

Leaning In
Trademark Property
Leaning In is a podcast exploring the future of mixed-use real estate. Trademark Property Company CEO Terry Montesi, and other executives, speak with experts from various backgrounds and areas to discuss mixed-use, multifamily, and brick-and-mortar retail, and what it looks like to lean into it while others are leaning out.
For more information about Trademark, visit www.trademarkproperty.com
For more information about Trademark, visit www.trademarkproperty.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 2min
From Dallas to Washington: Ray Washburne on Real Estate, Leadership, and Legacy
Ray Washburne, a seasoned commercial real estate investor and leader, shares insights from his dynamic career. He discusses his early entrepreneurial journey in Dallas and the vital role of reputation in business success. Ray recounts transforming Highland Park Village and the strategic mindset behind luxury retail. He dives into the future of downtown Dallas, the challenges of current economic shifts, and the influence of AI on real estate. His advice for aspiring professionals emphasizes integrity and innovative thinking.

Oct 13, 2025 • 48min
Navigating Retail Real Estate: Insights from Kimco CEO Conor Flynn
Conor Flynn, CEO of Kimco Realty, shares his two-decade journey in retail real estate, highlighting the shift toward grocery-anchored shopping centers. He discusses how technology and emerging retail trends, including health and wellness, are reshaping consumer experiences. Flynn emphasizes the importance of relationships, resilience, and strategic partnerships in navigating economic uncertainty. He also explores Kimco's multifamily expansion and the future of shopping centers in an evolving market.

Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
AI's Influence: Transforming Human Behavior and Retail Dynamics
In this engaging discussion, Bart Higgins, an innovation consultant, and Katie Hillier, a digital anthropologist, both from Future Perfect X, explore how AI is reshaping human behavior and retail. They emphasize that understanding future human needs is crucial for businesses adapting to technological changes. Topics include the transformation of identity and consumer relationships, the evolution of personalized retail experiences, and how brands can maintain emotional relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape. Their insights challenge traditional approaches to retail and placemaking.

10 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 59min
The Art of Retail Reinvention: A Conversation with RH’s Steve Rouman
Steve Rouman, SVP of Real Estate at RH, shares insights from his rich career, having previously led strategies at Amazon, Apple, and Gap. He discusses RH’s remarkable transformation into a luxury lifestyle brand and the strategic site selection that fuels this evolution. Post-COVID consumer behavior emerges as a focal point, along with the synergy between e-commerce and physical retail. Rouman offers wisdom for newcomers, emphasizing that human connection remains crucial in enhancing the retail experience.

May 30, 2025 • 1h
Boom, Bust, or Balancing Act? 2025's Economic Outlook
Terry Montesi chats with Peter Linneman, a distinguished economist known for his expertise in real estate and economic trends. They explore the uncertainty of the current economic climate and its effects on investment decisions. Peter reveals the complexities of tariffs, detailing their dual effects on inflation and GDP. The conversation also delves into the multifamily housing shortage, unpacking its causes and consumer impacts. Finally, Peter shares insights on cautious yet strategic real estate investment approaches amid market volatility.

