Design Development

Design Development welcomes David Borden, Managing Director at Ackman Ziff, to discuss the nuances of capital markets amid a volatile economic climate. David dives into the pivotal role capital advisory firms play in navigating these changes. They discuss the importance of risk-adjusted returns, the impact of treasury rates, and the differing priorities in capital deployment across various markets. Borden also highlights the evolution of Ackman Ziff's approach in maintaining its boutique ethos while servicing both large institutional clients and emerging managers. This episode sheds light on challenges, strategies, and projections for the real estate sector.Key Takeaways:Commercial real estate is experiencing volatility due to high interest rates and shifting economic policies, which impacts liquidity and investment decisions.Ackman Ziff remains a leading capital advisor by staying nimble, maintaining strong client relationships, and offering tailored capital solutions across debt, equity, and mezzanine financing.Understanding risk-adjusted returns is crucial, as it drives investment decisions in real estate markets, pushing investors to seek safer or more opportunistic ventures.Effective client service and a focus on business ethics are fundamental to Ackman Ziff's sustained success over nearly a century.Real estate professionals should explore emerging markets and adopt innovative business strategies, including technology, to stay competitive amid changing dynamics.Notable Quotes:"From a capital markets perspective, there is a lot of liquidity in the market. But with all the dislocation and uncertainty, investors just naturally seek either safer investments or take advantage of market dynamics.""What good is signing up an opportunity or telling somebody you can get that done in order to fall short? We need to hyper-focus on bringing opportunities that don't waste time.""It's our job to add value. If there's an owner or developer doing everything right, we should continue to stay the course and work on other opportunities.""If you want to be a participant in significant institutional grade product, you need to be focused and selective as to what opportunities to bring to capital markets.""Good business ethics is good business. It's a statement that's been such a driving factor in being able to not just exist, but scale for a hundred years."Resources:Ackman Ziff's Website: ackmanziff.comMind Pump Podcast: A health and fitness podcast recommended by David Borden.Ackman Ziff's AZ education initiative, aimed at educating the next generation of real estate professThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

if you're uncertain about a decision, it's likely a lack of data causing the hesitation. Rens shares his journey of harnessing data to make informed decisions, emphasizing the significance of data in areas like marketing, sales, project management, and cost-effective design strategies in structural engineering. With personal anecdotes, he illustrates how understanding data can shift from a sense of gambling to a confident investment in business strategies.These experiences later fueled H&O's move toward Open Book Financial Management, underpinning their mission to shatter career ceilings for structural engineers. Through this framework, team members are empowered by understanding the business's financial goals, fostering a culture of smart, informed decision-making. And with the development of the H&O Cost Index, Rens's team bridged the gap between design and client value, ensuring cost-effective structures that align with customer priorities.Key Takeaways:Without sufficient data, decisions in business can feel like gambling. Accumulating relevant data creates confidence and reduces the risk of poor decision-making.Exposure to business financials can drastically impact decision-making and communication within a company, leading to outsized returns.Implementing Open Book Financial Management can empower team members by aligning their efforts with the business's financial goals, enhancing overall company performance.Developing systems that align project budgets and goals can prevent inefficiencies and burnout, providing team members with a clear understanding of their resources.Establishing cost-effective design strategies through meticulous data analysis can transform a company's approach, offering high-value services and fostering client satisfaction.Notable Quotes:"If you are unsure of what decision to make, you lack data.""Exposure to business financials changes how decisions are made and can drive outsized returns for a company.""The H&O Cost Index fundamentally changed how we operate our business and communicate with our clients.""Don't spend $50,000 worth of time solving a $10,000 problem.""We can't expect an engineer to design cost-effectively if they have no cost data to make design decisions."Resources:Jeremiah's insights from the Great Game of Business by Jack Stack.H&O Structural Engineering's websiteThe Great Game of Business Podcast featuring Jack StackThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

