Masters of Moments

Jeremy Sasson, CEO of Heirloom Hospitality, shares his journey from a post-college startup grind to building beloved restaurants in Detroit without external funding. He emphasizes a guest-first approach, explaining how every design element influences guest emotions. Jeremy reveals why he left a family real estate business for hospitality, highlights the importance of strong team dynamics, and discusses how to navigate cultural fit in staffing. His insights on balancing aesthetics with functionality and adapting to market changes provide invaluable lessons for anyone passionate about creating lasting dining experiences.

Discover how to create engaging investor reports that people actually want to read. Explore the importance of clarity, consistency, and tailored content based on investor relationships. Learn about balancing detailed metrics with high-level narratives, and avoid common pitfalls that can turn investors off. Jake shares tips on leveraging reports as strategic communication tools and the significance of transparency for building long-term trust. Visual presentation and storytelling through numbers are also highlighted as key elements for successful investor relations.

Greg Kennealey, CEO of Peregrine Hospitality, shares his wealth of knowledge from his extensive background at Strategic Hotels and KSL Capital. He delves into the evolving hotel investment landscape, emphasizing the importance of aligning operational practices with ownership mindset. The discussion covers strategic labor management, the role of KPIs in performance, and the rise of independent resorts. Greg also highlights the need for innovative guest experiences and the culture of accountability that drives success, making this a must-listen for hospitality enthusiasts.

Hunt Rose, co-founder of TruCore Investments, specializes in Class B industrial real estate. He discusses the resilience and appeal of investing in under-managed assets within infill markets. Hunt shares insights on strategic local brokerage relationships and the importance of tenant relations in optimizing investment outcomes. He explains his firm's innovative underwriting process and how they navigate ownership complexities. Their approach to transitioning leases and focusing on transparent investor communication adds a practical touch to scaling their investment strategy.

Brian Harper, co-founder of 11North Partners and former CEO of RPT Realty, shares his decades of experience in retail real estate. He discusses the principles of great retail, emphasizing hospitality and community. Brian reflects on the resurgence of physical retail, lessons from corporate turnarounds, and the distinct cultures of public versus founder-led companies. Personal experiences, including raising a son with autism, have profoundly shaped his leadership approach. This conversation reveals how resilience and values drive the creation of enduring retail platforms.

Mitch Patel, founder of Vision Hospitality Group, shares his journey in the hospitality industry, built on strong values since 1997. He discusses the early risks of focusing solely on hotels and the balance between developing and operating properties. Mitch explains how he manages to develop multiple hotels simultaneously, his passion for creating experiential and lifestyle hotels, and his non-negotiable standards for independent hotels. He also expresses his concerns for the future of hospitality and shares his favorite hotel experience.

In this engaging talk, Micah Lacher, founder of Anchor Investments, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in North Memphis to leading a successful real estate firm in Nashville. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the risks taken during the 2009 financial crisis, and how personal guarantees shaped his business approach. Micah also discusses balancing family life with entrepreneurial aspirations and his commitment to community impact through innovative projects like turning churches into boutique hotels.

In this conversation, Jesse Rack, Founder and CEO of Rack Electric, shares his remarkable journey from aspiring NFL player to entrepreneur in Florida's booming service industry. He discusses how his sports background shaped his leadership style and the bold vision that transformed his father's small electrical business into a multi-division empire. Jesse emphasizes the importance of hiring attitude over experience, creating training pipelines, and maintaining strong customer relations. He also reveals strategic insights on acquiring struggling companies and innovative approaches to operational efficiency.

Jake Wurzak shares invaluable lessons from his decade-long experience raising capital in real estate. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and transparency with investors, revealing techniques for building trust. His techniques include using storytelling in pitches and leveraging technology like Juniper Square. He discusses navigating challenges in hospitality investments and the shift to preferred equity post-COVID. The insights on structuring communications and utilizing personalized videos are particularly enlightening for aspiring capital raisers.

Patrick Carroll, founder and CEO of CARROLL, shares his journey from flipping houses to amassing a $12 billion real estate empire. He discusses his strategic approach to managing over 30,000 units, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships and innovative investment strategies. Carroll explores the challenges of navigating market cycles, the nuances of acquiring affordable housing, and the mental health struggles entrepreneurs face. He wraps up by highlighting the significance of authenticity in building meaningful connections and achieving success.