Join host Joe Smazal for an insider's look at Chicago's high-end retail real estate with Elan Rasansky, partner at Canvas Real Estate. Discover how a boutique brokerage competes with national giants like CBRE and JLL while representing the world's top luxury brands and restaurant groups.

In this episode, Elan reveals:

Elan also shares his favorite pizza spots (Pizza Michi, Vito Nick's, Zarella), why Chicago beats New York for food, and the importance of dropping your ego in deal-making.

Recent recognition: Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40

Perfect for real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about Chicago's neighborhoods and dining scene.

In this episode of Real Estate Chicago Style, host Joe Smazal sits down with Nate Ernst, founder and principal of Envoi Partners, to discuss his journey from acquiring distressed properties in the wake of the Great Financial Crisis to developing over 520 residential units in Chicago's Loop.

Nate shares the story behind founding Ernst Development Company post-2008, where he acquired and repositioned over 40 properties before partnering with attorney and capital markets expert Corey Faulkner to form Envoy Partners.

The conversation dives deep into their philosophy of adaptive reuse—taking underutilized assets and transforming them into spaces that communities love.

Key Topics Discussed: The meaning behind "Envoy Partners" and their focus on being the "finishing touch" in neighborhoods

Why North Damon and Milwaukee intersection embodies what Chicago is all about

The massive opportunity in Chicago's Loop, with 2,000+ apartments planned and retail following rooftops

How Envoy approaches user experience as the core of their development strategy

The importance of hiring team members with "clear minds and full hearts" like James Armour Real estate as the ultimate entrepreneurial experience—starting from $350K or even working in buildings to learn operations

Why "you can't change the wind, but you can change the direction of your sails" The power of seeing projects clearly without letting fear or self-doubt take over

Swimming in Lake Michigan as a reset and the incredible energy of Chicago's bridges over the river

About Nate Ernst:

Nate is driven to restore and build apartments and retail that set the bar for user experience.

His career has been defined by tackling projects not suited for every investor.

At Envoi Partners, he's responsible for all aspects of the development process and asset management, including their flagship 200,000 square foot project at 19 South LaSalle.

About Real Estate Chicago Style:

Join host Joe Smazal as he interviews Chicago's top real estate investors, developers, and operators.

Joe is an investment sales broker at Interra Realty and owner-operator of small apartments on the north side.

Each episode explores what makes Chicago one of the best cities to live, invest, and build.

Subscribe for weekly conversations with the people shaping Chicago's real estate landscape.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Regina Stilp, founding principal of Farpoint Development, one of Chicago's most innovative real estate development firms. Since co-founding Farpoint in 2016, Regina has spearheaded development projects totaling $4.9 billion across the Midwest and Southeast, including transformative Chicago landmarks.

In This Episode:

Regina shares her journey from traveling the world (Japan, London, adventure tours across America) to becoming a key player in Chicago real estate. Starting at Sterling Bay in 1996 when it was just four people, she helped grow the company through landmark projects including Google's first Midwest headquarters at 1000 West Fulton and McDonald's global headquarters at 400 South Jefferson.

Key Topics Discussed:

Regina's philosophy centers on community engagement, creating economic impact, and maintaining an abundance mindset in a competitive industry. Her projects span from high-profile urban developments to industrial facilities creating meaningful employment in rural communities.

Connect with Farpoint Development to learn more about their portfolio of transformative projects across Chicago and the Southeast.

Join host Joe Smazal for an in-depth conversation with Collette English Dixon, Executive Director of the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University and the first African American woman to lead a higher education real estate program in the US.

In this episode, Colette shares her remarkable journey from accidentally stumbling into real estate at a college job fair to becoming a leader with 30+ years of investment management experience at PGIM Real Estate (Prudential Financial). She discusses:

️ How Chicago compares to other major markets - "all the things New York has without the hassle"

️ The critical difference between "Affordable Housing" and "affordable housing" and why semantics matter

Why LIHTC projects costing $750K+ per unit are unsustainable and need systemic reform

The importance of industry organizations like CREW Network for career development Diversity, equity and inclusion in real estate - beyond just "checking boxes"

Building your personal brand and relationship network in the industry

Colette also previews her upcoming podcast "Brick, Grass and Steel" focusing on how the built environment impacts communities, and shares why she believes Chicago is one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Whether you're starting your real estate career, working in affordable housing, or interested in Chicago's development landscape, this conversation offers valuable insights from a true industry pioneer.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Sitz and Cody Huntertmark from Cushman & Wakefield, one of the world's largest commercial real estate services firms, to dive deep into their professional journeys and get an insider's look at high-stakes commercial real estate.

What We Cover:

How Tom and Cody built their careers and landed at a top-tier commercial real estate firm.

The unique challenges and opportunities in commercial real estate Behind-the-scenes insights into major deal-making processes

The career defining Google building deal in Chicago

What it takes to succeed in commercial real estate at the highest levels Industry trends and what's shaping the future of commercial property

Whether you're interested in commercial real estate, considering a career in the industry, or just love hearing about major business deals, this conversation offers valuable insights from professionals working at the pinnacle of their field.

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.