The Stash Cast

In this episode of The Stash Cast, host Stash Geleszinski
sits down with Val Despard, Founder and CEO of Despard Analytics and Director
of Financial Analytics for Newmark. Val shares his journey from starting as an
analyst in 2007 to founding Despard Analytics, a firm that provides financial
modeling and consulting services to commercial real estate professionals.

Val discusses the evolution of his company, the value of
senior-level analysts, and the nuances of financial modeling in commercial real
estate. The conversation covers various asset classes including office, retail,
multifamily, and self-storage, and dives into the complexities of using Excel
and Argus for financial analysis.

Listeners will gain insights into the relationship between
debt markets and property values, the challenges of office conversions, and the
importance of understanding market dynamics. Val also offers valuable advice
for investors and brokers on the importance of detailed and accurate financial
analysis.

Highlights:

- Val's background and the founding of Despard Analytics

- The value proposition of senior-level analysts in
commercial real estate

- Differences between using Excel and Argus for financial
modeling

- Impact of debt markets on property values and cap rates

- Challenges and opportunities in the current office market

- Strategies for successful value-add investments

- The role of tax incentives in development deals

- How Despard Analytics can replace or supplement in-house
analysts

Guest Info:

- Name: Val Despard

- Title: Founder and CEO of Despard Analytics, Director of
Financial Analytics for Newmark

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/val-despard/

- Email: [email protected]

Summary:

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Stash Cast, where
we dive deep into the world of commercial real estate and prop tech. Hosted by
Stash Geleszinski and brought to you by Needle, this episode features a
conversation with Ryan Smyth, the Senior Director of Acquisitions at Stoneweg
US, LLC. Ryan shares his journey from a small town in West Virginia to becoming
a key player in multifamily acquisitions in Florida.

Key Discussion Points:

- Ryan's Background: Ryan discusses his diverse real estate
background, from residential brokerage and new home sales to his current role
in multifamily acquisitions. He highlights his education at the University of
Maryland and his initial challenges breaking into the industry.

- Market Insights: Ryan provides his take on the current
market conditions, including the competitive landscape, the impact of interest
rates, and the differences between various regional markets.

- Experience and Strategies: Ryan emphasizes the importance
of hands-on experience in property management and asset management. He shares
anecdotes about his proactive approach, such as personally pressure washing
properties to enhance curb appeal.

- ESG and Sustainability: The conversation touches on
Stoneweg’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
initiatives. Ryan explains the challenges and benefits of implementing
sustainable practices in multifamily properties.

- Future Outlook: Ryan reflects on the future of the
multifamily market, the potential for deal flow, and the importance of being a
good steward of investor capital. He also offers advice for others in the
industry to stay patient and focused during challenging times.

Quote Highlights:

- "I come from a small town in the hills of West
Virginia, and to be working in this industry and with people like yourself, I
love every bit of it."

- "It's better to do no deal than to do a bad deal
because we’re supposed to be stewards of other people’s money."

Contact Information:

- Ryan Smyth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-smyth-04b57120/

- Stash Geleszinski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stasiugeleszinski/

Sponsor:

- Nedl: Predict future transactions with data and analytics.
Learn more at https://www.nedl.us

Tune in to this insightful episode to gain valuable
perspectives on the multifamily market and the evolving landscape of commercial
real estate.

In this episode of the Stash Cast, host Stash Geleszinski welcomes TJ Ackermann, CEO of TJ Ackermann Company, Managing Member of East End Development Company, and Managing Partner of Hearth Home Communities. The conversation dives into TJ's extensive background in real estate development, tracing his family's roots in the industry back to his grandfather, Rudy Ackermann, who began building duplexes and fourplexes in Cincinnati in the early 1900s.

TJ shares stories of his early involvement in the family business, working alongside his brother during summers to build homes, a practice orchestrated by their parents to teach them the intricacies of real estate development. This hands-on experience, combined with strategic learning and leveraging relationships, laid the foundation for TJ's successful career.

