Real Finds Podcast: Commercial Real Estate Unfiltered

What happens when geopolitical uncertainty meets supply chain complexity? In this eye-opening episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere welcomes Kristian O'Meara, known as “KO”, a seasoned global supply chain leader and Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at JAGGAER. Together, they unpack the ripple effects of major trade policy shifts, most notably the U.S.-China tariffs, and how those disruptions have permanently reshaped the landscape for procurement teams, industrial space users, and commercial real estate strategists.

This is more than just a conversation about global logistics, it’s a breakdown on how to survive and thrive in a fractured global economy. Whether you’re a business owner trying to adapt sourcing strategies, a procurement executive navigating compliance challenges, or a commercial real estate agent watching industrial demand surge across inland markets, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the strategies that matter now.

🔍 Key Topics Covered:

✅ Tariffs and Trade Tensions: Gordon and KO explore the long tail of the Trump-era tariffs, how they disrupted legacy procurement pipelines, and why many companies were caught off-guard by the fragility of their global sourcing networks. You’ll hear how tariffs forced executive teams to rethink risk in a more tangible and location-dependent way, sparking major shifts in demand for U.S.-based industrial real estate and logistics assets.

✅ Supply Chain Resilience: KO lays out the new playbook for supply chain resiliency, including the critical role of digital procurement platforms, supplier diversification, and end-to-end visibility. Resilience today is not just about building inventory buffers—it’s about having the real-time data to make smart, fast decisions.

✅ The Nearshoring Boom: One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the structural movement toward nearshoring. Companies are no longer treating it as a theoretical future; it’s happening right now. KO explains why this shift is creating ripple effects across Mexico, the U.S. Southeast, and the Midwest, making “industrial space” more important than ever for procurement and operations leaders.

✅ Technology Meets Policy: As procurement becomes more central to enterprise strategy, regulatory compliance, trade reporting, and ESG mandates are colliding with digital transformation efforts. KO discusses how platforms like JAGGAER are helping organizations not only comply but also compete.

✅ Why Real Estate is Now a Supply Chain Issue: Gordon and KO touch on a compelling trend: the convergence of physical logistics, real estate, and digital strategy. As warehouses, ports, and even energy access points become critical nodes in corporate strategy, the ability to secure the right space in the right place is becoming a competitive advantage.

📈 Related Resources: Need a strategic real estate plan to match your evolving logistics footprint?

📥 Download our Industrial Space Action Plans for:

Occupiers: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-space-occupiers-action-plan/

Property Sellers: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-property-sellers-action-plan/

Investors: https://www.vvco.com/commercial-real-estate-investors-action-plan/

Explore more at: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-space-in-chicago-buy-sell-lease/

Power Planning Is Now Real Estate Planning: Why Data Centers Are Redefining Site Value

In this episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Pete DiSanto, a marine engineer turned microgrid and energy infrastructure expert, to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in commercial real estate today: how power access, not just location, is becoming the ultimate driver of site value.

As data centers evolve into the physical engine rooms of the global digital economy, the development process has flipped. It’s no longer just about zoning, broadband, or fiber—it’s about securing scalable, resilient energy access. In today’s grid-constrained environment, interconnection delays of 3–7 years are not uncommon. Pete explains why traditional assumptions about utility hookups no longer apply and why “just adding a transformer” is a naïve myth.

👉 Whether you're a real estate developer, private equity investor, or infrastructure fund evaluating potential data center sites, this episode is packed with essential insights on the future of behind-the-meter power, natural gas infrastructure, and microgrid design.

From gas turbines and fuel cells to LNG bridging, small modular nuclear reactors, and evolving redundancy standards, Pete outlines why microgrids like those from Enchanted Rock are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re becoming the gating factor for feasibility, financing, and speed-to-market.

