🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a wake-up call for LOCALS who dream of building but don’t know where to start.In this raw and inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Josh shares how he went from construction roots to taking his first real swings at development. With honesty and grit, he opens up about the realities of navigating financing, city approvals, and the constant tug-of-war between vision and reality.Josh’s story isn’t polished — it’s real. It’s about learning by doing, leaning on mentors, and taking the hits that come with stepping into a game most people never even try to play. He shows how local knowledge, persistence, and a refusal to quit can turn obstacles into opportunities.Topics Covered Include:✅ Josh’s early introduction to construction and how it shaped his path into development✅ The leap from working on projects to leading them — and the mindset shift it required✅ Lessons learned from stalled deals, financial hurdles, and navigating city pushback✅ The role of partnerships, mentorship, and trusting the right people in moving projects forward✅ Why local developers have a unique edge when building in their own communities✅ Practical advice for aspiring developers on how to start small, stay persistent, and scale with purposeJosh also reflects on the deeper “why” behind his work — creating opportunities, building for the long term, and proving that development isn’t just for the big players.💡 “You don’t have to wear a suit or have millions in the bank to build your community. You just need vision, grit, and the courage to keep going when it gets hard.” – Josh👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloperGuest Name: Josh BryanWebsite: https://bryanhaggardland.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-bryan-535a136/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshbryancre/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast01:50 Josh Bryan's Journey into Real Estate07:52 Building a Legacy in Real Estate10:46 Challenges of Starting a New Business13:00 Navigating Development Projects19:14 Assembling the Right Team for Development29:19 Case Study: A Complex Development Project43:19 Future Aspirations and Mentorship in Real Estate#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

No big firm. No roadmap. Just one woman building what she couldn’t find.

What do you do when you love your neighborhood — but can’t find a home that fits your values, your lifestyle, or your people?

In this raw and insightful episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Laura Kunkle shares how she stepped up to become the kind of developer her city didn’t even know it needed. With no real estate background and no deep pockets, she taught herself everything — from site selection to forming an LLC, hiring the right architect, and advocating for smart, community-centered design.

Fueled by frustration, faith, and a fierce belief in people-first development, Laura reveals the emotional and practical journey behind her first build: a 10-unit residential project in the heart of her Ohio town. She unpacks the hurdles, the heartache, and the hidden costs of trying to do things differently in a system that often rewards sameness.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t “look” like a developer — this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

✅ Why Laura’s project started with community, not construction

✅ The turning point that pushed her from dreamer to doer

✅ How she built her team with no prior experience — and zero ego

✅ Navigating fear, city politics, and public hearings as a first-time developer

✅ Choosing design, density, and affordability with intention

✅ The power of speaking up in a room where no one looks like you

✅ Why she’s building slow, smart, and with soul — not for a fast flip

💡 “You don’t have to wait for permission to care about your city. You just have to be brave enough to build.” – Laura Kunkle

👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:

https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:

https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

Guest: Laura Kunkle

Website: https://americainbloom.org/

🎬 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to American Bloom and Its Mission

03:53 Programs and Community Engagement Strategies

08:25 The Role of Developers in Community Beautification

12:07 Granular vs. Conceptual Planning for Communities

16:16 Impact of COVID-19 on Community Development

21:00 Success Stories from American Bloom

29:53 Future Initiatives and Community Involvement

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

What do you do when your entire restaurant is washed away — and all that’s left are the pilings?

In this powerful episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Mike and Dawn Miller, the local couple behind The Beached Whale — a beloved Fort Myers Beach restaurant that became both a symbol of loss and a beacon of local grit after Hurricane Ian hit.

Just six months after purchasing the iconic spot, the Millers watched a Category 5 storm reduce it to rubble. No building. No business. No blueprint. But instead of walking away, they rolled up their sleeves and started rebuilding — not just the structure, but a space for the community to gather, grieve, and grow again.

This episode is more than a story of recovery. It’s a crash course in post-disaster development, small-town politics, and doing whatever it takes to serve your people. From fighting through insurance roadblocks to opening a makeshift taco truck under a tent, Mike and Dawn share exactly how they turned total devastation into a movement to rebuild — and how The Beached Whale is rising once again.

🍽 Topics Covered Include:

✅ The emotional and financial impact of losing a restaurant in a coastal disaster

✅ Setting up “Whale 2.0” — a tent bar, taco truck, and live music in a parking lot

✅ How the rebuild became a prototype for the whole town

✅ Working without a general contractor — and managing trades, plans, and inspections themselves

✅ Facing FEMA restrictions, insurance delays, and city politics head-on

✅ Why local ownership matters more than ever in the wake of disaster

✅ The long game of building back smarter — and staying true to your community roots

The Millers didn’t wait for permission.

