Thesis Driven Leader Series

Minna Song, co-founder and CEO of EliseAI, revolutionizes multifamily communication with AI-driven automation. She discusses the company's journey from a chatbot to an enterprise system and the crucial gap between software and site teams. Minna shares insights on the changing landscape of leasing and the importance of trust in AI for institutional clients. The conversation also covers the intersection of housing and healthcare tech, and the emerging trends in real estate technology that signal a transformative future.

Adam Gordon, founder of Wildflower Ltd., is a fourth-generation New Yorker and seasoned real estate developer. In this engaging discussion, he shares his unique approach to building what's missing rather than what's trending, highlighting projects like Amazon's first NYC warehouse and Wildflower Studios with Robert De Niro. Gordon emphasizes the importance of creative patience and market timing, reflecting on the evolving landscape of urban real estate and the impact of AI in film studios, making it a must-listen for innovative thinkers.

In this lively discussion, Jamie Hodari, CEO at CBRE and founder of Industrious, shares insights from leading his company through a landmark $800M acquisition. He highlights what set Industrious apart from competitors like WeWork, emphasizing the shift from leases to management contracts in office spaces. Hodari explores how hybrid work models shape tenant desires, the importance of location, and engaging designs inspired by Disney. He also shares how today's office strategies should reflect community-oriented experiences and the integration of mixed-use developments.

Casey Roloff, the mastermind behind Seabrook, Washington, discusses his innovative vision for a walkable community rooted in new urbanist principles. He dives into the importance of low leverage and long-term thinking in community development. Roloff contrasts Seabrook’s design with car-centric suburbs and outlines the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces. He emphasizes the growing demand for walkable neighborhoods and the potential for a shift in urban development paradigms. His insights shed light on creating thriving, sustainable communities for future generations.

What does it take to build a world-class tech strategy inside one of America’s largest multifamily REITs? Rukus Esi, the Chief Digital Officer at AvalonBay Communities and today’s guest, is in the driver’s seat. From centralization and AI to predictive maintenance and PropTech fatigue, Rukus joins us to share how AvalonBay vets new technology, pilots solutions across 90,000+ units, and stays ahead in a rapidly evolving PropTech landscape. If you’re building for—or operating in—multifamily, this is a must-listen about what it takes to deploy and scale technology in real estate. The Thesis Driven Leader Series is made possible with the support of Neutral. Neutral is redefining multifamily real estate with a focus on sustainability, resident health and well-being. For example, Neutral is building the tallest mass timber and Passive House residential building in the U.S with a state-of-art wellness club in Milwaukee. Beyond environmental impact, Neutral offers investors access to substantial sustainable tax credits and deductions. Accredited investors can explore available opportunities at invest.neutral.us or connect directly with their team to learn more.

Real estate capital markets are undergoing a tremendous transformation, with tried-and-true strategies no longer offering the opportunities they once did. Today’s guest, Brandon Sedloff, has a unique perspective on the changes afoot. As Chief Real Estate Officer at investment management software platform Juniper Square, Sedloff has a special view of the real estate investment landscape. In today’s episode, he’ll share some of those insights and dig into the changes on the horizon.This episode covers Juniper Square’s journey–where Sedloff was employee #5–as well as the state of the capital markets, evolutions in the investment management world, and advice for real estate sponsors hitting the fundraising trail.Sedloff has a perspective unlike any other, so you won’t want to miss this conversation.The Thesis Driven Leader Series is made possible with the support ofNeutral. Neutral is redefining multifamily real estate with a focus on sustainability, resident health and well-being. For example, Neutral is building the tallest mass timber and Passive House residential building in the U.S with a state-of-art wellness club in Milwaukee. Beyond environmental impact, Neutral offers investors access to substantial sustainable tax credits and deductions. Accredited investors can explore available opportunities atinvest.neutral.us orconnect directly with their team to learn more.

Being a real estate developer can be a lonely business. But one builder is making it a little less so. This episode’s guest, Sean Sweeney, has built an audience by telling the story of life as a developer, warts and all.Co-founder of Hall Sweeney Properties, Sweeney built a reputation as a thoughtful multifamily builder in the Minneapolis area. We’ll discuss his development work and story as well as his efforts to build camaraderie–online and offline–in the real estate community. The episode will also touch on how cities could make better housing policy and the secrets to success as an aspiring real estate developer.Sean Sweeney has a unique way of approaching the real estate development journey, so I’d encourage everyone to check this one out!The Thesis Driven Leader Series is made possible with the support ofNeutral. Neutral is redefining multifamily real estate with a focus on sustainability, resident health and well-being. For example, Neutral is building the tallest mass timber and Passive House residential building in the U.S with a state-of-art wellness club in Milwaukee. Beyond environmental impact, Neutral offers investors access to substantial sustainable tax credits and deductions. Accredited investors can explore available opportunities at invest.neutral.us or connect directly with their team to learn more.

In this engaging conversation, Roman Pedan, Co-founder and CEO of Kasa, discusses the dynamic intersection of apartments and hotels in the evolving flex rental market. He shares insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped this sector and the strategic adaptations necessary to thrive. Roman also highlights the impact of technology and AI on real estate, as well as the importance of innovation for property owners. With his entrepreneurial experience, he offers a forward-thinking perspective on future growth opportunities in multifamily rentals.

Clelia Peters, Founder and Managing Partner of Era Ventures and a pioneer in proptech investing, shares her unique insights from managing a family brokerage to founding her own venture firm. She discusses her unorthodox investment strategies, emphasizing hard assets over software solutions. The conversation explores the challenges of real estate technology, the emotional significance of home ownership, and the evolving market dynamics in the residential brokerage sector. Peters also highlights upcoming trends in PropTech and the importance of sustainability in real estate.

Author Charles Marohn, an advocate for redesigning cities for livability, discusses the future of cities, emphasizing design and policy interventions. He explores the role of technology and how real estate developers can create better places. Marohn's insights are relevant for anyone interested in innovating in urban design.