In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matt Wallace sits down with legendary urban redevelopment strategist Dan Biederman, President of the Bryant Park Corporation and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures. Dan shares the inside story of how he transformed Manhattan’s Bryant Park from a crime-ridden, neglected space into one of the most celebrated public parks in the world—without relying on public funds for nearly 30 years.

Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of:

• The entrepreneurial gamble that launched Dan’s career
• How he navigated political resistance and preservationist pushback
• The real estate value Bryant Park has created for New York’s Midtown
• Lessons from projects in Dallas, San Francisco, and beyond
• Why London is his top city model—and his brutally honest take on Manhattan’s shortcomings

Perfect for early-career professionals and seasoned CRE veterans alike, this episode offers rare insight into how smart public-private partnerships can redefine cities, one plaza at a time.

In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Andrew Gross sits down with Jeremy Mercer, the founder and CEO of Matador Realty Investments, for a wide-ranging conversation on grit, growth, and the unique culture of industrial real estate in Fort Worth and beyond. From chasing pre-foreclosures with a Roddy List to cold calling owner-users in the Design District, Jeremy walks us through his unconventional path—from steel business heir to rehearsal space landlord to powerhouse CRE investor.

We unpack how Mercer built Matador Realty from the ground up, the tactics behind door-to-door dealmaking, and why the I-35 corridor is central to his acquisition thesis. With candid reflections on failure, hustle, and long-game investing, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring brokers, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.

00:36 Meet Jeremy Mercer: CEO of Matador Realty

01:49 Jeremy's Early Life and Education

03:36 From Music to Real Estate

05:15 Starting in Industrial Real Estate

12:46 Cold Calling and Building Relationships

16:26 Transition to Brokerage

23:47 The Birth of Matador Realty

28:30 Finding Deals and Money

28:44 First Real Estate Deal

30:00 Building a Real Estate Platform

31:30 Expanding Investments

33:01 Starting Matador Capital

34:35 Focus on the I-35 Corridor

36:39 Social Media and Podcasting

42:33 Advice for New Brokers

48:48 Dallas Real Estate Market Insights

51:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On this episode of The Matthews Podcast, Matthew Wallace is joined by Jose Berlanga, a seasoned builder, investor, and developer with over 35 years of experience. Discover how Jose transitioned from various industries into real estate, co-founding Tricon Homes and leading the construction of nearly 2000 homes. Jose shares his inspirational story of overcoming personal challenges, developing Houston's inner city, and making commercial real estate investment accessible. This episode is packed with insights on navigating the real estate market, entrepreneurship, and practical advice for aspiring real estate investors.

00:00 Introduction to The Matthews Podcast

00:42 Meet Jose Berlanga: Builder, Investor, and Developer

01:23 Jose's Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings

04:23 Overcoming Adversity: Jose's Childhood Challenges

07:10 Jose's First Business Ventures

13:12 The Journey to Real Estate

14:18 Founding Tricon Homes with His Brother

19:25 Revitalizing Houston's Inner City Neighborhoods

22:45 Innovative Beginnings in Inner City Building

24:40 Balancing Growth and Execution

26:08 Transition to Outsourcing

28:46 Venturing into Commercial Real Estate

29:15 Accidental Success in Multifamily Investments

32:07 Challenges and Strategies in Property Management

39:53 The Business of Home Building: A Roadmap

44:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

48:10 Final Thoughts and Farewell 

In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace is joined by Michael Flynn, Senior Director of Economic Development at Destination Medical Center (DMC) in Rochester, Minnesota. Together, they dive into one of the most ambitious public-private partnerships in the United States—a 20-year, $5.6 billion initiative to position Rochester as “America’s City for Health” around the globally renowned Mayo Clinic.

In this episode of the Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace is joined by Rob Zirkle, Principal and Practice Group Leader at HGA (formerly founder of Brick Architecture). Rob shares his extensive experience in commercial real estate and urban design, including his entrepreneurial journey, insights from his international travel fellowships, and ideas on current design trends. They discuss the impact of social spaces, the evolution of CBDs, and the future of commercial and residential architecture.

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Guest Introduction: Rob Zirkle

02:14 Rob's Early Career and Education

05:27 Traveling Fellowships and Global Insights

13:19 Return to Northern California

15:03 Starting a Design Firm

21:39 Balancing Design and Business

23:39 Current Design Trends and Challenges

30:44 Future Opportunities in Real Estate

34:30 Advice for Aspiring Architects

37:38 Conclusion

In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace sits down with Mark Goldfinger, General Manager and Head of North America at Mindspace. Mark shares his incredible journey from working with WeWork to leading Mindspace's operations in the US. Discover how Mindspace is creating high-end, flexible workspaces tailored to the needs of various companies, and the unique approach they take to stand out in a competitive market. Mark also discusses the evolution of coworking spaces post-COVID, the importance of location and amenities, and offers advice for aspiring professionals in commercial real estate. Don't miss out on this insightful episode highlighting the latest trends and strategies in the coworking ecosystem.

