Charlie Cummings, Managing Principal at Innovate Commercial Real Estate, explores owner-operator strategies, lease-to-own paths, and Denver CRE trends.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of the Crexi Podcast, host Shanti Ryle sits down with Charlie to discuss his journey from aviation consultant to commercial real estate, his commitment to helping small business owners and investors, and the importance of integrity and community involvement in the industry. The conversation also covers trends in the Denver real estate market, the strengthening position of the owner-operator, and the use of AI tools in commercial real estate. Charlie emphasizes the value of relationships, transparency, and providing exceptional service in building long-term success.

• Meet Charlie Cummings: From Aviation to Real Estate
• Charlie's Journey into Commercial Real Estate
• Early Challenges and Success Stories
• The Importance of Integrity in Real Estate
• Community Involvement: TEDx and Toastmasters
• Owner Operators vs. Other Investors
• The Shift from Renting to Owning
• Generational Shifts in Brokerage
• The Importance of Service and User Experience
• Next Generation Investors and Business Owners
• Denver's Unique Market Dynamics
• Leveraging AI and Technology in Real Estate
• Building Relationships and Adding Value
• Collaborative Masterminds and Mentorship
• Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Charlie Cummings is the Founder and Managing Broker of Innovate Commercial Real Estate, a Colorado-based brokerage known for helping business owners and investors turn vision into long-term success.

Before launching Innovate CRE, he spent six years with KW Commercial where he developed deep expertise in brokerage, advisory, and client service, working across a broad range of asset types. The majority of his business originated from referral partners—a testament to his client-first approach and commitment to long-term relationships over transaction volume.

Prior to entering commercial real estate, Charlie worked as an aviation consultant for several firms, serving public-sector airport clients across the United States. His transition into real estate was driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to help other founders and business owners build their own legacy and understand their why.

With nearly a decade of real estate experience and over $80 million in closed transactions, Charlie specializes in owner-occupier and investment services. Under his leadership, Innovate CRE has become a trusted local partner for businesses seeking to align their real estate with performance, expansion, and legacy-building goals. He is now focused on growing his personal brand, not just to build awareness for business, but to amplify the stories and success of his clients. 

Dedicated to community impact, Charlie has been involved with the following organizations in Colorado: CACEN (Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network), 5280 Toastmasters, Hope Communities, Mission Animal Hospital, SCORE, TEDx Mile High, Junior Achievement, and Project Angel Heart.

Outside of work, Charlie enjoys time with his wife Andrea, daughter Sofia, and their dog Noah—embracing community in every part of life. He’s passionate about cooking, the outdoors, travel, and continuous learning.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

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Kyle Woods of Lyon Stahl shares his journey from closing 56 deals in one year to launching Current 1031 to help investors earn interest on exchange funds.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Shanti Ryle sits down with Kyle to cover his journey in commercial real estate, his experiences at Lyon Stall and CBRE, and his strategies for success. Kyle shares insights about his remarkable achievement of closing 56 transactions in 2024, and the launch of his new venture, Current 1031. 

Current 1031 aims to modernize the Qualified Intermediary space by offering a flat fee and providing interest on client funds during the exchange process. The episode also delves into the LA real estate market, challenges faced by clients, and the importance of trust and relationships in the industry.

• Meet Kyle Woods of Lyon Stahl’s The Woods Group
• Kyle Woods' Impressive Career Highlights
• The Launch of Current 1031
• Kyle's Journey into Real Estate
• Early Career Challenges and Lessons
• Cold Calling and Building Relationships
• Transition to CBRE and Learning Leasing
• Achieving a Deal a Week
• The Importance of Personal Touch in CRE
• Understanding Lease Agreements
• Beliefs and Habits to Unlearn
• Exciting News: Launch of Current 1031
• Partnership with Capital One 
• Current 1031's Unique Selling Points
• The Importance of Relationships in Brokerage
• Balancing Multiple Business Ventures
• Vision for Current 1031
• Challenges in the LA Real Estate Market
• Advice for Success in Real Estate
• Conclusion and Contact Information

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

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Kyle Woods, First VP at Lyon Stahl and leader of the Woods Group, is a Los Angeles-born commercial real estate expert redefining commercial real estate advisory with a strategic, hands-on approach. After a successful career at CBRE, Kyle returns to Lyon Stahl to lead The Woods Group, a full-service sales and leasing division poised to drive the firm’s growth nationally. With Ten years in the industry and more than $1 billion in closed transactions, Kyle brings unmatched expertise and a client-first philosophy to every deal.

