Masters of Moments

In this episode of Masters of Moments, I sit down with Chris Hatch, Principal at Forza Commercial, to break down the high-stakes world of retail real estate development. Chris grew up in a real estate family, learning the business from the ground up, and those early lessons shaped how he approaches site selection, deal structuring, and scaling development projects today.We dive into: How to identify and secure top-tier retail sites The evolution of drive-thru concepts and why they’re dominating retail How tenant demand shapes development strategy The challenges of managing multiple projects at once Why triple-net leases are often called ‘mailbox money’ and how investors think about them Chris also shares behind-the-scenes stories from working with national tenants like Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and Raising Cane’s, explaining what makes a high-performing retail site and how shifting consumer trends are influencing real estate decisions.If you're interested in commercial real estate, retail development, or the business of site selection, this episode is packed with insights from someone who’s been in the trenches and built a highly successful development business.Connect & Invest with Jake:Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coachingLearn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8PwoLinks:Links:Chris on X - https://x.com/chriswhatchThe Dirt Dog Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0EyUYpLUMbJKqEzprNuLPM?si=e48d7ffc5ddb48a0Topics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:00:56) - Chris’ Background and Career (00:05:36) - The Magic of Drive-Thrus (00:07:03) - Lessons from Early Real Estate Experiences (00:09:41) - Navigating the Real Estate Market (00:11:04) - The Evolution of Site Selection (00:13:35) - Building a Real Estate Portfolio (00:17:05) - Challenges and Strategies in Real Estate Development (00:32:44) - The Appeal of Triple Net Leases (00:40:53) - Retail Trends and Market Shifts (00:41:34) - Diversification in Retail Investments (00:43:38) - The Future of Gas Stations (00:45:07) - Impact of Cloud Kitchens (00:46:54) - Cap Rates and Popular Retail Tenants (00:50:36) - Challenges in Retail Development (00:58:38) - Managing Multiple Development Projects (01:15:50) - Favorite Hotels and Closing Thoughts

Katharine Lau, CEO and Co-Founder of Stuf, shares her journey of reinventing the self-storage industry. With a background in real estate and a passion for consumer experiences, she discusses how the pandemic revealed opportunities in underutilized spaces. Katharine also dives into the impact of technology on the industry, emphasizing digital tools that enhance customer experience. She highlights innovative strategies for competing against larger firms, from local marketing to community engagement, showcasing a fresh take on what self-storage can be.

In this episode of Masters of Moments, I sit down with Adam Guy to explore his unconventional path from Missouri to multi-industry success. Adam’s journey started early—performing illusion shows at just seven years old—which soon evolved into a full-fledged business, booking corporate gigs across the Midwest.His entrepreneurial instincts didn’t stop there. After a stint in basketball and communications studies at the University of Missouri, Adam dropped out to launch a wristband company, capitalizing on the craze sparked by Lance Armstrong’s charity bands. That venture turned into a profitable exit, leading him into the hospitality space, where he transformed a small bakery and café into a $150 million-a-year powerhouse.Now, Adam is redefining luxury travel with Exclusive Vacations, creating a high-end vacation rental experience built on exceptional hospitality and premium amenities. We break down his strategic approach to real estate investment, property management, and business scaling, along with the mindset that has fueled his success across multiple industries.If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, hospitality, and game-changing business strategies, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Connect & Invest with Jake:Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JWurzak1 on 1 coaching with Jake: https://www.jakewurzak.com/coachingLearn How to Invest with DoveHill: https://bit.ly/3yg8PwoLinks:Adam on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamguyceo/Four Seasons: The Story of a Business PhilosophyTopics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:00:46) - Adam’s background and career(00:06:53) - Setting up a factory in China(00:09:38) - Dropping out of College to pursue a career in the food industry(00:25:38) - Evolving the business from restaurants into food services(00:33:53) - Learning how to acquire a food-services business(00:50:09) - Life working for fraternities and sororities(00:58:58) - The impact of delivery apps on in-house food services(01:00:46) - The operations side of the business(01:11:23) - Adam’s hospitality side-hustle

Dive into the world of hospitality investment with tales of raising millions for deals and navigating unexpected hotel challenges. Discover why smaller investments can lead to bigger returns and how experiential hotels are reshaping the industry. Learn how technology is revolutionizing boutique hotel operations and uncover revenue strategies designed for maximum profitability. Plus, explore the rise of fractional ownership in luxury real estate—perfect for those eyeing shared luxury without breaking the bank.

Antonia Botero, Principal at MADDPROJECT and an expert in architecture and historic renovations, shares her insights into the evolution of architectural taste. She discusses the importance of intentional design, especially in transforming hotel interiors through thoughtful exteriors. Antonia recounts her experience with the TWA Hotel, navigating complex challenges while blending history with modernity. She also emphasizes empathy in team management and reveals her favorite hotels that exemplify design excellence, making for a captivating conversation on creating purposeful spaces.

Discover the art of bringing a boutique hotel to life! The discussion covers essential steps like crafting a compelling brand identity and assembling the perfect team of designers and architects. Learn about the impact of model rooms on design and marketing. Jake also delves into the importance of early contractor engagement and the benefits of hiring kitchen consultants. Plus, gather tips on leveraging social media to build excitement before your hotel's grand opening—ideal for aspiring developers and hospitality enthusiasts!

Discover the secrets to maximizing hotel investments with insights on unbiased teamwork and the value of a strong network. Learn the intricacies of underwriting deals, including revenue assumptions and expense analysis. Jake highlights the importance of design partnerships and community feedback. A case study reveals the lessons learned from a missed deal opportunity and the strategies for flexible financial modeling. Dive into the nuances of lease structures and innovative acquisition methods to enhance profitability in the hospitality sector.

Matthew Baron, Founder and President of Baron Property Group, dives into the dynamic real estate markets of NYC and Miami. With over 30 years of experience, he shares his journey from his first deal to pivoting into hotel development amid crises. The discussion covers risk mitigation strategies, the evolution of Long Island City, and the importance of location in attracting residents. He also highlights the challenges of navigating union labor in NYC while transitioning to the Miami market, emphasizing the value of local partnerships and long-term ownership.

Dive into the world of hotel investing as common pitfalls are unveiled. Experience is highlighted as a vital asset in hospitality decisions. Location reigns supreme, but so does understanding customer needs. Delve into the dangers of broken business plans and cost overruns. Discover the challenges of renovations and ground-up developments that can lead to financial setbacks. Finally, learn how to maximize ROI by prioritizing practical improvements over mere aesthetics.

Avi Greenbaum, CEO of Triple Double RE, shares his entrepreneurial journey from trading baseball cards to tackling real estate. He discusses his first successful condo conversion, revealing the intricacies of financing and market trends. Avi highlights his innovative deal-making tactics, including transforming urban spaces in Delray Beach. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in fluctuating markets and shares insights on negotiating effectively, including the art of silence. His stories are packed with lessons on resilience, opportunity, and bold strategy.