The Crexi Commercial Real Estate Podcast | CRE Insights & Strategies The Dirt Dog Playbook: Chris Hatch on Scaling Drive-Thru Development
Chris Hatch shares key lessons from decades in brokerage and development, from first deals to managing national QSR growth.
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.
In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing, sits down with Chris Hatch, CEO & Manager of Forza and a third-generation real estate professional. The discussion covers Chris's expansive career in commercial real estate, starting from his family's involvement in the business to his own ventures in brokerage and development.
Chris shares insights into his hard work philosophy, challenges in balancing family and work life, and the intricacies of the real estate market. The conversation delves into the growth of Forza, the importance of hands-on experience, and the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market. Additionally, Chris talks about the inspiration behind The Dirt Dog Podcast and how it provides valuable lessons from high-growth restaurateurs.
- Meet Chris Hatch: The Dirt Dog
- Chris Hatch's Early Life and Career Beginnings
- Balancing College and Brokerage
- First Major Deal: The Arby's Buyout
- Transition to Ownership and Development
- Managing Work-Life Balance
- Building a Strong Team
- Forza's Business Ventures
- The Journey to Development
- The Importance of Drive-Throughs
- Introducing the Dirt Dog Podcast
- Apologies and Introductions
- Podcast Success and Branding
- Inspiring Conversations with Restaurateurs
- Office Culture and Competitions
- Reflections on Commercial Real Estate
- Live Streaming a Dutch Bros Construction
- Challenges in Development and Learning from Mistakes
- Market Trends and Quick Service Restaurants
- Innovations in Food Service and Automation
- Drive-Through Coffee Shops and Prefabricated Buildings
- Impact of COVID-19 on Construction
- Networking and Market Research
- Exciting Future Projects and Operator Role
- Rapid Fire Questions and Advice
- Final Thoughts and Sign Off
About Chris Hatch:
Chris Hatch is the founder of Forza, Legend Partners, and more, and is proud to be a third-generation real estate professional. He started his real estate career learning under the tutelage of his father and grandfather. After several years of establishing his base knowledge in real estate, Chris joined Professional Brokers in 2002. At Professional Brokers Chris was an active commercial sales and leasing agent and helped with acquisition and disposition as well as assisting a handful of retailers with expansions throughout the Intermountain Area.
In 2006, Chris created a partnership with Jake Olson creating a boutique retail brokerage shop, IRG Retail. Chris holds active real estate broker licenses in Utah, Montana, Nevada, and Idaho. He is an avid outdoorsman as well as a rabid LV Raiders fan. Over the years he has worked with developers, architects, engineers, city officials, banks, property owners, and many retailers. Chris believes clear and timely communication is essential in maintaining an effective working relationship with clients.
For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.
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