🔋 Key themes covered:

• How interconnection queues have ballooned and what to do about it
• Why utility-grade infrastructure is no longer enough
• Creative solutions for powering sites ahead of grid upgrades
• The new role of natural gas pipelines in real estate underwriting
• What modular nuclear means for the future of clean power

Why the smartest investors are solving for “speed-to-power” before they ever break ground

💡 Power Planning is Now Real Estate Planning. In the race to build scalable data infrastructure, developers can’t afford to ignore the power side of the deal. No energy = no asset. Resilient power isn’t just about uptime, it’s about making land bankable.

As Pete puts it: “You don’t get to take a day off. You either solve the problem or you don’t get home.”

Relevant Resources:

Learn more about industrial real estate development at Van Vlissingen: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-space-in-chicago-buy-sell-lease/

Read our latest market insights on the Van Vlissingen blog: https://www.vvco.com/news/

Work with a Van Vlissingen commercial real estate broker: https://www.vvco.com/contact/

Discover how Enchanted Rock is powering data center resilience with natural gas microgrids: https://enchantedrock.com/

Enchanted Rock microgrids offer flexible, on-site, dispatchable power that meets peak loads without compromising reliability or waiting on grid upgrades. Even better, they’re built to evolve, with dispatchable, on-site power that meets demand today and can later transition into grid support—helping data centers become assets to the grid, not liabilities.

In today’s episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Jimmie Brennan, founder of Love Mondays Office Space, for a deep and heartfelt dive into what makes the modern office truly work for businesses and people alike.

Forget gray carpets and soulless cubes. The office isn't dead, but the uninspired one is. Together, Gordon and Jimmie break down why the future of office space is personal, flexible, and built around joyful utility. If you’ve ever wondered how to design an office that inspires people to actually look forward to Monday morning, this conversation is your blueprint.

🧠 Why You’ll Want to Listen

This isn’t just another chat about workplace design—it’s a masterclass in rethinking how real estate shapes company culture, productivity, and even mental health. Jimmie shares stories from his time in the leisure industry, explains how his company helps businesses create inspiring work environments, and outlines the rising expectations of today’s workforce, whether it’s the demand for hybrid flexibility, breakout spaces, or pet-friendly policies.

The takeaway? Great offices don’t just attract talent—they retain it, empower it, and even heal it.

🏢 Who This Episode is For

- Commercial real estate professionals

- Landlords and asset managers

- Office tenants and HR leaders

- Workplace strategists

- Founders navigating hybrid models

- Anyone sick of dreading Mondays

Whether you’re planning your next office move, designing a flex space, or trying to convince your team to come back into the building, this episode offers clear, practical, and human-centric advice on how to make your workspace a true asset.

📲 Want to connect with Jimmie Brennan?

Website: www.lovemondaysofficespace.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmie-brennan-office-space-expert-coworking-flexible-private-office-space/

📲 Want to connect with Gordon Lamphere?

Website: www.vvco.com

Try his Dream Office Quiz under the "Resources" tab on his site – it takes 60 seconds and could change the way you think about your office.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe.

💬 Drop your biggest workplace design takeaway in the comments below!

📩 Have questions about your own office? Reach out to Gordon or Jimmie anytime.

In this timely episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Richard Barnett, Chief Marketing Officer at Supplyframe and a globally recognized expert in supply chain strategy, manufacturing trends, and trade policy.

As shifting tariff policies continue to reshape global commerce, Barnett explains how businesses are adapting by rethinking globalization entirely. What once was a world optimized for lean, far-reaching supply chains is now facing a new paradigm, marked by regionalization, reshoring, and a growing urgency to build resilience into operational models.

This episode examines how tariff disruptions, similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, are prompting companies to reassess their strategies, including inventory buffers, supplier diversification, and even their real estate footprint. Barnett also evaluates how legislation, such as the CHIPS Act, is impacting domestic manufacturing and foreign investment decisions.

Whether you're an executive, investor, supply chain operator, or commercial real estate professional, this discussion delivers a fresh perspective on the future of industrial strategy, logistics infrastructure, and trade-driven site selection.

