In the final episode of 2025, the microphone is flipped as Matt Sleppin appears as a guest on Lance Woods’ Fortunes of the Brave podcast. Recorded on October 16, the conversation, titled From Cowboys to Platforms, explores the evolution of the real estate industry from founder driven “Cowboy” businesses to resilient, institutional platforms. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, Matt shares insights on leadership, building enduring business platforms, and what creates meaningful and successful careers in real estate. This episode captures the core themes behind Leading Voices in Real Estate and ZRG’s work helping companies transition from founder led organizations to sustainable platforms built for long term success.

This episode of Leading Voices in Real Estate features an in-depth conversation with Don Wood, CEO and President of Federal Realty Investment Trust, one of the oldest companies in the REIT industry and the only one to raise its dividend for 58 consecutive years. Don and host Matt Slepin discuss how the REIT investor base has evolved during his tenure, the growing contrast between public REITs and private equity, and how leading REITs use joint ventures to diversify their capital.

The episode covers Federal’s 27 million square foot retail and mixed use portfolio in high income, high barrier markets and looks at the company’s value through both NAV and cash flow perspectives. They explore the unique aspects of retail real estate, including tenant strategy, placemaking, and creating destinations where people want to shop and gather. The conversation also highlights the importance of pairing a strong operating platform with a top tier portfolio.

Matt reflects on the broader retail environment during Black Friday, encourages listeners to think about their impact and leadership at this time of year, and shares plans for the podcast’s expanded global focus in 2026.

In this episode of Leading Voices in Real Estate, host Matt Slepin speaks with Jeremy Bromfman, CEO and founder of Lincoln Avenue Communities, one of the nation’s top affordable housing owners and developers. Founded in 2016, the company has quickly grown into a leading force addressing housing affordability across the country. The discussion focuses on how Jeremy thoughtfully built the organization from the ground up and his perspective on leadership in the affordable housing space.

Matt begins by reflecting on how housing has evolved from a “back page” issue to a national conversation. For most of his career, public discussion centered on government-funded low-income programs such as HUD initiatives and the long-standing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which remains a cornerstone of affordable housing finance. While current debates often focus on rent control, housing supply, and homelessness, Matt notes that these “alphabet soup” government programs continue to function effectively, even if they receive less public attention.

Matt highlights two main takeaways from the conversation with Jeremy. First, Jeremy’s intentional approach and leadership have made Lincoln Avenue Communities a major player in less than a decade. Second, while many guests have built businesses from modest beginnings, Jeremy’s story stands out for how he has used his privileged background to chart his own course and make a difference through his company’s mission.

Matt is joined by his colleague Sarah Dunn, who leads ZRG’s affordable housing search practice. As he moves toward semi-retirement, he reflects on mentoring colleagues like Sarah and invites listeners to explore more affordable housing episodes and connect with ZRG for talent and advisory needs.

In this episode of Leading Voices in Real Estate, Matt Slepin sits down with Jeffrey Hoopes, President of the West Region for Suffolk Construction to explore how the general contracting business is evolving and what it means to lead, build, and eventually pass the baton in a rapidly changing industry.

This episode marks a first: a deep dive with a senior executive from the general contracting world. Jeff shares hard-earned perspective from decades in the field, reflecting on the pace of technological adoption in construction and why meaningful change requires both context and skepticism, not just excitement for the latest shiny tool. He explains how the sector is modernizing while staying grounded in fundamentals: safety, craftsmanship, relationships, and the patient discipline required to build complex, lasting structures.

The conversation also turns deeply personal and surprisingly candid as Matt and Jeff discuss leadership transitions, retirement vs. semi-retirement, and the emotional and strategic challenges leaders face when letting go. Jeffrey offers a thoughtful look at reinvention and purpose beyond the CEO chair. Matt shares his own experience approaching “semi-retirement,” and the two explore how leaders can prepare themselves and their organizations for succession with grace, clarity, and long-term vision.

Whether you're in real estate, construction, or leadership at any stage of your career, this episode offers wisdom, laughter, and grounded insights from two industry veterans. Tune in to hear how the business of building—both structures and careers—is changing, and what it means to lead well across a lifetime.

In this episode of Leading Voices in Real Estate, we sit down with Bob Hart, Founder and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of the multifamily housing market.

Bob shares his remarkable journey from his early career at Kennedy Wilson, where he built a foundation in investment and asset management, to launching TruAmerica, now recognized as one of the largest apartment operators in the United States. His story is one of entrepreneurial vision, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of how to create long-term value in an evolving real estate landscape.

In this episode, Joe Muratore and Ryan Swehla reveal how they’re unlocking opportunities in secondary and tertiary real estate markets—areas often underestimated yet rich with potential. They push back against the misconception that only primary markets deliver results, showing how overlooked regions can provide strong, sustainable returns with the right strategy.

The conversation also highlights the critical role of partnerships. Rather than chasing every deal, they carefully align with partners who share their vision and values. This intentional approach leverages diverse expertise while maintaining unity of purpose, allowing them to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities where others might hesitate.

For investors ready to think differently, this episode is a roadmap to uncovering new frontiers.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Luke Petherbridge, CEO, and Nick Pell, President & Chief Investment Officer, of LINK Logistics, Blackstone's U.S. industrial platform.

Discover their unique perspectives on the logistics industry, investment strategies, and the future of industrial platforms. Whether you're an industry insider or just curious about the logistics world, this episode offers valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.

Resources:

Luke Petherbridge | LinkedIn

Luke Petherbridge | Bio

Nicholas Pell | LinkedIn

Nicholas Pell | Bio

Link Logistics website

Join us as we dive into the career journey of Debra Cafaro, the Chairman and CEO of Ventas. From her humble beginnings in Pittsburgh to leading one of the largest REITs, Debbie shares her insights on leadership, innovation, and the strategic decisions that have propelled Ventas to the forefront of the real estate industry.

Resources:

Debra Cafaro | LinkedIn

Debra Cafaro bio

Ventas website

Dave Reiss, Co-Founder & CEO Wunder Power, explores the profound impact of the energy transition on the commercial real estate sector and the global shifts towards sustainable energy solutions with commercial properties being at the forefront of this transformation. 

Pete Gaynor, former FEMA Administrator and President of Bright Harbor, discusses the preparedness, systems and infrastructure our country and our industry needs to effectively respond to disasters.