00:00 Introduction to The Matthews Podcast

00:44 From WeWork to Mindspace

01:43 Early Career and Education

03:00 Journey with WeWork: International Expansion

07:19 Transition to Mindspace

10:08 Mindspace's Unique Approach to Flexible Workspaces

13:58 Growth Focus and Market Analysis

22:05 Trends and Future of Flexible Workspaces

24:02 Career Advice and Leadership Insights

28:57 Conclusion

In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace speaks with Cliff Booth, founder and chairman of Westmount Realty Capital. With over 40 years of industry experience, Cliff shares his journey from moving to Dallas in 1979 to building a real estate portfolio of over 45 million square feet. They discuss Cliff's early career, investment strategies, and the importance of mentorship. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the industrial and multifamily sectors, the importance of prudent debt management, and the growing interest in cold storage and retail spaces. Tune in for valuable insights from a seasoned professional in commercial real estate.

01:57 Cliff Booth's Early Career and Move to Dallas

03:28 First Real Estate Success in Dallas

06:00 Mentorship and Building a Portfolio

08:12 Westmount's Investment Philosophy and Strategy

16:54 Focus on Industrial and Cold Storage

23:30 Navigating Market Volatility and Debt Management

26:57 Future Outlook and Advice for Newcomers

37:32 Closing Remarks

In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace sits down with Stephen Bittel, chairman and founder of Terranova Corporation, to discuss his extensive career in commercial real estate. With over four decades of experience and a portfolio exceeding a billion dollars, Steven shares his journey from his early days in Miami to founding one of South Florida's premier real estate investment firms. The conversation delves into market cycles, the impacts of significant economic events, and strategies for success in this changing market. Learn about Stephen's incredible path, the growth of Terranova Corporation, and his advice to aspiring professionals. Tune in for an insightful discussion on resilience, opportunity, and leadership in commercial real estate.

00:00 Introduction to The Matthews Podcast

00:46 Meet Stephen Bittel: A Real Estate Icon

01:51 Early Life and Education

02:32 Starting a Career in Real Estate

05:36 Founding Terranova Corporation

08:56 Navigating Market Cycles and Challenges

11:06 Building a Third-Party Management Business

18:30 Shifting Focus to Equity Trades

20:29 Surviving the Great Financial Crisis

22:37 Managing Petroleum Realty During Lehman's Collapse

25:57 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis

26:19 Opportunities in the 2010s

30:46 The Impact of COVID-19

37:08 Adapting to Market Volatility

42:07 Building a Lasting Legacy

46:40 Advice for the Next Generation

In this episode of The Matthews Podcast, host Matthew Wallace welcomes John Drew, Founder and Chairman of The Drew Company, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, legacy, and global real estate development. With a career spanning public service and private sector success, Drew shares how his early work in government—repurposing federal properties—launched a lifelong path in commercial real estate.

Drew offers behind-the-scenes insight into the transformation of Boston’s Seaport District, where his company helped develop landmark assets like the Seaport Hotel, World Trade Center Boston, and Seaport East and West. He discusses the complexities of public-private partnerships, the evolution of mixed-use design, and the long-term strategy that helped reposition the Boston waterfront into a thriving urban hub.

The conversation also dives into Drew’s decades-long leadership with the World Trade Centers Association, offering a global perspective on trade facilitation, international development, and the future of urbanization. He unpacks the real-world effects of geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and the shifting supply chain—and what they mean for U.S. CRE investors.

A must-listen for professionals looking to understand the intersection of policy, community development, and global markets, this episode is packed with insight from one of the industry's most globally connected leaders.

Episode Outline

00:00 Introduction to The Matthews Podcast

00:41 Meet John Drew: Founder and Chairman of the Drew Company

01:37 John Drew's Early Career in Real Estate

03:13 Redevelopment Projects and Community Involvement

10:06 Launching the Drew Company

11:19 Developing Boston's Seaport District

19:57 Trends in Urban Redevelopment

22:06 World Trade Centers Association: Mission and Impact

29:12 Global Trade and Real Estate Insights

38:58 Advice for Young Real Estate Professionals

41:37 Conclusion and Final Thought

Join host Matthew Wallace on this episode of The Matthews Podcast as he sits down with Michael Webb, a seasoned real estate attorney with over a decade of experience in handling complex and high-value commercial transactions. In this insightful conversation, Michael shares his journey into real estate law, his diverse portfolio of deals across various asset classes, and his perspective on the current macroeconomic environment impacting the real estate market. They discuss the importance of managing client expectations, the impact of AI in the legal profession, and trends to watch for in the future of commercial real estate. This episode is packed with valuable insights for investors, developers, and any commercial real estate professional looking to navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.

00:00 Introduction to The Matthews Podcast

00:45 Meet Michael Webb: A Seasoned Real Estate Attorney

01:47 Michael Webb's Journey into Real Estate Law

03:18 Current Practice and Key Transactions

08:47 Challenges and Highlights in Real Estate Deals

15:47 Sourcing Clients and Balancing Work

19:33 Macro Environment and Real Estate Outlook

27:06 Legal Trends and AI in Real Estate

36:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Michael

https://www.farrellfritz.com/professionals/michael-l-webb/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-l-webb-a308bb41/