The Crexi Commercial Real Estate Podcast: Conversations in All Things CRE

Shlomo Chopp, Managing Partner at Case, brings over 20 years of expertise in distressed real estate. He dives into the crucial art of debt restructuring, emphasizing respect, preparation, and creative negotiation strategies. Shlomo shares insights on navigating the complexities of distressed properties and the significance of strong relationships in the commercial real estate landscape. Additionally, he discusses the current market's cautious optimism, contrasting it with past financial crises, and highlights innovative approaches to client acquisition through networking and social media.

This episode charts building an investment playbook and lessons from social media stardom with Don Tepman, Founder of TownCentre Capital and creator of StripMallGuy.The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with top CRE professionals. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, hosted by Shanti Ryle, Don Tepman shares his career trajectory from unexpectedly entering commercial real estate to becoming a prominent figure both in the market and on social media. Don reveals his journey of managing and investing in strip malls, adding value to properties, and building meaningful relationships with tenants and investors. Additionally, he discusses his influential social media presence, the creation of the 'Strip Mall Guy' brand, and its impact on his business. The episode also delves into the upcoming Strip Mall Guy Gala and its significance in the commercial real estate community.Welcome to the Crexi PodcastMeet Don Tepman: The Strip Mall GuyDon's Early Career and First DealLearning the Business: Mentorship and GrowthCreative Problem Solving in Real EstateThe Evolution of Don's Investment StrategyAnalyzing and Adding Value to PropertiesBuilding Relationships with BrokersFair Market Rent and Tenant RelationsTenant Improvement Allowances and Win-Win StrategiesThe Strip Mall Guy BrandThe Impact of Social Media on Real EstateThe Gala: Celebrating Community and SuccessRapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts About Don Tepman:Don Tepman runs TownCentreCapital, a real estate fund he founded which focuses on buying neighborhood strip centers throughout the United States. He also runs the 'StripMallGuy' account on social media, which has approximately 325,000 followers across three platforms, and has become a primary dealflow source. Mr. Tepman started his career in 2002, and led his first strip center purchase in 2006.  He has completed 45 purchases, and raised over $150M in LP capital.  Now based in New York City, Mr. Tepman graduated from Santa Clara University with a Finance degree, and grew up in Cupertino, CA If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy the next podcast delivered straight to your inbox.  For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog. Ready to find your next CRE property? Visit Crexi and immediately browse 500,000+ available commercial properties for sale and lease. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/​ https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ https://www.youtube.com/crexi

Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Alakai Capital, shares his fascinating transition from professional wakeboarding to commercial real estate mogul. He discusses how sports shaped his business mindset and the importance of strong broker relationships in investment strategies. Jones highlights the evolving Florida market, addressing the impact of inflation and interest rates, all while pinpointing opportunities in industrial and medical sectors. Listeners gain insights into successful investment tactics and the significance of adaptability in a competitive landscape.

Laurence and Michael Bergman, leaders at NAI Bergman, share their rich insights from years in commercial real estate. They explore the transformative power of online auctions, emphasizing their growing role in the market. The duo discusses the importance of relationships and mentorship in shaping their careers, the challenges they've navigated with technology, and the significance of fostering a strong company culture. They also highlight the optimism ahead for CRE as AI influences investment strategies and new opportunities arise.

In a compelling conversation, Amy Calandrino, Founder and CEO of Beyond Commercial, shares her transformative journey from aspiring meteorologist to a commercial real estate expert. She reveals key strategies for balancing personal fulfillment with business growth and emphasizes the importance of adaptability. Listeners will gain insights into her upcoming book 'From Perfect to Real,' and hear about her mission to empower women in the industry. Additionally, Amy discusses the thriving Orlando market and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset amid challenges.

Welcome to this special edition of The Crexi Podcast, featuring on-the-ground insights and expertise live from Beth Azor’s 5th Annual Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit.In March 2025, the Crexi team traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and sat down with notable women investors and entrepreneurs to capture key stories, expertise, and insights into the world of investing in commercial real estate.The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with some of the top professionals in the space. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. In this episode, host Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, sits with several keynote speakers from the conference, to cover wide-ranging topics, including:Breaking In – Nontraditional Paths to CRECarving Your NicheOvercoming Challenges Opening Doors – Mentorship & LegacyWhy Women Should Get into CRE NowFeaturing special guests:Tori Nook, Principal and Founder of Anchor RetailArleen Garza, Founder, REEP Equity and REEP ResidentialVictoria Garza-Fraser, Manager, Acquisitions and Capital EventsMandy McAllister, Managing Member, Good Fortune Capital & Founder, GoBundance WomenAllison Weiss, Founder, CRE RecruitingCamille Renshaw, Founder & CEO, B+E Net LeaseKarly Iacono, SVP, CBREPamela Bardhi, Founder, Revelution GroupIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy the next Podcast delivered straight to your inbox. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Ready to find your next CRE property? Visit Crexi and immediately browse 500,000+ available commercial properties for sale and lease.Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/​ https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ https://www.youtube.com/crexiAbout the Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit:The 2025 Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit, hosted by Beth Azor, is a 2-day event filled with speakers who have “done it”! They’ve invested and they are happy to share their experiences, their mistakes and successes, and things they wish they knew when they started, so that we can all learn from them.Each attendee will leave the event armed with ideas, inspiration and examples of how it can be done. Investing not only for gazillionaires who have access to millions of dollars to invest. The women next door have invested and you will meet them live and in person and hear their stories!About Crexi:Crexi is transforming commercial real estate with advanced, integrative technology and data analytics designed to accelerate every CRE stakeholder’s success. From trading properties to machine-learning-powered industry Intelligence, Crexi’s intuitive CRE solutions accelerate transaction velocity and have empowered over 3 million active monthly users to close more than $660 billion in deals and market over $7 trillion in property value. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy the next podcast delivered straight to your inbox.  For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog. Ready to find your next CRE property? Visit Crexi and immediately browse 500,000+ available commercial properties for sale and lease. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/​ https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ https://www.youtube.com/crexi

