Leaning In

In this special live episode of Leaning In, Trademark CEO Terry Montesi is joined by returning guest and renowned economist Dr. Peter Linneman to break down what’s shaping the economic landscape as we move through 2025.

From inflation and interest rates to capital flows, consumer shifts, and real estate dynamics, Peter offers grounded insights and a healthy dose of perspective on where we’ve been—and where we may be headed.

Whether you're navigating strategy in retail, real estate, or simply trying to make sense of a volatile market, this conversation delivers clarity, not noise.

🎧 Stream now and follow Leaning In for more conversations on what’s shaping the future of commercial real estate.

The retail real estate landscape is evolving, and few people understand its intricacies better than Adam Ifshin, Founder and CEO of DLC Management. In this episode, Trademark CEO Terry Montesi sits down with Adam to discuss how value-driven open-air centers, omnichannel innovation, and institutional capital are reshaping the industry.

Adam shares insights on why open-air retail continues to outperform, how AI is poised to revolutionize retail operations, and why institutional investors are re-embracing retail real estate. He also dives into the impact of supply and demand dynamics, the future of apparel shopping, and the challenges of new development in today’s market.

With over 30 years of experience and a track record of transforming underperforming assets, Adam’s perspective offers a must-listen deep dive into where retail and retail real estate are headed.

To stay informed and hear more from top voices in the industry, subscribe to Leaning In and sign up here to be the first to know when a new episode drops!

Links:

⁠Trademark Property⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Terry on LinkedIn

Adam on LinkedIn

Topics:

(00:05:22) - DLC's Evolution and Core Values  
(00:11:48) - Investment Strategy and Market Trends  
(00:16:09) - Pandemic Impact on Retail  
(00:22:39) - Omnichannel Retail and Future Outlook  
(00:24:43) - Retailers Must Adapt or Perish  
(00:25:35) - Bankruptcy and Replacement Tenants  
(00:27:31) - The Shift to Open-Air Retail  
(00:30:40) - Consumer Behavior Post-Pandemic  
(00:32:46) - Interest Rates and Inflation Impact  
(00:36:31) - Supply and Demand in Retail Real Estate  
(00:43:23) - The Role of AI in Retail Real Estate  
(00:45:52) - Future Trends in Retail Real Estate  
(00:51:04) - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts  

The retail world is changing, and two of the biggest names in department stores—Dillard’s and Macy's—are at the forefront. In this episode, Trademark CEO Terry Montesi sits down with the SVPs of Real Estate: Chris Johnson of Dillard's and Chuck DiGiovanna of Macy's, to discuss Retail’s Evolution: Malls, Department Stores, and the Road Ahead.

These industry giants share insights into how department stores and malls are adapting to today’s retail landscape, from innovative strategies to the importance of creativity and strong developers.

Chris and Chuck also explore the impact of technology, capital markets, and tariffs on the future of retail. With their extensive experience at some of the most recognizable names in retail, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of malls, department stores, and the retail industry as a whole.

To stay informed and hear from two leaders shaping the future of retail, subscribe to Leaning In and sign up here to be the first to know when a new episode drops!

Links:

Trademark Property

⁠⁠Terry on LinkedIn

Chris on LinkedIn

Chuck on LinkedIn

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:01) - Chuck and Chris' Journey in Real Estate  (00:02:31) - Current State of Macy's and Dillard's  
(00:03:49) - Challenges and Trends in Retail  
(00:05:53) - The Future of Malls and Department Stores  
(00:09:22) - Investment and Redevelopment Opportunities  
(00:16:18) - The Role of Department Stores Moving Forward  
(00:24:25) - Navigating Mall Usage Restrictions  
(00:25:59) - Impact of the Pandemic on Retail  
(00:29:23) - The Future of Online and Brick-and-Mortar Stores  
(00:33:07) - Advice for Mall Property Owners  
(00:37:08) - Challenges in Mall Financing  
(00:43:37) - Future Trends in Retail and Real Estate  
(00:47:24) - Closing Thoughts and Opportunities  

Uncover the story behind one of Texas' most innovative mixed-use developments: Market Street - The Woodlands. 

