Smith Lane Podcast

Episode Description

Monaca and Callie sit down with the Ladies in Land founder, Erica Sinner, to discuss how she found her way into land development, why confidence is the single biggest career differentiator for women in the industry, and how a simple idea - putting women in a room together to learn - has grown into a multi-city national movement.

The conversation covers her early career path from marketing and sales into land acquisition, the moment she realized women needed more than networking- they needed education - and how Ladies in Land evolved from informal meetups into structured chapters offering certifications, professional credits, executive coaching, and university outreach.

They also explore expansion into nearly 21 cities (with a goal of 35+), the upcoming conference, a new engineering credit initiative, national partnerships, and the launch of a parallel initiative for men called Dudes in Development. The episode ultimately centers on confidence, mentorship, and building better communities through better-trained professionals.

Episode Description

Monaca and Callie sit down with Harry Masterson of EMBER to explore what makes master-planned communities truly work. From how Harry unexpectedly found his way into land development to why Houston remains one of the most resilient growth markets in the U.S., the conversation centers on EMBER’s signature West Houston project, The Grand Prairie, and its prairie-first identity.

They unpack how EMBER builds both internal culture and external brand with intention, how “decompression” becomes part of the arrival experience, and how thoughtful design choices—sunsets, overlooks, and authentic landscape storytelling—can turn a perceived challenge (not being right off the freeway) into a defining advantage. The episode closes with Harry’s personal “Smith Lane,” a childhood coastal community on Galveston Bay, and how that sense of freedom shapes his vision for The Grand Prairie.

Monaca and Callie kick off Season Three of Smith Lane with some major updates: a brand-new set, a growing team, and a bold evolution of the company behind the podcast, OnPlace Collective. Monaca and Callie reflect on how Smith Lane began, why placemaking and community remain at the heart of everything they do, and how growth has shaped both their business and their mission.

This episode sets the stage for what’s ahead in Season Three: deeper conversations, more visibility through video, and continued storytelling around building meaningful, connected communities.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Welcome to Season Three

A new professional set, upgraded production, and the excitement (and nerves) that come with leveling up.

What Is Smith Lane?

The origins of the podcast and why it was created alongside a fast-growing company.

The personal meaning behind the name “Smith Lane” and its roots in community.

The Evolution of the Company

Transition from OnPlace to OnPlace Collective

Why this wasn’t a rebrand, but a true evolution.

How client needs shaped the expansion of services over time.

Breaking Down the Collective

OnMenity: Amenity and lifestyle planning at the raw land stage

OnSpire: Welcome centers, social media, and fractional marketing services

OnVie: Lifestyle management, programming that drives sales performance

Why Early Planning Matters

The value of integrating amenities and lifestyle strategies early in development.

How thoughtful placemaking leads to better outcomes for residents and developers.

Big Milestones

Launching video podcasts and expanding onto YouTube

Opening the first satellite office in Houston

Hiring a Texas division leader

Celebrating the company’s 100th employee

Growing with Intention

Building internal systems like HR, learning & development, and performance tracking

Remaining a bootstrapped company focused on sustainable, client-driven growth

Investing in people, training, and long-term culture

What’s Ahead for Season Three

Continued conversations about placemaking, lifestyle, and community

Sharing lessons learned from growth, execution, and innovation

Bringing listeners deeper into the story behind the work

YouTube Chapter Markers

00:00:00 Welcome to Season Three

00:00:25 A New Set, New Energy, and Gratitude for the Team

00:00:55 What Is Smith Lane?

00:01:12 The Origin of Smith Lane and Its Meaning

00:01:31 Why Placemaking and Community Matter

00:01:50 Introducing the Company Evolution

00:01:54 From OnPlace to OnPlace Collective

00:02:21 How Client Needs Drove Growth

00:02:38 The Shift from Planning to Execution

00:03:26 The Birth of Lifestyle Management (OnVie)

00:03:42 Expanding Services and Welcome Centers

00:04:05 Why the Old Brand Became Confusing

00:04:46 Breaking Down the Collective Divisions

00:05:09 Introducing OnSpire

00:05:28 Creating a Clear Client Journey

00:05:40 The Evolution of the Smith Lane Brand

00:05:57 New Logo Inspiration and Design Story

00:06:27 Supporting Connection Through Integrated Services

00:06:56 Why Early Planning Creates Better Communities

00:07:24 Smith Lane Goes Video (YouTube Launch)