The discussion covers various aspects of real estate development, including the importance of public-private partnerships, leveraging public bonds, and navigating the complexities of zoning and site development. TJ highlights notable projects such as the East End Development and the Rookwood development, emphasizing the value of experience and strategic partnerships in executing large-scale projects.

TJ also touches on the role of technology in modern development, balancing traditional methods with digital advancements. He underscores the significance of experience in estimating project needs, often trusting seasoned contractors over software predictions.

Throughout the episode, TJ's passion for real estate and commitment to maintaining meaningful, long-lasting relationships in the industry shine through, offering valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and aspiring developers.

In this episode of the Stash Cast, Stash Geleszinski sits down with Josh Appelman, Founder and CEO of Appelman Capital and Appelman Properties. Josh shares his journey from building a successful flooring installation business to becoming a major player in real estate. He discusses the transition from service-based business to real estate, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and the strategies he employs to identify and turn around distressed properties. With a background in construction and a hands-on approach to property management, Josh emphasizes the importance of operations and value-add opportunities. He also shares insights into his podcast, Real Estate Hustlers, and his thoughts on the future of proptech and AI in real estate. Tune in to learn from Josh's wealth of experience and discover actionable strategies for success in the real estate industry.

In this episode of the Stash Cast, host Stash Geleszinski is joined by David Conwill, Larry Bergman, and Jason Stevenson for a discussion on their paths in the real estate and entrepreneurial worlds. David Conwill, the vice chairman of Redwood Living, shares his journey from a development manager to a key player in expanding Redwood, which specializes in building single-story apartments with attached garages. He details the company's growth, particularly through the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting how Redwood capitalized on the opportunities that arose from market disruptions.

Larry Bergman, associated with NAI Bergman, discusses his extensive experience in real estate, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and integrity in business. He highlights significant transactions, like the sale of Cincinnati Public Schools properties, which reinvigorated community assets and increased local tax revenues.

Jason Stevenson, an entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio including finance, insurance, and franchising, talks about his strategic approach to business, which prioritizes autonomy and diversification over conventional success metrics. He details his involvement in a significant community-centered project, the Legacy Hotel in Medina, Ohio, explaining the project's focus on local investment and community legacy.

Throughout the episode, the guests discuss the impact of technology in real estate and share personal insights on successful investment strategies, the importance of community in business endeavors, and maintaining personal integrity in professional dealings. They explore the evolving landscape of property technology and its implications for future business models in real estate.

In this episode of the Stash Cast, Stash welcomes real estate magnate Mike Ealy to discuss his remarkable journey from starting with zero capital to owning over a thousand apartment and hotel units. Ealy shares his initial forays into real estate with no-money-down purchases, his setbacks including losing everything and experiencing homelessness, and his strategic comeback through acquiring properties during the Great Recession and beyond.

Ealy delves into the nuances between managing hotels and apartments, emphasizing the unique operational models and financial benefits of each. His experiences underline the importance of adaptability in the real estate market, particularly during downturns like the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided unexpected buying opportunities.

The conversation also covers Ealy's expansion into developing a $120 million project in Sarasota, which includes condos, a hotel, and retail spaces. He discusses the critical differences in revenue management between apartments and hotels, such as daily rate adjustments that can significantly increase revenue.

Beyond real estate, Ealy touches on his venture into building a media presence, using social media as a powerful tool for business growth and investor engagement. He emphasizes the value of providing substantial content to attract and educate potential investors and clients.

This episode is a deep dive into the strategies that have led to Ealy’s success and offers valuable insights for anyone interested in real estate investment and development.

In this insightful episode of the Stash Cast, we're joined by Blaine Strickland, founder of onemoredeal.net, who brings over four decades of diverse experience in the commercial real estate industry. Starting his career with CBRE and transitioning through roles from a producer to a development executive, Blaine has now found his passion in coaching top producers in the commercial real estate space.

Blaine discusses the significant changes he has observed in the commercial real estate brokerage over the years, emphasizing the shift from data scarcity to data abundance and how this has transformed the role of a broker from being a gatekeeper of information to a provider of insight and context.