📌 Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Tariff shocks: How sudden policy changes are disrupting industries globally

00:31 – Welcome from host Gordon Lamphere and the Real Finds mission

00:46 – Guest intro: Richard Barnett, CMO at Supplyframe and supply chain thought leader

02:54 – From globalization to regionalization: Why companies are rethinking footprints

07:21 – Supply chain lessons from the pandemic: Fragility and over-optimization

11:18 – The return of inventory: Why buffers and flexibility are key

15:44 – Which sectors are most exposed to tariff volatility

22:38 – The CHIPS Act: Rebuilding U.S. semiconductor capacity

25:25 – The cascading effects of trade delays on global investment

30:00 – Final take: Navigating logistics bottlenecks and the uncertain future of trade

🧠 Key Themes Covered:

• Global trade policy shifts

• U.S. industrial strategy and restoring

• Regionalization vs globalization

• Supply chain resilience and risk

• Manufacturing trends and sector-specific disruptions

• Tariffs' impact on commercial real estate and site selection

📈 Stay ahead of the curve—subscribe to The Real Finds Podcast for sharp conversations with leaders who are shaping the built environment, industrial economy, and future of global business.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to join thousands of industry pros tuning into each episode. New content drops regularly.

The construction industry is facing a labor crisis, with over half a million unfilled jobs and rising. Without enough workers to build the future, everything from infrastructure to industrial development is at risk. In this episode of the Real Finds Podcast, Gordon Lamphere sits down with George Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council, to discuss what’s causing the workforce collapse and how to fix it.

Carrillo, a former public official turned industry leader, delivers a powerful message: construction powers our economy, and without people to build, the entire real estate industry grinds to a halt. From affordable housing to industrial supply chains, the ripple effects of the labor shortage are already here—and will only worsen without systemic change.

In this solution-focused conversation, we cover:

🔨 The state of the labor shortage and why it’s worse than you think

🧱 How construction is the foundation of the commercial real estate industry

🌎 Why smart, comprehensive immigration reform must be part of the solution

🎓 The urgent need for education reform and early exposure to the trades

🧰 Creative ways to inspire the next generation and yes, even children’s picture books

💼 Real pathways for young people and underserved communities to get into the trades

Carrillo doesn’t just point out the problem. He brings blueprints for change. The future of real estate starts with the people who build it, and we need more of them right now.

Subscribe to the Real Finds Podcast to hear bold solutions and candid conversations from the people shaping the built world.

📲 Connect with Us:

Website: https://www.vvco.com/real-finds-podcast/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6259PC9dz1qFdptPUtpKoU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-finds-podcast/id1664564660

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcPo4ApnUONGj2PHX5wtMPw

Twitter: @realfindspod

In today's episode of The Real Finds, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Hunter Hopcroft, an investor and blogger specializing in REITs and alternative investments. They explore the shifting landscape of real estate investing, breaking down the distinctions between public vs. private markets and the challenges and opportunities in industrial, logistics, and data center investments. Ultimately, the two discuss key investment strategies to navigate today's challenging markets.

From cash flow analysis to risk assessment and capital allocation, this episode is packed with valuable insights for investors looking to deepen their understanding of alternative investments and market trends.

-Find Hunter Here-

Substack: https://www.lewisenterprises.blog/

Twitter: https://x.com/rhunterh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-hopcroft-12204129a/

🔎 Episode Highlights:

00:00 - The importance of curiosity and unique perspectives in investing

00:39 - Introduction of Hunter Hopcroft and his extensive asset management experience

01:24 - Breaking down alternative investments and their evaluation

02:19 - Comparing public vs. private real estate investments (risks & rewards)

10:24 - Analyzing the industrial market and key leasing factors

15:30 - Challenges in the logistics sector (union negotiations & shipping shifts)

19:20 - The financial health of small-bay industrial properties and tenant dynamics

26:52 - The explosive growth of data centers, AI impact, and market volatility

30:41 - Examining REITs’ structural issues in capital allocation & return mandates

31:45 - Cash flow structures in data centers and their reinvestment implications

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT with your thoughts!

