The Industrial Real Estate Podcast

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vance Lazar from Pioneer Architecture. Vance has a long and impressive background in architectural design, with a strong focus on logistics and industrial facilities. He walked me through his career path, from early work in visualization to launching his own firm that's dedicated to logistics. Vance prefers the term "logistics" over "industrial" because he believes the field is all about speed, efficiency, and true collaboration.We covered a lot of ground, including site planning, ceiling heights, bay spacing, and growing power demands from electrification and automation. Vance talked about the importance of understanding local markets and how design needs shift from place to place, like Phoenix versus Indiana. He also highlighted how critical it is to work closely with partners across all disciplines, whether it’s engineers or contractors, to avoid missteps and improve project outcomes.One of the most fascinating parts was Vance’s explanation of how his team uses Revit and advanced visualization tools to create immersive virtual walk-throughs. Clients can experience a space before a shovel hits the ground, which helps speed up the entire process. We wrapped up with a personal moment, as Vance shared that his son is starting an internship in logistics and that my book played a small part in inspiring that path. It was a great conversation and I really appreciated his insight.About:Vance Lazar, originally born in Las Vegas but raised in California alongside his identical twin brother Kirk, has returned to his roots by obtaining his architectural license in Nevada. With extensive expertise spanning six other States including Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky – Lazar’s homecoming promises a blend of fresh perspectives and innovative designs for Nevada’s Logistics Market.Reflecting on his hometown roots, Lazar reminisces, “Though raised in California, Vegas has always been in my blood. We used to joke that we were born on a craps table, with Mom rolling snake eyes.” Local stakeholders eagerly anticipate collaborating with Lazar on upcoming projects, recognizing his talent as a driving force behind elevating Nevada’s built environment. With his license secured, Lazar is prepared to redefine the architectural narrative of his beloved Las Vegas and beyond, including the industrial spaces vital to the state’s economic landscape.Connect:Website: http://pioneerarchitecture.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vance-lazar-1975a412--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize--🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1 #industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, I sat down with Rick Walker, a guest with an incredibly diverse background. He built a company to 400 employees, scaled a nonprofit into 50 countries, ran for Congress, and even had a one-on-one meeting with President Trump. Rick shared how he transitioned into real estate by rolling his broker fees into equity, which led to launching a $500 million fund focused on industrial development in Texas. We covered a lot of ground, including current market conditions, challenges around site selection and power access, and the growing concern of rising property taxes. We also talked about his new book, which is full of practical advice for men looking to find purpose and take action. One idea that stood out to me was his concept of choosing a "worthy enemy" as a way to spark momentum. His message about hope really resonated. Even a small amount, he said, can push back against any threat.About Rick:Rick began in the poverty of a two-bedroom home, with big dreams and low self esteem. Borrowing $1,000 from his Mom he founded and took one business to 400 employees by the time he was 26. He scaled another company into 6 states. At the same time he led a nonprofit expansion into 53 countries and added over a thousand staff. All in his 20’s and 30’s while dealing with personal and health issues. And even with terrorists threatening him.Now in his late 40’s, he advises some of the world’s most powerful families and for the first time reveals his simplified 9 Steps process.His podcasts and talks communicate deep insights into how mankind functions, rooted in his acquired knowledge of ancient literature, world religions, strategy, and the arts. His central claim is that each of these domains communicates truth.His background beyond business includes serving as Chairman of a $150MM charitable foundation and director of a Middle Eastern religious college, concurrently. He hosts a podcast featuring long-form conversations with the most powerful members of the US Senate, US House of Representatives, the Presidential Cabinet, Fortune 500 CEOs, billionaires, and fellow multi-domain polymaths.Rick currently serves at a private equity firm he founded with a group of wealthy families and is the author of a forthcoming book on seeing through the world. Residing in Texas with his wife of 23 years and three mostly teenage daughters, his free time is consumed by sports, ballet lessons, and secret milkshake runs.His 3:30 AM wake-up call helps fit everything in.Rick’s Book (9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning):https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F4LS82GP?maas=maas_adg_654449B84E0741CBE9174F2514BACA9C_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasRick’s Newsletter: https://funnel.rickwalker.com/optin?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=hostlastnameRick on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rickwalkertxRick on X: https://x.com/RickWalkerTXRick at Lumicre Private Equity: https://lumicre.com/ Rick’s Website: https://www.rickwalker.com--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize--🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1 #industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate

Clint Murphy, a seasoned finance and real estate professional with over $2 billion in transaction experience, shares insights from his career transition from CFO to developer. He dives into how real estate investment strategies align with stock market concepts and emphasizes the importance of adaptability amidst land constraints and market fluctuations. Clint discusses the intricacies of real estate development, the impact of regulatory challenges, and the crucial need for effective communication in this ever-evolving landscape.

