The CRE Project

Is the economy heading toward a recession… or are we already in one and just don’t feel it yet?
In this episode, retail real estate economist Garrick Brown breaks down the current economic climate and its ripple effects on consumers, developers, and investors. He tackles quirky contradictions in the market: why retail sales are holding steady despite sky-high credit card debt, how tariffs haven’t caused immediate pain but are a ticking inflationary time bomb, and why the construction slowdown might be more self-inflicted than cyclical.

From rising interest rates to consumer spending patterns, Garrick dives into key metrics he’s watching closely—like year-over-year retail sales, restaurant trends, and credit usage—to predict what’s next. He offers sharp takes on howretail is evolving beyond traditional models, the dangers of overreliance on debt-fueled expansion, and how political and policy uncertainty is crippling market momentum. Plus, he reveals where growth might still be found and how investors can reposition themselves smartly in this environment.

If you’re a commercial real estate investor, broker, developer, or even a retail brand navigating post-COVID uncertainty—this episode is a must-listen. Garrick'sinsights are invaluable for anyone trying to understand where the market is headed in the next 12–18 months and how to spot real opportunity in the noise.

Don’t miss it.

How do you build a multi-million-dollar real estate empire from the ground up, especially without a family background in the industry?

Stephen Bittel’s journey—from law school to founding Terranova, one of the Southeast's largest third-party investment and management firms—is filled with valuable lessons on navigating challenges, embracing fear, and making strategic investments.

In this episode, Stephen shares insights into his real estate journey, including his early deals, resilience through economic crises, and the lessons he has learned since the ’80s. He discusses how he expanded his portfolio into a diversified, multi-industry business, adapted to shifts in the retail market, and developed strategies for long-term growth. Additionally, he reveals his approach to managing multiple companies and offers invaluable advice on tackling fear in the face of risk, the importance of market knowledge, and how to strategically pivot in times of uncertainty.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and anyone navigating today’s market challenges. If you're looking for actionable advice on building wealth through real estate and managing risk while growing a diverse portfolio, don’t miss this conversation!

From running a bar & failing at it to raising $90M for multifamily projects to eventually dominating the self-storage space? In this episode, we dive into Joe’s incredible entrepreneurial journey learning about the multiple pivots and detours that finally  landed him into the self storage industry.

Joe shares the challenges of running a bar, the tough lessons learned from the 2008 crash, and the pivotal moment when he discovered the self-storage industry. Tune in to hear about Bellrose’s value-add strategies, how they leverage technology to improve operations, and their unique approach to working with mom-and-pop facilities. Joe also shares how the “Pro-Storage” model is poised to dominate the storage space in the coming days.

Have all your questions on how to build a successful investment portfolio, leverage technology, and optimize cash flow in self-storage answered. Don’t miss out on Joe’s practical advice for navigating industry transitions and seizing market opportunities.

Reach out to [email protected] for a free discovery call with the Bell Rose team.

In this insightful episode of the CRE Project Podcast, host Clayton King delves into the intricate world of commercial real estate with seasoned attorney Richard Crouch.

As they explore Richard's background, listeners gain a unique perspective on the challenges facing real estate attorneys, including the importance of mentorship, the learning curve, and client communication.

The conversation covers a range of topics, from drafting purchase agreements and title commitments to dissecting financing and partnership structures, such as LLCs and Tenants in Common.

They also discuss trends like the Corporate Transparency Act and its implications. With practical advice on avoiding common pitfalls in operating agreements and navigating tax implications, this episode serves as a vital resource for those looking to invest or understand commercial real estate.

Whether dealing with partnership complexities or legal challenges in property acquisition, listeners will find valuable insights into ensuring clarity and protection in their ventures.

01:24 The Journey to Becoming a Real Estate Attorney

02:09 The Importance of Mentorship in Law

03:48 Challenges of Starting Out in Commercial Real Estate Law

07:52 Key Considerations in Drafting Purchase Agreements

14:11 Understanding Title Reports and Surveys

20:19 Navigating Financing and Partnership Structures

24:46 Mechanisms for Removing Underperforming Managers

25:22 Exit Strategies and Disassociation Mechanisms

26:35 Buy-Sell Provisions and Transfer Restrictions

28:17 Tenancy in Common vs. LLC: Key Differences

35:11 Joint Ventures and Ownership Structures

40:54 Corporate Transparency Act and Its Implications

46:04 Current Market Trends and Legal Considerations

Curious to know how a landscaper and residential real estate agent became the founder of a successful commercial real estate firm?

Discover how Grant's diverse career path, from selling houses to cold-calling for hotels, ultimately led him to establish Stoic Equity Partners. Tune in as he unveils his journey and the crucial experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial success.

