Retail’s comeback isn’t new news, but its investment potential is still underestimated. In this episode, RockStep Capital’s President, Andy Weiner, joins Omar Eltorai and Cole Perry to shed light on why the most rational capital in CRE is rotating toward shopping centers and “hometown” markets.

From positive leverage dynamics to the structural limits on new supply, Andy explains how disciplined operators are capturing double-digit yields while strengthening the communities they invest in. For investors, developers, and lenders, it’s a revealing look at where the next durable returns may come from.

Key Moments:

01:34 Meet Andy Wiener of Rock Step Capital

03:38 The birth of Rock Step Capital

05:21 Retail strategy and store metrics

07:29 Improving communities through retail

10:39 The Rock Steps: Company culture and values

16:51 Evolution of Rock Step Capital

20:52 Hometown focus and investment strategy

22:21 Community involvement and local partnerships

24:55 Investment strategies and fund structure

27:00 Retail Renaissance and e-commerce integration

30:24 Supply and demand dynamics in retail

41:38 Public-private partnerships and redevelopment

45:37 Exit strategies and market insights

46:44 Chick-fil-A fandom and personal insights

Resources Mentioned:

Andy Weiner - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner/

RockStep Capital - https://rockstep.com/

The RockStep way - https://rockstep.com/company/rockstep-way

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Why “hometown” markets are delivering real returns in retail