🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers

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 Will Bockoven, founder of Block Ventures, to unpack the vision, challenges, and successes behind 175 LEX — a 52,000 SF, six-story mixed-use building that’s redefining urban living in Lexington, Kentucky’s Central Business District.Completed in 2023, 175 LEX features 23 modern residential units along with retail and office space, creating a vibrant hub where people can live, work, and connect in the heart of the city. Will shares how his team navigated design, financing, and construction to bring this transformative project to life — and how adaptive thinking and strategic planning turned a bold vision into reality.Whether you’re a developer, investor, or someone passionate about urban revitalization, Will’s journey offers a masterclass in balancing risk, vision, and execution.Topics Covered Include:✅ How Block Ventures identified the opportunity for 175 LEX in Lexington’s CBD✅ The development process — from concept to completion✅ Integrating residential, retail, and office space in a single project✅ Overcoming design, financing, and construction challenges✅ The role of mixed-use in driving urban revitalization✅ Lessons learned for future adaptive reuse and ground-up projects✅ Why Lexington is poised for more downtown developmentWill also reflects on the importance of placemaking, building community, and creating projects that energize both residents and businesses.👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper....🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeve....Guest Name: Will BockovenLinkedIn:   / willbockoven   🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Real Estate Development02:39 The Journey into Real Estate Development04:06 First Project: Adaptive Reuse and Challenges07:44 Identifying Opportunities in Real Estate10:10 Navigating Zoning and Permitting11:15 Building Configuration and Location Benefits13:39 Contractor Selection and Communication16:51 Phased Development and Future Plans19:17 Managing Emotional Components in Development25:45 Challenges in Later Phases of Construction26:13 Navigating Change Orders and Project Delays28:08 Understanding Lender Relationships and Negotiations30:21 The Importance of Loan Understanding and Legal Guidance32:20 Stabilizing Assets: From Tenants to Airbnb Management36:05 Future Development Goals and Operational Challenges39:08 Lease Negotiation Insights and Best Practices#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

What happens when two flippers walk a property and realize the real opportunity isn’t in the house, it’s in the backyard?In this minisode, Sylvia and Africa break down the moment they decided to go from fix-and-flip to ground-up development in Sacramento.🛠 What they got right: → Seizing a seller-financed, shovel-ready deal → Calling themselves developers before they felt ready → Taking ownership when their architect dropped the ball💡 What they learned the hard way: → Why passive deal management delays projects → The legal shift when raising 6 figures → How a messy back lot can kill your flip saleThis is exactly the kind of story emerging developers need to hear. Bold, honest, and full of real-world insight.▶️ Listen now on YouTube, Apple, or SpotifyYoutube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgKpTF3d5DZ1Mf6tpbxC3Uq9Lz899uohD&si=Tb530nMJfEQjR49ESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qQmCXbARGp6yzf384iTzS?si=f724cb0f31e442e9Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-real-estate-developers/id1810072228  🔑 Access all tools & checklists from this episode inside the Developer Vault at www.localrealestatedeveloper.com#localrealestatedeveloper #fliptodevelopment #realestatedevelopment #firstdeal #entitlements #sellerfinancing #sacramento #lredpodcast

What happens when two flippers walk a property and realize the real opportunity isn’t in the house, it’s in the backyard?

In this minisode, Sylvia and Africa break down the moment they decided to go from fix-and-flip to ground-up development in Sacramento.

🛠 What they got right:

→ Seizing a seller-financed, shovel-ready deal

→ Calling themselves developers before they felt ready

→ Taking ownership when their architect dropped the ball

💡 What they learned the hard way:

→ Why passive deal management delays projects

→ The legal shift when raising 6 figures

→ How a messy back lot can kill your flip sale

This is exactly the kind of story emerging developers need to hear. Bold, honest, and full of real-world insight.

▶️ Listen now on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgKpTF3d5DZ1Mf6tpbxC3Uq9Lz899uohD&si=Tb530nMJfEQjR49E

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qQmCXbARGp6yzf384iTzS?si=f724cb0f31e442e9

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-real-estate-developers/id1810072228 

🔑 Access all tools & checklists from this episode inside the Developer Vault at www.localrealestatedeveloper.com

#localrealestatedeveloper #fliptodevelopment #realestatedevelopment #firstdeal #entitlements #sellerfinancing #sacramento #lredpodcast

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Sieria “Sisi” Payne shares her incredible journey from launching a restaurant in a corporate business park to co-developing a multi-phase community project in her hometown of Milwaukee. Her story is a powerful testament to vision, grit, and purpose-driven development.Sisi opens up about the full life cycle of her first major commercial project — a 10,000 sq ft building she redeveloped into a restaurant and coworking space, then later sold to auto industry investors near a brand-new Porsche dealership. That exit became the launchpad for her next big leap: co-developing a church-led community development including senior housing, a memory care center, and single-family homes.Throughout the conversation, Sisi emphasizes the power of partnerships, trusting your gut, and building legacy — not just wealth.Topics Covered Include: ✅ Turning a corporate office park into a restaurant + coworking concept ✅ Navigating unexpected opportunities (and when to let go) ✅ Selling her “baby” and reinvesting into bigger development projects ✅ Co-developing a faith-based, multi-phase project with impact ✅ The power of partnerships and how she vets them ✅ Balancing entrepreneurship with parenting and staying motivated ✅ Advice for aspiring developers: don’t go it alone, find mentors ✅ Why giving back, building legacy, and creating opportunities for others is the ultimate ROISisi also talks candidly about her roots, her passion for philanthropy, and her plans to expand into senior living development in Georgia and luxury projects in Texas — all while learning the builder side of the business and mentoring others along the way.💡 “Money is easy to make. What matters is giving your time, your energy, and putting people in position to win.” – Sisi Payne👉 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: Sieria “Sisi” PayneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sieriapayne/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sisi_thedeveloper/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siorcocktails/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development01:35 Sisi's Journey into Development02:54 Transitioning to Commercial Real Estate04:41 Challenges in Redeveloping a Commercial Space11:20 Navigating Operational Challenges in the Restaurant Business17:24 Community Impact of Development Projects19:52 The Decision to Sell and Move Forward23:59 Future Development Plans in Milwaukee26:32 Partnership Dynamics in Real Estate Development31:04 Motivation and Legacy: Driving Forces Behind Development34:47 Advice for Aspiring Developers: Networking and Learning40:16 Future Projects and Vision for Development#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

What do you do when everyone says “you can’t build there”? You figure it out.

In this minisode, Chase Louderback shares how he turned a narrow, overlooked lot in rural Virginia into his very first ground-up development. With no prior construction experience and no green light from the town—at first—he stayed curious, did the research, and uncovered a forgotten zoning clause that let him build a 24-foot home where everyone else saw a dead-end.

He breaks down how he:

• navigated setback approvals and obscure code workarounds

• self-managed construction while holding a full-time job

• coordinated trades and materials without a GC license

• structured draw schedules, insurance, and lien waivers like a pro

• pivoted when modular didn’t work and still got the deal done
  

Whether you’re a flipper thinking about new construction or a total beginner with a tricky lot, this is the kind of gritty, real-world story that makes you believe, “I could do this too.”

You don’t need permission to start developing. You need patience, resourcefulness, and the guts to ask the town manager the right question at the right time.

✅ 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 #VirginiaRealEstateDeveloper #StarterProjects #OwnerBuilder

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, we sit down with Krista Nightengale, Executive Director of Better Block, an organization that helps communities reimagine and reclaim public space — quickly, creatively, and collaboratively.