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, Jeff Deehan of Dymaxion Development shares how his passion for city-building (first sparked by playing SimCity as a kid) evolved into a career in real-world development. Based in Lansing, Michigan, Deehan’s firm takes a hyper-local, mixed-asset approach, developing multifamily, industrial, and even community-scale projects within a 100-mile radius. Rather than chasing population or job growth trends, he starts with a property or area that’s underutilized and reimagines how it can be integrated into the broader economic and social fabric of the region. His firm simultaneously tackles construction, development, and asset management, giving them long-term flexibility and the ability to solve problems in real time.Deehan discusses the difference between multifamily and industrial development, noting that industrial is typically easier to construct and manage but often faces more public resistance when outside traditional industrial zones. Conversely, multifamily projects generally face less pushback but come with different financing and entitlement dynamics. He also stresses the value of relationship-building in his market, spending hours each day speaking with brokers and local businesses to understand their needs and uncover opportunities. When it comes to capital deployment, Dymaxion maintains a 50/50 balance between acquisitions and development, focusing on long-term value creation rather than speculative growth. For those looking to get into development, Deehan offers frank advice: start small, avoid overleveraging, and ensure you’re creating value you can live with—because development is rewarding, but definitely not for the faint of heart.Connect with Jeff:Website: https://www.dymaxionde...X: https://x.com/Jeffdeehan--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize--🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1 #industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, Chad Griffiths welcomes returning guest Deren Huang, an industrial investor based in Tulsa. The interview kicks off with a fun lightning-round game where Deren challenges Chad to blindly rank various investments (from gold and Bitcoin to Olive Garden leases and drive-thru wedding chapels). The playful setup leads to insightful discussions about risk tolerance, asset classes, and how personal experience and logic influence investment preferences. Chad consistently favors predictable, scalable investments like the S&P 500 and industrial real estate, while expressing skepticism about novelty concepts and collectibles like vintage guitars.The conversation then shifts into a deeper dive on Darren’s evolution from owning over 100 single-family homes to now managing over 200,000 square feet of industrial real estate in Tulsa. He shares candid lessons from early mistakes (such as overvaluing clear height at the expense of location and functionality) and emphasizes key attributes like geometry, site coverage, and access. Darren outlines his buy-box, investment strategy, and how he creatively financed properties during volatile interest rate shifts. He also discusses his transition from residential to industrial, the operational benefits of triple net leases, and his plans to pursue infill development. The interview closes with thoughtful advice to aspiring investors: start by learning the fundamentals, get to know your local market, and always remember that even in commercial real estate, you’re still dealing with people.Connect with Deren:Website: https://www.derenhuang.com/tulsaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derenhuang--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize--🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1 #industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, Chad Griffiths is joined by co-host Matt Carroll and returning guest Dr. Jim Tompkins to discuss the current state of global trade, tariffs, and how these issues are impacting supply chains and industrial real estate. Dr. Tompkins breaks down the rationale behind U.S. tariffs under President Trump, arguing that while they have caused short-term pain, they are strategically aimed at rebalancing decades of trade deficits. He explains that tariffs, when combined with tax and regulatory strategies, can strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependency on adversarial trade relationships. He compares this approach to adjusting a basketball strategy at halftime—adaptability, not inconsistency, is the goal.The conversation transitions into a broader discussion of “reglobalization,” where supply chains are being restructured for resilience instead of just low cost. Dr. Tompkins outlines how companies should evaluate where to locate operations based on industry clusters, such as semiconductors in Phoenix, Austin, and Columbus, or pharmaceuticals in Boston, New Jersey, and North Carolina. He stresses the importance of optionality—diversifying suppliers and manufacturing locations—and points out how tools and government resources can help small and mid-sized businesses adapt. He concludes on an optimistic note, saying uncertainty is lifting and businesses should stop waiting and start preparing.--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize--🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1 #industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate

With over a decade of experience in Office and Industrial Real Estate Tenant/User Representation across Costa Rica and Central America, Alvaro has worked closely with leading multinational companies such as Roche, Microsoft, Penumbra, Pfizer, Auxis, DHL, and others with operations in the region.He has collaborated both within his global firm and alongside competing firms that lack a direct presence in these markets—always respecting the source of business and prioritizing strong, long-term broker-to-broker relationships, regardless of the CRE firm involved. His specialties include site selection, buyer representation, build-to-suit (BTS) projects, and lease negotiations, all with the goal of helping companies secure the right space to support their growth and operations.Recognized as a top producer in the region, he is actively expanding his network and building partnerships with brokers and companies interested in nearshoring to Costa Rica and Central America.Connect with Alvaro:LinkedIn: https://cr.linkedin.com/in/ajcortes--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1#industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, Chad Griffiths interviews Charlie Stanton of Valley Advisory and Management to unpack the often overlooked but critical role of property management. With over 1.5 million square feet under management across Texas and Arizona, Charlie explains how property managers are the “catch-all” for maintaining properties, enforcing leases, resolving tenant issues, and mitigating risk, especially in industrial settings where unexpected problems like roof leaks, unauthorized modifications, and illegal dumping are more common than many owners realize.Charlie emphasizes that great property management requires not just responsiveness but also deep knowledge of leases, maintenance, and financial reporting. He highlights how the industry has evolved from handwritten ledgers to sophisticated platforms like Yardi, which improve documentation and transparency. He also stresses the importance of regular site visits, clear communication with tenants, and understanding the full scope of responsibilities tied to commercial leases, especially for smaller tenants who often underestimate their obligations.The conversation wraps with tips for landlords interviewing potential managers: ask about their workload, team structure, tenure, and software tools. Charlie also shares wild stories from the field, including discovering unauthorized mezzanine builds, dealing with vacant buildings, and handling risk scenarios like pothole claims. The big takeaway? Property management is far more complex (and influential) than most people think, especially in industrial real estate.Connect with Charlie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-stanton-cfa-b8172591Valley Advisory & Management: https://www.vamcre.com/--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1 #industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate

In this episode of The Industrial Real Estate Show, investor Kip Northrup shares the remarkable story of how he built a 14-property industrial portfolio in Michigan from the ground up, starting with a childhood passion for aquariums that evolved into a water feature business and eventually led him into real estate. Kip explains how early financial struggles pushed him to buy his first property out of necessity, and over time, he grew both his business and real estate holdings by purchasing underutilized or vacant buildings, fixing them up, and holding them long-term. He discusses his hands-on approach to property management with his wife, their preference for owning nearby assets, the emotional ups and downs of investing, and lessons learned from both wins and missteps—including a failed bowling alley redevelopment. Kip emphasizes simplicity in deal analysis, the power of cost segregation for tax advantages, and his passion for working directly with tenants to support small businesses. Now targeting a 50-property portfolio, Kip is cautiously expanding into retail while maintaining his core industrial strategy and values.Connect with Kip:LinkedIn: / kipnorthrup Website: https://pbddevelopment.com/--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize--🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1

In this week's episode of the Industrial Real Estate Show I was pleased to be joined by industry veteran Ned Mahic to do a deep dive into Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS)!About Ned:Ned is an experienced real estate developer and investor. He has accumulated more than 20 years’ experience in acquiring, financing, developing, and investing in various real estate properties, ranging from condos, student housing, and self-storage to light industrial properties across North America. As a business veteran, Ned is widely recognized for his ability to create stellar growth in a sustainable manner. Believing in the power of people, he has developed his own success formula: growth = scalable system + empowered employees. His leadership skills in constructing scalable “corporate machines” and unlocking people’s potentials will significantly contribute to the success of the firm. He holds a Bachelor in Information Technology degree from American Intercontinental University. Connect with Ned:Website: https://www.9606capital.com/LinkedIn: https://pr.linkedin.com/in/ned-mahic-a468a18--🚨 New! "Industrialize: The Insider's Guide to Industrial Real Estate" is now available: https://mybook.to/industrialize🚩 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@industrialize?sub_confirmation=1 #industrialize #industrialinsiders #industrialrealestate