In 2024, Kyle set a new standard in Los Angeles, closing 56 transactions—the most by anyone under 30 in the city, averaging more than one deal per week. His ability to align tenant needs with strategic leasing plans has made him a trusted advisor for retailers navigating new acquisitions and portfolio expansions. Now leading a brother-led team of five at The Woods Group, Kyle is building a legacy of trust, collaboration, and exceptional results, offering comprehensive landlord and tenant representation alongside sales advisory for commercial and mixed-use projects. Most recently, Kyle launched Current 1031, the only qualified intermediary at capital one, with Bradley Wetherby from DST advisory Perch Wealth, which seeks to change the QI space by modernizing tax-deferred exchanges with a focus on security, transparency, and simplicity.

A Pepperdine University graduate, Kyle earned his real estate license at 19, fueled by early internships that ignited his passion for the industry. Known for his integrity, energy, and ability to simplify complex deals, he is committed to creating lasting value for clients and the community. At Lyon Stahl, Kyle’s vision for The Woods Group marks a bold new era, combining market insight with personalized service to shape the future of retail real estate.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

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Tune in to Colliers’ Marty Mooradian sharing how curiosity about tech, coding, and AI is reshaping brokerage strategies and driving smarter deals in CRE.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Shanti Ryle sits down with Marty to discuss his extensive experience and strategies in the commercial real estate sector. Marty shares his background in multifamily brokerage, his journey from political campaign fundraising to real estate, and his move to Colliers to build out their East Coast multifamily team. 

The conversation delves into Marty's approach to digital marketing, his venture into coding, and the use of AI tools to streamline real estate processes. Additionally, Marty provides insights on the current real estate market in Central Virginia, the impact of economic trends, and strategies for managing deals and building a successful brokerage team. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in commercial real estate, technology, and market strategies.

• Meet Marty Mooradian: Multifamily Broker Extraordinaire
• Marty's Passion for Coding and Languages
• Marty's Journey in Commercial Real Estate
• Challenges and Lessons in Brokerage
• Building a Team at Colliers
• Finding a Niche in the Multifamily Market
• The Importance of Market Mindset
• Embracing Technology in Real Estate
• Building a Web App: The Struggles and Triumphs
• Finding Zen in Real Estate and Coding
• The AI Revolution: No Need to Code Every Line
• From DJing to Python: Automating Tasks
• Creating a Virtual Assistant for Business
• The Future of AI in Real Estate
• The Importance of Coding Knowledge
• Current Trends in the Central Virginia Market
• Challenges and Creativity in Deal Making
• Advice for Future Success
• Conclusion and Contact Information

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

Marty is a seasoned multifamily broker with extensive experience in transacting assets in the $5 million to $30 million range. His accomplishments are many, including receiving the “Largest Deal Award” in the Carolina region of Marcus & Millichap. These accolades underscore his dedication and expertise in the real estate industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Marty embraces a wide array of passions. He has ventured into the world of coding, self-teaching himself Python and Ruby on Rails. He also has a deep appreciation for language and culture. He is currently immersed in learning two Armenian dialects and mastering the intricacies of the Armenian alphabet.

