The Land Development Podcast with Ryan Glick

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick is joined by Karie Kading Ramsey, the CEO of Kading Properties. Karie takes us through her journey of growing up in a family business focused on land development and workforce housing. From her early days picking up nails on job sites to leading the company as CEO, she offers an inspiring look into the intricacies of managing a family-owned enterprise.

Karie explains how Kading Properties, founded by her parents, has always been a part of her life. Despite initially pursuing a different career in insurance, curiosity drew her back to the family business. She emphasizes the importance of the "seven-year rule," which encourages family members to gain experience outside the company before joining full-time. This approach allows them to bring fresh perspectives and skills into the business.

Karie provides an overview of Kading Properties, highlighting its unique vertically integrated model. The company manages every aspect of development, from land acquisition and infrastructure to construction and property management. This approach allows them to deliver high-quality, affordable workforce housing while maintaining full control over their projects.

The conversation dives into the challenges Kading Properties faces, particularly in managing a large vendor network and expanding into new markets. Karie discusses the need for comprehensive planning and the delicate balance required to maintain growth.

Karie explains the critical role of workforce housing in supporting local economies. By providing affordable homes for essential workers like teachers, plumbers, and safety personnel, Kading Properties ensures these communities can thrive. Looking ahead to 2025, the company has ambitious plans, including new projects in Boone and Knoxville, and a continued focus on meeting Iowa's growing housing needs.

Karie’s leadership and commitment to community-focused development shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate, land development, or family businesses.

Be sure to subscribe to The Land Development Podcast for more episodes with industry leaders, and leave us a review to let us know what you think!

Guest Details:
Name: Karie Kading Ramsey
Role: CEO @ Kading Properties

Links: 

• Kading Properties Website: https://www.kadingproperties.com/  
• Karie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karie-kading-ramsey/  

The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/leading-the-family-business-to-meet-affordable-housing-needs. 

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick sits down with Chad Quick, Economic Development Director for the City of Altoona. Chad opens up about his unexpected journey from aspiring architect to city planner, driven by a desire to help people and shape communities. His early career challenges and the pivotal moments that steered him towards economic development provide an interesting backdrop to Altoona’s evolving landscape.

Chad dives into the specifics of city planning and economic development, highlighting how he has navigated the complexities of managing residential areas, industrial expansions, and the unique attractions that define Altoona, such as the world’s largest Facebook data center. He shares the excitement and challenges that come with such diverse developments, from amusement parks to multifamily residences.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the relationships between city planners, developers, and the community, understanding the delicate balance needed to foster growth while maintaining community values. Chad’s approach to economic development—focused on collaboration and finding win-win solutions—is particularly enlightening for those interested in the intersection of municipal management and business.

Finally, Chad discusses upcoming projects and the future of Altoona, offering advice to developers and revealing how strategic planning and community feedback shape the city’s direction. This episode not only highlights Chad’s career and achievements but also serves as a case study in effective urban and economic development strategies in a growing city.

Guest Details:
Name: Chad Quick
Role: Economic Development Director at City of Altoona

Links: 

• City of Altoona Website: https://www.altoona-iowa.com/  
• Chad’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-quick-613b2611/ 

The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/the-foundations-of-economic-development-and-city-planning.

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, host Ryan Glick welcomes Kegan Cunningham, a real estate broker at Zann Commercial Brokerage, to share his journey into the land development industry. Kegan, originally a communication student at UT, found his calling in real estate through an internship that opened his eyes to the potential of land sales. He discusses how this experience sparked a deep interest in land transactions and set the foundation for his career.

Kegan explains the nuances of working in commercial real estate, especially in land sales, where he learned the critical importance of understanding land value and its best uses. His early days involved rigorous grunt work, from drafting letters to landowners to conducting brokers' pricing opinions, which helped him grasp the complex dynamics of land deals.

The podcast dives into Kegan's transition to Zann Commercial, where he brought his expertise in land transactions. He highlights the mentorship he received from Jason Kieschnick, Zann's lead broker, which was instrumental in honing his skills in contract negotiations and client relations. Kegan's approach to successful land deals—focusing on client needs and maintaining honest communications—is discussed in detail.

Join us to learn how the understanding of human psychology and a straightforward communication style can lead to success in land brokerage.

Guest Details:
Name: Kagan Cunningham
Role: Real Estate Broker @ Zann Commercial Brokerage

Links: 

• Zann Website: https://zann.com 
• Kegan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kegan-cunningham-8000b2137/ 

Show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/understanding-clients-and-closing-land-deals

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick sits down with John Hillman, an experienced real estate developer with a rich background in sales. John shares his transition from software sales to real estate, sparked by his time at military college and his early mentors who guided his career.

