The Boulos Beat: A Commercial Real Estate Podcast

Episode 79: Featuring Mike Emmons, Owner, Maine Woodland Properties/Emmons Enterprises

On this episode of The Boulos Beat, Joe Italiaander, guest hosting for Greg Boulos sits down with Mike Emmons, a longtime real estate entrepreneur and developer, to discuss his journey from growing up in a small Vermont town to building a successful career in land development. Mike shares how he entered the real estate business in 1981 and helped develop a unique niche focused on acquiring, subdividing, marketing, and selling large rural tracts of land. He reflects on the challenges of the 1988 and 2008 financial downturns, rebuilding his business after each, and successfully adapting his model by acquiring and selling distressed condominium projects following the 2008 crash.  Joe and Mike also discuss Mike’s approach to leadership, the importance of hiring and trusting good people, and his transition toward retirement and spending more time with his family and playing golf. Mike also shares the story of the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund (temmons.org), founded in memory of his son, which has raised nearly $3 million and awarded 16 four-year scholarships; the new Taylor Emmons School of Business; his purchase of Galloo Island, the largest privately owned freshwater island in the United States, now being placed in conservation; and his favorite deal — a $4.24 million state reimbursement for a hurricane-stricken orange grove.

Episode 78: Featuring George Cacoulidis, CEO, Grand Metro Properties

On this episode of The Boulos Beat, Greg Boulos sits down with George Cacoulidis, CEO of Grand Metro Properties, to discuss his journey from legal practice to leading the family business, founded by his father in 1985. George highlights the company's expansion in Maine and New York, its focus on stable properties, and the impact of COVID-19 on its portfolio. Greg and George discuss the importance of tenant relationships, conservative debt management, and adapting to market changes. George also shares insights on the challenges of running a family business, the potential of AI in real estate, and his succession plan. The conversation concludes with George's vision for Grand Metro's legacy.

Episode 77: Featuring Julie Gondzar, Director of Development, Greater Portland Landmarks

On this episode of The Boulos Beat, Greg Boulos sits down with Julie Gondzar, Director of Development at Greater Portland Landmarks, to discuss her passion for historic preservation, and the importance of protecting Portland's architectural legacy while embracing thoughtful growth.

Greg and Julie discuss the balance between preserving Portland's historic character and meeting the demands of modern development, the importance of educating the public about preservation, and Greater Portland Landmarks' initiatives to engage the next generation of advocates. Julie concludes by sharing the organization's vision for the future, including a fresh approach to its longstanding "Places in Peril" program.

Episode 76: Featuring George Matelich, Co-Founder of Rely

On this episode of The Boulos Beat, host Greg Boulos sits down with George Matelich, co-founder of Rely, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the commercial real estate due diligence process.  George asserts his platform significantly accelerates due diligence, reducing a process that traditionally takes 60–90 days to as little as one day

Throughout the conversation, Greg and George discuss how AI can help mitigate transaction risk, improve efficiency, and uncover opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. 

In this episode of The Boulos Beat, host Greg Boulos sits down with Samantha Marinko, a successful commercial real estate broker at The Boulos Company. The two discuss Sam’s career journey since joining the company in 2016 and the relationships she has built representing notable clients such as Hannaford Brothers and Abbott Laboratories.

Balancing a thriving career with family life as a mother of four daughters, Sam shares her perspective on navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry while building a successful business and meaningful career. She reflects on the importance of community involvement, the flexibility commercial real estate can provide, and the support system that has allowed her to grow both professionally and personally.

The conversation also explores the realities of work-life balance, the evolving role of women in commercial real estate, and how parenthood can bring renewed focus, motivation, and perspective to a professional career.

Stronger Together: How Baby Booty Is Redefining Parenthood Fitness

In this episode of the Boulos Beat, guest host Sasha Phillips sits down with Molly DeLong Brubaker to discuss how she transformed her background in startup marketing and her experience as a new mom into Baby Booty—a fitness and community platform designed for parents. What began during COVID as virtual workouts quickly evolved into in-person classes, built around a simple idea: parents need a space where they can work out, connect, and show up as they are—without leaving their babies behind.