Krista shares how Better Block helps activate underutilized lots and corridors using 120-day demonstration projects that bring residents, vendors, and artists together to test new ideas. From temporary food parks and shaded seating to pop-up markets and intersection takeovers, she explains how short-term action can lead to long-term change — even in the face of crime, red tape, and community skepticism.Krista also dives into the city-wide policy implications of their work, including how one project helped trigger changes to Dallas’ parking reform laws. Her team’s work reveals how community-led demonstrations can influence zoning, challenge outdated codes, and catalyze local momentum for deeper investments.Topics Covered Include: ✅ How Better Block uses temporary demonstrations to activate public space ✅ The real-world impact of a South Dallas food park project ✅ Overcoming city permitting challenges and working with reluctant property owners ✅ Why parking minimums can kill neighborhood vibrancy ✅ How to engage skeptical residents and turn survey fatigue into community buy-in ✅ Better Block’s scalable frameworks and tools for aspiring community leaders ✅ The launch of Better Block University and what it means for local changemakersKrista shares practical advice for those who want to start reclaiming space in their own neighborhoods — without waiting for permission.💡 “At the end of the day, we are creating something alongside the community. And once people live it — once they see what’s possible — the fear starts to fade.” – Krista Nightengale👉 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: Krista NightengaleWebsite: https://www.betterblock.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-nightengale-758426b/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterblock/# YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterblock 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Better Block and Community Engagement03:33 The Process of Community Activation06:27 Engaging with Communities: Who Reaches Out?08:55 Testing Ideas and Gathering Feedback11:54 Success Stories and Community Impact14:45 Challenges and Adjustments in Development17:18 The Role of Community Development Corporations20:14 Highlighting Notable Projects25:29 Creating Community Spaces Post-COVID28:12 Parking Challenges and Urban Development30:53 Overcoming Community Hurdles33:49 Empowering Local Communities37:09 Advice for Aspiring Community Developers40:30 Future Goals and Community Empowerment#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

🎙 BONUS EPISODE: How Kristi Kandel Became a Real Estate Developer — From CVS Rollouts to Community-Driven Projects

This week, we’re flipping the mic. In this bonus episode, Kristi shares her real estate journey on Commercial Real Estate 101 with LRED cohost Raphael Collazo.

They dive into Kristi’s accidental start in development, what she learned managing 30+ projects a year, and how she structured her first deals after leaving her corporate job. This episode covers the mindset, risks, and strategies behind building real estate projects that actually serve a community—and why Kristi believes locals should be leading the charge.

Whether you’re a landlord, investor, small business owner, or just development-curious this episode is packed with tactical insight on how to get started and what it really takes to make your first project happen.

🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Kristi got her start in development without a formal background

• What she learned doing deals across retail, housing, and hydrogen infrastructure

• How to structure JV deals when you don’t have capital

• Why zoning is your first stop (not the architect)

• Tips for vetting contractors, managing subs, and keeping timelines tight

• How locals can start small, build equity, and shape their communities from the ground up
  

📬 Grab the Developer Vault Want our free resource library packed with tools, checklists, and behind-the-scenes lessons from real projects? → Download the Developer Vault

🎧 Binge the Podcast Catch more episodes of the Local Real Estate Developer podcast and hear from locals doing real projects in their towns.

→YouTube: Watch Here

→ Spotify: Listen Here

→ Apple Podcasts: Tune In Here

📣 Want to Join the Movement? This platform was built for locals landlords, small biz owners, and aspiring developers who want to take ownership of what gets built next. No gatekeeping. No fluff. Just real projects and real impact. → Learn more at localrealestatedeveloper.com 

👥 Let’s Connect Follow Kristi Kandel on LinkedIn or reach out at [email protected]

Sometimes development doesn’t come with a clean blueprint. Sometimes it comes with drainage issues, missing permits, and a one-woman building department. In this minisode, we’re back with Craig Parsons as he unpacks the messy middle of an inherited subdivision project in rural Idaho.

From standing water to zoning strategy, Craig is figuring it out as he goes—talking to neighbors, walking the site with contractors, and meeting with county staff to untangle what’s possible. He’s navigating infrastructure costs, site phasing, and whether adjusting lot lines could allow for duplexes, triplexes—or even fourplexes. All while trying to keep the project affordable and livable.

