Randy Balik brings over 25 years of expertise in demolition, remediation, and environmental services. Randy is the executive vice president and co-owner of OFRS, an industrial and commercial remedial construction company that is now providing its services to areas affected by the wildfire in the Pacific Palisades. Randy’s work after the fires has been featured in the L.A. Business Journal and the L.A. Times. 

Randy has served on the boards of the Professional Environmental Management Association (PEMA), where he was President, and the Western States Petroleum Association Associates (WSPA Associates), where he is now Chairman Emeritus.

In this episode, Jan and Randy discuss:

• Randy’s career in environmental science and oil field reclamation, and how he got involved in residential work after the fires
• Key contaminants: asbestos, heavy metals, arsenic, and dioxins
• Costs, permitting, and insurance challenges in rebuilding
• The future of communities like the Palisades and their recovery

Key Takeaways: 

• Randy emphasizes that OFRS approaches residential fire cleanup with the same precision as industrial projects, ensuring every property undergoes full soil sampling and remediation for safety.
• The most concerning long-term risks stem from metals like lead, arsenic, and chromium, which can persist in the soil even after standard debris removal.
• While the price tag for comprehensive cleanup may seem high, many homeowners can leverage insurance to cover much of the cost, ultimately buying peace of mind.
• Beyond the cleanup itself, Randy points out that slow permitting processes and inadequate environmental testing remain two of the biggest barriers to safe and timely rebuilding.

“I really do hope Palisades comes back, and to come back, that's going to take some smart decisions by both existing property owners rebuilding and developers coming in. Don't be afraid of it. You know, spend a little bit of money. Make sure you know what's there. Be safe about it, and let's move forward. I believe the Palisades can come back very strong if people make the right decisions, and that includes our public agencies, supporting the effort.” - Randy Balik

Connect with Randy Balik:

Website: https://www.ofrsinc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-balik-898bbb4/  

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Kennedy Zak is an award-winning journalist at the Los Angeles Business Journal, bringing deep expertise in economics, housing, local government, and wildfire recovery—especially her powerful series on the Altadena and Pasadena fires. With bylines across outlets like the Glendale News-Press, Burbank Leader, Dallas Morning News, and Annenberg Media, she blends nimble reporting with thoughtful insight. Zak’s storytelling highlights how financial hardship, policy shifts, and community resilience intersect—a perspective rooted in rigorous reporting and local context. Whether unpacking insurance shortfalls or examining recovery systems in crisis, she brings clarity, compassion, and a sharp lens to the evolving challenges of Southern California.

In this episode, Jan and Kennedy discuss:

• Kennedy’s journey into journalism and her focus on real estate and housing in LA
• Southern California’s affordability crisis and generational housing challenges
• Insurance shortfalls are hitting homeowners after the Altadena and Pasadena fires
• Cost-cutting rebuilds solutions like economies of scale, modular housing, and AI design
• How community leadership, partnerships, and government shape recovery

Key Takeaways: 

• Kennedy Zak uses her journalist’s perspective to connect the dots between finance, politics, and community issues in the housing crisis. Her reporting highlights how these forces intertwine to shape Los Angeles’ future.
• The Altadena and Pasadena fires exposed billion-dollar insurance gaps, leaving families with staggering rebuild shortfalls of $300,000 to $900,000 each. This financial strain has become one of the greatest obstacles to recovery.
• Cutting-edge building methods are offering hope—modular construction, AI-driven design, and bulk neighborhood contracting are helping bring per-square-foot costs down. These approaches could redefine what affordable rebuilding looks like.
• Surprisingly, neighbors have emerged as the most trusted leaders in recovery efforts. Community-driven organizing has proven just as critical as institutional guidance in keeping rebuilding momentum alive.
• Moving forward, collaboration between public agencies, private finance, and local organizations may be the key to success. Creative solutions like rebuilding credit lines and hybrid housing models could fill critical gaps while addressing LA’s broader housing needs.

“Home ownership currently in LA County is at a 53-year low, and only about 45% of residents own the home that they're living in. A lot of the people I've been speaking with, that is their focus. But I do know that there's a lot of lots being built and people who just want to cut their losses and move on, rather than go through this kind of uncertain process.”

- Kennedy Zak

Kennedy Zak’s wildfire articles:

• https://labusinessjournal.com/featured/homes-made-by-robots/ (August)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/real-estate/research-fire-displacement-hits-westside-oc/  (August)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/real-estate/builder-altadena-residents-unite /  (August)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/real-estate/case-study-2-0-mission-to-rebuild/  (July)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/featured/how-effectively-will-calassist-help/  (June)

Connect with Kennedy Zak:

Website: https://www.kennedyzak.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-zak-0a03aa1a9/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Salvador Carbajal is the founder of S-AC Design Group and S-AC Builders, leading every stage from concept to construction. Since launching his firm in 2020, he has completed over 200 architectural projects and 40 construction builds, specializing in custom single-family homes, multifamily residences, and ADUs. Beginning his career with one of the nation’s top general contractors, Salvador managed high-rise developments from the ground up—experience that shaped his seamless design–build approach. Through S-AC Design Group, he crafts spaces with a strong design–lifestyle connection, while S-AC Builders ensures flawless execution in-house. His mission is simple: create high-quality, meaningful spaces that bring visions to life.