In this solo episode of Design Development, host Rens Hayes dives into the wisdom of Charlie Munger, an influential figure whose insights have profoundly impacted Renz's professional journey. This session is packed with valuable lessons drawn from Munger's philosophies, aimed at those in real estate, design, and construction who are eager to enhance their strategic approach and leadership skills.Rens introduces two impactful quotes from Charlie Munger, discussing how aligning incentives within a company can ensure long-term success and prevent culture debt—a crucial challenge for small to mid-sized businesses. He elaborates on how reading can expose blind spots, enhance judgment, and promote a well-rounded perspective essential for effective leadership. By sharing how these concepts have shaped his own career, Rens encourages listeners to adopt these strategies for personal and professional development.Key Takeaways:Incentives and Outcomes: Aligning incentives among employees, clients, and the company is crucial for sustained growth and success.Culture Debt: Misaligned incentives can lead to high employee churn and culture debt, hindering long-term compounding results.The Power of Reading: Consistent reading is linked to wisdom and improved judgment, helping leaders make well-rounded decisions.Continuous Learning: Being a lifelong learner is vital for exposing blind spots and enhancing leadership skills across various domains.Objective Self-assessment: Reading enables leaders to objectively evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and decision-making processes.Notable Quotes:"Show me the incentive and I will show you the outcome.""In my whole life I have known no wise people who didn't read all the time. None. Zero.""If you align incentives, you're going to overcome a lot of constraints and a lot of obstacles.""Judgment is far more valuable than time."Resources:Charlie Munger's insights and videosContent from H&O Structural Engineering: H&O Structural EngineeringListen to the full episode of Design Development for an enriching discussion on aligning incentives and the indispensable role of continuous learning in fostering leadership and organizational success. Keep tuning in for more transformative insights from top performers in the industry.Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Most business owners go through a pivotal moment—their first real look behind the curtain at how buyers value companies. For Rens Hayes, that moment came when he went through a sale and due diligence process for his father’s structural steel business. What he learned from that experience completely changed how he approached building and scaling his own company, H&O Structural Engineering.In this episode of Independence by Design™, Rens and host, Ryan Tansom, break down how he engineered his business for value creation, using Ken Sanginario’s Engineer’s Value Opportunity Profile (VOP) as his roadmap. Instead of scaling haphazardly, Rens built his company by systematically improving the eight functional areas that drive business valuation—the same areas buyers care about most.  Rens and his partner have taken a deliberate approach to aligning cash flow, valuation timelines, and growth goals, ensuring that every dollar reinvested moves them closer to financial independence. Whether you are preparing for an eventual exit or simply want to build a business that works for you instead of the other way around, this conversation is packed with insights that will change the way you think about scaling, hiring executives, and managing risk.Rens Hayes is a structural engineer and entrepreneur who transformed H&O Structural Engineering by applying enterprise value principles to modernize the traditional engineering industry. After experiencing due diligence firsthand, he shifted from operator to owner mindset, implementing Ken Sanginario's Value Opportunity Profile to align business growth with long-term value creation. Hayes helps real estate developers maximize returns through strategic design and cost-efficient engineering, while sharing insights on scaling, capital allocation, and executive hiring—expertise valuable for business owners seeking to build wealth-generating enterprises rather than just larger companies.Resources:Website: H&O Structural Engineering LinkedIn: Rens Hayes Podcast: The H&O Podcast Sound Bites: "Scaling a business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about building an asset buyers actually want." – Rens Hayes "The biggest mistake founders make? Hiring executives before they know what success looks like." – Ryan Tansom "If you don’t know how to allocate capital inside your own business, you’re just hoping for growth—not engineering it." – Rens Hayes "There’s a difference between working in the business and working on the business. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you get your time back." – Ryan Tansom Thank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Paul Foley is the President of Feldman Geospatial, a respected leader in the industry of surveying and geospatial technologies. With a background as a licensed land surveyor, Paul has guided Feldman to remarkable growth by embracing innovation and maintaining a keen focus on technology integration.  