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In this episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Scott Robinson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Plymouth Industrial REIT and Director & Professor at NYU's Schack Institute, to discuss the rapidly evolving industrial real estate market and how investors can strategically position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.

After a historic slowdown in total transaction volume, industrial real estate is now seeing a resurgence in acquisitions. However, while investor interest is returning, liquidity challenges, rising energy costs, and shifting logistics trends mean buyers, sellers, and investors must rethink their approach.

🏗️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The Industrial Real Estate Rebound – The past two and a half years saw a significant drop in total transaction volume as market uncertainty and rising interest rates stalled deals. Now, with more clarity and appetite for acquisitions, industrial real estate is finally seeing a comeback.

✅ Liquidity Crunch & The Buyer-Seller Gap – Why are sellers stuck in 2022 pricing while buyers recognize that today’s liquidity market has changed? Is the gap starting to close, or will capital constraints continue to slow transactions?

✅ E-Commerce & Logistics Growth – With Amazon, Walmart, and Target expanding their last-mile operations, how will continued e-commerce demand affect industrial leasing and investment strategies? Will smaller, more flexible spaces see the biggest demand?

✅ Tariffs & Trade Policy – With potential tariff increases and reshoring initiatives, could U.S. industrial real estate benefit from global supply chain shifts? How are manufacturing trends influencing warehouse demand, and which markets stand to gain the most?

✅ Energy Costs & Property Resilience – Rising energy costs are becoming an overlooked but major factor for industrial property owners. How can investors mitigate risk and future-proof properties against rising operational expenses?

✅ The Shift to Smaller Industrial Spaces – Investors are moving away from mega-warehouses and focusing on smaller, multi-tenant industrial buildings (sub-100,000 sq. ft.). Why is this trend gaining traction, and what opportunities does it create?

✅ Technology & Robotics in Industrial Real Estate – Automation and AI are transforming logistics operations. How can industrial property owners ensure their buildings remain competitive in a tech-driven future?

✅ Technology & Robotics in Industrial Real Estate – Automation and AI are transforming logistics operations. How can industrial property owners ensure their buildings remain competitive in a tech-driven future?

📚 Scott’s Book Recommendation: Watch That Rat Hole by Ken Campbell – A deep dive into the history of REITs and how they have shaped the commercial real estate industry over the past several decades.

📩 Want to connect with Scott Robinson?

📌 Find him on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) or reach out via NYU

🔥 If you're serious about industrial real estate investing, this episode is a must-listen! Subscribe for more insights from top real estate experts, investors, and market analysts.

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe for More Real Estate Insights!

In this episode, we dive into the visionary development of Babcock Ranch, a groundbreaking community in Florida built on sustainability, resilience, and innovative design. Join us as Tom Hoban, President and CIO of Kitson & Partners, shares how this 18,000-acre community was designed to blend environmental preservation with modern living.

Tom takes us behind the scenes, exploring how Babcock Ranch:

🌿 Prioritized environmental sensitivity and storm resilience

🏠 Tackled affordable housing by dedicating 10% of homes as attainable

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Created vibrant, diverse, and multi-generational neighborhoods

⚡ Integrated solar power, fiber internet, and autonomous shuttles for a sustainable future

🏙️ Designed mixed-use neighborhoods to reduce commutes and enhance convenience

We also discuss:

📈 The rise of remote work and shifting community demographics

🛍️ The evolution of retail trends in a digital age

💡 Health, wellness, and mental peace as core pillars of community design

🌍 Why Babcock Ranch serves as a blueprint for future developments

From addressing housing challenges to designing a live-work-play environment that adapts to modern demands, this episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in real estate development, urban planning, or building sustainable communities.

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy the episode!

