John Carlson is the CEO of Mark Taylor Companies and one of the most influential leaders in Arizona multifamily. He shares his unconventional path from electrical engineering to leasing apartments after 9/11 reshaped his career, and how that pivot became a 20 plus year rise through every level of the organization.

We discuss the mentorship moments that shaped his leadership style, why saying “I don’t know” builds credibility, and how culture must be lived daily, not framed on a wall. John explains Mark Taylor’s people first operating model, the five principles that guide behavior, and how that foundation drives retention, performance, and service.

We also dive into the Phoenix market. John breaks down supply and demand dynamics, why 2026 remains competitive, and where recovery will begin by submarket. We cover centralization, prop tech fatigue, and how Mark Taylor is using AI and integrated operations to increase efficiency without losing the human touch.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Wendy Riddell, founding and managing partner of Berry Riddell, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of land use and zoning in Arizona. Wendy shares how entitlement strategy works in practice, why approvals take longer than ever, and how developers can navigate municipal politics, staff resistance, and community opposition without derailing projects.

From major redevelopments like Fiesta Mall to the growing influence of social media, Wendy offers a candid look at how great projects move forward, why certainty matters more than speed, and what cities and developers must change to fix a broken process. This is a must-listen for anyone working in real estate development, entitlements, or placemaking.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Steve LaTerra, CEO of TerraLane Communities, a Scottsdale-based developer of low-density rental housing communities across the Western US and Texas. With more than three decades of experience spanning real estate analytics, capital markets, and development, Steve shares how his career evolved from analyst to operator and why built-to-rent must be treated as a long-term operating business rather than a single transaction.

The conversation explores the evolution of the built-to-rent model, lessons learned navigating market cycles, cost volatility, and capital shifts, and why staying disciplined matters more than perfect timing. Steve also discusses how technology and data are reshaping development and property management, leadership lessons drawn from experience, and the importance of mentorship, community building, and giving back as part of a lasting real estate career.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Mitch Rosen, Development Manager for Papago Park Center, a subsidiary of Salt River Project. With more than 40 years in commercial real estate, Mitch has been involved in landmark projects across Southern California and Arizona, from Tempe Town Lake’s State Farm campus to Rio West Business Park. Today, he oversees the 350-acre Papago Park Center, guiding entitlements, infrastructure, and strategy for one of Tempe’s most significant mixed-use destinations. The conversation explores Mitch’s career path from brokerage to large-scale development, lessons from navigating recessions and cultural shifts in the office market, and the long-term vision behind the Grand at Papago Park Center. Mitch also shares insights on public-private collaboration, the importance of structuring fair development agreements, and how projects like Papago’s iconic Roosevelt Dam water feature connect community, history, and economic growth.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Max Sommacampagna, Construction Director and Managing Principal at Bolzano Construction. A second-generation general contractor, Max blends the craftsmanship of his Italian roots with the grit and precision of the Southwest, delivering high-quality residential and commercial infill projects across Phoenix. He shares his path from brokerage and fix-and-flip projects to leading 24-unit townhome developments, and how attention to detail and accountability to investors have shaped his philosophy. The conversation also explores the challenges of rising construction costs, the role of technology and innovation on job sites, and why thoughtful development and community engagement are key to Arizona’s future.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with architect Taz Khatri, founder of Taz Khatri Studio. With more than 20 years of experience across Arizona, California, and Oregon, Taz is known for her people-first approach to design and her commitment to equity, inclusion, and community. She shares what sparked her interest in architecture, how her philosophy evolved from aesthetics to human-centered design, and the lessons she’s learned from both successes and setbacks. The conversation explores the importance of public spaces and shade in Phoenix, the role of murals and public art in placemaking, and why preserving historic buildings matters for culture and community.

In this debut episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Nate Sonoskey, architect, developer, and CEO of Blue Lantern Development. Nate shares his unique path from architecture to real estate development, his experience guiding complex infill and adaptive reuse projects across Phoenix and Chicago, and his work leading Fast Permits, a company streamlining permitting processes across Arizona.

The conversation covers building consultant relationships, navigating municipal permitting, lessons learned from adaptive reuse projects like Rough Rider, and how challenging projects can create some of the most rewarding outcomes.

If you’re interested in thoughtful development, adaptive reuse, and the future of Phoenix’s built environment, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.