The Builder Show

Mosaic Development Partners, LLC JV is a Philadelphia based Minority Certified commercial real estate development company founded in 2008.  Mosaic primarily focuses on ground up and adaptive reuse of small- and large-scale real estate that drives full economic inclusion in its projects.  Mosaic primarily operates in the mid-Atlantic region of the US with additional offices in MD.  Mosaic develops office, mixed use residential, affordable housing, institutional education, sports complexes, life sciences, university housing, and hospitality. Listen in as we interview one of the Founders and current COO Leslie Smallwood-Lewis. We explore Mosaic unique origin story as well as some of their most unique deals.

In this episode we sit down with David Adelman. David began his career working at Campus Apartments, which expanded nationally under his leadership as CEO and has amassed more than $2 billion in assets under management across 23 states. Over the past three decades, David has expanded his portfolio beyond real estate to a number of alternative investments, including his fund ‘FS Investments’, with over $70 Billion under management, his family office ‘Darco Capital’ , also with billions under management, numerous boards of esteemed organizations, and most notably into the world of professional sports with ownership in the Philadelphia 76ers and the NJ Devils. David is leading the initiative to give Philly it’s first center city sports arena with 76 Place. We get into that project, David’s unconventional career path and so much more!

Brian Emmons is Vice President of business development at Southern Land Company – a Nashville based Real Estate Developer with projects across the United States and a 37 year history of success. Brian is responsible for the growth of SLC’s footprint in Philadelphia, with his most notable project being Philadelphia’s ‘last beachfront property’ located at 1911 Walnut st called ‘The Laurel Rittenhouse Sq’. Brian gained robust experience with Toll Brothers, building approx. 1,300 condos and single family homes, before joined SLC in 2017. Brian graciously opened up the doors of ‘The Laurel’ for us, allowing us to film this episode inside of this beautiful trophy asset! We discuss his career, his perspective on the future of the city and, of course, get into some fun stories about how ‘The Laurel’ came to be.

Mo Rushdy is the managing partner and co-founder of Riverwards Group and MAVEN Developments.  Mo grew up and earned his masters degree in Egypt before moving to the US in 2004 -- and he now has the pleasure of delivering quality housing in both countries! Riverwards Group is responsible for thousands of units being built in Philadelphia over the past few years and the next few years. MAVEN Development is currently under development with thousands of units in Egypt! Tune in to hear how Mo manages such a large operation in two different countries, in addition to his work with the BIA, his non-profit organization 'Philadelphia Accelerator Fund' AND the mayor's Housing Advisory Committee -- and hear first hand from an Egyptian engineer about his thoughts on the construction of the Pyramids..

In this episode Leo gives us full access for 75 uninterrupted minutes. We learn what it's like to run a 10 figure real estate fund, operate properties in over 30 different states, and why he's shifted a majority of his resources into industrial outdoor storage despite having developed and currently managing over 3,500 residential and mixed use units. Leo is managing partner and Co-Founder of Alterra Property Group, which is strategically focused on two core competencies of residential/mixed-use development (APG Living), and industrial outdoor storage (IOS).

Jim Maransky is the founder of E-Built. E-Built is a Philadelphia based Construction Management/General Contracting firm that is committed to utilizing building practices that are sustainable, energy efficient, and socially responsible. In this episode Jim discusses the particulars behind The Gotham apartment complex and the role played by historic tax credits. We do a deep dive on 'green roof' construction, and round out with some market predictions and advice for developers and much more... Another episode that you won't want to miss!

In this episode we sit down with Brian Zoubek of Zoubek Properties. Brian takes us on a wild ride from his National Championship days at Duke with Coach K to his first business centered around cream puffs (seriously) alll the way to his development company. Brian has built everything from custom high end single family projects to historic multifamily in Center City to Industrial. This episode is filled with insights, tips and predictions that will surely benefit any level of investor.

In this episode we dive into the inspiration behind Dranoff Properties largest project to date -- The Arthaus. Carl takes us through 50 years of market cycles, discusses the mindset behind making consistently successful contrarian moves and does a deep dive into his strategy to win multiple competitive bids for larger and more high profile sites. We round this episode out with some of Carl's best advice for how developers  can beat any recession and an explanation of why Philadelphia is more prepared for the future than you may think.

Lily Development is a family, and woman-owned real estate development firm, with a mission to build not just a home, but a place to enhance your daily life. Ali is  a native Philadelphian with deep roots in the city and surrounding areas. She brings over 10 years of construction management and real estate development experience to Lily. She has supported all roles within Lily’s team, from general contractor and project manager, to sales and development. With her experience in fundraising and development, Ali now manages acquisitions and development, as well as investor relations. 

Gary Jonas is a developer, philanthropist, and current Building Industry Association President. He is a partner at 'The How Group' with over 30 years experience in developing. We talk about The How Group’s journey as a company from partner selection to how to run a business in different market cycles. Specifically 2023 being the “year of making no money” but how that doesn’t necessarily mean your business can't grow! We  take a shot at market predictions, discuss how to best arm your business in a recession and much more!