Part 2 is here!

If you missed Part 1, be sure to listen to it first—we covered the future of affordable housing, manufactured homes, and some of the biggest challenges facing real estate development today.

In this episode, Jeff Cook gets personal.

We talk about the mistakes he'd make differently, why he wishes he started partnering sooner, how he nearly lost everything during the early 2000s, and what it took to rebuild after experiencing foreclosures and financial hardship.

Jeff also shares why building a great team has become one of his proudest accomplishments and how learning to work on the business instead of in it completely changed the way he leads.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate investor, business owner, or simply someone pursuing a big goal, this conversation is filled with practical lessons on resilience, leadership, and long-term thinking.

In This Episode:

• Why Jeff wishes he started partnering sooner

• Lessons from early real estate investing

• Recovering from foreclosures and financial hardship

• Building a leadership team of 120+ employees

• Why delegation is essential for growth

• The importance of accountability and reliability

• Why failure isn't the end—quitting is

• The mindset behind long-term success

Connect with Jeff Cook:

Cook Properties: https://www.cookproperties.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-cook-8b004474

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share The Marty Grizzanti Show. New episodes feature conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and innovators who are building great businesses and stronger communities.

If you've ever wondered why housing has become so expensive—or why we aren't building enough homes—this episode is for you.

I sat down with my friend Jeff Cook, one of New York's leading manufactured housing developers, to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing our communities today: housing. Jeff shares why his company shifted from buying manufactured home communities to building them, how rising interest rates changed the industry, and why factory-built housing deserves a fresh look.

We explore the differences between manufactured, modular, and site-built homes, Rochester's growing housing shortage, Jeff's vision for transforming vacant city lots into thriving neighborhoods, the Seven Brew development on Jefferson Road, and the infrastructure challenge that's delaying more than 1,000 new homes.

This isn't just a conversation about real estate—it's about creating more opportunities for families to achieve homeownership and addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our communities.

If you enjoy conversations about business, entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, development, and the future of housing, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

In This Episode:

• Why Jeff Cook got into development after interest rates changed the market
• Manufactured homes vs. modular homes: What's the difference?
• Why affordable housing needs a rebrand
• The Seven Brew project on Jefferson Road
• Rochester's vacant lots and the future of infill development
• The power infrastructure problem delaying over 1,000 new homes
• Why factory-built housing could play a major role in solving the housing crisis

Connect with Jeff Cook:

• Cook Properties: www.cookproperties.com
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-cook-8b004474

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who would find this conversation valuable.

I sat down with my buddy Jeff Skuse, third-generation owner of Marshall Boxes, a Rochester company that's been around since the 1940s.

And honestly, I love conversations like this because Jeff's business is one of those businesses most people never think about—but it's the backbone of manufacturing.

We talked about what it takes to keep a family business alive for nearly 80 years, how they've survived recessions, the decline of Kodak and Xerox, supply chain chaos, COVID, and all the ups and downs that come with being a business owner.

One thing that really stood out to me was Jeff's mindset around leadership. He's built systems that allow the company to operate without him being involved in every little detail, which is something every entrepreneur can learn from.

We also got into:

The reality of taking over a family business

Why most businesses don't make it to the third generation

Building trust with customers

The power of cold calling and walking into businesses Sales, leadership, and accountability

Why integrity still wins in business

How to create a company that lasts longer than you do

At the end of the day, this conversation is really about legacy. How do you build something that can survive economic cycles, industry changes, and generations of leadership?

Jeff has been doing exactly that.

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, salesperson, or just someone trying to build something meaningful, I think you'll get a lot out of this one.

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Mark Cohen to talk about networking, communication, government, real estate, and what it really takes to build meaningful relationships in business.

Mark has built a career around connecting people, solving problems, and helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations navigate government and policy challenges across New York State.

We get into his playbook for walking into a room where you don’t know anyone, how to actually network the right way, and why communication skills are still one of the biggest advantages you can have.

