TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES with Dustin Sutton

In this episode, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Michael Beckerman, CEO of CREtech, the leading global conference company dedicated to driving technological innovation and sustainability within the built world. Michael’s journey spans across commercial real estate, media, technology, and sustainability—making him one of the most influential voices in the industry.

But this conversation goes beyond business. Michael shares how his personal growth and spiritual journey have fueled his professional impact, shaping his approach to leadership, innovation, and building CREtech into a platform transforming how real estate engages with technology and sustainability.

Whether you’re in real estate, tech, or leadership, or simply looking for inspiration to align personal growth with professional success, this is a must-listen episode packed with insights, strategies, and perspective.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Michael’s career journey across real estate, media, and technology
• The founding and mission of CREtech
• Why sustainability is reshaping the built world
• The role of personal growth and spirituality in leadership
• How innovation and community drive industry transformation
• Lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers

Key Quotes

• “Sustainability is not a trend—it’s the future of real estate.”
• “My personal growth fuels my professional growth.”
• “Technology is transforming the built world in ways we couldn’t imagine a decade ago.”

Timestamps (Chapters) ⏰ 00:00 – Introduction to Michael Beckerman ⏰ 02:15 – Early Career in Media and Real Estate ⏰ 07:28 – The Birth of CREtech ⏰ 12:41 – Technology’s Role in Transforming Real Estate ⏰ 18:36 – Sustainability as a Driver of Change ⏰ 24:52 – Personal Growth and Spiritual Influence ⏰ 32:19 – Community, Connection, and Industry Impact ⏰ 39:05 – Advice for Entrepreneurs and Leaders ⏰ 44:33 – Final Thoughts & Outro

Connect with Michael Beckerman & CREtech 🔗 Website: https://www.cretech.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Michael Beckerman

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Welcome to another exciting episode of “Tools Talents & Techniques”! Today, we are honored to have a distinguished guest, Hugh Williams, joining us. With a remarkable career spanning multiple ventures, Hugh has made a significant impact in the world of commercial real estate and beyond.

As the Principal at KWILL Merchant Advisors, Hugh wears multiple hats, each contributing to his expertise in strategic growth and entrepreneurship. His involvement with Sterling Bay as the Director of Strategic Growth and Entrepreneurship further showcases his dedication to driving innovation and success in the real estate industry.

At KWILL RE, Hugh and his team adopt a comprehensive approach, diving deep into their clients' businesses to craft strategies that foster growth and overcome challenges. Whether it's working with investors, occupiers, landlords, tenants, or developers, Hugh's proficiency shines through in executing effective solutions for various real estate needs.

Hugh's journey is a testament to his dynamic leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to making a difference. Join us in this insightful conversation with Hugh Williams as we explore the world of strategic commercial real estate advisory and the multifaceted ventures that he's passionately driving forward.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugh-k-williams/

https://kwilladvisors.com/

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Welcome to another episode of "Tools Talents & Techniques." Today, we have the honor of hosting a true luminary in the world of real estate, finance, and leadership, Mr. Herman Bulls.

His impressive career spans over 33 years at JLL, where he founded the highly acclaimed Public Institutions division. This specialized unit focuses on delivering comprehensive real estate solutions to federal, state, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions. Herman collaborates with JLL's largest public and corporate clients to devise and implement integrated real estate strategies, ultimately lowering occupancy costs and increasing productivity.

Herman Bulls is not just a Vice Chairman at JLL; he's a multifaceted executive with a wealth of experience in real estate, finance, marketing, and operations. With extensive Fortune 500 board experience, Herman brings a unique perspective to the table.

Beyond his corporate role, Herman is a respected thought leader and effective communicator. He excels in bringing diverse groups together to tackle even the most challenging issues. His expertise goes far beyond real estate; it encompasses strategy, leadership, public speaking, privatization, university real estate, government real estate, real estate finance, and corporate boards.

Herman Bulls' journey is nothing short of remarkable. Before his career in real estate, he completed almost 12 years of active-duty service with the United States Army, including assignments at the Pentagon and West Point. He retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2008.

His educational background is equally impressive, with a BS degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA in finance from Harvard Business School.

In this episode, we explore Herman's wealth of knowledge and experiences. We discuss his transition from the military to the corporate world, the power of diverse perspectives, and the importance of making an impact in communities that need it the most. Herman's passion for people, leadership, and leveraging differences as strengths shines throughout our conversation.

Join us on this extraordinary journey as we explore the life and insights of Herman Bulls, a true trailblazer in the world of real estate and leadership. Subscribe to "Tools Talents & Techniques" on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on our thought-provoking conversations with industry leaders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermanbulls/

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Welcome to another episode of "Tools Talents & Techniques." Today, we are privileged to have James Pitts, Principal at Greenwood Commercial Real Estate Group.

Greenwood is a national commercial real estate services company licensed or has affiliates in 16 states with offices in major cities including Atlanta, DC, Detroit, Denver & Philadelphia. Greenwood CRE focuses on tenant/buyer representation in the areas of office, industrial, retail and land transactions for local markets it serves and for large corporate users with multiple locations.

James is a seasoned professional with over 26 years of progressive experience and an impressive track record with several industry-leading companies.

Having earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M and an MBA in Finance, Marketing, and Strategy from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, James possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. His previous roles at Jones Lang LaSalle, Motorola, Starwood, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson Controls have shaped him into an accomplished problem solver and a thought leader in the industry.

James' visionary approach, coupled with his entrepreneurial drive, allows him to translate strategic visions into practical implementations that yield exceptional results. His collaborative nature and ability to build trust across all business levels make him a dynamic leader and an invaluable team player.

Join us as we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with James Pitts, exploring his journey, problem-solving strategies, and his insights into leadership and team dynamics.

Don't forget to subscribe to "Tools Talents & Techniques" to catch insightful episodes like this one and stay updated on our upcoming interviews with industry leaders.

https://www.greenwoodcre.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pittsjames/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenwood-commercial-real-estate-group/

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Welcome to another episode of "Tools Talents & Techniques." Today, we are honored to have a distinguished guest, Mr. John H. Jones, joining us.

Recognized as a Real Estate Executive and PropTech (property technology) thought leader, John's work has been featured in numerous articles exploring the convergence of real estate with the future of work, artificial intelligence (AI), and modernization.

Beyond his expertise in real estate, John has a rich political background. He has played key roles in successful national and state campaigns, and he previously served as Chief of Staff to a prominent U.S. Congressman. During his tenure, John led a groundbreaking Congressional investigation of the FinTech and online lending industry, uncovering potential biases in lending practices driven by algorithms and AI. We talk about this experience and how it catapulted him into the forefront of experts who understand the intersection of finance, real estate, and technology.

John's unique insights are shaped by a global perspective. He holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota, dual Master's degrees (M.A.) in diplomacy and international relations, and corporate and public communications from Seton Hall University, as well as a B.A. degree from Clark Atlanta University.

I hope that you enjoy this conversation as we explore the worlds of real estate, technology, politics, and beyond with Mr. John Jones.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjohnhjones/

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In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Tanya Patterson (CEO/Founder, Patterson Investments) shares 20+ years of insights from advising buyers, sellers, and investors across the San Francisco Bay Area—and how she aligns strategy, market reality, and client goals to maximize returns. We also dig into her work leading The Social Equity Initiative, uplifting minority communities through practical support and opportunity.

What You’ll Learn

• How to tailor buy/sell strategies to maximize ROI in residential & commercial deals
• Reading real market value vs. headline noise
• Balancing financial outcomes with client goals and emotions
• Building community impact alongside a real estate career
• Networking that actually creates deal flow in Silicon Valley

About Tanya

• Real Estate Broker/Advisor, 20+ years
• CEO/Founder, Patterson Investments
• President/Founder, The Social Equity Initiative

Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-patterson-real-estate-investment-services-b0b3482/
• Patterson Investments: https://www.pattersoninvestments.com

Follow & Subscribe

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Credits

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Real conversations, real strategy—so you can make smarter moves in any market.

In this special episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Matt Ellis (Co-Founder & CEO) and Lance Onken (Co-Founder & CTO) share the origin story of Measurabl—the ESG platform built for real estate—and what it really takes to measure, manage, and improve sustainability performance at scale.

What You’ll Learn

• Why ESG data matters to owners, operators, and investors in real estate
• The hardest parts of ESG: data collection, data quality, and comparability
• Practical ways teams use platforms and workflows to track energy, water, waste & carbon
• How sustainability targets translate into NOI, risk management, and asset value
• The role of culture, tooling, and cross-functional buy-in in delivering results

About the Guests

• Matt Ellis — Co-Founder & CEO, blending finance, sustainability, and real estate experience to shape strategy and industry adoption.
• Lance Onken — Co-Founder & CTO, leading product and engineering to turn complex ESG requirements into usable software for property teams.

Links

• Measurabl: https://www.measurabl.com/
• Show site: https://toolstalentstechniques.com
• X: @the3Tpod

Credits

• © Sutton Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.
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Real conversations and practical tools for leaders building sustainable, high-performing portfolios.

Welcome to another exciting episode of "Tools Talents and Techniques." Today, we're honored to feature Yuen Yung, a visionary entrepreneur and managing partner of Halbar Partners, LLC. As the co-founder of a growth equity investment firm, Yuen brings a wealth of expertise and a unique perspective to the world of finance and investment.

With a dynamic background spanning various industries, Yuen's journey is a testament to his diverse skill set. As the former CEO of Casoro Group, he exhibited his exceptional leadership in managing operations, driving business development, and fostering investor relations. His profound insights across disciplines such as finance, investment management, capital raising, and strategic planning have earned him recognition as a true industry savant.

Yuen's entrepreneurial journey also led him to found How Do You Roll?, a fast-casual sushi restaurant, where he showcased his innovation and even made history on ABC's Shark Tank with the show's highest investment offer. Moreover, Yuen's extensive experience in investment management and advisory, as well as his role as a mentor for various business accelerators, underscore his commitment to empowering and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

His dedication extends beyond the boardroom, as Yuen actively engages in community development. He serves on the board of the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the non-profit organization The Thinkery, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He's a shining example of how business acumen can be coupled with social responsibility for a meaningful impact.

Yuen's academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin and graduation from MIT's Entrepreneurship Master's Program, further reinforce his position as a thought leader and innovator. His professional certifications, such as Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC®) and Board Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), attest to his dedication to continuous growth and learning.

Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Yuen Yung, exploring the intersection of entrepreneurship, investment, leadership, and community engagement. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform to gain valuable insights from Yuen's remarkable journey. And remember to subscribe for weekly episodes that bring you the best of "Tools Talents and Techniques."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuenyung/

https://halbar.io/

Book: Business Model Blueprint https://a.co/d/a3vzcxC

Book: The Blind Grind: Success: It's Not Hard Work https://a.co/d/d6hnAQT

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Welcome to another episode of Tools Talents and Techniques. Today, we are thrilled to have Bob Dalton, an inspiring entrepreneur, podcast host, TEDx speaker, and author, join us on the show.

As the founder and CEO of Sackcloth & Ashes, Bob is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. For every blanket purchased from his company, he donates a blanket to a local homeless shelter, creating a powerful ripple effect of warmth and compassion in communities across the country.

Bob's vision goes beyond providing blankets; he seeks to promote localism as a core value in modern society. Through his nonprofit media organization, Love Your City, he amplifies local solutions and fosters a sense of community and togetherness.

In this episode, we discuss Bob Dalton's journey, exploring how his passion for social impact led him to become a catalyst for change. His remarkable story and dedication to serving others will leave you inspired and motivated to make a difference in your own community.

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea." -Antoine de St. Exupery

Join us as we learn from Bob Dalton's insights, experiences, and heartwarming endeavors in the world of social entrepreneurship.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobxdalton/

https://www.loveyourcitytour.com/

https://loveyourcity.org/

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Welcome to this episode of the Tools Talents and Techniques podcast, where we are joined by Brandon Hawkins, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of CFO Hub.

As the Chief Revenue Officer of CFO Hub, Brandon leads the charge in providing outsourced CFO, Controller, and accounting services to growing enterprises. By partnering with CFO Hub, clients gain access to industry-leading financial professionals with decades of experience, allowing them to streamline their operations and focus on their core business. Whether it's a start-up, a mature business in need of a change, or preparing for an IPO, Brandon and his team have tailored solutions to help clients achieve success.

With over 30 years of hands-on B2B experience, Brandon is a seasoned producer, proficient in generating new business, training sales teams, and understanding desired business outcomes. He is a subject matter expert in sales, commercial and business finance, manufacturing processes, financial analysis, and Enterprise Resource Planning software. Brandon approaches his work with a "come to work and work" philosophy, ensuring he delivers the best he has to offer to his clients every day.

Join us in a discussion with Brandon Hawkins, exploring strategies for increasing top-line revenue, market share, and market awareness. Discover how his expertise in sales and finance can help businesses improve their sales skills, processes, and overall performance.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/igetthingsdone/

https://cfohub.com/

Tools Talents & Techniques

#3Tpod

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