In this episode, Jan and Salvador discuss:

• The differences between "like-for-like" rebuilds and full new builds in Los Angeles County and City
• Key permitting process timelines and requirements for Altadena and Pacific Palisades
• How to assemble the right team for a smooth construction project
• Strategies to avoid costly change orders and budget overruns
• The benefits of working with experienced architects, engineers, and contractors

Key Takeaways: 

• In Altadena, “like-for-like” rebuilds can move quickly, with approvals often secured in just two months. By contrast, full new builds typically face a much longer timeline, averaging around eight months before permits are granted.
• Pacific Palisades, under LA City jurisdiction, allows greater design flexibility for “like-for-like” projects. The added advantage of the coastal exemption can significantly shorten the overall approval process.
• Working with a seasoned architectural firm and a skilled general contractor is essential. Their expertise not only speeds up the permitting process but also helps navigate complex construction challenges.
• A detailed, line-by-line bid from your contractor is a safeguard against unwelcome surprises. This level of transparency can greatly reduce the risk of mid-project change orders that inflate costs.
• Opting for a flat lot can save both time and effort during construction. Hillside lots, while often scenic, introduce additional complexity and longer timelines, especially for new builds.

“Choosing a general contractor is very important, and choosing a good architect or designer who knows what they're doing is important — even speed is important for you, then that's something to consider.” 

- Salvador Carbajal

Connect with Salvador Carbajal:

Website: https://s-acm.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sac_designbuild/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Teresa Fuller is a top-producing real estate agent in the Pasadena area with over two decades of experience. A former corporate sales and marketing professional, she’s been a full-time Realtor since 2002 and brings hands-on expertise as a successful investor, renovator, and restorer of historic homes. Teresa is known for her sharp negotiation skills, standout property marketing, and results-driven approach. Her listings have been featured in the LA Times Hot Property, Haute Living, and earned the Dwell designation. Formerly Sotheby’s Pasadena’s #1 agent, she now leads at Compass. A proud Altadena resident, Teresa has served her community through multiple boards and local organizations, blending business savvy with deep civic engagement.

In this episode, Jan and Teresa discuss:

• The dual market of standing structures and lot sales post-wildfire in Altadena
• Current buyer trends and developer activity in the fire zone
• Pricing pressures, market absorption, inventory shifts, and how these factors contribute to a buyer’s market
• The future of architectural design, green space, and modular development in Altadena
• The importance of commercial corridors and defensible space planning for long-term revitalization

Key Takeaways:

• Teresa Fuller brings a rare perspective to Altadena’s recovery—she endured a standing structure loss, lost a commercial building, and has been personally displaced. Her first-hand experience equips her to guide clients through every stage of the rebuilding process with empathy and precision.
• The post-fire real estate landscape in Altadena has split into two distinct and evolving markets: one for vacant lots and another for surviving structures. Each comes with its own set of challenges, pricing dynamics, and buyer types.
• Due to an influx of available lots and a slowdown in sales, pricing has faced notable downward pressure. This shift has turned the area into a competitive buyer’s market, particularly for those looking to build from the ground up.
• A new wave of interest is reshaping the local market, ranging from aspiring first-time home builders and architectural collectives to retirees downsizing into custom homes. These diverse buyers are helping drive Altadena’s transformation forward.
• Looking ahead, Teresa envisions a revitalized Altadena defined by thoughtful design, sustainability, and community-centered development. Solar integration, modular homes, and creative use of green and defensible space will all play a role in shaping its future identity.

“So I have a total loss, a standing structure, and a lease loss. So personally, I really have experienced the gamut of what the Eaton fire can bring. And I’ve personally experienced the gamut of what needs to be solved to move forward, so I feel that I and my team are uniquely qualified to understand and help people through the process.”

- Teresa Fuller

Connect with Teresa Fuller:

Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/teresa-fuller/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-fuller-b253602b/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresafullerrealestate/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teresafullerrealestate 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

Email: [email protected] 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Welcome to Rebuilding LA After the Fires, the podcast that explores how Los Angeles recovers from devastating wildfires. In each episode, you'll hear from Jan Brzeski, a leading expert in real estate private credit, as he sits down with developers, community leaders, and other real estate professionals to uncover what it really takes to rebuild homes, neighborhoods, and lives. If you're looking to understand what's next for LA, you're in the right place.

In this episode, Jan discusses:

• The devastating impact of wildfires on Pacific Palisades and Altadena, destroying over 10,000 structures
• Jan’s professional background in real estate lending and what led him to launch this podcast
• The mission of the show: uncovering what it takes to rebuild communities after massive destruction
• The real estate professionals and roles most affected and involved in the rebuilding efforts
• What listeners can expect in terms of show format, publishing schedule, and engagement

Key Takeaways: 

• Rebuilding more than 10,000 structures across Southern California is a massive undertaking expected to span at least a decade. Jan is stepping up to help guide stakeholders through the challenges ahead.
• This podcast delivers practical insights straight from the people on the ground—developers, investors, legal experts, and homeowners—all navigating the complex process of rebuilding after devastation.
• Interestingly, Jan estimates that around 50% of the destroyed lots may not be rebuilt by the original owners, but rather by developers and investors who see opportunity amid the ruins.
• With each interview, Jan digs for the hard-to-access but absolutely vital information that can shape smarter strategies for those involved in recovery efforts.
• Rather than waiting for clarity, this podcast aims to be part of the solution, laying the groundwork to piece together a clearer, more informed picture of LA’s rebuilding journey.

“The podcast is the first step in really understanding who's out there, who's willing to talk about what's happening, and I think we need to map out the territory. The way I look at it is, there's just so much uncertainty right now. We need to start mapping pieces of that picture so that we can see it—see the bigger picture more accurately.” 

- Jan Brzeski

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.