We also dive into housing, development challenges in New York, government red tape, energy infrastructure, and why these issues matter for business owners, developers, and everyday people.

In this episode we cover:

• How to network when you know nobody in the room

• Why communication is a superpower in business

• What lobbyists actually do (and why most people misunderstand it)

• Housing affordability and development challenges

• Government regulations, permitting, and red tape

• Energy and grid challenges in New York If you’re in business, real estate, development, government, or just want to get better at connecting with people and building relationships, this one’s for you.

In this episode, my good friend Gagan—an absolute beast when it comes to content, community-building, and helping real estate agents actually get clients through social media—joins me to talk about what really moves the needle in this business (spoiler: it’s not just listings or cold calls).

Gagan shares how he built a media brand from scratch, why being yourself online is your biggest asset, and how agents can stop chasing leads and start attracting them.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

👉 Your social media shouldn’t be all real estate, all the time—people connect with you, not just your listings.

👉 The “Plus One” rule can change your business—combine real estate with something personal to stand out and stay memorable.

👉 Millions of views and thousands of leads are possible—Gagan breaks down how he did it with content that actually connects.

👉 Systems and VAs can help you scale without losing authenticity—you don’t have to do it all, just do what only you can do.

👉 You are the niche—own who you are, and the right people will find you.

Remember: it’s not about going viral—it’s about getting visible. Start showing up as you, and watch what happens.

Ever been in a place where your life had to completely fall apart to come together? Ethan shares how he rebuilt everything—faith, business, and mindset—after a major life setback. We talk real estate, Fortune Builders, leadership, and why personal development is the foundation of success.

In this episode, we dive into the untold stories behind Rochester’s real estate evolution — from $1 building deals to visionary projects reshaping the city. 🏙️

Ken and I talk about the ups and downs of development in Upstate New York, the growing demand for industrial and residential space, and the power challenges that come with growth.

We explore how local developers are navigating these obstacles while staying optimistic about the region’s future as a potential tech hub and business-friendly environment.

Whether you're a real estate investor, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about Rochester's future, this conversation is packed with insight, history, and inspiration. 💡

Excited to dive into AI strategies for real estate. Whether commercial or residential, AI is revolutionizing our approach. First up: deal analysis. Mind-blowing tool - ChatGPT! Upload a profit and loss statement, ask questions, and let AI guide you to better broker interactions. Good questions lead to a better life. Next, list cleaning. Gone are the days of hours lost or money spent on virtual assistants. ChatGPT formats messy lists in a snap, saving precious time for serious tasks. AI's role in lead nurturing is a game-changer. Automate follow-ups via email/text. ChatGPT crafts strategic, engaging messages, ensuring brokers and new businesses stay informed and interested. Listen to the full episode!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Deal Analysis: Learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT for profit and loss (P&L) analysis to ask better questions and get essential insights.
2. Efficient List Management: Discover how to clean and format property lists quickly using AI, saving you both time and money.
3. Lead Nurturing: Automate and enhance your follow-ups with emails and texts by using AI to craft compelling messages that get responses.
4. Creative Image Generation: Unleash your creativity with tools like DALL-E for generating visuals that can be tailored to your specific needs.
5. Streamlined Listing Descriptions: Save hours crafting property listings with the help of AI, making your properties more marketable.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to AI strategies for real estate. 01:44 - Using AI for deal analysis and uploading P&L statements into ChatGPT.

03:16 - AI as a tool for asking better questions in real estate investing.

05:58 - Automating lead nurturing and follow-up with AI.

07:38 - Creating images with DALL-E for real estate marketing.

08:57 - The importance of becoming a prompt engineer with AI.

09:48 - Utilizing AI for creating listing descriptions.

12:35 - Overview of company’s top five AI strategies in real estate.

13:52 - Insight into structuring seller-financed deals.

14:54 - Seller financing benefits and negotiation techniques.

Connect with Max!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/max.gianniny

Connect with Marty!