💥 They showed what it looks like when LOCALS take the lead — one taco, one piling, one beer at a time.

👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:

https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:

https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

Guests: Mike & Dawn Miller

Website: https://thewhalefmb.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhalefmb/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhalefm/

🎬 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Community Rebuilding

03:16 From Copiers to Commercial Real Estate

05:47 The Impact of Hurricane Ian

08:29 Navigating Insurance Challenges

11:21 The Long Road to Rebuilding

13:55 Creative Solutions in Development

16:43 Partnerships and Funding Strategies

19:14 Maintaining Community Presence

22:39 Expanding Opportunities Post-Hurricane

24:05 Strategic Restaurant Openings

27:47 Advice for Aspiring Developers

32:10 Community-Driven Development

37:43 Future Vision and Growth

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

What do you do when your project budget gets blown up overnight? Walk away or fight to find another path?

In this minisode, Craig takes us inside his 19-lot subdivision project in rural Idaho, where a contractor’s estimate came back nearly triple what the realtor promised. Suddenly, a deal that looked straightforward on paper is underwater before breaking ground.

Together, we dig into the real questions every small-town developer faces: Can you negotiate down infrastructure costs like curb and gutter? How do you balance what the code says versus what the community really needs? And most importantly how do you pivot when the numbers no longer pencil?

If you’re searching for real estate development education that speaks to beginners and locals, not just the big-city players, this episode shows exactly how reimagining density, phasing, and product type can keep a deal alive. This is what local real estate developer mentorship looks like in action.

Episode Takeaways

• Question every line item and verify bids instead of taking them at face value

• Use local knowledge to negotiate infrastructure requirements that actually fit the community

• Reimagine product type (like townhomes vs. single-family) to spread costs across more units

• Explore phasing strategies to reduce upfront capital outlay and buy time with jurisdictions

• Stay in the game. Development is about problem solving, not perfection
  

Bold Truth Real development doesn’t die when the numbers don’t work—it lives in the creativity to make them work for your community.

✅ Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter: ⁠http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin⁠

 🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:⁠ https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we’ve got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.

 → Programs & Resources:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/⁠ → Apply for the Mentorship Program:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #FromVacantToVibrant #GatekeepingEndsHere #CommunityFirstDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose #RealEstateDevelopmentEducation

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this episode of Local Real Estate Developers, we sit down with Marc Weisi, a former Wall Street analyst turned full-time real estate investor, to unpack how he went from house hacking in New Jersey to redeveloping a boutique hotel in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico.Marc doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He shares the unfiltered realities of transitioning from spreadsheets to scaffolding, the importance of trusting local operators, and how taking bold risks — in unfamiliar markets — can reshape your life and your portfolio. From navigating Act 60 and Opportunity Zones to managing egos on the ground, Marc’s story is a raw look at scaling up with purpose.This episode is a blueprint for anyone stuck in the mindset of “playing it safe,” and a call to action for locals ready to bet on themselves — and their communities.🔍 Topics Covered Include:✅ How Marc went from house hacking a triplex to managing a multi-million dollar syndication portfolio ✅ Why Puerto Rico? And how one phone call led to a full hotel redevelopment ✅ The real difference between being an investor vs. a developer ✅ Getting burned by a first GC — and how that shaped how Marc vets partners now ✅ The hard lessons behind managing local teams, design egos, and shifting scopes ✅ Using financial tools like Act 60 and OZs — and the risk behind the reward ✅ Why relationships — not spreadsheets — made this deal workMarc also speaks honestly about legacy, lifestyle, and the freedom that comes from building something real — not just profitable. 💡 “You don’t need to know everything. But you do need to move — and trust the right people when you do.” – Marc Weisi👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper.Guest Name: Marc WeisiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-weisi-0040b425/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcweisi 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development03:34 Marc Weisi's Journey into Real Estate06:01 Transitioning to Larger Projects and Raising Capital08:34 Exploring Hospitality Investments11:10 Investing in Puerto Rico: Opportunities and Incentives14:05 The Project: From Vision to Reality16:29 Building the Team and Overcoming Challenges24:49 Funding Strategies in Real Estate26:17 Navigating Local Banking and Debt27:13 Marketing and Building a Brand in Hospitality28:58 Challenges in Permitting and Construction33:22 Motivation and Community Impact35:42 Operational Excellence in Hospitality38:33 Understanding the Tourist Demographic41:11 Future Projects and Community Development#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

What happens when a broker stops selling deals and starts building them?

In this minisode, meet Alan Cicito, a Charlotte-based land broker who went from helping others scale build-to-rent portfolios… to raising his hand and saying, “I want to be the buyer this time.”

This is a real-life story of real estate development for beginners—how one relationship, one lot, and one zoning code changed everything.

