

The C-Suite Show
Conrad Madsen
The C-Suite Show is not just another entrepreneurship podcast; It's your gateway into the minds and experiences of today's most influential leaders. Conrad's unique perspective as a business innovator, disruptor, and entrepreneur fuels candid conversations, delving deep into often overlooked topics by mainstream media.Each week we invite you to join us as we chat with some of the most well-known Entrepreneurs, Founders, CEOs, and Executives from America's leading companies. Gain wisdom, motivation, business strategies, and inspiring stories to boost your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, "The C-Suite Show" will offer you dynamic trade secrets and insights into how to navigate the dynamic world of business and investing. Tune in and let's embark on this transformative journey together.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2025 • 53min
Terrance Maiden- From Football to Transforming Communities
Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into the life and career of Terrence Maiden, CEO of Russell Glen Company, starting with his humble beginnings in Oak Cliff, Dallas, TX. Terrence shares the impact of his upbringing centered around football, faith, and family. He details his journey from being a standout athlete to discovering his passion for commercial real estate. The conversation highlights his commitment to transforming underserved communities, particularly through the revitalization of Redbird Mall in South Dallas. Terrence also discusses the valuable lessons learned from his mentors, the challenges and successes he's faced in his professional ventures, and his dedication to impactful philanthropic initiatives through his Maiden Foundation. The episode concludes with a quick-fire Q&A, revealing personal insights and lighter moments about Terrance’s life beyond his professional mission.Timestamps:00:00 The Value of Losing in Today's Generation01:03 Introduction to PAL and Partners03:21 Guest Introduction: Terrence's Journey04:09 Terrence's Childhood and Upbringing07:04 High School Football and College Recruitment09:30 Choosing TCU and College Football Experience15:26 Transition to Commercial Real Estate20:02 Early Career in Real Estate24:48 Development Projects and Mentorship26:38 Launching Russell Glenn Company28:11 Redbird Mall Transformation28:27 Reflecting on Redbird's Impact29:39 A Divine Encounter and a Missed Opportunity30:48 The Call from Peter and the Redbird Project32:23 Challenges and Successes in Revitalizing Redbird33:55 Future Plans and Community Impact35:46 Personal Insights and Interests42:54 C-Suite Closers: Quickfire QuestionsCheck out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 8min
From Journalism to Real Estate and Beyond: An Insightful Journey with Chris Putnam
Send us a textIn this episode, Chris Putnam shares his diverse professional journey, beginning with his early passion for journalism at TCU. He recounts his transition to the business world, detailing his accomplishments at IBM and Pallet and Partners, and his foray into the media industry with the Dallas Express. Chris also delves into his childhood in Fort Worth, his experiences in politics, and his views on current media dynamics. The discussion covers various facets of his life and career, providing a comprehensive look at his endeavors and achievements.Timestamps:00:00 From Journalism to Business: My Unexpected Journey01:05 Building a Real Estate Empire: Pallet and Partners03:29 A Diverse Career Path: From IBM to Startups04:34 Childhood and Early Influences09:15 The College Years and Early Career Choices19:04 The Rise of Synchronous Technologies25:44 The Dallas Express: A New Media Venture35:40 Fundraising Success and Media Influence36:22 The Rise of Podcasts and Changing Media Landscape39:24 Investigative Journalism and Political Impact43:23 Challenges and Growth in Local Journalism47:24 Personal Stories and Reflections51:07 C-Suite Closers: Quickfire QuestionsCheck out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

Sep 24, 2025 • 59min
The Journey of Focused Entrepreneurship: From Real Estate to Podcasting with Chris Powers