Join us as Grant recounts his early struggles, finding his footing in commercial real estate, and the pivotal moments that led to the creation of Stoic Equity Partners. Learn about the importance of mentorship, the challenges of raising capital, and the strategic decisions that shaped their enterprise. Grant shares both successes and setbacks, offering valuable lessons on deal structuring, investor relations, and market insights.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring real estate investors, entrepreneurs looking for guidance on building a business, and anyone interested in commercial real estate. Listen in to gain practical advice and inspiration from Grant's remarkable story and his expertise in the industry.

Episode Highlights:

00:59 - Grant's Career Journey

01:27 - Early Career and Real Estate Beginnings

03:14 - Transition to Commercial Real Estate

04:53 - Founding Stoic Equity Partners

05:55 - Challenges and Lessons in Real Estate

11:13 - Balancing Brokerage and Principal Roles

15:06 - Building Stoic Equity Partners

18:51 - Raising Capital: Strategies and Challenges

23:44 - Successes and Learning Experiences

28:03 - Closing the Deal: Lessons Learned

28:37 - Project Update: Current Status and Challenges

29:22 - Partnerships and Early Career Insights

30:16 - Success Stories: Flex Industrial Strategy

31:06 - Structuring Syndication Deals

35:41 - Navigating Investor Relationships

39:34 - Market Trends and Investment Strategy

45:01 - Finding Deals in Secondary Markets

47:12 - Building Broker Relationships

50:13 - Resources and Advice for Aspiring Investors

Is there a kinder, more effective way to

Join the conversation with Jonathan Keyser as

Jonathan shares his unconventional path into

Jonathan's story underscores the power of

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in the world of commercial real estate law? Join Clayton in an intriguing conversation with Linda, a seasoned attorney with a wealth of experience navigating the intricate landscape of commercial real estate transactions.

From her journey spanning New Mexico to California and back, Linda shares valuable insights into the nuances of lease agreements, due diligence processes, and negotiation strategies that are crucial for success in the industry.

This episode delves into the complexities of commercial real estate law, exploring topics such as the importance of hiring a specialized attorney, key points to consider during due diligence, and common pitfalls in lease agreements. Linda provides invaluable advice on navigating disputes, negotiating lease terms, and leveraging legal expertise to achieve favorable outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or a newcomer to the industry, this episode offers a treasure trove of practical wisdom and actionable insights to elevate your understanding and approach to commercial real estate transactions.

Whether you're seeking to enhance your negotiation skills, gain insights into due diligence processes, or navigate

Ever wondered what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of commercial real estate? Join Clayton in this latest episode of the CRE Project as it delves into the intriguing career trajectory

In this episode, listeners can expect to uncover Trae's journey from political campaigns to the University of Oklahoma's fundraising scene, eventually landing in the realm of commercial real estate. Highlighting the pivotal role of mentorship in his career, Trae reflects on the keys to a successful mentor-mentee relationship, emphasizing autonomy, trust, and shared camaraderie. As the discussion unfolds, Trae provides a candid analysis of the evolving office space landscape, offering perspectives on market trends, tenant behaviors, and the future of workplace dynamics.

Whether you're considering a career in commercial real estate or aiming to enhance your understanding of market dynamics, don't miss the opportunity to glean insights from Trae's wealth of

In this episode Clayton speaks with Will Pender, a seasoned general contractor in the commercial real estate space. 

From wanting to become a lawyer initially to being a leader in one of the most successful and thriving contracting firms in Texas, Will’s journey has been a fascinating one to hear.

Will sheds some light on the evolving role of general contractors and the importance of hiring experienced professionals, especially for complex projects. He also delves into innovative approaches in construction, from regional specialization to the impact of AI and mass timber on the industry.

Discover the intricacies of the pre-construction and construction phases, gaining insights into strategies for successful project execution. Will's valuable perspectives on sustainability trends, rising construction costs, and future industry trends offer a comprehensive guide for both industry veterans and aspiring professionals.

Whether you're interested in project coordination, industry innovations, or navigating construction challenges, this episode provides actionable insights and advice from a seasoned professional.

In this episode Clayton speaks with industry veterans Scott Jessen and Scott Morse.

From their humble beginnings in the '80s to forming a successful partnership and establishing a regional firm in 2012, the duo shares invaluable insights into specialization strategies, hiring challenges, and the core values that have sustained their partnership.

Gain a competitive edge as they discuss the future of the real estate market, offering detailed predictions for the industrial and office sectors in the next 1-2 years.

Discover the secrets to a lasting and successful career in commercial real estate as Jessen and Morse provide advice for aspiring professionals, emphasizing patience, commitment, specialization, and the qualities of a great teammate.

Delve into the impact of remote work on the office market, exploring the challenges faced by building owners with vacant spaces and the importance of fostering human connection in the workplace.

Concluding with a piece of advice that has shaped their careers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry, from seasoned professionals navigating market trends to aspiring individuals entering this dynamic field.