This is what local development really looks like: less polish, more persistence.

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

What You’ll Learn:

• Why drainage and earthwork insight from locals matters more than formal reports

• What Craig learned from contractors about phasing underground work to reduce risk

• How he’s thinking through ownership structure, product mix, and community fit

• Why talking to the county (and your neighbors) early can unlock creative density solutions

• What to know about zoning, lot size adjustments, and small-town commissioner dynamics
  

This is how small towns get new housing: not with sweeping policy changes, but with locals asking smarter questions and pushing one project forward.

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 #CommunityFirstDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose #GatekeepingEndsHere #SmallTownProjects #AffordableHousing #ZoningReform #RealEstateDevelopment

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this insightful episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Josh — a real estate developer, educator, and founder of the Impact Development Collaborative — shares his journey from leaving a corporate job to building meaningful infill housing projects that shape communities and create long-term value.Josh walks us through the multi-year process of launching a townhome development in Cedar City, Utah, including forming the right partnerships, selecting a contractor, navigating entitlement, and making critical decisions around property management. He offers a grounded perspective on balancing family, finances, and creativity in the development journey — and why staying in your W-2 might be the smartest move for aspiring developers.But more than anything, Josh champions community-driven development — not just building in communities, but for them.Topics Covered Include: ✅ Why infill development can have outsized community impact ✅ The unglamorous (but essential) role of great property management ✅ How to find the right partners to fill in your skill gaps ✅ Building while still working a full-time job — and why that’s a smart path ✅ Using thoughtful design, marketing, and tech to attract tenants ✅ Starting local workshops + the Impact Development Collaborative ✅ The power of creating buildings where people will make lifelong memories ✅ Strategic shifts: why Josh is pivoting into land entitlementsJosh also shares a powerful mindset shift for developers at any stage: 💡 “It’s totally fine to keep your day job while doing this on the side. The key is knowing what you’re good at — and finding great people to do the rest.”👉 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: Josh Green Website: https://www.alchemydev.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshgreen/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Real Estate Development01:10 Josh Green's Journey into Real Estate04:06 Transitioning to Independent Development05:24 Challenges in Real Estate Development07:21 Building a Capital Network10:06 Choosing the Right Product Type12:48 Impact on the Community14:23 Finding Local Partners16:46 Importance of Property Management19:52 Staying Motivated in Development27:11 Community-Driven Development32:13 Future Projects and Vision#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

 What if your first real estate deal wasn’t about deep pockets, but about trusting yourself to figure it out? Rajan Chida went from reselling sneakers in high school to closing his first development deal in Front Royal, Virginia all before turning 22.

When most people think about real estate development, they imagine needing millions in the bank and years of experience. But Rajan Chida’s story proves otherwise.

In this episode, Rajan shares how his journey started by flipping shoes, saving up his profits, and buying his first rental property using "shoe money." But his real leap came when his friend Renzo introduced him to a two-and-a-half-acre land deal in Front Royal, Virginia. Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions or funding, they leaned on scrappy creativity, social media leverage, and pure resourcefulness to make it happen.

From navigating rejections at multiple banks to negotiating with contractors, Rajan walks us through every gritty step of their first build. His secret weapon? Sharing the process openly on Instagram turned his audience into an asset that helped land partnerships, amenities, and even his builder.

This story is for anyone who’s been sitting on the sidelines, wondering if they’re "ready" to start. Rajan’s journey reminds us: you don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to begin.

Episode Takeaways:

• You can start real estate development without millions if you’re willing to get creative and build trust.

• Social media isn’t just for marketing it can help you fund, furnish, and find partners for your project.

• Development is a learning-by-doing game. You figure it out as you go.

• Banks may say no, but the right co-signers and a solid deal structure can open doors.

• The first project is about building credibility, not just making a profit.
  

Bold Truth: You don’t need permission to start shaping your community. You just need a real opportunity, and the guts to chase it.

✅ 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/all-programs → Apply for the Mentorship Program:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship⁠

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