The Distribution by Juniper Square

Chris Schelling, Managing Director at Aksia, dives into the complex world of private markets and alternatives. He shares his unique journey from studying psychology to becoming a key allocator. The discussion highlights the importance of education in private wealth, addressing risks like adverse selection and return dispersion, and the potential of interval funds for accessing private markets. Chris also offers insights on the future of various asset classes, urging advisors to understand complexities and align with the realities of the wealth landscape.

Willy Walker, Chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop, shares his fascinating journey from nonprofit work in Latin America to leading a major commercial real estate firm. He discusses scaling a family business into a publicly traded entity and the crucial lessons learned along the way. Walker highlights trends in the multifamily market, including a surge in supply and the mismeasurement of rents. He also reveals the origins of the Walker Webcast, a vital tool for building industry trust and transparency.

In a captivating discussion, Jeff Beckham, Chief Investment Officer at Buckingham, shares insights from his diverse career in institutional real estate. He emphasizes the firm’s focus on the living sector, exploring multifamily and student housing markets. Jeff explains how vertical integration enhances operational alpha and why non-coastal markets are increasingly attractive for better risk-adjusted returns. He balances entrepreneurial spirit with institutional discipline, revealing how this strategy positions Buckingham for future growth amid changing market dynamics.

Casey Cummings, CEO of Ram Realty Advisors and a seasoned expert in the Southeast real estate market, shares insights from his long career. He discusses the shift from family-backed investments to attracting institutional capital, emphasizing operational discipline and local market knowledge. Casey highlights the advantages of focusing on multifamily and grocery-anchored retail assets, and how on-the-ground decision-making enhances competitive edges. He also evaluates macroeconomic uncertainties and their impact on real estate strategies.

Tony Avila, Founder and CEO of Avila Real Estate Capital, shares his extensive experience in residential land development and homebuilding finance. He discusses the evolution of institutional investment in homebuilding and the shift in risk dynamics post-financial crisis. Avila delves into how traditional banks have backed away from land and construction lending, creating opportunities for private capital. He also explains the nuances of underwriting land loans and highlights the importance of housing affordability in today’s market.

Neville Rhone, co-founder and managing partner of Arc Capital Partners, shares his journey from engineering to real estate investment. He reflects on valuable lessons from Morgan Stanley and Canyon Partners, emphasizing the potential of the middle market for stable returns. Neville discusses how today's capital constraints create unique opportunities for structured solutions. He identifies key focus areas like middle-income housing and grocery-anchored retail in the Sunbelt, offering insights on how general partners can navigate this shifting landscape.

David Moore, Founder and CEO of Knightvest Capital, shares his compelling journey from an entrepreneurial upbringing to creating a multifamily empire in the Sunbelt. He discusses his hands-on approach to property management, including chaotic early days at auction houses. David reveals how Knightvest transformed from survival mode to institutional partnerships and scaled operations. He dives into the firm's unique renovation strategies, the impact of market pressures, and essential advice for investors on evaluating operators. This engaging dialogue highlights the grit and innovative thinking behind success.

Brandon Sedloff reflects on key themes from his 100 conversations in private markets. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, storytelling, and relationships in driving success. The discussion explores building durable firms with a strong culture and leadership rooted in trust. Investment trends in private credit, digital infrastructure, and energy transitions are highlighted. Sedloff also addresses operational shifts, the rise of AI, and strategic insights necessary for differentiation in a competitive landscape.

Nick Bienstock, CEO and Co-Chairman of Savanna, shares his transformative journey in real estate and the strategic evolution of his firm. He opens up about the current dynamics of the New York office market post-COVID, highlighting the divide between premium and lower-quality properties. Tune in to discover how institutional investors are cautiously re-entering the space and the booming prospects in West Palm Beach, including Savanna's exciting new development. Nick’s insights on market trends and the future of urban real estate are both informative and engaging!

Jeff Feinstein, Founder and Managing Partner of Pinnacle Partners, dives into the transformative world of opportunity zone investing. From his tech roots to real estate, Jeff explains how tax policies shaped his journey. He discusses the evolution of opportunity zones, including the recent OZ 2.0 legislation, highlighting the benefits and risks involved. Jeff shares insights on constructing strong partnerships, the focus on institutional-quality multifamily developments, and the exciting possibilities in rural zones. Tune in for a deep understanding of this evolving investment landscape!