Leading Voices in Real Estate

In this episode of Leading Voices in Real Estate, host Matt Slepin speaks with Jeremy Bromfman, CEO and founder of Lincoln Avenue Communities, one of the nation’s top affordable housing owners and developers. Founded in 2016, the company has quickly grown into a leading force addressing housing affordability across the country. The discussion focuses on how Jeremy thoughtfully built the organization from the ground up and his perspective on leadership in the affordable housing space.Matt begins by reflecting on how housing has evolved from a “back page” issue to a national conversation. For most of his career, public discussion centered on government-funded low-income programs such as HUD initiatives and the long-standing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, which remains a cornerstone of affordable housing finance. While current debates often focus on rent control, housing supply, and homelessness, Matt notes that these “alphabet soup” government programs continue to function effectively, even if they receive less public attention.Matt highlights two main takeaways from the conversation with Jeremy. First, Jeremy’s intentional approach and leadership have made Lincoln Avenue Communities a major player in less than a decade. Second, while many guests have built businesses from modest beginnings, Jeremy’s story stands out for how he has used his privileged background to chart his own course and make a difference through his company’s mission.Matt is joined by his colleague Sarah Dunn, who leads ZRG’s affordable housing search practice. As he moves toward semi-retirement, he reflects on mentoring colleagues like Sarah and invites listeners to explore more affordable housing episodes and connect with ZRG for talent and advisory needs.

Jeffrey Hoopes, President of the West Region for Suffolk Construction, shares his wealth of construction industry insights. He explores the evolving landscape with AI, prefabrication, and technology investments, emphasizing the importance of grounding innovation in safety and craftsmanship. The conversation takes a personal turn as Jeff discusses leadership transitions and finding purpose post-retirement. He also highlights the need for a skilled workforce and offers advice for young people entering the construction field.

Bob Hart, Founder and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, shares his inspiring journey from his early career at Kennedy Wilson to founding one of the largest apartment operators in the U.S. He discusses TruAmerica's value-add strategy targeting workforce housing and the company's recent entrance into affordable housing. Delving into his operational practices, Bob highlights the importance of mentorship and strategic partnerships. He also provides insights into the future of the multifamily market and offers advice for aspiring real estate professionals.

Join Joe Muratore and Ryan Swehla, co-founders of Graceada Partners, as they reveal the untapped potential in secondary and tertiary real estate markets. With a focus on value-add multifamily and industrial investments, they challenge the notion that only primary markets yield results. Hear about their strategic partnerships and how operational inefficiencies create opportunities for strong returns. They share insights on performance data and the increasing attractiveness of these markets due to evolving work and lifestyle dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, Luke Petherbridge, CEO of LINK Logistics with a decade-long experience in the Blackstone ecosystem, and Nick Pell, President and CIO who played a key role in LINK's early days, dive into the logistics industry's evolution. They discuss the impact of e-commerce on rapid delivery demands and the strategic growth of LINK under Blackstone. Insights on food insecurity and career advice for aspiring real estate professionals make this discussion both inspiring and informative, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the industry.

Debra A. Cafaro, Chairman and CEO of Ventas, describes her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Pittsburgh to leading a major REIT focused on senior housing. She discusses Ventas's innovative strategies, emphasizing the shift from nursing homes to personalized senior living. Cafaro also reflects on navigating challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of teamwork and mentorship in real estate leadership. With insights on market dynamics and the future of aging populations, her thoughts are both engaging and enlightening.

Dave Riess, Co-Founder & CEO of Wunder Power, discusses the transformative energy transition in commercial real estate. He shares insights on the potential of solar energy and battery storage as pivotal solutions for sustainable properties. Riess emphasizes innovative financing strategies and the importance of strong customer relationships. The conversation also highlights the critical role of batteries in energy management, challenges for data centers, and advocates for market-driven solutions to enhance sustainability in real estate.

Pete Gaynor, former FEMA Administrator and President of Bright Harbor, discusses the preparedness, systems and infrastructure our country and our industry needs to effectively respond to disasters.

Lew Horne, President of CBRE for Greater LA, and David Waite, Partner at Cox, Castle, & Nicholson LLP, dive into the aftermath of the January 2025 wildfires. They discuss the Project Recovery report, exploring community responses and rebuilding strategies. The conversation highlights innovative approaches to streamline permitting, including AI tools and self-certification. They emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and trust between sectors to ensure efficient recovery while advocating for a 'build back better' philosophy that focuses on equity and resilience.

In this revisit of our conversation from 2023, Brett White, the outgoing Executive Chair of Cushman & Wakefield and prior CEO of CBRE, tells the story of the growth and evolution of these now giant global real estate services firms.