Originally published in 1999, 'The Experience Economy' by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore outlines the progression of economic offerings from commodities to goods to services and finally to experiences. The authors argue that in the experience economy, businesses must stage memorable events to engage customers. The book uses the metaphor of theater to explain how businesses can create these experiences, emphasizing themes such as esthetic, escapist, educational, and entertainment experiences. An updated version released in 2019 focuses on competing for customer time, attention, and money in the digital age[1][2][3].
Le livre "Great Reset" de Klaus Schwab explore une vision du monde post-pandémie, proposant une refonte des systèmes économiques et sociaux mondiaux. Schwab plaide pour une coopération internationale accrue afin de relever les défis globaux tels que le changement climatique et les inégalités. Il suggère des réformes radicales du capitalisme et de la gouvernance mondiale. Le livre a suscité de nombreuses critiques et controverses, certains accusant Schwab de promouvoir une agenda mondialiste. Malgré les controverses, le livre offre une réflexion sur l'avenir du monde et les transformations nécessaires pour un développement durable.
Today’s guest is Mark Toro, Chief Vision Officer @ Toro Development Co, based in Atlanta, GA.
Mark unpacks the philosophy, economics, and human-centered detail behind some of the most successful mixed-use developments in the country. We talk through his journey from building suburban power centers to pioneering immersive experiences like Avalon, Colony Square, and the upcoming Medley.
Mark shares how the 2008 financial crisis sparked his rethinking of real estate as a service business rather than just a physical asset—and how ideas like hospitality, branding, and community integration became central to his playbook.
This episode is packed with specific examples, war stories, and lessons on what it really takes to develop places people never want to leave.
We discuss:
- Why demographics and household income drive everything in site selection
- How do vertically integrated, mixed-use developments function financially and operationally
- The importance of patios, music, and concierge-level service in creating “third places”
- Why tenant selection is both science and art—and what betting on the right jockey really means
- How a bottle of tequila became a company tradition symbolizing intentionality and pride in execution
Topics:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:03:43) - Mark’s career and background
(00:08:03) - The gutted middle in retail
(00:09:38) - Site selection criteria for a “fortress”
(00:18:45) - Seamless integration
(00:26:27) - The art of pitching tenants
(00:31:42) - Mark’s approach to “opening” dates
(00:33:28) - Betting the farm on tenants
(00:35:46) - Office
(00:40:18) - Parking strategies
(00:41:51) - Hospitality vs. real estate
(00:45:23) - Being Disney-esque
(00:49:22) - Low-hanging fruit that properties can implement today
(00:54:17) - Marketing funds
(00:57:55) - Equity partners
(00:58:56) - Why isn’t this model scalable?
(01:04:10) - How much more profitable can a fortress be than other mixed-use areas
(01:07:12) - Eric Weatherholtz & extending patio season
(01:10:49) - The tequila story
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Links:
Mark Toro on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktoro/
Toro Development Co. - https://torodevco.com/
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