they dive straight into the evolution of autonomous technologies like Rugged Robotics, which have revolutionized how construction layouts are approached. Paul sheds light on the strategic adoption of these technologies, highlighting their ability to streamline operations and reduce errors, ultimately saving time and resources across projects.The discussion broadens to explore the resilience and strategic developments at Feldman Geospatial, emphasizing its status as a third-generation family business. Paul discusses their growth journey from a small surveying firm to a leader in geospatial technology, attributing success to a company-wide commitment to innovation and a robust leadership development program. He shares personal insights from his own career path, including his transition from a hands-on field surveyor to a strategic leader, underscoring the importance of continual learning and adaptive leadership. Key Takeaways:Automation in construction, such as Rugged Robotics, significantly increases efficiency, reducing the time and error involved in project layout.Feldman Geospatial experienced transformative growth from a small surveying firm to a leader in geospatial technology through strategic innovation and leadership.Leadership development and continuous learning are key drivers of success, as illustrated by Paul's pursuit of an MBA to enhance strategic decision-making.Engaging and maintaining relationships within the business ecosystem are priorities which Feldman emphasizes as crucial for sustained success.Transparent communication and collective problem-solving are critical in navigating industry challenges and propelling growth.Notable Quotes:"We don't want to be a solution looking for a problem. That's not what this is.""The biggest thing that I touched on there is the amount of rework. When we reduce that rework, it pays for itself.""You're not powerless. No matter what happens, you’re not powerless.""Discipline equals freedom.""If you don't have relationships and if you don't pay attention to people...then you're not going to go very far because you'll be all alone."Resources:Feldman Geospatial Website: FeldmanGeo.comRugged Robotics: Company mentioned for autonomous printing technology in construction.Chris Voss's Book: "Never Split the Difference"Jocko Willink's Book: "Extreme OwnershiThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Ed Hodges is the Principal and CEO of DiMella Shaffer, a leading architecture firm. With over 30 years of experience in the architectural sector, Ed has a rich history of guiding projects through various sectors such as senior housing, higher education, science and tech, and residential, making them a diverse practice group. His expertise extends beyond architecture into financial literacy and business management, establishing him as an insightful leader with a focus on cultivating strong relationships and a robust company culture.Ed discusses his rich journey offering personal anecdotes and valuable insights on a career spanning over three decades. Throughout the discussion, Ed shares actionable strategies for personal and professional growth, including the importance of financial literacy, the concept of the 'Art of Balance' in architecture, and transitioning leadership roles within an evolving firm. He highlights how maintaining diversified market sectors can safeguard a company against economic fluctuations. Key Takeaways:Financial Literacy Matters: Understanding investments and the principles of financial growth are essential skills for professional success and long-term security.Art of Balance in Architecture: Great design stems from understanding and balancing client needs, design aesthetics, and practical constraints.Transitioning to Leadership: Moving from a project-focused role to a leadership role requires stepping back and letting team strengths shine while focusing on high-level strategy.Cultural and Market Diversification: Building a company resilient to economic changes through market diversification can ensure continuous growth and stability.Personal Life Lessons in Management: Management principles can be deeply enriched by personal life experiences, such as parenting a special needs child, which teaches patience, the value of small wins, and focusing on strengths.Notable Quotes:"The biggest risk you have is not having enough money to retire, not the particular few years in the market.""Projects are a bit like children... you don't want to choose your favorite, but the journey of growing this firm has itself been a big project for me.""Changing work is easier than changing the culture.""If you talk to them, you will find you have a lot more time... This changed my life.""There has to be this sort of humbleness... if you keep yourself at the center of it for too long, your other people don't get recognized for doing the work."Resources:DiMella Shaffer Website: dimellashaffer.comBook: "Tools of Titans" by Tim FerrissTim Ferriss Podcast and TEDThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Pat Callahan, President of Callahan Construction, shares his transformation from laborer to industry leader at a family-owned construction management firm. He discusses the importance of strong client relationships for repeat business and the innovative strategies they employed during economic downturns, including a shift to a four-day workweek. Pat also emphasizes the evolving demands of leadership, navigating labor shortages, and the future of construction, particularly in multifamily housing. His insights reflect a deep understanding of building a resilient and adaptive business.