In this episode of Leaning In, we revisit the groundbreaking opening of Market Street in The Woodlands, Texas—one of the nation’s first mixed-use town center projects. Join Trademark Founder & CEO Terry Montesi and Managing Director & CIO Tommy Miller as they share the story behind this visionary development and its lasting impact on the retail real estate industry in Houston and beyond. 

Stay connected with real estate trends and inspiring stories from industry leaders by subscribing to Leaning In.

Links:
Trademark Property
Terry on LinkedIn
Tommy on LinkedIn
Market Street – The Woodlands

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:00) - The story behind Market Street Woodlands

(00:06:27) - The development and design process

(00:13:18) - Leaps of faith in closing the deal and leasing momentum

(00:17:41) - How have we maintained success over 20 years of retail evolution?

(00:29:19) - How do you hope visitors feel about the space?

(00:30:52) - What do you hope for the future of the property?

How do we accelerate the success of women in commercial real estate? Wendy Mann, CEO of CREW Network, joins Monica Luera, Trademark’s VP of Development, on Leaning In to discuss advancing gender equity in the industry.
This episode explores CREW Network’s groundbreaking research, leadership development initiatives, and global expansion strategy. Wendy and Monica highlight success stories and practical steps for creating a more inclusive industry.

Subscribe to Leaning In for insights from leaders shaping the future of commercial real estate.

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:02:10) - What are some of the biggest issues facing women in CRE today?

(00:10:41) - Where do you see CREW expanding next?

(00:15:34) - How does CREW cultivate strategic partnerships within the industry?

(00:19:18) - CREW Network success stories

(00:26:52) - What are some good resources for women in CRE?

(00:29:27) - Monica’s journey with CREW

(00:31:11) - The CREW Network Foundation

Links:

Wendy on LinkedIn

CREW Network

GlobeSt Newsletter

CRE Daily

Broadsheet

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in over four years. So, what does that mean for inflation, future rate cuts, and real estate?

In this episode, Trademark CEO Terry Montesi speaks with esteemed economist Dr. Peter Linneman about the impacts of rate cuts and why he says the Fed’s recent actions are “a year late and 150 to 200 basis points not enough.”

Plus, Dr. Linneman, known for his sharp analysis, weighs in on the factors he believes truly drive inflation and economic growth.

From inflation trends to interest rate trajectories in the current cycle, this episode explores the dynamics between policy and the retail, multifamily, and mixed-use real estate markets.

To stay up-to-date

Links:

Trademark Property

Linneman Associates

Terry on LinkedIn

Peter on LinkedIn

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:00:54) - Thoughts on the state of the economy

(00:19:31) - How vulnerable are RE asset classes to rate cuts?

(00:22:56) - Upward pressures on inflation

(00:26:53) - The Federal Defecit

(00:34:43) - How much will the election impact Real estate?

(00:42:07) - The state of the consumer

(00:47:44) - Predictions for Multi-family

(00:51:38) - Macro-trends for CRE

Over the past six years, Placer.ai has evolved into an essential tool for real estate professionals seeking location data and insights.

Ethan Chernofsky, SVP of Marketing at Placer.ai, joins Kevin Kessinger, President and COO of Trademark, to discuss data in detail.

Their conversation covers the nuances of data collection, like what makes it effective and how we should question it. Plus, what the numbers reveal about retail's future.

Episode Highlights:

· The fascinating comeback of top-tier malls and

· Insights from the Placer 100 Index: Metrics from

· Challenging the "death of the office"

· Driving experiential retail forward: Leveraging

· Placer.ai’s meticulous approach to data

Subscribe to "Leaning In" for more insightful discussions with industry leaders, keeping you at the forefront of real estate developments.