00:07:44 Opening the Houston Office

00:08:02 Building the Texas Team

00:08:10 Celebrating 100 Employees

00:08:31 Lessons Learned from Rapid Growth

00:08:55 Investing in HR and Learning & Development

00:09:09 Scaling Systems and Tracking Impact

00:09:33 Growing as a Bootstrapped Company

00:10:08 Investing Back into Culture and Community

00:10:36 What to Expect in Season Three

00:10:50 Closing Thoughts and What’s Next

On this episode of Smith Lane, hosts Monaca and Callie sit down with Graham Anderson, Co-Owner of Anchor Fitness and Performance, for a conversation about how fitness can serve as a cornerstone for community connection.

Graham explains how fitness offerings can go far beyond workouts, becoming a catalyst for stronger communities. He shares how his team listens closely to resident feedback, invests in knowledgeable instructors who genuinely care about their members, and thoughtfully selects equipment and programs that meet the unique needs of each community. The result is welcoming spaces where residents feel confident and engaged.

Whether you’re passionate about growing community through fitness or curious about the inner workings of fitness centers in master-planned communities, this episode offers valuable insight from a leader who believes fitness is about much more than physical strength.

About Graham

Graham Anderson brings over 25 years of experience in the fitness and performance industry, including 15 years working at the highest levels of collegiate and professional sports. His extensive background in athletic performance, injury prevention, and strength and conditioning has shaped a career dedicated to helping individuals reach their physical potential—regardless of age, experience, or starting point.

In 2018, Graham co-founded Anchor Fitness & Performance, a fitness solutions company based in Southwest Florida. Anchor Fitness was built on the principle of accessibility—bringing expert-level fitness professionals directly to clients in a variety of settings, whether at home, at work, or online. The mission is simple: to close the "excuse gap" and empower people to make fitness a sustainable part of their lifestyle.

Under Graham’s leadership, Anchor Fitness has become a trusted resource for personal training, corporate wellness, and performance-based programs tailored to individual needs. Whether training elite athletes or busy professionals, Graham's philosophy remains consistent—meet people where they are, and give them the tools, support, and motivation to go further.

Connect with Graham

LinkedIn

On this episode of Smith Lane, hosts Monaca and Callie sit down with John Woodman, Division Manager at Homes by Towne, to uncover what it takes to craft homes within some of Florida’s most celebrated master-planned communities. With more than 25 years of experience across Florida, Arizona, California, and Hawaii, John brings a deep understanding of design, craftsmanship, and community building.

John shares the story behind Homes by Towne, a privately held company known for its commitment to customer experience and meaningful community investment. He highlights standout projects like Shellstone and Lakehouse Cove at Waterside, as well as Midway Park, an innovative shared amenity designed to bring residents together and reimagine how neighborhoods connect.

Listeners will also hear John’s reflections on the “three E’s of construction,” and how his upbringing on a dirt road in Michigan, John’s personal “Smith Lane”, continues to influence his approach to creating spaces where people can truly thrive.

Whether you’re passionate about thoughtful community design, curious about the future of homebuilding, or simply enjoy stories of craftsmanship and care, this conversation offers lessons from a builder who values people just as much as the homes he creates.

About John

John Woodman serves as the Division Manager for Homes by Towne’s West Florida Division, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry. A graduate of Michigan State University’s Construction Management program, John moved to Florida over two decades ago, drawn by family and the opportunity to build homes in the sunshine state.

With a belief that homebuilding is as much about people and customer service as it is about process and blueprints, John emphasizes strong work ethic, lasting relationships with trade partners, and a commitment to quality. His team’s philosophy — “the three E’s: every room, every house, every day” — has become a recipe for delivering well-crafted homes and exceptional customer experiences.

Over the course of his career, John has spent more than 10 years in homebuilding and another decade in land development, where he developed a passion for creating communities and lifestyles that extend well beyond the walls of a home. For him, community begins the moment someone drives into a neighborhood and feels that sense of arrival.

Connect with John

LinkedIn

Gregory FCA

On this episode of Smith Lane, Monaca and Callie welcome Heather Crowell and Britni Ackrivo, Executive Vice Presidents at Gregory FCA and the team behind the PlotLines podcast. Together, they dive into the role of communications in real estate, exploring current trends and misconceptions shaping the industry.

