Angela Chen never planned on a career in private equity, but a wrong job title led to the right opportunity. In this episode of Success in Square Feet, Julia sits down with Angela Chen, and she shares how an accidental start, a lot of hustle, and a broker’s eye for the market helped her rise to Lead Underwriter at Compatriot Capital. If you’ve ever found success in unexpected places, you’ll love her story.

Episode Credits

Host and Producer: Julia Beckman

Sponsored by: Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

Follow Success in Square Feet on Instagram: @successinsqft

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn

Listen, share with a friend, and don't forget to rate & review!

This week, Success in Square Feet is back from a short break with a very relatable and inspiring story. The host, Julia Beckman sits down with Jarrod McCabe, Senior Director at JLL’s in the Capital Markets group, who grew up in small-town East Texas with zero exposure to commercial real estate—and still found his way to a leadership role in one of the biggest firms in the game.

We talk about:

• Starting out with no real estate background

• The power of networking when your resume isn’t perfect

• Why taking notes in meetings still matters (yes, really!)

• Finding balance as a new dad in a fast-paced industry

• And of course… my very embarrassing helicopter ride moment

Whether you’re figuring out your next step or just love a good “how I got here” story, this episode is for you. It’s honest, funny, and full of gems—plus some great Dallas recs if you're local.

Episode Credits:

Host & Producer: Julia Beckman

Guest: Jarrod McCabe

Sponsored by: Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

Follow Success in Square Feet on Instagram: @successinsqft

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn

Listen, share with a friend, and don’t forget to rate & review!

In this episode of Success in Square Feet, host Julia Beckman sits down with Fernando Ceballos, Director of Land Development at K. Hovnanian Homes, to talk about the career journey that took him from first-generation college student to professional engineer—and now, real estate developer.

Fernando breaks down what civil engineers really do, shares why he tells people he “plays Minecraft for a living,” and gives powerful advice for young professionals navigating early career choices, imposter syndrome, and finding their voice.

From volunteering with students to presenting zoning cases at city council, Fernando’s path is anything but ordinary—and his insights on mentorship, authenticity, and betting on yourself will leave you feeling fired up and inspired.

Episode Credits

Host & Executive Producer: Julia Beckman
Producer & Graphic Designer: Gabrielle Jones
Sponsored by: Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

Follow Success in Square Feet on Instagram: @successinsqft
Connect with Julia on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe so you’re among the first to hear new releases every Monday!

In this episode of Success in Square Feet, host Julia Beckman chats with Taylor Leander, Director of Investor Relations at Sentinel Peak Capital Partners. Taylor shares his unique career path, from working in the oil and gas industry to making a strategic pivot into commercial real estate. He discusses his roles in investor relations, his experiences at various firms, and the importance of networking and relationships. Taylor also provides invaluable advice for young professionals and job seekers, emphasizing authenticity, taking action, and trusting one's intuition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions and seeking inspiration in the commercial real estate world.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Julia Beckman

Producer and Graphic Designer: Gabrielle Jones

Sponsor: Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C.

Follow Success in Square Feet on Instagram @successinsqft and keep up with Julia Beckman on LinkedIn.

If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe so that you are among the first to hear the latest episode each week!

Richard Chesney has found success in square feet for a few reasons, and we get into those in this episode! Julia Beckman interviews Rick Chesney, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Sentinel Peak Capital Partners. Rick shares his unique journey into the commercial real estate industry, discussing the importance of relationships, mentorship, and the lessons learned throughout his career. He emphasizes the significance of staying true to oneself, the challenges of leadership, and the value of anticipating potential problems in the business. Rick also provides some great insights into his firm's operations and the multifamily market.

Credits:

Host and Executive Producer: Julia Beckman

Producer and Graphic Designer: Gabrielle Jones

Follow Success in Square Feet on Instagram @successinsqft and keep up with Julia Beckman on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Success in Square Feet, host Julia Beckman interviews Andi Hertling, Vice President of Business Development at Republic Title. They discuss Andi's career journey from college athletics to title insurance, the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and the value of persistence in business development. Andi shares insights on building professional relationships, the significance of teamwork, and how her experiences have shaped her career.

In this episode of Success in Square Feet, host Julia Beckman interviews Ben Brandenburg, Executive Vice President at Broadway Bank specializing in commercial real estate lending. They discuss Ben's journey in the banking industry, the importance of mentorship, balancing family life with a demanding career, and lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis. Ben shares insights on the transition from analyst to business development, the value of patience in career growth, and his aspirations for professional development in the future.

In the first episode of 'Success in Square Feet', host Julia Beckman introduces herself and her goals for the podcast. She shares her passion for her career in the commercial real estate industry, the importance of mentorship, and the diverse career paths within the industry. Julia also discusses her journey, her experiences at Munsch Hardt, and her involvement in The Real Estate Council's Associate Leadership Council, highlighting the collaborative nature of the industry and the exciting interviews ahead.