Send us a textIn this episode, Chris shares his evolution from a young, ambitious entrepreneur purchasing his first rental house during his freshman year of college to managing a large portfolio of industrial properties across Texas and Florida. The conversation touches on his formative years in El Paso, his collegiate experiences at TCU, and his eventual pivot to Class B industrial properties. Chris also emphasizes the importance of staying focused, introduces key mentors who shaped his career, and talks about the unexpected successes of his business podcast, ‘The Fort’. Additionally, he shares a wild real estate story involving African killer bees and reflects on the impact of podcasting on his professional network. Chris also highlights significant charities he supports and delves into personal life anecdotes, such as his top musicians and the importance of balancing business with personal interests.Timestamps:00:00 The Challenge of Staying Focused in Business00:55 A Warm Welcome and Setting the Scene02:14 From El Paso to Lubbock: Early Life and Education05:22 College Years: The Birth of an Entrepreneur14:02 Transitioning to Commercial Real Estate18:45 The Rise of a Real Estate Mogul20:34 The Power of Focus and Key Influences24:11 Venturing into the Podcast World27:22 Reflecting on Early Podcast Episodes27:58 Research and Preparation for Interviews29:11 The Evolution and Impact of the Podcast30:37 Building a Network Through Social Media33:13 Memorable Guests and Episodes40:25 Challenges and Unexpected Stories46:25 C-Suite Closers: Quickfire QuestionsCheck out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 4min
From Illinois to Dallas: Bill Cawley's Transformation and Success in Real Estate
Send us a textIn this episode, Bill Cawley shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in a small town in Illinois to becoming a significant player in the Dallas real estate market. He opens up about his early struggles with alcohol, his initial foray into real estate, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Bill also delves into the challenges and rewards of transitioning from being a broker to a developer, highlighting the importance of relationships, resilience, and self-belief. Additionally, he speaks about his personal life, the influence of his father, and how faith and mentorship play crucial roles in his life today. The episode is filled with insightful anecdotes, life lessons, and advice for young professionals looking to break into the real estate industry.Timestamps:00:00 Starting a New Life in Dallas01:52 College Days and Early Career Struggles03:00 Family and Upbringing in the Midwest06:14 Transition to Real Estate and Moving to Texas08:04 Building a Career in Dallas10:53 Early Real Estate Ventures and Challenges14:18 Starting a Business and Finding Success19:32 Major Deals and Development Projects33:25 Current Ventures and Future Plans35:15 Industrial and Data Center Development35:47 South Dallas Real Estate Potential37:18 Challenges in the Current Market40:22 The Impact of AI on Business42:17 Memorable Real Estate Stories49:34 Advice for Young Professionals52:49 Personal Reflections and Giving Back55:22 C-Suite Closers: Quickfire QuestionsCheck out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
Navigating Coopetition and Legacy in Commercial Real Estate: A Conversation with Bob Young
Send us a textIn this episode, Bob Young reflects on his extensive career in commercial real estate, detailing the cooperative yet competitive nature of the industry. He shares his daily routine of staying informed about market trends, his career journey from working with notable figures like Jerry Foltz and Herb Weitzman, to his foundational experiences at companies like Levi Strauss and Blockbuster. Bob discusses the importance of continuous learning, relationship-building, and adaptability in achieving success. He also touches on the significance of community engagement and details his personal and professional background, offering insights into the qualities that differentiate successful brokers in the industry.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Coopetition in the Industry01:19 Meet Bob Young: A Journey Through the Industry02:00 Breaking into the Business Post-9/1102:39 Early Career and Mentorship04:06 Upbringing and Family Influence05:57 College Years and Early Jobs10:55 Levi Strauss Experience15:10 Transition to Real Estate17:43 First Real Estate Deals and Lessons Learned21:58 Tenant Representation and Industry Evolution24:40 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate26:53 Reflections on Coopetition and Continuous Learning29:11 Influential Figures: Jerry Foltz and Herb Weitzman33:58 Early Career and Real Estate Networking34:15 Memorable Encounters with Herb Weitzman36:05 Career Transitions and Joining Weitzman38:22 Learning and Growing at Weitzman41:59 Building Company Culture51:02 Changes in Commercial Real Estate53:53 Personal Stories and Reflections01:02:09 The C-Suite ClosersCheck out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

May 28, 2025 • 45min
Paul Smith: From New York Beginnings to Dallas Successes
