Leaning In From Dreaming to Doing with Jessica Essl of M2G Ventures
M2G Ventures is a Dallas-Fort Worth commercial real estate company founded by twin sisters Jessica Essl and Susan Gruppi. In this episode, Terry sits down with co-president Jessica and they discuss her time in the industry as a woman and how her team is making an impact.
Terry asks what she’s learned working on projects in urban industrial development, adaptive reuse and mixed-use districts such as Mule Alley in the Stockyards. Like many professionals, her success has come with obstacles. Jessica shares her tips for working with family and growing up in the industry.
Enjoyed this episode with Jessica Essl? Listen to Terry’s discussion with her sister and co-president Susan Gruppi. And, join us next month for insights from economist Dr. Peter Linneman as he returns to the show.
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Topics:
(1:08) - Jessica’s background and motivation for getting into Real Estate
(4:40) - What is M2G and your vision for the company?
(6:09) - What have been some challenges you’ve faced in starting this business?
(10:33) - How did you come up with the idea to play in the industrial asset class?
(13:33) - What led you to enter the Austin market?
(15:42) - What are some of the biggest takeaways from your time at Trademark?
(19:59) - What was your involvement in the development of Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stockyards?
(24:21) - What are some trends you’re seeing in Texas and DFW?
(27:37) - Who are the tenants for upgraded Class B industrial?
(29:43) - Why has mentorship been so important to you?
(34:39) - What’s the dynamic like running M2G with your twin sister?
(36:12) - What’s behind your diligent work in mental health services?
(40:13) - How are Trademark and M2G different rather than similar?
(42:18) - Terry’s hopes for Trademark in 2023
(43:27) - What advice would you give your younger self?