⏰ Chapters:

00:00 Intro: The Vision of Babcock Ranch

02:54 Engaging the Environmental Community

05:55 Tackling Affordable Housing

11:51 Resilience in Design: Weathering the Storms

15:12 Building Diverse & Sustainable Neighborhoods

27:37 Creating a Vibrant Town Experience

33:19 Remote Work Trends & Future Community Design

#BabcockRanch #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #RealEstate #CommunityDesign

In this episode of the RealFinds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Spencer Levine, President of RAL Companies, to explore how office spaces are evolving in a post-COVID world. With a portfolio of over three million square feet of mixed-use space across the United States and the Caribbean, Spencer provides significant expertise in real estate development, urban design, and project management.

Spencer shares how the built environment shapes human experiences and dives into the innovations that are transforming office spaces—amenities, flexible floor plans, and vertical circulation—to meet the demands of the modern tenant. He also discusses the groundbreaking Zero Irving project, which goes beyond traditional office spaces to create a community-centric ecosystem supporting jobs, skills training, and urban development.

💡 Key Topics Covered

• Why office spaces are no longer "just a box"
• The importance of amenities and tenant experience in attracting demand
• Insights into Zero Irving and its role in community development
• How public-private partnerships shape successful urban projects
• The significance of flexible design for future-proofing spaces
• Market comparisons: New York vs. Miami in office space trends
• Practical career advice for young professionals in real estate

👨‍💼 About Spencer Levine

As President of RAL Companies, Spencer oversees current and upcoming projects, focusing on project and construction management. With experience managing and coordinating over three million square feet of mixed-use developments, his expertise spans residential, commercial, and hospitality properties.

Spencer holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, with a focus on urban planning and public park design. He also earned a BS in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University, specializing in construction documentation and specifications. Spencer is a licensed landscape architect in Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

🔔 Don’t Miss This Episode! Whether you’re a real estate professional, developer, or someone interested in urban design, this conversation with Spencer Levine is packed with insights on the future of office spaces and the power of community-centric development.

📌 Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies in real estate!

Impact investing isn’t just about doing good—it can be about achieving exceptional financial returns while making a difference. In this in-depth episode, Gordon Lamphere sits down with Peter Slaugh and Jenny Romera to discuss how impact investing in multifamily real estate is driving profitability by fostering community resilience, improving tenant satisfaction, and enhancing property value.

With decades of experience, Peter and Jenny share how innovative programs and resident support services create win-win scenarios for investors and tenants alike. Learn how prioritizing social impact and tenant engagement leads to lower turnover, higher occupancy rates, and sustainable financial growth.

This conversation covers:

• The rising demand for socially conscious investments in multifamily housing
• How resident-focused amenities and support programs boost tenant retention
• The role of community building in making properties more resilient to market downturns
• Why understanding tenant demographics is the secret to maximizing returns
• How innovative strategies are reshaping the property management industry

As Peter and Jenny reveal, the multifamily space is evolving rapidly, with trends like sustainability, resident well-being, and migration shifts opening up new opportunities for savvy investors. They also address the challenges of resident engagement and share tips for hiring teams that prioritize both financial performance and social impact.

Whether you’re an investor looking to align your portfolio with your values or a real estate professional seeking fresh ideas, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for leveraging impact investing to achieve impressive financial rewards in the multifamily sector.

⏳ Chapters:

00:00 - The Emergence of Impact Investing

03:09 - Building Resilient Communities through Amenities

05:54 - Innovative Programs for Resident Support

09:08 - Understanding the Tenant Demographic

12:00 - Balancing Financial Goals with Community Impact

14:52 - The Evolution of Multifamily Management

18:04 - Challenges in Resident Engagement

21:02 - Shifts in Multifamily Migration Patterns

23:50 - Hiring for Impact and Community Engagement

27:04 - Future Trends in Multifamily Real Estate

Join Gordon Lamphere, Peter Slaugh, and Jenny Romera as they unpack the potential for massive financial success through impact investing in the multifamily real estate space!