Erik Hayden, the founder of Urban Catalyst, was redeveloping downtown San Jose long before the Opportunity Zone program came into being. When the OZ program was created and designated much of old San Jose as opportunity zones, he didn't miss a stride. He created an Opportunity Zone fund so that his investors could grab OZ tax benefits, and then kept right on going.

His single-minded focus on San Jose and only San Jose makes him the premier OZ developer and fund manager for Silicon Valley.

Erik Hayden is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Guest:Erik Hayden
Website: urbancatalyst.com
Host: Jack Heald

John Lore left his home in the desert canyons of Utah for the concrete canyons of New York City. His Capital Fund Law Group was in such demand in the Big Apple that it made more sense to move his business. After a stint in Moscow - where he learned to speak Russian - he was a natural fit for a job in the Russian capital. Then 2008 hit. The financial crisis that shook the world ultimately led him back to the US and to founding his own law firm.

Today, he serves a wide variety of clients looking to structure financial deals both internationally and domestically. But for today's show, we talk about his work with the Opportunity Zone clients. John Lore is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: John Lore

Peter Hirschberg's early experience with government was the opposite of positive. His private industry experience rewarded fast prototyping, fast iteration and cooperative development. Now, with Maker City, he may have found a way to merge the speed and innovation of Silicon Valley with the potential for social good embodied in the OZ program. Peter Hirshberg is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: Peter Hirshberg

Other References
Factory OS
Maker City
Catalyst Opportunity Zone Fund
Village Capital
Jake Soberal & Irma Olguin 

Philly native David Waxman has been doing historic redevelopment projects in the Philadelphia neighborhood called Brewerytown since 2001. The reality is that he was an OZ developer long before the OZ program ever existed.

He's an investor, developer, entrepreneur, and exactly the kind of visionary who makes life better for everyone who gets involved with him. David Waxman of MMPartners is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: David Waxman

This conversation with the founders of Hotbed Entertainment Group is easily the most unique podcast I've done yet. Hotbed combines both Real Estate development and an utterly unique Operating Business that can scale across OZ communities. Their offering has the staying power required by the patient investor and the tangible, long-term benefits demanded by the residents of opportunity zones. Seth Dunlap and Todd Perlmutter of Hotbed Entertainment Group are my guests on The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: Seth Dunlap & Todd Perlmutter

Barings has a history of making America a better place. After all, they're the company that financed the Louisiana Purchase. As a historic organization, they want to be part of financing the new American Dream represented by the Opportunity Zone program.
Nicole Pecoulas of Barings is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: Nicole Pecoulas

Tax credits should be part of any developer's capital stack. But navigating the red tape can be a nightmare. That's where Stephanie M. Smith Esq. can help. Her long experience with government incentives taught her how to best take advantage of - and more importantly - avoid the pitfalls inherent in government programs.

She knows how to build relationships and navigate government programs: two essential qualities for success in the OZ.

If you're a developer, a sponsor, an investor or a fund manager in the OZ, you owe it to yourself to hear what she has to say about succeeding in the opportunity zone.

Stephanie Smith of SMS Global Advisors is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: Stephanie M. Smith

Website: smsglobaladvisors.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-384-2652

Avy Stein was already a successful entrepreneur, real estate investor and co-founder of one of the country's most innovative financial management companies. But a battle with cancer prepared him for a different kind of challenge in life. The Opportunity Zone program proved to be the perfect fit for a man who is  commited to creating capitalism to drive results - especially in underinvested communities.

Avy Stein of Cresset Capital is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: Avy Stein

You wouldn't expect to hear a discussion of Immanuel Kant and his Categorical Imperative from a tax attorney. But Jon Talansky is no typical tax attorney. His broad education and deep experience reveal a humanity, expertise and wisdom that's rare in the cut-and-dried world of tax law, especially the Opportunity Zone. Jon Talansky of King & Spalding is my guest on this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: Jon Talansky

What are the biggest risks OZ investors face? What should you as a smart investor or fund manager do to mitigate those risks. Tax attorney Cory Bilodeau guides us through the risks and rewards of OZ investing in this episode of The OZExpo Podcast.

Host: Jack Heald
Guest: Cory Bilodeau