Join host Joe Smazal for an entertaining and insightful conversation with Ron Abrams, owner of Silver Property Group and one of Chicago's most successful multifamily investors. With over 25 years in real estate and 30+ years as an attorney, Ron has built an impressive portfolio of 1,500+ units across 120+ buildings throughout Chicago's north and northwest sides.

Ron Abrams is the founder of Silver Property Group, a vertically integrated real estate company specializing in Chicago multifamily properties. Known for his straightforward approach, Ron has built lasting relationships with tenants, investors, and industry professionals while maintaining a reputation for transparency and fairness. When he's not yelling across the office to his team (in the most endearing way), you might find him coaching basketball or attempting Pilates.

Interested in Chicago multifamily investment opportunities? Connect with Joe Smazal for expert brokerage services on the north side.

Join us for a conversation with Ben Firestone, CEO and Co-Founder of Blueprint Healthcare Real Estate Advisors, the leading advisory firm exclusively focused on Senior Housing and Healthcare real estate as he takes us from his beginnings at Marcus & Millichap to founding his own firm with $15B sold.

Since founding Blueprint in 2013, Ben has driven the company's rapid growth and innovative approach, leveraging deep market expertise and analytics to lead over 800 transactions valued at more than $15 billion.

With nearly two decades in the seniors housing and care industry, Ben shares his vision for healthcare real estate, leadership philosophy, and how Blueprint is elevating the market through collaboration and data.

Based in Chicago, Blueprint is recognized as the #1 most active real estate advisor in seniors housing and care over the past decade.

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Jonathan Gordon, Founder and CEO of The Neighborhood Hotel, a growing boutique hospitality brand rooted in community, comfort, and character.

In this episode, Jonathan shares:

The inspiration behind launching The Neighborhood Hotel in 2020.

How he merges historic architecture with contemporary design across Chicago neighborhoods—Lincoln Park, Little Italy, and soon West Loop—and in Michigan.

His philosophy of “lasting luxury”: thoughtful amenities, local partnerships, and a home-away-from-home vibe Stories behind the design choices—from heirlooms turned art to custom blankets and curated coffee experiences.

The brand’s commitment to community giving and its mission to elevate every stay.

His mission? Offer “lasting luxury”—quality craftsmanship, suite kitchens, premium linens, curated bath products, and coffee makers—all layered with local flair.

Each property preserves historic elements (like the former Italian‑American Sports Hall of Fame in Little Italy) and partners with local artisans—from The Heirloomist and The Weaving Mill—to infuse spaces with personality and neighborhood identity.

Beyond hospitality, Jonathan fosters community well-being.

In 2022, The Neighborhood Hotel pledged 5% of profits to Chicago charities like the 100 Club of Illinois, supporting first responders and families

Subscribe for more: entrepreneurship, hospitality design, and insider stories. #JonathanGordon #NeighborhoodHotel #BoutiqueHotel #Chicago #Entrepreneurship

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Matt Laricy, Chicago’s TOP real estate broker and managing partner of Americorp Real Estate.

A third-generation realtor and lifelong Chicagoan, Matt has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods, relentless work ethic, and commitment to professionalism.

In this episode, we dive into the lost art of professionalism and determination, exploring how Matt’s journey from starting with zero clients to becoming Chicago’s #1 top-producing agent was fueled by grit, discipline, and a passion for his craft.

Matt shares candid insights on what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive landscape, the habits that drive his success, and why professionalism still matters more than ever.

Whether you’re in real estate or any field, this episode is packed with lessons on perseverance and the value of doing things the right way.

Don’t miss this masterclass in determination from one of the hardest-working men in Chicago real estate.

Join us for an exclusive interview with Kevin Werner, CEO and Co-Founder of Renovo Financial, as we dive deep into the incredible growth story of one of the nation's fastest growing rehab and construction lenders.

Kevin, recently named CEO of the Year by the National Private Lenders Association, shares insights on how Renovo has expanded from a Chicago-based startup founded in 2011 to a national powerhouse with local lenders in over 15 markets across the country and over $10B earned.

Renovo's motto is "We lend where we live" and they process hundreds of loans weekly in the areas they serve.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Matt Pistorio, founder of Madison Rose, a dynamic Chicago-based real estate firm revolutionizing agency leasing.

Discover how Madison Rose has breathed new life into commercial properties, earning accolades like the 2018 NAIOP Chicago Award for Excellence for a landmark Walgreens lease at the Old Post Office.

Matt shares insights on navigating the evolving office market, his passion for philanthropy through the Madison Rose Foundation, and innovative strategies that have raised over $490,000 for Casting for Recovery.

Our podcast with Sal Becovic, President of Becovic Management Group, is packed with value for the aspiring real estate investor who wants to build a legacy focused on service.

Becovic is a family-owned real estate firm with deep roots in Chicago's North Side. Since taking the helm in 2003, Sal has expanded the company's portfolio from 400 to over 2,000 units, emphasizing community investment and sustainable growth .

In this episode, Sal shares:

The importance of doing as much yourself you possibly can and immersing yourself in the real estate, living among residents, etc.

The importance of building solid fundamentals and surrounding oneself with great people.

The importance of incentives for landlords to deliver quality to their residents.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the real estate scene, Sal's experiences and strategies offer valuable lessons on navigating the Chicago market.

Connect with Sal Becovic: Website: becovic.com

Joe Smazal: [email protected]

Steven Caban: [email protected]

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes featuring industry leaders and innovators!

Today's guest Shane Rachman is leading one of the fastest growing new real estate brands that bridges the gap between property management and high-speed lease-ups.

Cross-streets goal is to add value at every step of the multi-family process, from design and branding, to leasing with a high-level of service.

His old school approach is more person-to-person rather than relying on automation.

In this episode we talk about new apartment and amenity trends and the finer points of leading a large leasing team.

Joe Smazal - Interra Realty [email protected]

Produced by Steven Caban - Full Bars Media [email protected]

Gabe Horstick is Founder and CEO of Base 3 (Real Estate Development Group), which was formed in 2021. Gabe Horstick has been passionate about real estate since acquiring his first building at just 23 years old. He founded Campbell Street Asset Management in 2008 and later established Base 3 Development, which now owns and manages 650+ multifamily units. Over the years, Gabe has successfully developed and rehabilitated properties throughout Chicago, building and managing assets exceeding $300 million in total value. His deep knowledge of construction and design has allowed him to create high-quality living spaces that attract discerning renters. In addition to real estate, Gabe co-founded Staffolio, a rapidly growing international staffing firm that provides specialized offshore talent solutions for U.S. businesses. Between his staffing and real estate ventures, Gabe oversees more than 100 team members across multiple industries. Further enhancing his vertical integration, he also owns Base 3 Construction Inc., ensuring full control over the development and renovation of his projects. A licensed real estate broker in Illinois and Wisconsin, Gabe holds a double major in real estate and finance from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He is deeply involved in the Chicago community, mentoring aspiring professionals and actively supporting PAWS and his church community group. Originally from Wisconsin, he enjoys summers visiting family there.

Joe Smazal - INTERRA REALTY

[email protected]

Produced by Full Bars Media

[email protected]

Mike Zucker spent his early days brokering apartments to make rent,

But he slowly came to the realization that by starting his own property management company (an unpopular decision) and combining his ability to develop investor relationships, he was able to scale his business to managing over 10,000 units. 

Now Peak manages some of Chicago's largest residential buildings, and has scaled to over 200 employees.

In this episode we dive into his humble beginnings and what he looks for in a building as an investment.