Marty began his brokerage career with Marcus & Millichap, working in the multifamily sector for over 6 years. He possesses a significant expertise in digital marketing, utilizing innovative strategies to enhance online presence and engagement. His skills in this area have been instrumental in driving business growth and fostering stronger client relationships.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

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HLI Partners co-founders Joe Hills and Josh Lipoff share how they built a boutique CRE firm, Orlando industrial/office trends, and strategies to win deals.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, Shanti Ryle sits with Joe Hills and Josh Lipoff to discuss their transitions from major firms to launching their own company, competitive strategies, and the intricacies of the Central Florida market. Hills and Lipoff share insights into their career paths, the importance of mentorship, and the creative solutions they employ to meet tenant needs. They also highlight market trends, investment strategies, and the challenges and opportunities in Orlando's evolving CRE landscape.

• Meet Joe Hills and Josh Lipoff: Founders of HLI Partners
• Career Beginnings in Commercial Real Estate
• Early Challenges and Mentorship
• Forming a Strong Partnership
• Launching HLI Partners
• Strategies for Success in CRE
• Navigating Market Challenges
• Current Trends in Central Florida's Industrial Market
• Specialty Tenants and Market Dynamics
• Impact of COVID-19 on Home Building
• Shifts in Industrial Space Demand
• Build-to-Suit and Infill Pricing
• Macro Factors Influencing Orlando's Market
• Opportunities and Risks in Orlando's Market
• Rapid Fire Questions and Advice
• Final Insights and Parting Words

Over the course of his career, Joe Hills has been involved in over 475 deals, closing more than 1 billion dollars in transaction volume. In 2020, Joe played a key role in the new location of a 119,684 s.f. building for Paradise Grilling System. Thereafter in 2021, Joe assisted in the building of an additional 200,000 s.f. warehouse space for Signature Brands as well as the renewal of Samsung’s current lease for their 550,000 s.f. space. With an extensive track record in the industrial sector, Joe has developed a strategic orientation towards areas of manufacturing. In the span of his 15-year career in commercial real estate, Joe has successfully leased and sold more than twenty-five million square feet of space with transactions totaling more than $1 billion.

Josh Lipoff brings over 20 years of corporate business development and has successfully negotiated several million square feet of Central Florida’s Industrial team transactions. Prior to joining HLI Partners, Josh spent 12 years with JLL’s Industrial team in Orlando. During his career, Josh specialized in Tenant Representation, build-to-suit and site selection, financial analysis, and lease and contract evaluation. National clients served over the years have included: Brookfield Properties, Stonemont, McKesson, Ocean Spray, Walgreens, Mattress Firm, Sysco, Freeman, Iron Mountain, United Stationers, and Kellogg’s.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

Follow Crexi:

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Alex Reece and Costel Vanatoru share value-add tactics, auction strategies, picks, and operating levers to buy right, boost NOI, and exit efficiently.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, Bob Drury, Senior Managing Director on Crexi’s Auctions team, interviews Alex, a seasoned real estate investor and serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, and Costel, a distinguished commercial real estate broker and founder of Vanald and Associates.

The duo dives into the mechanics of the Crexi auction platform and how transparency, competition, and certainty of close can unlock new opportunities for both sellers and brokers. They discuss overcoming the outdated stigma around auctions, highlight their success selling over 20 stabilized assets through Crexi Auctions, and share why more sophisticated buyers now prefer the process.

• Meet Alex Reece: Serial Entrepreneur
• Meet Costel Vanatoru: The Rockstar Broker
• Their Unique Partnership and CRE Dynamics
• Alex's Journey into US Commercial Real Estate
• The Value of Mentorship
• Early Adoption of Crexi Auction Platform
• The Auction Platform: Breaking the Stigma
• What Makes a Great Broker?
• The Importance of Trust in Broker-Client Relationships
• Alex's Investment Philosophy
• The Auction Process: Hesitations and Success
• Reflecting on Auction Successes and Challenges
• Early Adoption and Advantages of Crexi
• Market Trends and Investment Strategies
• Advice for Young Brokers and Investors
• The Future of Auctions and Final Thoughts

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

Follow Crexi:

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Chris Hatch shares key lessons from decades in brokerage and development, from first deals to managing national QSR growth.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing, sits down with Chris Hatch, CEO & Manager of Forza and a third-generation real estate professional. The discussion covers Chris's expansive career in commercial real estate, starting from his family's involvement in the business to his own ventures in brokerage and development. 