Apr 15, 2025 • 52min
Open-Air Retail, Supply-Demand Trends, and What’s Next with DLC's Adam Ifshin
The retail real estate landscape is evolving, and few people understand its intricacies better than Adam Ifshin, Founder and CEO of DLC Management. In this episode, Trademark CEO Terry Montesi sits down with Adam to discuss how value-driven open-air centers, omnichannel innovation, and institutional capital are reshaping the industry.Adam shares insights on why open-air retail continues to outperform, how AI is poised to revolutionize retail operations, and why institutional investors are re-embracing retail real estate. He also dives into the impact of supply and demand dynamics, the future of apparel shopping, and the challenges of new development in today’s market. With over 30 years of experience and a track record of transforming underperforming assets, Adam’s perspective offers a must-listen deep dive into where retail and retail real estate are headed.To stay informed and hear more from top voices in the industry, subscribe to Leaning In and sign up here to be the first to know when a new episode drops!Links: Trademark PropertyTerry on LinkedInAdam on LinkedInTopics:(00:05:22) - DLC's Evolution and Core Values (00:11:48) - Investment Strategy and Market Trends (00:16:09) - Pandemic Impact on Retail (00:22:39) - Omnichannel Retail and Future Outlook (00:24:43) - Retailers Must Adapt or Perish (00:25:35) - Bankruptcy and Replacement Tenants (00:27:31) - The Shift to Open-Air Retail (00:30:40) - Consumer Behavior Post-Pandemic (00:32:46) - Interest Rates and Inflation Impact (00:36:31) - Supply and Demand in Retail Real Estate (00:43:23) - The Role of AI in Retail Real Estate (00:45:52) - Future Trends in Retail Real Estate (00:51:04) - Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Mar 21, 2025 • 49min
Retail’s Evolution: Malls, Department Stores, and the Road Ahead
Chuck DiGiovanna, VP of Real Estate for Macy's, and Chris Johnson, SVP at Dillard's, delve into the evolving landscape of retail. They discuss how department stores and malls are adapting post-pandemic, highlighting the need for creativity in tenant diversity and the impact of technology. The duo shares insights on investment opportunities while navigating challenges like changing consumer behavior and tariffs. With their extensive experience, they paint an optimistic picture for the future of physical retail and the importance of creating inviting shopping environments.

13 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 35min
Celebrating 20 Years of Creating Community at Market Street Woodlands
Discover the inspiring journey behind Market Street - The Woodlands, one of Texas' pioneering mixed-use developments. Hear how strategic planning and innovative design shaped a community-focused shopping experience. The hosts delve into a David vs. Goliath retail battle, revealing the challenges a smaller developer faced against a larger rival. Celebrating two decades of success, they reflect on the evolution of retail and the importance of community engagement. Tune in for insights on creating lasting connections and adapting to change!

Dec 11, 2024 • 35min
Empowering Women in CRE: Insights from CREW Network’s Wendy Mann
How do we accelerate the success of women in commercial real estate? Wendy Mann, CEO of CREW Network, joins Monica Luera, Trademark’s VP of Development, on Leaning In to discuss advancing gender equity in the industry.This episode explores CREW Network’s groundbreaking research, leadership development initiatives, and global expansion strategy. Wendy and Monica highlight success stories and practical steps for creating a more inclusive industry.
Subscribe to Leaning In for insights from leaders shaping the future of commercial real estate.
Topics:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:10) - What are some of the biggest issues facing women in CRE today?
(00:10:41) - Where do you see CREW expanding next?
(00:15:34) - How does CREW cultivate strategic partnerships within the industry?
(00:19:18) - CREW Network success stories
(00:26:52) - What are some good resources for women in CRE?
(00:29:27) - Monica’s journey with CREW
(00:31:11) - The CREW Network Foundation
Links:
Wendy on LinkedIn
CREW Network
GlobeSt Newsletter
CRE Daily
Broadsheet

Oct 4, 2024 • 57min
Beyond the Rate Cut with Economist Dr. Peter Linneman
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in over four years. So, what does that mean for inflation, future rate cuts, and real estate?
In this episode, Trademark CEO Terry Montesi speaks with esteemed economist Dr. Peter Linneman about the impacts of rate cuts and why he says the Fed’s recent actions are “a year late and 150 to 200 basis points not enough.”
Plus, Dr. Linneman, known for his sharp analysis, weighs in on the factors he believes truly drive inflation and economic growth.
From inflation trends to interest rate trajectories in the current cycle, this episode explores the dynamics between policy and the retail, multifamily, and mixed-use real estate markets.
To stay up-to-date
with real estate developments and insights from industry leaders —subscribe to Leaning In.
Links:
Trademark Property
Linneman Associates
Terry on LinkedIn
Peter on LinkedIn
Topics:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:00:54) - Thoughts on the state of the economy
(00:19:31) - How vulnerable are RE asset classes to rate cuts?
(00:22:56) - Upward pressures on inflation
(00:26:53) - The Federal Defecit
(00:34:43) - How much will the election impact Real estate?
(00:42:07) - The state of the consumer
(00:47:44) - Predictions for Multi-family
(00:51:38) - Macro-trends for CRE