John discusses his major projects and the philosophy behind his approach to land development, emphasizing the importance of understanding the story of the land and integrating lifestyle elements into community planning. He dives into his role in creating the Ritz Carlton residences in uptown Dallas, his adventures in the Bahamas, and his significant involvement in developing the luxury community of Crane Island. Each of these experiences showcases his focus on not just building homes but fostering environments that enhance residents' lives.

John explores his methodology in real estate development, particularly how he integrates architectural beauty, strategic planning, and lifestyle quality into his projects. His approach is detailed through stories of collaborative efforts with architects and planners who share his vision, underscoring the importance of mentorship and collaboration in his professional growth.

The conversation also covers the challenges and successes of various projects, with John providing insights into the complexities of modern real estate development. He shares valuable advice for new developers and sales professionals in the industry, drawing from his vast experience to guide and inspire.

Guest Details:
Name: John Hillman
Role: Founder & Broker @ Cabana Lane

Links: 

• Cabana Lane Website: https://cabanalane.com/
• Crane Island Website: https://craneisland.com/ 
• John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnahillman/
• John’s Email: [email protected]

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick talks with Kris Maher, the Senior Vice President of Community Design at Rancho Mission Viejo. Kris discusses her path from a high school student fascinated by mechanical drafting to a key figure in land development. Kris shares her initial attraction to architecture, and how it propelled her into a career that blends art with practical application. Kris dives into her career, highlighting the early days of low pay and high aspirations, the transition from architecture to land development, and the eventual decision to start her own consulting practice.

The conversation shifts to the intricacies of planning and developing large-scale communities. Kris offers an insider's look at the process of transforming raw land into vibrant, functional communities. From the strategic placement of amenities to the forward-thinking approach to development, she emphasizes the importance of vision and adaptability in creating spaces that resonate with residents.

Kris also shares insights into the future of land development, underscoring the importance of community feedback, the challenges posed by regulatory landscapes, and the evolving needs of residents. Her perspective is both an inspiration and a guide for aspiring developers, architects, and anyone interested in the power of thoughtful land development.

Guest Details:
Name: Kris Maher
Role: Senior Vice President of Community Design at Rancho Mission Viejo

Links: 

• Rancho Mission Viejo Website: https://www.ranchomissionviejo.com/
• Kris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-maher-architect-15043613/

The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/community-design-and-development-at-rancho-mission-viejo-in-southern-california

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In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Tom Staub, CEO at Red Oak Development and Founder of Viewpoint Engineering joins the show. Tom shares his journey from working in finance to establishing himself in the land development industry. Starting with his first investments in rental properties to launching large-scale development projects in Arizona and Texas, Tom provides a candid look into the steps and decisions that shaped his career.

Tom talks about the early days of buying rentals as a way to generate passive income and his eventual move towards land development, motivated by the desire for a more significant impact and the challenges that come with property development. He outlines his experience with various projects, including a $100 million project in Flagstaff and a landmark community development in Lockhart, Texas, detailing the complexities and rewards of creating spaces that serve and enrich communities.

Listeners will also hear about Tom’s philosophy on working with municipalities, his strategic approach to navigating the regulatory landscape, and the importance of fostering relationships with city officials to facilitate project success. The episode reveals the intricacies of land development, from understanding zoning laws to the logistical challenges of managing projects across states.

Guest Details:
Name: Tom Staub
Role: CEO @ Red Oak Development & Founder @ Viewpoint Engineering

Links: 

• Red Oak Website: https://redoakvc.com/ 
• Viewpoint Engineering Website: https://viewpointlandsolutions.com/
• Tom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-staub-redoak/

The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/the-journey-from-rental-properties-to-major-land-deals

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In this episode of "The Land Development Podcast," host Ryan Glick sits down with Cannon Clark, the President of Highwater Development. Cannon shares his journey from working on graphic and web design projects in college to leading a successful real estate and development company. He talks about how a connection through a family member and attending a Land Expo sparked his interest in real estate, leading him to shift his career path entirely.

Cannon takes us through his early days at People's Company, where he learned the ins and outs of real estate marketing and brokerage. This experience laid the foundation for his own company, Highwater Development. He discusses the challenges he faced starting his own business, especially during tough economic times, and how he adapted to meet the market's changing needs.