Send us a textIn this episode, Paul Smith shares his extensive journey in the commercial real estate sector, reflecting on his career evolution from Dallas to Boston, and eventually to his current role at Velocis. He discusses his upbringing as one of seven children in a New York Irish Catholic family, his educational path from Harvard to business school at UT Austin, and his various roles at Republic Bank, FS Realty Partners, Invesco, Crescent, and his current entrepreneurial venture at Velocis. Smith also touches on the dynamics of the real estate market in different cities, the transition from office to industrial real estate, and the importance of Dallas's collegial business environment. Additionally, he highlights significant influences and mentors in his life, his passion for fundraising, and his long-standing commitment to community and charity, specifically his involvement with Cistercian Preparatory School.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Commercial Real Estate01:11 Paul Smith's Upbringing and Education02:47 Early Career and Transition to Real Estate05:43 Private Equity and Real Estate Ventures10:43 Challenges and Successes in Real Estate16:29 Transition to Industrial Real Estate22:16 The Importance of Location in Real Estate22:31 Success Story: Temple, Texas Deal23:57 Industrial Space Growth in Texas25:10 Future Investment Plans25:43 Passion for Fundraising28:00 Commercial Real Estate Insights29:23 Influential Figures and Career Reflections30:55 Family Background and Early Influences33:43 Quickfire Questions: Personal Insights40:00 Charity and Community Involvement43:07 Final Thoughts and FarewellCheck Out Paul on LinedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-smith-721b4725/Check out Velocis Here:https://velocis.com/Check out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

May 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
Tommy Shuey's Journey into Wine and Hospitality
Send us a textTommy Shuey shares his unique journey from playing lacrosse in Dallas and at Hofstra University to spearheading a cutting-edge wine storage and hospitality business. He recounts his early love for sports, his first jobs in high school, and his career trajectory from investment banking to entrepreneurial ventures in technology. Shuey discusses the creation of 55 Seventy, a luxury wine storage club in Dallas, his strategies for growth, and their upcoming expansion to Houston. He emphasizes the importance of hiring great people and adapting to members' needs. The episode also delves into memorable wine experiences, including tastings of rare vintages, and concludes with Shuey's involvement in the Rise School charity.Timestamps:00:00 Oldest and Most Expensive Wines at the Club01:17 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:06 Tommy's Upbringing and Family Background03:01 Discovering Lacrosse and Early Sports Journey04:27 High School Lacrosse and College Recruitment06:32 College Lacrosse and Transition to Coaching23:28 Early Career and Investment Banking32:11 Building the Business: From Bankruptcy Consulting to Tech Platform33:30 Navigating COVID-19: Shifts in Roles and Marketing Challenges35:38 Discovering the Wine Storage Opportunity37:07 Launching the Wine Club: From Concept to Reality37:22 Key Lessons in Hospitality and Team Building48:19 Expanding the Vision: Houston and Beyond55:48 C-Suite Closers: Personal Insights and ReflectionsCheck out Tommy on LinkedIn Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-shuey-5231b115/Check out 55 Seventy Here:https://dallas.55seventy.com/Check out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

May 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
Michael Brennan discusses the Creation of His Real Estate Empire
Send us a textIn this episode, Michael Brennan shares his inspiring journey from a young boy influenced by his father's entrepreneurial spirit to becoming a key player in the industrial real estate sector. Brennan discusses his early ventures in real estate while working at RR Donnelley, his transition from residential to commercial real estate, and his strategic investments in industrial properties. He highlights his tenure at Scheidler Group and then as CEO of First Industrial Realty Trust, where he played a pivotal role in taking the company public and navigating through economic challenges. Brennan also delves into his passion for education and the significant impact he has made at the Grass Camp Real Estate Center at the University of Wisconsin. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the continuous quest for knowledge.Timestamps:00:00 Starting a Career in Real Estate00:41 First Real Estate Deal01:21 Lunch with Industry Leaders03:10 Influence of Upbringing08:45 Early Jobs and Lessons Learned15:10 College and Career Beginnings21:21 Transition to Commercial Real Estate25:27 Joining Coldwell Banker Commercial33:18 Becoming a Principal in Real Estate37:57 Starting in Industrial Real Estate39:34 Going Public with Merrill Lynch42:37 Becoming CEO and Expanding the Company44:56 Lessons from First Industrial47:39 Differences Between Public and Private REITs58:45 Involvement with the Grass Camp Real Estate Center01:06:53 Advice for Young Real Estate Enthusiasts01:12:30 Favorite Chicago Food and Final ThoughtsCheck Out Michael on LinkedIn Here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brennan-a760b7a0/Check out Brennan Investment Group Here: https://www.brennanllc.com/Check out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