Baby Booty blends functional fitness with real-life parenting, offering classes where children are welcome and community is central. Each session combines a workout with dedicated time for connection, creating a supportive “third space” for parents to rebuild strength and identity. The business has grown largely through word-of-mouth, with many instructors coming from within the community, reinforcing its authentic and deeply personal culture.

A key part of their conversation also highlights the real estate journey behind the brand’s growth. Molly shares how moving from pop-up classes to a permanent studio required finding a space with easy access, ample parking, and a welcoming layout suited for parents with young children. With her first location in Portland and a second in Massachusetts, she reflects on navigating different markets, negotiating leases, and adapting spaces to fit her vision. As she explores expansion in southern Maine and considers franchising, real estate strategy remains central to scaling Baby Booty’s unique community-driven model.

Episode 73: Betsy Biemann, CEO of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)

Investing in Communities: Betsy Biemann on the Mission of CEI

Drew and Betsy dive into CEI’s mission to support low-income communities through financing, business advising, and targeted investments in sectors like farming and food manufacturing, aquaculture, childcare and renewable energy. They also discuss CEI’s impact nationwide, including advancing affordable and workforce housing and rural manufacturing through key tax credit programs.

The conversation touches on how CEI has helped small business owners navigate the evolving federal policy and economic landscape and why their work supporting entrepreneurs and local economies is more important than ever.

Building Maine Strong — Jason Adour on Growth, Balance & Community Impact

In this episode of The Boulos Beat, guest host Samantha Marinko sits down with Jason Adour, President and Founder of Maine Strong Balance Centers. Jason shares his journey from practicing physical therapy to becoming a healthcare entrepreneur, including the recent opening of his fourth clinic in Westbrook.

The conversation explores the Maine Strong Balance Centers' specialized focus on balance, rehabilitation and fall risk reduction for older adults, care for individuals living with neurologic conditions, and vestibular and dizziness rehabilitation.

Samantha and Jason also dive into the real estate strategy behind expanding a healthcare practice — from selecting accessible locations to building strong landlord relationships. Looking ahead, Jason outlines his thoughtful approach to growth: expanding into new communities while maintaining the personalized care, strong culture, and staff retention that define Maine Strong.

Whether you’re interested in healthcare entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, or mission-driven business growth, this episode delivers valuable insight and inspiration.

In this episode of The Boulos Beat, guest host Tony McDonald sits down with Luke Holden, founder and CEO of Luke’s Lobster. Luke shares his journey from growing up in Maine’s lobstering industry to working in New York investment banking, and how a search for an authentic lobster roll led to the founding of Luke’s Lobster in 2009 with his father and business partner Ben Conniff.

Now operating 28 locations across the United States, with international locations in Singapore and Japan, Luke’s Lobster has become a globally recognized brand rooted in sustainability and quality. Luke discusses the importance of vertical integration, community relationships, and the strategic growth of the company’s consumer packaged goods business. The conversation also explores how Luke’s restaurant footprint and real estate strategy play a critical role in brand awareness and long-term growth.

Perfect for listeners interested in entrepreneurship, food and beverage, brand expansion, sustainability, and real estate strategy.

Episode 70: Featuring Dava Davin, Founder of Portside Real Estate Group

Join host Greg Boulos on The Boulos Beat as he sits down with Dava Davin, founder of Portside Real Estate Group, to discuss Dava’s career journey from pharmaceuticals to real estate, her accomplishments in endurance sports, and the continued growth of her company.

Now the second-largest real estate firm by sales volume in Maine and the top woman-owned agency in Northern New England, Portside Real Estate Group supports a network of more than 200 agents. Davin underscores the importance of strong communication, mentorship, and community engagement, including the firm’s more than $1 million in charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations.

The conversation also explores Portside’s recent acquisition of The Swan Agency and its expanding market presence, as well as Davin’s approach to sustaining high-quality service while balancing local roots with national opportunities.