On this episode of The CRE Deal Room, host Adam Dunn is joined by Gunnar Branson, CEO of AFIRE (Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate), for a conversation about global capital flows, long-term investment strategies, and the future of institutional real estate.

With over $3 trillion AUM represented across AFIRE members, Gunnar offers unparalleled insight into how foreign capital views the U.S. real estate market—and what’s driving investor decisions amid today’s shifting geopolitical and economic climate.

From the decline of cap rate engineering to the rising importance of infrastructure, sustainability, and long-term operations, this episode dives deep into what it means to build—and hold—real assets in a post-pandemic, post-low-rate world.

Plus, Gunnar shares personal reflections from his upcoming book Chasing Lights, touching on themes of urban vs. rural identity, community, and our collective stake in the built environment.

Highlights:

• Why real estate should be treated as a generational asset, not a flip
• What’s really behind the pullback in global capital—and why it’s rebounding
• The growing role of infrastructure and data centers in CRE strategy
• Why multifamily and industrial are still leading—plus new interest in senior living, student housing, and affordable workforce housing
• The case for the Great Lakes region as the next major CRE growth market
• How investment management and operations must align to thrive in this cycle
• Gunnar’s take on energy, transit, and the future of urban design
  

“We’re moving from engineering returns to earning them—through operations, tenant experience, and thoughtful long-term strategy.” – Gunnar Branson

Don’t miss this global perspective on what’s shaping CRE today and tomorrow.

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The CRE Deal Room returns with a legendary voice in commercial real estate. Host Adam Dunn sits down with Luis Belmonte, founder of Seven Hills Properties and one of the most seasoned industrial developers in the U.S., for an unfiltered conversation spanning over six decades in CRE.

From house hacking in San Francisco in the ’60s to overseeing $4B/year in development for Prologis and building across the globe - from Japan to Mexico - Luis shares the mistakes, wins, and wisdom gained through recessions, tax reform, bankruptcies, and booms.

Belmonte discusses the evolution of industrial real estate, the dangers of chasing “masterpiece” projects, navigating cross-border development, the future of AI-driven data centers, and why integrity and preparation always outperform flash and ego.

Whether you’re a rising CRE professional or a seasoned investor, this masterclass in resilience and real estate strategy will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your perspective.

Highlights:

• How Luis turned a duplex into a real estate empire after Vietnam
• The 1986 tax law’s impact and how it reshaped CRE forever
• What he learned managing bankruptcies, including Webvan and 24 Hour Fitness
• Partnering for global expansion - strategies that worked in Mexico, Japan & Singapore
• The rise of data centers and the power challenges shaping CRE’s future
• Why “recession-proofing” your deals is the most important strategy
• Street-smart negotiation and the art of trading dignity for dollars
• The most complex deal of his career: transforming Pier 1 in San Francisco
• A call for professionalism, integrity, and inclusivity in real estate

Explore Luis's books on Amazon: Street Dog MBA, Street Dog Negotiator, Street Dog Manager, and Real Estate 101

“You’ve gotta assume there's going to be a recession - and structure your business to survive and thrive in it.” – Luis Belmonte

Don't miss this conversation with a CRE icon who’s seen it all, built it all, and still believes in the deal.

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In this episode of the CRE Deal Room, Adam Dunn sits down with Chris Tourtellotte, Managing Director at LaTerra Development, to explore the intersection of innovation and legacy in commercial real estate. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Denver to leading one of the most active residential and self-storage development companies in the Southwestern U.S.

Listeners will hear how LaTerra evolved from land banking after the Great Financial Crisis to forming strategic ventures with major capital partners, including a $250 million commitment from a Canadian pension fund and a $300 million partnership with an Australian investment bank for self-storage. Chris also opens up about overcoming capital-raising challenges, structuring programmatic ventures, and adapting to market volatility through diversification and innovative deal structures.

Highlights include insights on:

• LaTerra's growth from land banking to multifamily and self-storage development.

• Structuring capital and partnerships, including programmatic ventures.

• Navigating market volatility, from COVID-19 to rising interest rates.

• The unique competitive advantage of nimbleness and innovative amenities.

• Advice for up-and-coming developers, including risk mitigation and deal scaling.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends practical wisdom with forward-thinking strategies in CRE development.

The CRE Deal Room brings top industry experts to the table to discuss the most pressing topics in commercial real estate. In this episode, host Adam Dunn welcomes Skylar Romines, founder of ATW Advisors and the self-proclaimed “America’s Favorite Insurance Nerd,” to take a deep dive into the evolving world of CRE insurance.

Insurance is one of the largest—and often most misunderstood—expenses in commercial real estate. Skylar breaks down the hidden complexities behind policies, how underwriting standards are shifting, and what investors and developers can do to optimize their coverage while controlling costs. From natural disaster risk to self-insurance strategies, this conversation goes beyond the policy to deliver real insights that impact your bottom line.

Highlights:

• Why CRE owners often overpay for insurance and how to negotiate better terms.

• The role of an owner’s rep in protecting developers and investors.

• Emerging risks in liability coverage—what’s being excluded and why it matters.

• How data and technology are reshaping the insurance underwriting process.

• Skylar’s journey from retail sales to building a powerhouse CRE insurance advisory firm.

Follow Skylar Romines for more expert insights:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarromines

X (Twitter): https://x.com/skylarromines

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1skylar

Don’t let insurance be a blind spot in your CRE investment strategy. Learn from one of the industry’s top experts and gain actionable insights to protect your assets. Subscribe to The CRE Deal Room and share this episode with your network today!