Chris shares insights into his hard work philosophy, challenges in balancing family and work life, and the intricacies of the real estate market. The conversation delves into the growth of Forza, the importance of hands-on experience, and the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Additionally, Chris talks about the inspiration behind The Dirt Dog Podcast and how it provides valuable lessons from high-growth restaurateurs. 

• Meet Chris Hatch: The Dirt Dog
• Chris Hatch's Early Life and Career Beginnings
• Balancing College and Brokerage
• First Major Deal: The Arby's Buyout
• Transition to Ownership and Development
• Managing Work-Life Balance
• Building a Strong Team
• Forza's Business Ventures
• The Journey to Development
• The Importance of Drive-Throughs
• Introducing the Dirt Dog Podcast
• Apologies and Introductions
• Podcast Success and Branding
• Inspiring Conversations with Restaurateurs
• Office Culture and Competitions
• Reflections on Commercial Real Estate
• Live Streaming a Dutch Bros Construction
• Challenges in Development and Learning from Mistakes
• Market Trends and Quick Service Restaurants
• Innovations in Food Service and Automation
• Drive-Through Coffee Shops and Prefabricated Buildings
• Impact of COVID-19 on Construction
• Networking and Market Research
• Exciting Future Projects and Operator Role
• Rapid Fire Questions and Advice
• Final Thoughts and Sign Off

Chris Hatch is the founder of Forza, Legend Partners, and more, and is proud to be a third-generation real estate professional. He started his real estate career learning under the tutelage of his father and grandfather. After several years of establishing his base knowledge in real estate, Chris joined Professional Brokers in 2002. At Professional Brokers Chris was an active commercial sales and leasing agent and helped with acquisition and disposition as well as assisting a handful of retailers with expansions throughout the Intermountain Area. 

In 2006, Chris created a partnership with Jake Olson creating a boutique retail brokerage shop, IRG Retail. Chris holds active real estate broker licenses in Utah, Montana, Nevada, and Idaho. He is an avid outdoorsman as well as a rabid LV Raiders fan. Over the years he has worked with developers, architects, engineers, city officials, banks, property owners, and many retailers. Chris believes clear and timely communication is essential in maintaining an effective working relationship with clients.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

Follow Crexi:

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David Auerbach, Chief Investment Office at Hoya Capital, explains the potential of REITs and how they can fit into an investor’s overall portfolio.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, sits down as David shares insights from  over 25 years of experience in the REIT industry. The conversation explores the evolution of REITs, and the essential role of rent in investment decisions. 

David also highlights the importance of dividends, REITs' resilience through market cycles, and the impact of technology on the industry. The episode explores the fundamentals of REITs, their significance for investors, and how Hoya Capital approaches its ETF strategy. Listeners gain a wealth of knowledge about the opportunities within the REIT space and what the future holds for commercial real estate investments.

• Meet David Auerbach: A REIT Industry Veteran
• David's Journey into the REIT Space
• Early Career Challenges and Lessons
• The Evolution of the REIT Sector
• Building Relationships and Trust in Trading
• The Role of Technology and Social Media in Trading
• The Importance of Compliance and Communication
• Understanding REIT Fundamentals and Market Cycles
• The Impact of Technology on REITs
• Observing REIT Properties in Real Time
• The Critical Role of Rent in REIT Valuations
• Understanding Lease Types and Rental Income Streams
• The Rise and Fall of Apartment NOI Growth
• Challenges in Growing Rent with High Occupancy
• The Importance of Market Rent Knowledge
• The Role of Technology in Real Estate
• Specialization in Real Estate Brokerage
• The Value of Deep Market Knowledge
• Data Sources for Different Real Estate Sectors
• The Importance of Dividends in REITs

David Auerbach has been in the REIT industry for almost 25 years and was most recently the former managing director of Armada ETF Advisors. He is the publisher of “The Daily REITBeat Newsletter”, a widely-followed industry publication that covers the publicly-traded REIT sector and is also a consultant with IR Concierge, LLC which is focused on corporate access in the REIT industry. David spent time working with World Equity Group in institutional securities trading and in December 2018, he departed Esposito Securities after 6½ years where he helped to build out the REIT/Real Estate platform with institutional investors and Equity REITs plus worked with ETF issuers on seeding, relationship building, and order execution.