Links:

⁠Trademark Property⁠

⁠Placer.ai

Kevin on LinkedIn

Ethan on Linkedin

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:16) - Ethan’s background and how Placer has evolved

(00:04:42) - Retail traffic patterns in 2024

(00:10:21) - The Placer 100 Index

(00:13:29) - Office trends in 2024

(00:17:20) - Movie theatre trends

(00:20:54) - Migration hot spots

(00:24:49) - Mobile data developments

(00:26:24) - Placer’s AI advancements

(00:30:51) - Predictive analytics

(00:32:11) - How data can be used to develop or redevelop properties

(00:36:35) - Proptech advancements

(00:40:16) - Charitable work

(00:42:30) - Closing thoughts

In this episode of Leaning In, we welcome Brandon Isner, thought leader in retail research. With over 15 years of industry experience, Brandon is a prominent voice in retail real estate.

Alongside host Tommy Miller, Trademark’s Managing Director & CIO, Brandon shares valuable data insights on the current retail landscape, including resilient consumers, the role of stores in the supply chain, and the reinvention of malls. He also discusses shifting consumer spending patterns, the changing role of retail spaces, innovative concepts, and the impact of public perception on the industry.

Subscribe to Leaning In for more engaging discussions with industry leaders to stay informed on real estate developments.

Links:

Trademark Property

Tommy on LinkedIn

Brandon on LinkedIn

(00:00:00) - Introduction

(00:01:24) - Brandon's background and career

(00:03:07) - Retail Market Overview and Economic Forecast

(00:07:02) - The Evolution of Retail Spaces

(00:13:11) - Consumer Behavior and Spending Trends

(00:16:56) - Regional Retail Insights and Trends

(00:24:01) - New Developments and Retail Innovations

(00:43:45) - Institutional Interest in Retail Real Estate

(00:47:12) - Final Thoughts

Trademark’s leasing team brings you the latest retail trends and insights straight from ICSC Las Vegas 2024. They discuss topics capturing retailers' attention, from health and wellness brands driving retail expansion to brands that are making a comeback. Plus, leasing trends shaping our portfolio at in-demand properties like Market Street Woodlands and Galleria Dallas.

Hosted by: Daniel Goldware, SVP of Leasing

David Pratt, VP of Leasing

David Laughlin, Leasing Representative

Doug Hermann, Director of Leasing and Development

Leaning In is published every month; subscribe to stay up to date.

Links:

Trademark Property

ICSC

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:14) - Major takeaways from ICSC regarding retail leasing trends

(0:05:38) - Standout properties

(00:12:50) - Property improvements

(00:14:47) - Challenges & wins for landlords and tenants

(00:19:14) - Retailer’s reactions to rising rents

(00:21:19) - Leasing trends today

In this episode, Tom McGee, President and CEO of ICSC, joins host Terry Montesi to

ICSC elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather. Drawing from ICSC's extensive industry research, Tom offers perspectives on the vitality of physical retail, the necessity of adapting to changing needs, and the pivotal role of omnichannel strategies. He also shares key insights from ICSC’s Halo Report.

Tom also explores the ramifications of the demand for physical space, government regulatory

Plus, discover the exciting initiatives of the ICSC Foundation, focused on providing valuable

Subscribe to Leaning In for more discussions with leaders in retail and real estate.

Links:

Tom on LinkedIn

ICSC

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:35) - How has the industry changed over the past decade?

(00:04:53) - Supply and demand in brick and mortar

(00:09:40) - How to do you see the integration of online shopping shaping the future of retail shopping centers?

(00:11:37) - The Halo Report

(00:15:20) - The AI effect

(00:19:30) - Tom’s experience at the ICSC Federal Fly-in

(00:26:35) - What trends are going to impact the industry over the next decade?

(00:32:21) - Have there been any meaningful innovations in the space over the past 9 months?

(00:35:14) - How do you see the future of malls?

(00:39:26) - The ICSC Foundation and ICSC Las Vegas show