
Leaning In
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
Latest episodes

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

Aug 30, 2024 • 45min
Navigating 2024 Retail with Data: Insights from Placer.ai’s Ethan Chernofsky
Over the past six years, Placer.ai has evolved into an essential tool for real estate professionals seeking location data and insights.
Ethan Chernofsky, SVP of Marketing at Placer.ai, joins Kevin Kessinger, President and COO of Trademark, to discuss data in detail.
Their conversation covers the nuances of data collection, like what makes it effective and how we should question it. Plus, what the numbers reveal about retail's future.
Episode Highlights:
· The fascinating comeback of top-tier malls and
its broader implications
· Insights from the Placer 100 Index: Metrics from
top retailers
· Challenging the "death of the office"
claim and current trends in commercial spaces, like movie theaters and malls
· Driving experiential retail forward: Leveraging
proptech and digital out-of-home technology to enhance shopping center value
· Placer.ai’s meticulous approach to data
validation
Subscribe to "Leaning In" for more insightful discussions with industry leaders, keeping you at the forefront of real estate developments.
Links:
Trademark Property
Placer.ai
Kevin on LinkedIn
Ethan on Linkedin
Topics:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:16) - Ethan’s background and how Placer has evolved
(00:04:42) - Retail traffic patterns in 2024
(00:10:21) - The Placer 100 Index
(00:13:29) - Office trends in 2024
(00:17:20) - Movie theatre trends
(00:20:54) - Migration hot spots
(00:24:49) - Mobile data developments
(00:26:24) - Placer’s AI advancements
(00:30:51) - Predictive analytics
(00:32:11) - How data can be used to develop or redevelop properties
(00:36:35) - Proptech advancements
(00:40:16) - Charitable work
(00:42:30) - Closing thoughts

Jul 10, 2024 • 49min
Retail Insights for 2024 with Brandon Isner
In this episode of Leaning In, we welcome Brandon Isner, thought leader in retail research. With over 15 years of industry experience, Brandon is a prominent voice in retail real estate.
Alongside host Tommy Miller, Trademark’s Managing Director & CIO, Brandon shares valuable data insights on the current retail landscape, including resilient consumers, the role of stores in the supply chain, and the reinvention of malls. He also discusses shifting consumer spending patterns, the changing role of retail spaces, innovative concepts, and the impact of public perception on the industry.
Subscribe to Leaning In for more engaging discussions with industry leaders to stay informed on real estate developments.
Links:
Trademark Property
Tommy on LinkedIn
Brandon on LinkedIn
(00:00:00) - Introduction
(00:01:24) - Brandon's background and career
(00:03:07) - Retail Market Overview and Economic Forecast
(00:07:02) - The Evolution of Retail Spaces
(00:13:11) - Consumer Behavior and Spending Trends
(00:16:56) - Regional Retail Insights and Trends
(00:24:01) - New Developments and Retail Innovations
(00:43:45) - Institutional Interest in Retail Real Estate
(00:47:12) - Final Thoughts

Jun 25, 2024 • 25min
Retail Roundup from ICSC: Trends, Projects, and Market Evolution
Trademark’s leasing team brings you the latest retail trends and insights straight from ICSC Las Vegas 2024. They discuss topics capturing retailers' attention, from health and wellness brands driving retail expansion to brands that are making a comeback. Plus, leasing trends shaping our portfolio at in-demand properties like Market Street Woodlands and Galleria Dallas.
Hosted by: Daniel Goldware, SVP of Leasing
David Pratt, VP of Leasing
David Laughlin, Leasing Representative
Doug Hermann, Director of Leasing and Development
Leaning In is published every month; subscribe to stay up to date.
Links:
Trademark Property
ICSC
Topics:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:14) - Major takeaways from ICSC regarding retail leasing trends
(0:05:38) - Standout properties
(00:12:50) - Property improvements
(00:14:47) - Challenges & wins for landlords and tenants
(00:19:14) - Retailer’s reactions to rising rents
(00:21:19) - Leasing trends today