive Compensation, Nominating, Government Relations, Long Range Planning and PAC committees. Additionally, his demonstration of a well-rounded competency of the industry earned him ICSC’s respected Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP) credential. Mr. Rappaport continues to lobby at the state and federal government levels on many issues important to the shopping center industry.

Mr. Rappaport is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience as an entrepreneur and has authored three editions of Investing in Retail Properties, which explains how to structure real estate partnerships for sharing capital appreciation and cash flow. The information contained in the book is the basis for classes he teaches for ICSC’s University of Shopping Centers and as an annual guest instructor at Syracuse, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, American and George Mason Universities as well as the University of Michigan and Georgetown Law Schools. The third edition will be published by Forbes this September. To get the first two chapters of the third edition of Investing in Retail Properties free, visit www.garyrappaport.com.

Harold Green

CEO and Ecopreneur

Mr. Green is a lifelong entrepreneur focused on developing and investing in cutting edge business solutions that embrace technology as a means to improve the performance and longevity of products or services. With youthful zeal and a lifelong creative talent to seek out new and existing challenges, Harold’s business interests have evolved from the traditional asphalt paving services started in 1976 (Chamberlain Contractors) to current day activities that include the development and manufacture of Foam Stabilizing Base at Global Resource Recyclers, Inc. and Global Emissionairy, LLC.

Robert “Bob” Cohen recently retired from Perseus-TDC (now known as Transwestern Development Company). Bob founded Perseus in 2004 after leaving Insignia ESG, a large commercial brokerage firm that was acquired at that time by CBRE. Perseus, now Transwestern, is a significant development company that has produced over 20 projects in the region totaling about 3.8MM s.f. in office, apartment, hotel and industrial space. Their most recent delivery was the Revel Apartments, a 500 unit high rise project in conjunction with a full service Marriott Hotel in NOMA. Bob began his career in 1971 with Barnes, Morris and Pardoe as a commercial broker and eventually became President of the company in 1982. Subsequently, the company acquired Long & Foster’s Commercial Division. In 1998, the company was acquired by Insignia, ESG. In 2003, CBRE acquired Insignia, ESG. Bob decided to start Perseus the next year.

Bob graduated from George Washington University with a B.A. in 1967. He currently serves as a member of the Federal City Council. He is a past member of the Board of the Public Policy School at Duke University.

As President and CEO of The Bozzuto Group, Toby Bozzuto provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for more than 3,000 employees across the country and guides future growth of Bozzuto’s homebuilding, multifamily development, construction and management divisions. Celebrating 35 years in business in 2023, Bozzuto manages 88,000 apartments and three million square feet of retail space across the U.S., has $1.2 billion in its construction pipeline and averages three development starts per year. Bozzuto has been nationally recognized as a Great Place to Work and named a Top Workplace by The Washington Post for seven consecutive years and a Top Company for Executive Women by Seramount for four consecutive years.

An active contributor to his community, Toby serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Colgate University, a member of the Board of Visitors for the Shock Trauma Center at The University of Maryland Medical Center and an executive committee member of the Policy Advisory Board for the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. He previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Gilman School and Kennedy Krieger Institute, on the National Advisory Board for ULI’s Terwilliger Center for Housing, as a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and as a gubernatorial appointee to the Maryland Health and Higher Education Facilities Authority. A regular guest lecturer at Harvard Business School, Harvard Business School Executive Education program, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Georgetown University, Cornell University, the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, Toby strives to share his insight and passion for creating community.

Toby is happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. He is an avid musician, a rare book collector and enjoys cooking for his family.