In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, hosted by Kyle Matthews, we dive deep into the world of real estate investments and development with Laith Hermiz, founder and CEO of Ironside Realty. Laith shares his journey from being the COO and Executive Vice President at Agree Realty Corporation to founding his own firm. With a rich career spanning both public REITs and private real estate, Laith discusses his critical role in acquiring and developing over $2 billion in assets, and the importance of strategic growth, value creation, and cultivating industry relationships. They explore current market trends, particularly the net lease space, and Laith offers insights on strategies and opportunities during disruptive times. The conversation also touches on the personal anecdotes, lessons learned from navigating the commercial real estate industry, and the importance of continuous learning, networking, and mentorship.
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:29 Guest Introduction: Laith Hermiz
00:57 Early Career and Achievements
01:58 Net Lease Market Insights
06:44 Personal Anecdotes and Stories
13:57 Laith's Background and Family History
14:03 Education and Early Career Path
32:01 Discovering the Value of Networking
32:41 Transitioning from Law to Real Estate
33:41 Early Career in Real Estate Development
34:34 Major Projects and Career Milestones
34:58 Navigating the REIT Space
35:38 Balancing Career and Family
37:37 Motivations and Wealth Creation
39:10 Key Career Achievements
40:45 The Importance of Relationships
45:00 Challenges and Lessons from the GFC
51:44 Building a Successful Acquisition Platform
58:56 Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate
01:00:53 Founding a New Venture
01:06:06 Navigating Market Shifts and Opportunities
01:06:55 The Appeal of STNL Retail Space
01:08:24 Challenges and Surprises as a Founder
01:10:11 Balancing Passion and Hard Work
01:11:25 The Art of the Deal and Building Relationships
01:14:39 Advice for Aspiring Professionals
01:24:10 Networking and Professional Growth
01:35:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections