The Crexi Commercial Real Estate Podcast | CRE Insights & Strategies
Welcome and thanks for joining us on The Crexi Podcast, an insider’s look at all things commercial real estate.
The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.
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ReConversations: Craig Weintraub of CLR Property Corp
<p>This is ReConversations, a special interview with Craig Weintraub, Principal at CLR Property Corp, live from ICSC ReCon 2023.</p> <p>ReConversations is an exclusive mini-series of The Crexi Podcast, an insider’s look at all things commercial real estate, powered by NNN Pro Group.The Crexi team visited ICSC ReCon LIVE in Las Vegas from the floor of the convention center at the NNN Pro Group’s booth. </p> <p>The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with some of the top CRE professionals in the space. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. </p> <p>In this episode, Crexi’s Yannis Papadakis sits with Craig to cover wide-ranging topics, including:</p> <ul> <li>Introductions, background, and early career moves</li> <li>Transitioning from multifamily to net-lease investments</li> <li>Key mentors and early lessons learned, and the market-wide flight to passive assets</li> <li>Favorite mistakes turned opportunities</li> <li>Current observations on the commercial real estate market and most impactful trends</li> <li>Watching the Fed’s next moves and finding opportunity amidst volatility</li> <li>Emergent real estate trends and playing to your strengths as a landlord</li> <li>Rapid-fire questions and sign-offs</li> <li>And much more!</li> </ul> <p>A special shout out and thanks to our friends at the NNN Pro Group, the market leading net lease investment sales and advisory team who is making this podcast series possible. NNN Pro Group has completed over $30 billion in net lease sales and is one of the largest sale-leaseback advisors in the country. To learn more about their team and services, you can visit their <a href="https://www.nnnpro.com/" rel="nofollow">website</a>.</p> <p>If you enjoyed this episode, please <a href="https://go.crexi.com/podcast/?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">subscribe to our newsletter</a> to receive the very next one delivered straight to your inbox. </p> <p>For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out our blog, <a href="https://www.crexi.com/insights/?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Crexi Insights</a>.</p> <p>Ready to find your next CRE property? <a href="https://www.crexi.com/?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Visit Crexi</a> and immediately start browsing hundreds of thousands of available commercial property.</p> <p>Follow Crexi: </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Website</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/instagram?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/facebook?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/twitter%20?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Twitter</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/linkedin?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Linkedin</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/crexi?utm_campaign=Simplecast_Brand_General_Traffic&utm_medium=video&utm_source=Simplecast&utm_content=link" rel="nofollow">Youtube</a></p> <p></p> <p>For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out <a href="https://www.crexi.com/blog/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2024__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=shownotes" rel="nofollow">Crexi’s blog</a>.</p> <p>Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? <a href="https://www.crexi.com/?utm_medium=pod&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2021__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=home" rel="nofollow">Visit Crexi</a> to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Follow Crexi:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/instagram" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/instagram</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/facebook" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/facebook</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/twitter" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/twitter</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/linkedin" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/linkedin</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/crexi" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/crexi</a></p> <p></p>
The NFL to Commercial Real Estate Pipeline
<p>This episode explores veteran NFL player <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justinpugh67/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">Justin Pugh</a>’s journey into commercial real estate investing and his roadmap to lasting financial success.</p> <p>The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with top CRE professionals. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. <br> </p> <p>In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Ashley Kobovich sits down with Justin Pugh, former NFL offensive lineman and current investor at IDM Companies, to discuss his transition from successful football player to commercial real estate investor. Justin shares his journey into real estate, the challenges he has faced, and the lessons learned. </p> <p>He highlights the parallels between discipline in the NFL and real estate, including the importance of health, networking, consistency, and leveraging one's background. Justin also elaborates on his nonprofit initiatives to support athletes' transitions and financial literacy.<br> </p> <ul> <li>Meet Justin Pugh: NFL Veteran to Real Estate Investor</li> <li>Justin's Journey into Real Estate</li> <li>Parallels Between NFL and Real Estate</li> <li>Mentorship and Influences</li> <li>Lessons Learned and Key Fundamentals</li> <li>Brand Building and Networking Strategies</li> <li>Transition to Commercial Real Estate</li> <li>The Lucky Break: First Real Estate Deal</li> <li>Learning the Ropes: Becoming an LP Investor</li> <li>Challenges in Phoenix & The Downsides of Real Estate</li> <li>Diversification and Interest Rates</li> <li>Future Plans: East Coast Projects</li> <li>Starting a Family Office</li> <li>Leveraging NFL Connections for VC Investments</li> <li>Justin’s Three Pillars: Relevancy, Profit, and Non-Profit</li> <li>Athlete and Us: Supporting Athletes' Transitions into New Careers</li> <li>Giving Back: Philanthropy and Mentorship</li> <li>Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Advice</li> </ul> <p> </p>About Justin Pugh: <p>Justin Pugh is a seasoned NFL veteran with 11 years of experience, having spent 6 years with the New York Giants and 5 years with the Arizona Cardinals. He is a graduate of Syracuse University, where he earned a degree in finance. Justin currently resides in Arizona but is in the process of relocating back to the East Coast, specifically Florida and New York.</p> <p>Although he is a free agent, Justin has strategically transitioned into his post-playing career by consolidating his investment and business activities into a family office alongside his trusted advisors. He has recently taken on roles with ESPN and Sirius XM, positioning himself for a successful "2.0" chapter, whether or not he continues his NFL career. He also started a company called Athlete + US that aims to help athletes as they transition out of professional athletics. Lastly he also sits on a board of a non profit called Blue Light Next that helps college athletes get internships in real estate.</p> <p></p> <p>For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out <a href="https://www.crexi.com/blog/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2024__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=shownotes" rel="nofollow">Crexi’s blog</a>.</p> <p>Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? <a href="https://www.crexi.com/?utm_medium=pod&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2021__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=home" rel="nofollow">Visit Crexi</a> to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Follow Crexi:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/instagram" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/instagram</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/facebook" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/facebook</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/twitter" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/twitter</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/linkedin" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/linkedin</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/crexi" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/crexi</a></p> <p></p>
Celebrating 10 Years: Lessons from the Industry’s Top CRE Voices
<p>Celebrate 10 years of Crexi with top podcast clips on brokerage, investing, AI, social media, and retail strategy from industry leaders.</p> <p>The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence. </p> <p>In this special episode of the Crexi Podcast, we commemorate Crexi's 10-year anniversary by showcasing highlights from some of our top episodes over the years. Join us as we revisit key insights and advice from notable guests, including:</p> <ul> <li>Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO, BKREA</li> <li>Don Tepman, President and Founder, TownCentre Capital</li> <li>Fernando De Leon, Founder and CEO, Leon Capital Group</li> <li>Jay Luchs, Vice Chairman, Newmark</li> <li>Aviva Sonenreich, Managing Broker, Warehouse Hotline</li> <li>Glen Kunofsky, CEO and Founder, SURMOUNT</li> <li>Kyle Matthews, CEO and Founder, Matthews Real Estate</li> </ul> <p>Tune in for a compilation of wisdom and experiences shared by leaders in the commercial real estate industry.</p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Anniversary Celebration</p> <p>00:32 Bob Knakal on Daily Regimen and Work Ethics</p> <p>05:55 Networking and Relationship Building</p> <p>08:50 Don Tepman on Tenant Retention and Relationships</p> <p>16:23 Fernando De Leon on AI and the Future of Real Estate</p> <p>19:15 Jay Luchs on Key Considerations for Emerging Luxury Brands in LA</p> <p>19:38 The Importance of Rent and Size in Real Estate</p> <p>21:52 Navigating Landlord Relationships</p> <p>22:28 Understanding Taxes and Broker Representation</p> <p>25:55 Aviva Sonenreich on The Role of Social Media in Commercial Real Estate</p> <p>32:17 Glen Kunofsky on Advice for Young Brokers and Investors</p> <p>34:06 Kyle Matthews on Choosing Your Hard Life: A Motivational Talk</p> <p>37:24 Conclusion and Podcast Information</p> <p> </p>About Crexi’s Commercial Real Estate Podcast: <p>Crexi’s podcast features conversations across all aspects of commercial real estate with industry leading investors, developers, brokers, and professionals. Among the top 5% of commercial real estate podcasts, The Crexi Podcast sits down with industry experts to investigate trends, educate listeners, and uncover the latest happenings and news in the world of commercial real estate. To listen to all episodes for free, <a href="http://www.crexi.com/podcast" rel="nofollow">check out The Crexi Podcast's full library here</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/" rel="nofollow">Crexi</a> is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has facilitated over $1 trillion in transactions, 8.6 billion square feet leased, and supports a growing community of more than 2 million monthly active users. </p> <p></p> <p>For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out <a href="https://www.crexi.com/blog/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2024__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=shownotes" rel="nofollow">Crexi’s blog</a>.</p> <p>Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? <a href="https://www.crexi.com/?utm_medium=pod&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2021__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=home" rel="nofollow">Visit Crexi</a> to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Follow Crexi:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/instagram" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/instagram</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/facebook" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/facebook</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/twitter" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/twitter</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/linkedin" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/linkedin</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/crexi" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/crexi</a></p> <p></p>
Heather Ewing on Matching Tenant Needs & Trends in Downtown Madison Retail
<p>This podcast explores <a href="https://www.abstractcommercialrealestate.com/team-members" rel="nofollow">Heather Ewing</a>, Founder of ABSTRACT CRE, and dives into her experience in retail leasing brokerage and building deals, relationships, and establishing community in downtown Madison.</p> <p>The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with top CRE professionals. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. </p> <p>In this episode, host Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, sits down with Heather, known as the Queen of Downtown Madison, as she shares her journey from operations management to becoming a nationally recognized commercial real estate expert specializing in retail, restaurant brokerage, and mixed-use developments. </p> <p>They discuss Heather's strategies for building a successful CRE career, the importance of understanding market nuances, and the impact of relationships and detailed market knowledge in closing deals. Additionally, they delve into Madison’s thriving market and touch on the unique dynamics of retail and restaurant leasing. Heather also highlights the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and giving back to the next generation of CRE professionals. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions on investing, client acquisition, and common misconceptions about being a broker.</p> <ul> <li>Introduction to The Crexi Podcast</li> <li>Meet Heather Ewing: The Queen of Downtown Madison</li> <li>Heather's Journey into Commercial Real Estate</li> <li>Building a Successful Career in CRE</li> <li>The Importance of Relationships in CRE</li> <li>Challenges and Strategies in Retail and Restaurant Leasing</li> <li>National Tenants and Market Trends in Madison</li> <li>Matching Clients to Neighborhoods</li> <li>Gathering and Utilizing Market Data</li> <li>Success Stories and Unique Concepts</li> <li>Exciting Neighborhood Projects</li> <li>Advice for New Brokers and Investors</li> <li>Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks</li> </ul> <p> </p>About Heather Ewing: <p>Heather Ewing is a nationally recognized commercial real estate expert and the Founder of <a href="https://www.abstractcommercialrealestate.com/" rel="nofollow">ABSTRACT Commercial Real Estate</a>, specializing in Retail and Restaurant Brokerage and Mixed-Use developments in Madison, Wisconsin. Known as the “Queen of downtown Madison,” Heather blends over 40 years of local insight with a bold national perspective to serve landlords, developers, tenants, and investors with precision.</p> <p>Heather proactively secures off-market pocket listings for developers and investors, pairing strategic deal making with an art-forward marketing approach to maximize visibility and close complex transactions.</p> <p>Heather has served as:</p> <ul> <li>2025 1st RVP for Region 7, CCIM</li> <li>2024 President, CCIM Wisconsin Chapter receiving the 2024 President’s Cup Tier 3 First Place</li> <li>2024 President, Commercial Brokers Group</li> <li>2018-Present, Member, City of Madison BID Board</li> </ul> <p>Heather is the Founder | Host of Heather Ewing: The CRE RUNdown podcast and Founder of the annual Bright Lights Run-Walk to benefit Girls on The Run. She’s been featured by iHeart Radio, CARW, DMI, NAIOP, Channel3000, Midwest Real Estate Journals, and others as a sought-after national speaker on CRE and Mindset.</p> <p>An international marathoner, Heather has raced in Berlin, London, Paris, Milan, New York, Boston, and more—bringing the same discipline, endurance, and drive to every deal and audience.</p> <p></p> <p>For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out <a href="https://www.crexi.com/blog/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2024__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=shownotes" rel="nofollow">Crexi’s blog</a>.</p> <p>Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? <a href="https://www.crexi.com/?utm_medium=pod&utm_source=simplecast&utm_campaign=BR2021__podcast&utm_term=na&utm_content=home" rel="nofollow">Visit Crexi</a> to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Follow Crexi:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/instagram" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/instagram</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/facebook" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/facebook</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/twitter" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/twitter</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.crexi.com/linkedin" rel="nofollow">https://www.crexi.com/linkedin</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/crexi" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/crexi</a></p> <p></p>