In this episode of The CRE Deal Room, Adam Dunn interviews Ryan Duff, a former mortgage banker and founder of C-Port Equity, a private equity platform redefining multifamily investments through partnerships and innovative strategies.
 
Ryan discusses C-Port’s first fund, its four initial deals, and his vision for scaling up in 2025. Learn how Ryan applies his 15+ years of experience in mortgage banking to identify unique opportunities in the multifamily sector while aligning interests between investors and operators.
 
Highlights:

Hear how Ryan Duff is leveraging relationships and market expertise to drive returns in multifamily investments.

Follow the podcast for more CRE insights, and don’t forget to leave a review!

I recently sat down with Mike Procopio, CEO of The Procopio Companies, for an engaging conversation about his journey, leadership, and the remarkable growth of his family business.

Founded in 1949, The Procopio Companies have established themselves as leaders in the multifamily real estate sector. Over the years, they have developed more than 4 million square feet of multifamily real estate, delivering impactful communities that meet the demands of today’s renters.

Here are some highlights from our discussion:

Navigating Dynamics of a 3rd-Generation Family Firm
12% of family businesses make it to the 3rd generation. Hear Mike’s perspective on how family dynamics influence business decisions to grow the business and even killing sacred cows

A Multi-pronged Growth Strategy
The Procopio Companies started in New England building single-family homes and has since scaled to having developed more than 4 million square feet of multifamily real estate across multiple states.  While their roots are in Greater Boston, Procopio has successfully developed or is pursuing development across six states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas. This expansion is a testament to their ability to adapt and excel in diverse markets.

Navigating Market Realities and Aligning Investor Interests
Mike shared his insights on how Procopio approaches challenges like rising construction costs and economic uncertainty while continuing to deliver projects that stand out in competitive markets. Learn how the Procopio Companies thinks about aligning investor interests to capitalize development deals. Hear how they are focused on singles and doubles today to get deals to pencil.

Mike’s Journey to Real Estate
Before stepping into his role at Procopio, Mike had aspirations of becoming a state trooper. However, his decision to join the family business proved transformative, bringing a fresh perspective to a legacy that has now spanned over seven decades.

The Procopio Legacy and Servant Leadership
Mike emphasized the importance of maintaining the company’s core values—integrity, excellence, and collaboration—while leading Procopio into its next chapter of growth. His leadership reflects a commitment to both honoring the company’s history and pushing boundaries to achieve new heights.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories from one of the Northeast’s premier multifamily developers.

The CRE Deal Room with Adam Dunn

Welcome to The CRE Deal Room, the go-to podcast for commercial real estate professionals seeking insights, strategies, and inspiration. Hosted by Adam Dunn, this podcast dives deep into the journeys of industry leaders, explores the latest market trends, and uncovers the art of navigating complex deals.

In this episode, we sit down with Philip Morgan, CEO of The Morgan Group, a multigenerational family real estate business. Philip shares the incredible story of his family’s legacy, from his grandfather’s journey as a Holocaust survivor to building a $6 billion multifamily empire. Hear candid discussions on leadership, market focus in Texas and Florida, balancing acquisitions and development, and the impact of AI and automation in multifamily housing.

Episode Highlights:

Whether you're a seasoned investor, a budding broker, or someone passionate about real estate, this podcast is packed with value-driven content that resonates. Join us for engaging conversations and actionable takeaways to thrive in CRE.

Hit play and step into The CRE Deal Room!

In this insightful continuation of The CRE Deal Room, host Adam Dunn sits down again with Jonathan Morris, founder of REIT Academy, for part two of their deep dive into the world of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Together, they trace the REIT industry’s transformation since the 1980s, discussing the mid-90s REIT boom, development strategies, and growth mechanisms like unsecured debt. Jonathan shares rare insights on accretive transactions, capital stacks, and joint ventures, while contrasting public REITs with private, non-traded ones.

With decades of industry expertise, Jonathan also offers essential advice for REIT investors and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge. Listen in for a comprehensive look at the complexities and rewards of REIT investments.

Get in touch with Jonathan Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-morris

Know more about REIT Academy: https://reitacademy.com/

In this episode, Ryan Tseko shares his inspiring journey from a young boy working on job sites to becoming a successful pilot and ultimately transitioning into the world of commercial real estate.

Growing up influenced by his builder uncle, Ryan's passion for real estate was ignited early. By 17, he earned his pilot's license, using his aviation career to fund his real estate ambitions.

Ryan's story shows us the importance of persistence, strategic risk-taking, and surrounding oneself with knowledgeable mentors like Grant Cardone. His disciplined approach and ability to leverage aviation skills into real estate success provide invaluable insights for aspiring investors.

Tune in to hear how Ryan navigates complex deals, scales his portfolio, and strives to leave a lasting legacy.

Get in touch with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantseko/
Know more about Cardone Capital: https://cardonecapital.com/

In the latest episode of The CRE Dealroom Podcast, host Adam Dunn sits down with Max Sharkansky, co-founder of Trion Properties.

Since 2006, Max and his partner Mitch have transformed Trion into a real estate powerhouse, acquiring over a billion dollars in properties across the country.

This episode covers Max's journey from their first deal to raising capital from 1,500 investors, and their strategic expansion into the Southeast and Texas markets.

Max also shares his experience relocating to Miami to grow their East Coast presence and Trion's ambitious goal to reach 20,000 units.

Don't miss these valuable insights into the world of real estate investing!

Get in touch with Max Sharkansky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-sharkansky/

Know more about Trion Properties: https://trionproperties.com/