Prior to joining Esposito Securities, David spent 11 years at Green Street Advisors as a Vice President of Institutional Trading handling REIT order execution and sales trading on behalf of institutional clients, hedge funds, pension funds, and other investors.  Before that, he worked at Financial Marketplace Inc. for 2 years as a retail investment adviser.  He has been quoted by Bloomberg, WSJ, Financial Times, REIT.com, and GlobeSt.com among countless other real estate publications and has been a featured guest on such networks as Yahoo Finance, TD Ameritrade and Bloomberg TV.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

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Aspire Commercial’s Topher Stephenson explains how brokers can start using AI today with clear workflows, decisive onboarding, and intentional automation.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, delves into Topher’s experience, who offers a decade’s worth of insights from of working in CRE operations, AI, and marketing and discusses the transformative power of artificial intelligence for the industry. 

The conversation covers Topher's journey into commercial real estate, the importance of operationalizing excellence, the various AI and automation tools beneficial for CRE, and the evolving role of technology in shaping the future of the industry. Highlights include practical applications, common misconceptions, and strategic recommendations for integrating AI into CRE practices. The episode emphasizes the critical balance between formalized processes and the necessity of flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing CRE landscape.

• Meet Topher Stephenson: Head of Operations at Aspire Commercial
• Topher's Journey into Commercial Real Estate
• Innovative Marketing Strategies in CRE
• The Importance of CRM and Project Management Tools
• Operational Leadership and AI Integration
• Comparing Investment Decks
• Customizing AI for Automation
• Excitement About Automation
• Philosophical Thoughts on AI
• Common Misconceptions About AI
• Importance of Documenting Processes
• Deciding Between AI and Human Solutions
• Balancing Formal Processes and Flexibility
• Rapid Fire Questions
• Future of AI in Commercial Real Estate
• Conclusion and Contact Information

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

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Topher Stephenson joined Aspire Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage based in Houston, Texas,  in 2024 as Head of Operations. He directs company operations and marketing strategy, while leading efforts to leverage AI technology in CRE workflows. Topher also provides keynote presentations on how to use AI in CRE and industry conferences and private company trainings both online and in-person around the country, and provides AI & automation consulting services to select partners. With over a decade of experience, he brings expertise in brokerage management, CRE marketing, and operations, specializing in practical applications of AI and emerging technologies.

Previously, Topher served as Managing Director at The Boulos Company, Northern New England's largest commercial real estate brokerage. He began his career as Director of Real Estate Marketing at Atlantic National Trust, pioneering innovative marketing strategies for commercial properties nationwide.

Topher holds a B.S. in Health Policy & Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Master's in Business Analytics from the University of Maine.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

Follow Crexi:

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Chad Griffiths shares over 20 years of industrial real estate expertise, discusses his bestselling book Industrialize, and reveals in-depth investment strategies.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of the Crexi Podcast, hosted by Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, Chad shares insights from his more than two decades of experience. He covers his journey from a broker to a thought leader, and shares insights from his new bestselling book, Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate. He discusses the importance of understanding tenant needs, the intricacies of industrial asset classes, and the impact of macroeconomic factors like tariffs. 

Chad also offers valuable advice on investment strategies, emphasizing the need for continual learning and understanding market dynamics. Tune in to gain deep knowledge about the industrial real estate sector and practical tips for both new and seasoned investors.

