In this episode, host Drew Hess sits down with Linda Hothem, Owner and CEO of Pacific American Group, to explore her remarkable journey from social work to becoming a leading force in industrial real estate. Linda shares the founding story behind Pacific American, her pivotal role in shaping the Port of Oakland’s trade infrastructure, overcoming personal tragedy, and her continued legacy through mentorship, philanthropy, and sustainability. It’s a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and innovation in the Bay Area’s evolving commercial real estate landscape.

In this episode of the NAIOP SFBA Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, speaks with Matt Field, Vice Chairman at TMG Partners, in a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, strategy, and creating value in today’s complex real estate landscape.

With over three decades of experience shaping the San Francisco Bay Area skyline, Matt shares lessons from transformative projects like 680 Folsom, PG&E’s Oakland HQ, and Landmark at One Market. He discusses the role of thoughtful deal structure, why asking *“why” not “what” leads to better outcomes, and how transparency and alignment are keys to lasting partnerships.

We also dive into:

What AI and changing demand mean for the future of San Francisco real estate

The importance of mentorship and cracking doors open for the next generation

How to find your “superpower” and operate in flow

Why you should never bet against San Francisco

Plus, Matt reflects on his personal journey—from early lessons at Catellus and Sedway Consulting to following the Grateful Dead on tour—and the people and moments that shaped his approach to life and business.

In this episode of the NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, sits down with 2025 Chapter President Adam Voelker, Market Leader and Principal at Trammell Crow Company. From industrial to life sciences, Adam brings a purpose-driven approach to leadership—and in this conversation, he shares his personal and professional vision for the year ahead.

You’ll hear Adam’s thoughts on collaboration across chapters, elevating NAIOP’s Executive Development and YPG programs, and why building strong political action committees is essential to the future of Bay Area real estate.

We also go beyond the boardroom—Adam opens up about his love for basketball, his go-to espresso habit, and how mentors shaped his leadership style.

💬 What You’ll Learn:

Why collaboration between NAIOP chapters matters more than ever

The power and purpose behind a strong PAC

How regional momentum is shifting in the Bay Area market

Leadership advice for the next generation of real estate professionals

Personal insights from Adam’s journey across Southern California, D.C., and the Bay Area

🛠️ Whether you’re in development, investing, or just passionate about the future of commercial real estate, this episode offers sharp insights and a human connection to the industry we love.----more----

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to stay in the loop on market trends, leadership conversations, and the policies shaping our future.

— 🔗 Learn more about membership and upcoming events at NAIOPSFBA.org

In this insightful episode, host Drew Hess chats with Co-Founder and Managing Partner at SKS Partners, Paul Stein, who shares his journey in the real estate industry, highlighting the cyclical nature of the market, his experiences in leasing and development, and the importance of collaboration. From groundbreaking projects in San Francisco's South of Market area to his foray into biotech, Paul discusses the challenges, lessons, and strategies that have shaped his career.

In this episode, Drew Hess, co-founder of Layline,LLC, joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the commercial real estate industry, focusing on industrial investments. Drew shares his extensive career path, from starting at Arthur Andersen to working with notable firms like AMB Property and Prudential Real Estate Investors. He explains the founding principles of Layline, emphasizing their focus on the Bay Area's industrial sector and their goal to bring institutional experience to a local level. Drew provides insights into the current industrial market trends, challenges posed by rising interest rates, and the impact of COVID-19 on e-commerce and supply chains. He also highlights the importance of mentorship, work ethic, and building strong industry relationships.

PLUS Drew will be the new host of the NAIOP podcast!

In this episode, host Dave Karol, Managing Director at Ridge Capital Investors, sits down with the NAIOP SFBA's esteemed 2024 President, Briana DeHaan, Senior Vice President at Northmarq. Briana brings to the table her extensive experience in commercial real estate financing, having orchestrated over $2 billion in debt and equity transactions, and her visionary leadership for the SFBA chapter.

Briana shares her strategic vision for NAIOP SFBA in 2024, highlighting her commitment to enhancing educational programs and amplifying government affairs initiatives. Listeners will gain insights into her plans to expand Real Estate Insiders (REI) programming, foster professional growth through the Young Professionals Group (YPG), and navigate the political landscape affecting the commercial real estate industry.

In this engaging episode, host Dave Karol sits down with James Goddard of Wareham Development to delve into the nuances of the Bay Area's life science real estate market. Learn about Wareham's targeted approach to high-barrier markets, how they've adapted to the shifting venture capital landscape, and why nurturing long-term tenant relationships is key. Goddard provides a frank look at Wareham's development strategies, their resilience across market cycles, and imparts practical advice for those in the industry. Join us for a conversation brimming with expert insights and a touch of humor from a seasoned pro.

In this episode, Host, Dave Karol, Managing Director at Ridge Capital Investor interviews Todd Darling, COO of Acacia Capital, where he discusses the company's focus on multi-family real estate and its success in the western US market. He shares his background in the industry and how he transitioned from working for a large organization to a smaller private equity group. Todd also talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the multifamily market and the opportunities it presents. He emphasizes the importance of understanding regulatory issues when underwriting deals and provides insights into the current state of the market. Lastly, He provides insight into surviving cycles, why he believes that being able to make mistakes is essential for emerging professionals, and why he remains bullish on the Bay Area and the entire West Coast.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

0:49 - Todd Darling's Background and Path to Acacia Capital

3:55 - Acacia Capital's Investment Strategy and Portfolio

9:20 - Impact of COVID-19 on Investment Strategies

11:31 - Acacia Capital's Recent Investment in Sunnyvale

12:41 - Regulatory Considerations and Market Dynamics

21:39 -Advice for Young Real Estate Professionals

23:37 -Closing Remarks

Learn more about NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area at www.naiopsfba.org

In this episode host David Karol, Managing Director, Ridge Capital Investors interviews Isaac Abid, Partner, HP Investors an investment and development firm based in San Diego and Oakland. 

Abid shares his unique insight into the Oakland market as one of largest commercial real estate owners and as a resident. In December 2022 he was featured an SF Business Times article entitled “Oakland Tried to Create a Living Downtown. It Hasn’t Worked”. He breaks down what is really happening with regard to public safety and City politics and why he remains optimistic about the future of the city.

In this episode, host Dave Karol, Managing Director at Ridge Capital Investors and industry veteran, Tawni Sullivan discuss the CREATE program and the reality of the enormous talent gap in commercial real estate.