David Ebeling, Owner of Ebeling Communications, shares his 25+ years of expertise in commercial real estate PR. He discusses the vital role of media relationships and underscores the importance of honesty in today's market. Ebeling emphasizes mentorship and effective communication, particularly during challenges like COVID-19. He also touches on how the landscape of PR is evolving with technology and offers advice for young professionals on building successful strategies and the value of personal connections in client acquisition.

This episode explores the untapped potential of RV Parks and in-depth specialization in commercial real estate with Landan Dory, Founder of North Star Brokerage & Advisory.The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with top CRE professionals. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. In this episode, host Ashley Kobovitch sits with Landan in this Part Two episode to discuss recent updates since their last conversation in 2022, including his transition from Avison Young to Partners to founding North Star in January 2025. He dives into the decision behind launching his own brokerage, emphasizing the flexibility and targeted approach North Star brings to the RV and mobile home park market. Landan also discusses the significance of the company's name, the importance of finding a personal and professional 'North Star,' and how recent oversupply and regulatory challenges impact this niche market. Additionally, the episode explores the role of AI in commercial real estate, the Texas commercial real estate market, and long-term visions for North Star. Landan provides insights on investor opportunities, challenges, and the potential of private equity in driving efficiency and growth in this space.Introduction to The Crexi PodcastMeet Landan Dory: North Star Brokerage and AdvisoryLandan's Journey: From Partners Real Estate to North StarThe Genesis of North Star: Inspiration and VisionBuilding a Team and Culture at North StarFuture Vision: North Star's Market Impact and Personal MilestonesFocus on RV and Mobile Home Parks: Market Potential and EvolutionChallenges in RV Park DevelopmentDebt Structures: RV Parks vs. Mobile HomesProprietary Database for RV ParksThe Role of AI in Commercial Real EstateTexas Commercial Real Estate Market OverviewOpportunities and Red Flags for InvestorsImpact of Private Equity in RV and Mobile Home MarketsRapid Fire Questions and Career AdviceClosing Remarks and Contact InformationIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy the next Podcast delivered straight to your inbox. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.Ready to find your next CRE property? Visit Crexi and immediately browse 500,000+ available commercial properties for sale and lease.Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/​ https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Landan Dory:Landan Dory is the founding member of North Star Brokerage & Advisory based in Austin, TX. His team specializes in RV and Mobile home parks, net lease investment properties and executing 1031 exchanges as a tax-sheltering/estate-planning tool.Landan has a demonstrated track record of success, having completed over $350m in commercial property sales in 21 states and counting, making him one of the nation’s foremost experts in selling investment real estate.Using a specialized and targeted approach of representing property sellers, Landan has distinguished him as the go-to option for many property owners, ranging in scale from private property owners to some of the largest real estate companies active in the market today.Landan was born and raised in Midland, TX and graduated from Baylor University with degrees in Finance and Real Estate. He lives in Austin, TX with his wife Megan, two boys and their husky named Charlie. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy the next podcast delivered straight to your inbox.  For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog. Ready to find your next CRE property? Visit Crexi and immediately browse 500,000+ available commercial properties for sale and lease. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/​ https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ https://www.youtube.com/crexi

Ashley Tison, the founder of OZPros, and John Vachon, a senior OZ strategist, dive deep into Opportunity Zones, revealing significant tax advantages and community revitalization strategies. They discuss how these zones can transform distressed areas through innovative investments and the social benefits of job creation. Tison and Vachon explore personal growth through adversity, emphasizing resilience and strategic habits. Listeners gain insights into creative investment approaches and the evolving landscape of Opportunity Zones, making it clear why these opportunities are crucial for both investors and communities.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Palmer, Principal and Managing Director at LQ Commercial, shares his unique journey from software engineer to a leader in commercial real estate. He highlights the importance of relationship-building skills gained from his hospitality background. The conversation dives into the lagging tech adoption in the CRE sector, the role of AI, and practical advice for brokers. Adam emphasizes hustle and adaptability in a changing market while also exploring opportunities in Florida’s evolving landscape and investment strategies in flex parks.