• Meet Chad Griffiths: Industrial Real Estate Expert
• Chad's Entrepreneurial Beginnings
• Transition to Commercial Real Estate
• Lessons Learned in Industrial Real Estate
• The Importance of Integrity and Continuous Learning
• Self-Promotion and Market Knowledge
• Chad's Podcast and Social Media Strategy
• Writing 'Industrialize': The Journey and Reception
• Understanding Industrial Real Estate Subtypes
• The Million Dollar Question: Underwriting Industrial Real Estate
• Evaluating Lease Rates and Market Value
• Understanding Tenant Needs and Market Trends
• Functional Obsolescence in Industrial Real Estate
• Zoning Challenges and Opportunities
• Macroeconomic Factors: Tariffs and Nearshoring
• Current Market Dynamics and Investment Strategies
• Future Outlook and Final Thoughts

Chad Griffiths is an industrial real estate expert with two decades of experience as a broker, investor and thought leader. He hosts a widely acclaimed industrial real estate podcast which features conversations with prominent industry leaders. Chad has given several presentations to universities, associations and conferences across North America covering topics such as the fundamentals of industrial real estate, its economic value to communities, and its role in driving job creation and long-term development.

Chad has an MBA, a Diploma in Urban Land Economics, and the prestigious SIOR and CCIM designations, underscoring his commitment to excellence in the field of industrial real estate. 

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

Follow Crexi:

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Fernando De Leon and Mike DeGiorgio talk Crexi’s founding, AI’s role in CRE, compounding wealth, and the grit needed to build lasting companies.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Mike DiGiorgio, CEO and founder of Crexi, sits down with his long-time mentor Fernando, founder of Leon Capital Group, to discuss the origins and journey of Crexi. Fernando shares insights into his investment philosophy, the importance of data and technology in commercial real estate, and the fundamental role of compound interest. The conversation spans various topics, including the impact of AI, the dynamics of different business industries, and the essential traits of successful entrepreneurs. 

Additionally, Fernando speaks about his philanthropic efforts and the values that drive his investments. This episode provides a deep dive into the strategic and personal elements that have shaped Crexi success and offers valuable lessons for commercial real estate professionals and entrepreneurs alike.

• First Impressions of the New Office
• The Origin Story of Crexi
• Assessing the Competitive Landscape
• The Will to Succeed in Business
• The Impact of AI on Business and Real Estate
• Lessons from Building Multiple Businesses
• The Importance of Good Team Members
• Resilience and Optimism in Business
• Reflections on Early Career Choices
• The Importance of Gratitude
• Impact of Upbringing on Real Estate Perspective
• Investment Committee Insights
• Philanthropy and Giving Back
• Advice for Future Generations
• The Future of Commercial Real Estate
• Closing Remarks and Reflections

About Fernando De Leon:

Fernando De Leon is the founder and CEO of Leon Capital Group, a diversified holding company with subsidiaries across financial services, healthcare, and real estate. What began as a modest Texas real estate developer has grown into a platform overseeing ~4,000 employees and businesses operating nationwide and abroad.

Under his leadership, Leon Capital has invested in or developed over $15B in real estate, including 20,000 rental housing units, 25M SF of industrial, 15M SF of retail, self-storage, healthcare assets, and 10,000 residential lots. The firm also co-founded a European logistics platform with the Perot Companies that has developed more than 40M SF across the EU.

In healthcare, Leon’s portfolio includes Specialty Dental Brands, Frontline Dental Implant Specialists, Advanced Medaesthetic Partners, and others managing 600+ locations and serving 2M patients annually. In financial services, Leon operates Bastion Insurance, Finsurity Premium Finance, and Patient Capital. Fernando is also a co-founder of Crexi, now one of the largest CRE marketplaces, serving 3M professionals with real-time transaction data.

A Harvard graduate and former Goldman Sachs analyst, he was named a Horatio Alger Award recipient in 2025. Through the De Leon Family Foundation, he supports poverty relief, healthcare access, and education, including scholarships for Texas students dedicated to community impact.

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