Listeners will hear about some of Highwater Development's projects, including Sunflower Flats in Perry, which marked the town's first new construction in a decade, and the upscale Roosevelt Estates in the DFW area. Cannon also touches on the importance of mentorship in his career, the balance between work and family life, and his thoughts on the future of the development industry.

Guest Details:
Name: Cannon Clark
Role: President
Company:  Highwater Development

Links: 

• Highwater Development’s Website: https://www.highwaterdevelopment.com/  
• Cannon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cannonclark/ 

The show notes page for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/the-impact-of-mentorship-on-a-land-development-career

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Join us in this episode as Ryan Glick talks with Clint Berardi, the man behind Land Management Resources. Clint has a story that many can relate to—growing up in a family business and taking those early lessons to branch out on his own. He talks about how his past, full of hard work and family values, paved the way for his own business.

Clint shares the big move of leaving a secure family job to start his own thing with his wife. He opens up about the tough decisions, the ups and downs, and how he managed to keep going. His story is about taking risks, using what he learned from family, and not being afraid to ask for advice.

The talk then turns to what Clint's company does every day. Clint walks us through the nuts and bolts of managing land, like taking care of overgrown areas and following city rules, and shares stories about jobs that made a real difference to people. These stories aren't just about clearing land; they're about helping people see their land's potential and making it happen.

Wrapping up, Clint and Ryan discuss how to stay strong in tough market conditions, simple tips for landowners, and why talking to people and making connections is key in their business. Clint also talks about his favorite tools for the job and his dreams for the future. 

Guest Details:
Name: Clint Berardi
Role: Co-Founder
Company:  Land Management Resources

Links: 

• LMR’s Website: https://landmanagementresources.com/  
• Clint’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-berardi-ab5792124/ 

The show notes for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/branching-out-into-land-management-from-the-family-business

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In this episode, we dive into a cool story about three friends, Junior, Ryan, and Manny. They didn't have a fancy plan at first, just a big dream and the willingness to work hard. We first start by getting to know them, where they came from, and what made them jump into the world of real estate.

Next, you’ll hear about how they took their first steps in building their business. It wasn't easy, and they faced lots of challenges, but they kept pushing forward. They'll share stories about the first houses they sold, how they learned from their mistakes, and the moments they realized they could really make this work.

As their company grew, Junior, Ryan, and Manny didn't just focus on making money. They wanted to make a difference in people's lives. We'll hear about the projects they're most proud of and how they've helped families and business owners find the perfect place. They believe in the American Dream and work hard to help others achieve it, too.

To wrap up, they'll give some advice to anyone thinking about starting their own thing. They believe if they could do it, you can too. They'll talk about the importance of not giving up, learning as you go, and why helping others can also mean success for you.


Guest Details:
Name: Junior Ibarra
Role: Founder & CEO
Company:  Team IRG

Name: Ryan Cahoy
Role: Partner & Director of Operations
Company: Team IRG

Name: Manny Toribio
Role: Governmental Affairs
Company: Team IRG

Links: 

• Team IRG Website: https://www.ibarrarealtygroup.com/ 
• Junior’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeibarra/ 
• Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-cahoy-122b5917/ 
• Manny’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanueltoribio/ 

The show notes for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/scaling-a-real-estate-business-from-the-ground-up-and-building-the-american-dream

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In this episode of the Land Development Podcast, we dive into the life of Tyler Kitson, Senior Vice President of Communities at Kitson and Partners. Tyler's story begins with his passion for golf, leading him to Rollins College with the intent to play the sport professionally. Tyler's early ambitions in golf were sidelined by his curiosity and love for real estate, inherited from watching his father's work in development. Despite the allure of professional sports, Tyler recognized the opportunities within the real estate industry during the economic downturn.

Tyler learned everything about land development by getting his hands dirty with real projects. This experience taught him the importance of knowing every part of the business, from fixing bridges to planning big communities.

Now, Tyler is a big part of creating Babcock Ranch, a community that focuses on being friendly to the environment and a great place for people to live. He shares how his background in sports helped him in business, especially in being determined and working hard towards long-term goals. Tyler's story shows us that it's okay to change paths and that success comes from putting your heart into your work and always being ready to learn and grow.

Guest Details:
Name: Tyler Kitson
Role: SVP of Communities
Company: Kitson & Partners

Links: 

• Kitson & Partners Website: https://kitsonpartners.com/ 
• Tyler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-kitson-35236793/

The show notes for this episode can be found at https://letsgroov.com/podcast/building-americas-most-walkable-hikeable-bikeable-town