Ray Washburne joins host Terry Montesi on Leaning In for an in depth conversation about real estate, leadership, and the evolving landscape of Dallas. Ray reflects on his early entrepreneurial years, the lessons that shaped his investment approach, and the principles that guide his work across sectors from hospitality to mixed use development. He and Terry dive into the transformation of Highland Park Village, the challenges and opportunities within downtown Dallas, and the broader economic signals influencing commercial real estate today.

They discuss:

Ray’s early path into real estate and the mindset shaped by growing up in Dallas
The strategy behind acquiring and revitalizing Highland Park Village
Why reputation and long term relationships drive success in Dallas and Washington
The future of downtown Dallas and major projects that could reshape the city
How consumer behavior, construction costs, and AI are influencing the real estate cycle
Challenges in office, adaptive reuse, and where new opportunities may emerge

Links:

Gillon Property Group

Trademark Property

Terry on LinkedIn

Audio Topics

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:25) - Ray’s career and background
(00:04:38) - Leadership philosophy
(00:09:23) - Luxury retail and Highland Park Village
(00:20:48) - Challenges and future of Dallas real estate
(00:23:44) - Downtown Dallas development and vision
(00:32:12) - Incentivizing real estate investment
(00:36:35) - Shifts in domestic manufacturing and tariffs
(00:38:17) - Challenges in real estate development
(00:41:19) - Office space and adaptive reuse strategies
(00:44:34) - Institutional real estate investment trends
(00:49:43) - Creating unique experiences in real estate
(00:52:55) - Lessons from public sector experience
(00:58:30) - Advice for young real estate professionals

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