This episode welcomes Barry Barber, Chairman of the Board at Kimley-Horn. Barry shares invaluable insights into how Kimley-Horn has become a leader in the AEC space, growing to over 8,500 employees with innovative expansion strategies. The interview delves into Kimley-Horn's distinctive ownership model and Barry's deep commitment to organizational culture and leadership development, emphasizing flexibility, community, and high performance at scale. The conversation also highlights Kimley-Horn’s meticulous approach to recruiting top talent, sharing strategies for maintaining culture even during rapid organizational growth. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the path to ownership within the firm, emphasizing performance-driven progression and the importance of developing future leaders. Barry’s stories and experiences underscore a commitment to sustainable business practices, employee empowerment, and customer satisfaction, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about successful business and team management strategies in the AEC industry.Key Takeaways:Strategic Growth: Kimley-Horn's expansion to 150 offices is driven by local leadership and opportunities identified by employees and clients.Ownership Structure: With around 925 owners, Kimley-Horn’s ownership transition plan emphasizes performance and participation over tenure.Culture and Integration: The firm’s success is heavily attributed to its focus on maintaining culture and ensuring smooth integration of new hires and offices.Talent Acquisition: The emphasis on college recruiting and personalized interview processes helps attract talented individuals who align with the company values.Leadership Development: Continuous leadership training and development help prepare emerging leaders for future responsibilities, fostering personal and professional growth.Notable Quotes:"I decided I'd rather own a small piece of something bigger than a big piece of something small." - Barry Barber"It’s kind of the old build your people and they’ll build your organization." - Barry Barber"The flywheel's going. The flywheel's going." - Barry Barber on Kimley-Horn's continuous growth strategy."Our job is to help other people be successful." - Barry Barber reflects on leadership roles."There's rarely a dull moment in it, but it’s been a cool thing." - Barry Barber discussing his journey in HR.Resources:Kimley-Horn Website: kimley-horn.com"The Outsiders" by William ThorndikePodcast Recommendation: Acquired PodcastThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Tony Nigro, Senior VP of Design and Construction at Tuscan Village, shares his insights from over 30 years of experience in shaping vibrant communities. He discusses the transformation of Salem, NH, from an empty area into a multifaceted destination. Tony emphasizes the importance of qualitative experiences over mere financial gains and the value of leadership and teamwork in construction. With anecdotes from his military service, he highlights the role of collaboration and alignment in driving successful projects.

Known for his strategic prowess in acquiring off-market self-storage and manufactured housing communities, Matt delves into the operational efficiencies and relationship-driven approaches that have set Crystal View Capital apart. The discussion emphasizes the strategic choice of a fund-based model over deal-by-deal equity raises, which allows for flexibility and rapid response to investment opportunities. Matt also elaborates on the merits of vertical integration within Crystal View Capital, illustrating how transparency, integrity, and dedicated management practices foster investor trust and unlock sustained value. Key Takeaways:Relationship-Driven Acquisitions: Matt Ricciardella's success in acquiring 92% of his investments off-market highlights the importance of building relationships with current owners to find valuable, hidden opportunities.Strategic Fund-Based Model: Crystal View Capital's adoption of a fund-based investment approach allows for flexibility and swift capital deployment, optimizing opportunities in the secondary and tertiary markets.Focus on Manufactured Housing and Self-Storage: These sectors offer recession-resilient investment opportunities with significant room for adding value through strategic enhancements.Vertical Integration: The firm distinguishes itself by maintaining control over all facets of operation, from capital raising to property management, optimizing returns and ensuring transparency.Community Impact: Crystal View Capital emphasizes transforming communities by enhancing quality of life through improved properties and fostering a sense of ownership among residents.Notable Quotes:"At the end of the day this is a relationship business. Identify Crystal View as the best steward for their asset that they built over generations.""Unlike multifamily, where you have to maintain the unit, none of that happens in this industry because we only own the infrastructure.""There's no way I could do these things on my own. Yes, I'm the visionary behind it, but I've been very fortunate with the people that are around me on a daily basis."“Transparency for me and in my career in business has had nothing but Positive impacts. It's never come back to bite me.”"In a down market, demand for affordable housing rises even more, making these assets very recession-resilient."Resources:Crystal View Capital: crystalviewcapital.comInvestments Contact: invest@crystalviewcapital.comBooks Mentioned: "Am I Being Too Subtle?" by Sam ZellPodcasts Mentioned: All-In PodcasThank you so much for listening and thank you for joining the Design Development community. Don't forget to subscribe to hear about the latest episodes dropping every Wednesday. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend.Our goal is to help people in the industry identify opportunities for growth by sharing the journey of top performers. There is no one path. Success isn't a straight line. There is something to learn from everyone's story. Let's go!Leave your thoughts in the comment and reach out if you want to be valuable guest on the show!Design Development Podcast!Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTubeFind out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/