The conversation highlights how headlines often misrepresent what’s really happening in the market and how a closer look reveals a more balanced story. Heather and Britni share how the PlotLines podcast helps debunk common myths, offering listeners and clients clearer insights into the industry. 

They also discuss what real estate clients are prioritizing in today’s climate and the growing influence of AI on marketing and communication strategies.

Listeners also get to know Heather and Britni beyond their professional roles, as they share about life as moms and how they balance their personal and professional worlds.

Tune in for a discussion that underscores how strategic communication helps create stronger connections and more resilient places to live and work. 

About Heather 

As Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications and Growth, Heather leads firm efforts to grow market share, build out verticals, and develop AI-powered tools that make life easier for communicators.

Heather brings nearly two decades of experience from the C-suite of a publicly traded REIT, where she led marketing, communications, investor relations, and HR through just about every business scenario imaginable: activist campaigns, two bankruptcies, a delisting, and COVID shutdowns—along with major successes like project launches and earned visibility. That range gives her both credibility and calm in high-stakes moments. She knows what matters to executive teams and how to align integrated communications to business goals.

At Gregory FCA, she’s the force behind CrisisCalm, an AI-powered tool that saves hours and delivers confidence in the heat of a crisis. She also drives growth in key verticals like real estate and eds & meds, helping clients define strategic positioning, refine investment theses, and tell the right story to the right audience.

Connect with Heather

LinkedIn

Gregory FCA

About Britni 

Britni Ackrivo is Executive Vice President at Gregory FCA, the country's seventh-largest public relations firm specializing in real estate. She is also a Co-Host of PlotLines- an award-winning podcast breaking down real estate headlines. In her more than decade at the agency, Britni has had the opportunity to be a PR partner for major real estate projects and developments, allowing Gregory FCA to maintain a long track record of representing some of the biggest, nationally-known commercial and residential real estate companies.

Connect with Britni

LinkedIn

Gregory FCA

This week on Smith Lane, Monaca and Callie sit down with Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. With over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, Erin shares how her career has shaped her approach to promoting Sarasota as a must-experience destination.

Throughout the conversation, Erin reflects on the impact of tourism on Sarasota’s economy and quality of life, explaining how visitor dollars support community projects and amenities. She highlights key marketing strategies, the importance of responding to shifting visitor demographics, and how technology is transforming the way tourism is promoted.

Discover Sarasota’s hidden gems through a conversation that is both educational and filled with Erin’s passion for the community.

About Erin

Erin M. Duggan, CDME is the President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County.

Duggan began working for VSC over 20 years ago and has worked in a variety of roles before taking the helm two years ago.

Duggan has been a long-time leader in the local community, serving as President of the Junior League of Sarasota and is a graduate of Leadership Sarasota, Leadership Florida, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Leadership Institute.

Professionally, Duggan serves on the Board of Directors for Visit Florida, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the Lakewood Ranch community activities association.

Duggan is a graduate of Florida Southern College and holds a Certified Destination Management Executive designation from Destinations International and Purdue University. Duggan lives in Sarasota and is married to attorney Patrick Duggan and they have two teenage sons.

Connect with Erin

LinkedIn

Visit Sarasota County

This week on Smith Lane, Monaca and Callie sit down with Bill Conerly, Vice President and Senior Project Manager at Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., and member of the Florida House of Representatives representing District 72. He shares insights from the intersection of his careers in civil engineering and politics.

Throughout the conversation, Bill explains why housing affordability remains one of his top priorities, reflecting on how factors like density and housing fees contribute to sustainable development. He also unpacks the challenges of flooding and stormwater design, emphasizing how thoughtful planning can reduce risks for communities.

At the heart of the episode is Bill’s belief in the power of communication and education to guide meaningful change. The conversation concludes with his thoughtful response to the Smith Lane question. Join us for an episode that balances heart, practicality, and education.

About Bill 

Bill Conerly was born in South Florida and grew up in the Keys and Arcadia. After graduating high school, he left his hometown of Arcadia to enlist in the United States Navy. Serving aboard the USS LaSalle in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf and the USS Fidelity homeported Panama City, Florida.

Bill used the technical skills he acquired in the Navy to put himself through college while working full-time. His diverse work experiences included jobs as a robotics technician on the Jaws ride at Universal Studios and a Civil Engineering Aide at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Gainesville.