He highlights the importance of "top of mind status" in building a successful brokerage career. According to Blaine, the key to becoming a super producer lies in continuous engagement with clients and prospects, creating value at every touchpoint, and maintaining visibility in their minds.

Blaine also touches upon the potential disruptors in the commercial real estate industry, such as technology advancements, demographic shifts, and the changing landscape of brokerage firms. He notes the evolving business models, where the focus is increasingly on providing a suite of comprehensive services rather than just transactional brokerage.

The conversation also delves into the significance of personal connections and the power of convening. Blaine advocates for the value of face-to-face interactions in building and sustaining long-term business relationships. He encourages brokers to seize every opportunity to meet clients and prospects in person, leveraging these interactions to deepen connections and drive business.

As the episode wraps up, Blaine shares insights into his coaching philosophy and the services he offers through onemoredeal.net. He emphasizes the importance of tackling big, complex problems and customizing strategies for each client, drawing on his vast experience to guide them towards achieving their ambitious goals.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for both seasoned professionals and those new to the commercial real estate industry, offering a deep dive into the nuances of building a successful career in brokerage and the evolving landscape of the industry.

In this engaging episode of The Stash Cast, host Stash is joined by Jeremy Fritzhand, the Director of Startup Services at Alloy Growth Lab. Jeremy shares his eclectic journey from grassroots entrepreneurial development in India to his current role nurturing startups in the dynamic landscape of commercial real estate and proptech. With a rich background in connecting artisans to global markets and a deep passion for impact work, Jeremy brings a unique perspective to the world of startups.

The episode delves into Jeremy's commitment to knowledge sharing and his hands-on approach to problem-solving, whether it's bug testing software or crafting press releases. Jeremy's story of transitioning from living and working with artisans in Bagru, India, to navigating the corporate world of supply chain management, and finally to fostering startup ecosystems in Cincinnati, offers invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the importance of validating business ideas, creating minimal viable products, and the strategic approaches to building relationships with investors. Jeremy's work with Alloy Growth Lab and the Ohio Accelerate program highlights the thriving startup environment in Ohio and the collaborative efforts to support emerging businesses.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the transformative power of social entrepreneurship and technology. Jeremy's journey underscores the impact of embracing diverse experiences and the potential to drive change through innovative business solutions.

In this episode of The Stash Cast, host Stash invites Jake Dietrich from Onyx + East for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of commercial real estate and proptech. Jake shares his journey in the real estate industry, highlighting his background in architecture and development, and how it's been influenced by his upbringing in Columbus, Indiana, a city known for its architectural significance.

Jake discusses the transition from working with Milhouse to founding Onyx + East, focusing on urban and suburban housing development. The conversation delves into the challenges and successes of projects like the transformation of Walnut Hills and the strategic approach to engaging with communities to ensure development projects are well-received.

Jake emphasizes the importance of understanding the local market, the role of schools in site selection, and the necessity of delivering high-quality, sustainable housing. He touches upon the impact of rising construction costs and the future of housing development, including the potential of mass timber and modular construction.

The discussion also covers the critical role of incentives in making projects feasible, the strategic approach to site acquisition, and the significance of building relationships with brokers who view developers as partners rather than transactions.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the nuanced world of real estate development, highlighting the importance of community engagement, sustainability, and innovation in shaping the future of housing.

In this electrifying episode of The Stash Cast, Stash Geleszinski sits down with the unparalleled Rod Santomassimo, founder of the Massimo Group, the leading coaching organization for commercial real estate brokers. With a career that transitioned from being a broker to shaping brokers, Rod delves into his journey of creating a platform that has transformed the lives of countless real estate professionals across North America. From individual coaching to empowering entire teams, the Massimo Group leverages cutting-edge technology, including AI, to accelerate learning and results. Rod shares his vision for the future, emphasizing the critical role of personalized coaching in transcending from being a believer to an authority in the real estate realm. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone eager to scale new heights in commercial real estate and beyond.