In this CEO Edition of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman speaks with Jared Harrell, Director of the Center for Real Estate at Texas Tech University, about how students can best prepare for a successful career in commercial real estate. Jared emphasizes taking advantage of available resources by joining college real estate clubs, participating in trade associations, attending industry events, securing internships, and building strong technical skills—especially Excel. His insights provide a clear roadmap for students looking to stand out early in their careers. 

To celebrate the 100th episode of The Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition, John Crossman welcomes Gar Herring, President & CEO of The MGHerring Group. With over 30 years of experience and more than 25 million square feet of retail developed, Gar shares his perspective on “Evergreen” malls , those rare retail centers that continue to thrive and evolve as anchors of successful communities. Drawing from his leadership in developing regional shopping centers across the U.S. and Mexico, Gar discusses what makes these malls resilient, how mixed-use strategies are shaping the future, and why retail remains a cornerstone of vibrant urban life. This episode is a masterclass in retail longevity, leadership, and vision.