In 1997, Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering with a specialization in Soil and Water Conservation from the University of Florida. Bill began his engineering career in Southwest Florida, focusing on stormwater modeling and routing. By 2001, Bill had earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Engineering with a focus in Water Resources. Over the past 28 years, Bill has worked on a wide variety of projects, including Healthcare, Affordable & Senior Housing, Roadway, Utility, Landfill, Single & Multifamily Residential, and Educational projects.

Bill is a 26-year resident of Manatee County and has been deeply committed to his community. Serving on many voluntary boards, including as a member of the Planning Commission, MPO CAC, Manatee County Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

Bill was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2024 and recently finished his first Session. When asked why he wanted to serve as a Representative, he replied, “I have a spirit of service and want to use my skills, knowledge, and experience to make Southwest Florida a better place. As an engineer, I bring a unique skillset and problem-solving perspective to Tallahassee.”

Connect With Bill

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Florida House of Representatives

Kimley-Horn

In this episode of Smith Lane, we’re joined by Jeff Reiman, President of The Broadband Group, for a conversation about the vital role broadband plays in today’s master planned communities.

Jeff explores how foundational infrastructure sets communities up for long-term success and ensures residents have the high-performance connectivity they increasingly expect.

We discuss how land development has always shaped communication, and why developers must think about connectivity 18+ months before a community breaks ground. From the value of fiber infrastructure to the importance of partnering with service providers, Jeff unpacks why broadband should be treated as essential as roads and utilities.

The conversation also touches on the inspiring origin story of their company, the rising demand for data centers, and how thoughtful planning around connectivity can differentiate a community and elevate the resident experience.

Join us for an educational and insightful conversation on the power of fiber infrastructure — and why connectivity has become an essential amenity for today’s residents.

About Jeff

Jeff Reiman has been active in the broadband industry since 2005, bringing nearly two decades of experience advancing digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions for large-scale, mixed-use developments across the country. As President of The Broadband Group, he leads strategic initiatives that position high-performance wired and wireless networks as pillars of community land planning and design——establishing connectivity as a valued amenity and differentiator.

Prior to joining The Broadband Group, Mr. Reiman worked in the Boston office of Credit Suisse Investment Bank on the Equities Sales and Trading Floor.

He began his career at the DC headquarters of a Presidential Campaign and is a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Government. He currently serves as President of the Harvard Club of Nevada.

Connect with Jeff

LinkedIn

The Broadband Group

In this episode of Smith Lane, we’re joined by Kelly Mangum, Regional Vice President of the South Carolina and North Carolina division at Builders Design. Monaca, Callie, and Kelly discuss the impact of interior design, and how it can shape the spaces and communities we’re creating.

We explore how Builders Design approaches each project with a focus on collaboration, placemaking, and a deep understanding of today’s homebuyers. Kelly offers real-world examples of thoughtful designs that align with a community’s identity — spaces that not only make a strong impression during a walk-through but continue to meet residents’ needs for years to come.

Kelly emphasizes the philosophy that Builders Design isn’t trying to sell you a sofa, they’re focused on elevating the entire space to feel purposeful, functional, and inviting, so the end users look forward to spending time there.

Kelly also explores the experience of working on model homes, speaks to the importance of buyer profiles, and shares evolving expectations in multifamily living. She rounds out the conversation with highlights from current design trends and where the industry is headed.

Through a fun and joyful conversation, Kelly offers an insightful perspective on what it means to design spaces that truly serve the people who live in them and make them want to stay.

About Kelly

With over 20 years of experience in residential design, construction, and sales, I am a hands-on leader passionate about creating inspiring spaces. As Regional Vice President at Builders Design, an award-winning interior design firm, I lead projects across a variety of markets including model homes, multifamily communities, clubhouses, welcome centers, and senior living.

I’m involved in all phases of the design process, from preparing bids and presenting design concepts to collaborating with vendors, architects, and project teams to bring each vision to life. I’m known for having a keen eye for detail, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for creativity. My goal is always to deliver thoughtful, high-quality designs that reflect both client goals and community needs.

Strong communication, teamwork, and customer service are at the core of my approach, helping me build lasting partnerships and ensure smooth project execution. I’m always eager to take on new challenges, learn new skills, and contribute to the continued success of Builders Design and the industry.

Connect with Kelly

LinkedIn

Builders Design