Apr 30, 2025 • 58min
Ray Sedey on Building a Legacy in Construction
Send us a textIn this episode, we delve into the career and personal journey of Ray Sedey, the Chairman and CEO of McCarthy Building Companies, a leading construction firm. Amidst his insightful recount of industry dynamics and company growth, Ray highlights the challenges and evolving landscape of power generation and distribution, especially the shifting focus towards natural gas and package nuclear plants. He shares his expansive career path, starting from his roots in the construction field influenced by his father, through his rise within McCarthy, reflecting on over two decades of moves, projects, and leadership growth. Ray also discusses the importance of adaptability, leadership development, and the significance of the company's employee ownership model. Additionally, Ray offers advice to young professionals about the value of curiosity and being open to new opportunities. Through personal anecdotes, including navigating family moves and career milestones, Ray provides a comprehensive look into his professional life and the ethos of McCarthy Building Companies.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Power Companies and Distribution Challenges01:16 Guest Introduction and Career Highlights01:59 Childhood and Early Influences06:09 Educational Journey and Early Career10:29 Joining McCarthy Building Companies13:06 Early Career Experiences and Challenges24:25 Leadership Aspirations and Career Growth30:04 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Learning30:36 Unexpected Move to Texas32:36 Boom and Bust in Las Vegas35:32 Challenges and Opportunities as CEO38:05 The Unique Employee Ownership Model42:31 Building Impactful Projects45:21 Future Growth and Opportunities48:57 Advice for Young Professionals50:24 C-Suite Closers: Getting to Know RayYou can Find Ray in LinkedIn here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-sedey-2b205a9/Check out Ray's Favorite Foundation: https://www.heart.org/Check out Ray's Favorite Books Here:Good to Great: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996The Advantage: https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Health-Everything-Business/dp/0470941529Check out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 14min
Jeremy Mercer: Inside the Life of the Real Estate Rockstar
Send us a textJeremy Mercer reflects on his early experiences, from his first major real estate deal to his upbringing in Irving, Texas. Highlighting his formative years playing football and his close-knit relationship with his brother, Jeff, Jeremy shares how sports and a disciplined upbringing influenced his work ethic. He delves into his initial ventures in the music industry and property management before transitioning to commercial real estate and brokerage. Jeremy also speaks candidly about overcoming significant financial challenges, emphasizing the importance of persistence. Now, as the co-founder of Matador Capital, Jeremy discusses his strategy, the impact of real estate partnerships, and his venture into credit fund management. The conversation wraps up with Jeremy's personal anecdotes, favorite leisure spots, and his involvement in charitable endeavors.Timestamps:00:00 The First Big Deal01:28 Childhood and Upbringing03:06 High School and College Football08:13 Transition to Music and Early Career17:01 Starting in Real Estate38:51 First Syndicated Deal39:40 Transition to Buying Buildings41:49 Founding Matador Capital42:48 Scaling and Expanding44:23 Starting a Credit Fund48:00 Lessons from a Major Setback51:06 Opportunities in the Market55:09 Advice for Young Professionals59:39 The C-Suite ClosersCheck out Jeremy on His Socials Here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-mercer-a3154358/X: https://x.com/jbmatcap?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbmatcap/Check out Jeremy's Podcast, The Industrialist, Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industrialist/id1715732647You can Find Matador Realty Investments Here:https://www.matador.net/Check out Great State Hat here! greatstatehat.comHelp support the podcast by subscribing!Watch the full podcasts on The C-Suite Show YouTube!Follow me on Social Media!LinkedInInstagramXInterested in my real estate brokerage firm? Check it out here: Paladin Partners!