📍 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Alan didn’t overthink it. He saw the potential, partnered with a builder he trusted, and jumped into his first ground-up deal. You’ll hear how he structured the joint venture, got hit with a surprise DOT easement, and adjusted fast—proving you don’t need millions to get into the game.

🎯 Episode Takeaways: • How to start real estate development without millions • Using zoning “by right” to fast-track your first project • Structuring a joint venture between broker and builder • Navigating surprise land issues like easements and setbacks • Taking action before you feel ready—because learning by doing is the fastest way forward

💥 Bold Truth: The biggest cost isn’t the dirt or the build—it’s the price you pay for staying on the sidelines.

✅ Resources & Mentorship: → Sign up for the Developer Vault & Newsletter: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin

→ All links (podcast, vault, mentorship): https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper

→ Apply for Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship

→ Explore Programs & Tools: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/

📣 Subscribe for weekly real stories from locals becoming developers in their own communities—without gatekeeping.

🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #CharlotteRealEstate #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #GatekeepingEndsHere #RealEstateDevelopmentEducation #CommunityFirstDevelopment #InfillDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose #BrokerToBuilder #JointVentureDevelopment #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #FromVacantToVibrant

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a call to every LOCAL woman ready to take the lead in real estate — no permission required.In this raw and inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Christine opens up about how a personal breakdown became the breakthrough she needed to step into development. With no formal training, no partner, and two young kids, she rolled up her sleeves and figured it out herself — from running construction crews to navigating city permits and pushing through delays that would’ve made most people quit.Christine doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. She shares the sleepless nights, the financing battles, and the real moments of doubt — but also the wins, the learning curves, and the million-dollar mindset she built brick by brick. Her journey proves you don’t need connections, credentials, or corporate backing to become a developer — just commitment, creativity, and relentless local pride.Topics Covered Include: ✅ How Christine got into development after her marriage ended ✅ The truth about pre-development, permits, and why so many quit too soon ✅ How she manages life as a single mom and full-time builder ✅ Her deal structure, timeline, and how she created serious equity ✅ Why she’s passionate about helping women own the process ✅ What it really means to belong in this industry — and take up spaceChristine's story isn’t a highlight reel — it’s a roadmap for the rest of us. If you’ve ever thought, “Could I really do this?” — this episode says: Yes. And here’s how.💡 “I had to become the person I was waiting on.” – Christine👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper.Guest: Christine KnappWebsite: https://coachingwithchristine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinethebraincoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-knapp-coach/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development and Mindset Coaching03:41 The Importance of Mindset in Development Projects08:21 Understanding Limiting Beliefs and Overcoming Challenges11:00 The Science Behind Mindset and Success15:48 Harnessing Negative Emotions for Positive Change19:55 Developing Self-Awareness and Curiosity22:38 Identifying Limiting Beliefs25:27 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome27:11 The Power of Small Steps31:28 Resilience in the Face of Challenges35:57 The Importance of Community Support#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

When your “easy” second project turns into a crash course in zoning, overlays, and HOA structuring what do you do?

In this minisode, we’re back with Sylvia and Africa, two first-time developers in Sacramento who thought they could replicate their last infill townhome design just one block away.

Instead, they ran into:

✅ Zoning restrictions

✅ Historic district overlays

✅ Parking minimums

✅ And a city that said, “Nope.”

But here’s where it gets good: rather than walking away, they pivoted. Hard. This episode shows how they reimagined the site as a 6-unit condo project with rooftop access, private yards, and a path to affordability while learning to navigate PUD structuring, HOA planning, and small-unit pricing along the way.

⏱️ Featured Moments & Lessons

00:00 – 00:45 🔁 The Pivot: Why their “rinse-and-repeat” plan failed—and what changed their direction.

02:05 – 03:15 🏘️ Zoning Realities: When the city says, “you can’t do that,” here’s how to respond.

04:26 – 06:50 📐 PUDs & HOAs: What it takes to structure a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and why it matters when offering smaller units with shared infrastructure.

07:15 – 08:30 💸 Pricing Strategy: How they’re creating perceived value in 550 sq ft units with outdoor spaces and efficient design.

09:00 – 11:05 📊 Condo vs Townhome: How they worked with their civil engineer to design a project that would pass city review and appraise well.

12:20 – 13:40 🔍 City Collaboration: What surprised them in their second go-around and how they got buy-in for a project that fits the neighborhood.

🎧 Why This Episode Matters

If you’re planning your first infill or urban development project, you need to understand how design, zoning, and city planning collide in real time. This episode isn’t theory—it’s a front-row seat to what happens when locals lead projects and figure it out as they go.

📥 Want More?

Subscribe to the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify for more real-world stories from everyday folks shaping their cities without gatekeeping.

