Leading Voices in Real Estate

In this episode of Leading Voices in Real Estate, we sit down with Bob Hart, Founder and CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of the multifamily housing market.Bob shares his remarkable journey from his early career at Kennedy Wilson, where he built a foundation in investment and asset management, to launching TruAmerica, now recognized as one of the largest apartment operators in the United States. His story is one of entrepreneurial vision, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of how to create long-term value in an evolving real estate landscape.

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.

Tyler Christiansen, CEO of Funnel, dives into the future of multifamily real estate, revolutionizing the owner-renter relationship. He discusses how centralization and AI are reshaping business models, enhancing communication and operational efficiency. Tyler shares insights from his journey in transforming property management and highlights the importance of balancing technology with personal engagement. He also emphasizes how small companies can compete effectively against larger firms by leveraging innovative tech solutions.

David Stanford and Chris Shaida, Co-CEOs of RealFoundations, share insights from their extensive careers in real estate consulting. They delve into how AI and technology are reshaping the industry, emphasizing the shift from traditional data management to innovative AI tools. The duo highlights the evolution of operational efficiency, stressing the importance of structured systems in modern real estate. They also discuss the necessity for adaptability in investment strategies and the blend of AI with human intuition to enhance decision-making in the sector.