Website

https://www.webuyhomesroc.com/ 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/mjgrizzanti

YouTube

   / @martygrizzanti1663   

Marty and Max Gianniny dive into the highs and lows of real estate, from flipping foreclosures to reshaping Rochester’s East End. They talk about the hustle of podcasting, balancing family life, and bringing new energy to the city with music, coffee shops, and creative spaces. With bold moves and big vision, they’re proving that risk and community can spark real change. Tune in for an inspiring, no-nonsense look at revitalization in action!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Community Engagement is Crucial: Max emphasized the importance of being present and actively engaging with the community. Building relationships with local business owners and participating in community activities are essential for fostering a thriving neighborhood.
• Incremental Development Approach: Rather than taking on massive projects all at once, Max and his team prefer a more iterative, incremental approach. This allows them to make strategic improvements over time while managing risks effectively.
• Creating Multifaceted Spaces: The vision for the East End goes beyond just nightlife. Max is working towards creating a vibrant area with diverse offerings, including brunch spots, office spaces, and event venues to attract a broad spectrum of visitors throughout the day.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Balancing Business Growth and Parenthood

06:20 Commuting and Mental Transition Rituals

11:21 Real Estate Market Upgrade Strategy

16:14 Community Engagement on East End Project

24:01 Indoor Multi-Venue Music Festival

26:10 "Reviving East End's Culture"

35:57 Transforming Spaces for Safety

39:53 Perception vs. Action Dilemma

42:33 Thoughtful Community Development Approach

52:01 Real Estate Investment Journey

57:29 Challenges of Transitioning to Commercial Real Estate

58:12 Enduring the Deal Process Pain

01:03:39 Flower City Thaw Announcement

Connect with Max!

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/max.gianniny

Connect with Marty!

Website

https://www.webuyhomesroc.com/ 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/mjgrizzanti

YouTube

   / @martygrizzanti1663   

In this episode we are diving into key principles of business success and personal development. We're discussing the importance of adding value and serving others. Money is tied to value created, while true wealth stems from the number of people you serve over time.

Marty also shares insights from his first commercial real estate deal, discussing the challenges of transitioning from residential to commercial real estate, particularly in industrial real estate investing and brokerage. He highlights the valuable lessons learned, such as the importance of timelines, due diligence, and understanding zoning implications. Marty further explains how setbacks, like underestimating repair costs, can offer crucial learning opportunities and increase confidence in future projects.

In real estate, our strategy involves transforming distressed properties and adding value. But the real reward lies in serving people – employees, contractors, and you, the listener.Bringing energy to every interaction is crucial. Whether it's a meeting or a sales call, you're in control of the energy you bring.

Liked what you heard? Don’t forget to leave us an honest rating on Apple Podcasts or follow us on Spotify for all the upcoming episodes. Your feedback means the world to us!

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Mindset Magic: Discover how the energy you bring to every situation can create opportunities, even in tough times.
2. Wealth Wisdom: Find out why wealth is linked to the number of people you serve over time and how this mindset can drive your actions.
3. Commercial Real Estate Secrets: Learn from Marty’s first commercial real estate deal — the surprises, the game-changing lessons, and how zoning and location play crucial roles.
4. Lease Language: Understand the difference between triple net and gross leases and how these terms affect both investors and tenants.
5. Worry Less, Live More: Get inspired by the saying, “Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace," and see how it can shift your daily perspective.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:09 - Discussing the power and importance of mindset in business.

02:19 - Marty shares insights on value creation and serving people.

05:04 - Emphasizing the control over personal energy and impact.

07:56 - Reflections on balancing worry and peace in business life.

09:18 - Venture into commercial real estate and initial challenges.

11:52 - Importance of due diligence and timeline management.

17:00 - Significance of environmental studies and zoning awareness.

18:11 - Lessons learned from initial commercial real estate deals.

30:46 - Differences between triple net and gross leases explained.

Connect with Marty!

Website

https://www.webuyhomesroc.com/ 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/mjgrizzanti

YouTube

   / @martygrizzanti1663