And don’t forget:

🔓 Get free tools, checklists, and deal models inside the Developer Vault → 👉 www.localrealestatedeveloper.com

#RealEstateDevelopment #LocalDeveloper #PUD #InfillHousing #AttainableHousing #SmallLotDevelopment #CondoProject #ZoningOverlay #UrbanInfill #LREDpodcast #KristiKandel

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this gripping episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Ray Smith shares the raw, unfiltered journey of losing it all — and rebuilding it piece by piece with grit, creativity, and purpose. After Hurricane Ian destroyed his Florida-based general contracting business, Ray was left broke, living with his parents at 42, and searching for a way back.But instead of chasing big money or flashy flips, he doubled down on relationships, kept it local, and chose a place few would: Albuquerque, New Mexico.Ray reveals how he went from house-hacking out of desperation to launching a profitable, people-first development strategy focused on small single-family homes, creative partnerships, and steady cash flow. His story is proof that real estate development doesn’t require wealth, status, or perfect timing — just the will to start and the heart to serve.Topics Covered Include: ✅ How Ray’s construction company went bankrupt after Hurricane Ian — and what he learned from losing everything ✅ Why Albuquerque became the unexpected launching pad for his next chapter ✅ The gritty, step-by-step return: from living in a flip to building a rental portfolio ✅ Partnering with local GCs, wholesalers, and even realtors for shared growth ✅ Flipping with a purpose — and how Ray avoids overdesigning in working-class neighborhoods ✅ Navigating Section 8, short-term vs. long-term rentals, and passive income streams ✅ Moving from reactively flipping to proactively developing new homes ✅ Why Ray now mentors others looking to rebuild their lives through real estateRay’s journey is more than a comeback — it’s a blueprint for locals who want to build something that lasts, even after life knocks you down.💡 “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start where you are — and partner with people who believe in what you’re building.” – Ray Smith👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper.Guest Name: Ray SmithLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-smith-b0104718/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development03:10 Ray Smith's Journey into Real Estate05:15 Transitioning from Residential to Commercial Real Estate09:14 The Restaurant Business Experience14:06 Leasing and Tenant Relationships21:55 Funding Strategies and Private Money25:38 Expanding Projects and Future Plans28:05 Transforming Spaces: The Art of Renovation30:41 Navigating Zoning Challenges in Real Estate33:59 Building Relationships with New Business Owners36:38 Creating a Vibrant Retail Corridor41:12 Future Projects: Expanding the Vision47:10 Passion and Community: The Heart of Development#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

Sometimes what looks like a simple infill deal ends up challenging you to think way bigger.

In this minisode, we’re back with Craig Parsons in small-town Idaho where the drainage lot doesn’t come with the rest of the land, infrastructure costs are stacking up, and the idea of acting as his own general contractor is starting to make real sense.

But this episode isn’t just about utilities and tap fees. It’s about building something that actually fits the community and truly designing for strategic placemaking that will last for generations.

Craig starts with lot line adjustments and ends up dreaming about playgrounds, shared BBQ areas, and creating a place grandparents want to move into. This is where good development lives in the blurry, early-stage visioning that balances reality and aspiration.

👉 Watch here:  https://www.youtube.com/@LocalRealEstateDeveloper/playlists 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why acting as your own GC can cut costs—but only if you know how to run a site

• How clean job sites, local trades, and on-site leadership shape construction outcomes

• What to watch for in drainage easement agreements (and how they can create long-term liability)

• When to consider submetering vs. direct utility taps—and how that affects long-term flexibility

• How shared amenities like green space, garages, and outdoor hangouts create placemaking value

• The early design choices that make a difference for future rental, sale, or condo conversion
  

This is development before the ribbon cutting. It’s when the site is still a sketch, the money isn’t all lined up, and the project is shaping you as much as you’re shaping it.

If you loved this minisode and want more boots-on-the-ground stories from real people building in their own backyard—subscribe to the Local Real Estate Developers Podcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.

At Local Real Estate Developers (LRED), we’ve built the system we wish we had when we started. The Developer Operating System (Dev-OS) is our step-by-step project management software, built from nearly 20 years of actual development experience.

We’ve been using this system behind the scenes for years. Now, we’re making it available to local developers like you, starting Q3 2025.

No more chasing files across emails and spreadsheets.

No more wondering what comes next.

Just a clear, repeatable system to keep you moving.

We are here to make sure locals get to decide what happens next in their communities.

#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkLikeADeveloper #Placemaking #InfillDevelopment #OwnerBuilder #RealEstateWithPurpose #CommunityDrivenDevelopment #InfrastructurePlanning #UtilityStrategy #GatekeepingEndsHere #IdahoRealEstate