

The Best Ever CRE Show
Joe Fairless
Welcome to the Best Ever CRE Show, the world’s longest-running daily COMMERCIAL real estate podcast. Founded by Joe Fairless, a co-founder of Ashcroft Capital who went from buying $35,000 homes to controlling more than $2.7 billion in real estate assets, the Best Ever CRE Show provides commercial real estate expert insights, education, and timely information to our community of active and passive investors who want to build wealth, build a legacy, and do more good in the world.So if you want the real stories behind the good, the bad, and the worst ever deals — plus, insights into what really goes on in commercial real estate investing — you’re in the right place. Our hosts interview commercial real estate experts every day to uncover secrets and strategies YOU can use to become a better, more informed investor. This is the Best Ever CRE show.Join the Best Ever CommunityThe Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It’s free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow.Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 16, 2025 • 28min
JF3787: Understanding Captive Insurance, Property Owner Risk Management, & Group Policy Structures ft. Jerry Messick
In this engaging discussion, Jerry Messick, CEO of Unity Captive Solutions, sheds light on the innovative world of captive insurance, a game-changer for business owners aiming to manage their own risks. He breaks down the mechanics and administrative aspects while highlighting the importance of client education. Tune in to learn how captive insurance can optimize risk profiles, the implications for property owners facing rising costs, and the future of this complex yet rewarding insurance strategy.

Jan 15, 2025 • 36min
JF3786: Triple Net Development Strategy, Drive Through Risk Mitigation, & Exit Strategy ft. Chris Hatch
Chris Hatch, a third-generation commercial real estate owner and co-founder of Forza Commercial, dives into his transition to ground-up development, sharing a fascinating case study on Dutch Bros Coffee. He emphasizes the crucial role of networking in real estate, discusses financial insights, and explores the economics behind drive-through facilities. The conversation also touches on evolving growth strategies for coffee chains, the dynamics of investing in fast-food properties, and the optimistic outlook for retail in the coming years.

Jan 14, 2025 • 37min
JF3785: Commercial Real Estate Auctions, Due Diligence Process, & Setting Reserve Prices ft. Jim Palmer
On this episode of The Horizon with John Chang, Jim Palmer explains the intricacies of real estate auctions, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, the role of independent brokers, and the advantages of auctioning properties over traditional sales. He discusses the auction process, including the marketing period, bidding dynamics, and the significance of setting appropriate reserve prices. Jim also shares success stories that highlight the effectiveness of auctions in achieving favorable outcomes for sellers and buyers alike.Sponsors:Crystal View CapitalAltra Running Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 35min
JF3784: $300M Investment Fund Strategy & Market Volatility Preparation for 2025 ft. JC Clemens
In this discussion, JC Clemens, a seasoned real estate investor and head of production at Flagship Capital Partners, shares his insights on navigating today’s challenging investment landscape. He delves into effective fundraising strategies amid market volatility and the significance of authentic relationships with investors. JC emphasizes the shift towards larger fund structures and the need for trust in the investor-fund manager dynamic. He also explores the upcoming Best Ever Conference and offers valuable tips for new investors preparing for future opportunities in 2025.

Jan 12, 2025 • 31min
JF3783: Building a $350M Portfolio Through Small Bay Industrial & Neighborhood Retail ft. Nikita Zhitov
In this engaging conversation, Nikita Zhitov, owner of City Plat—a commercial brokerage with a stunning $350 million portfolio—shares insights into his journey in real estate. He discusses the strategic advantages of investing in small bay industrial and neighborhood retail properties. Nikita emphasizes discipline in acquisitions and the challenges of wearing both broker and investor hats. He also reflects on lessons learned from past investments and unveils exciting new projects in the Raleigh area, shedding light on the evolving market.

Jan 11, 2025 • 37min
JF3782: Self-Managing 1,200 Units & Creating Small Property Funds ft. Steven Weinstock
Joe Cornwell interviews Steven Weinstock, a seasoned real estate investor with a diverse portfolio of over 1200 units. Steven shares his journey from single-family homes to multifamily properties, emphasizing the importance of self-management and networking. He discusses the current market outlook, his experiences with bad deals, and his transition to a fund model for investing. Steven offers valuable advice for both new and seasoned investors, highlighting the significance of learning through experience and the need for responsible leverage.Sponsors:Crystal View CapitalAltra Running Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 10, 2025 • 42min
JF3781: How Getting the Right 'Who' Transformed a Failed Restaurant Owner into a Multifamily Maven ft. Michael Blank
Michael Blank shares his journey from being a pizza franchise owner to becoming a successful real estate investor. He discusses the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for real estate investing, the challenges of flipping houses, and the eventual shift to multifamily investing. Michael emphasizes the importance of having a team and the right mindset, advocating for the 'Who Not How' approach to achieve success in real estate.Sponsors:Crystal View CapitalAltra Running Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9, 2025 • 36min
JF3780: Why This Storage Investor is Building 500-1,000 SF Units for Contractors Instead of Standard 10x10s ft. Joe Downs
Amanda Crusie and Ash Patel interview Joe Downs, CEO of the Bellrose Group, who shares his journey into the self-storage industry. Joe discusses the current state of the self-storage market, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the evolving trends influenced by consumer behavior. He highlights the importance of niche markets and the potential for growth in the self-storage sector, particularly among younger generations. Joe also elaborates on his company's innovative approach to developing pro storage facilities tailored for contractors and small businesses.Sponsors:Crystal View CapitalAltra Running Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 2025 • 32min
JF3779: How This Developer Lost His 21-Story Building, Found Data Analytics & Rebuilt His Business ft. Eric Brody
Eric Brody, Principal at ANAX Real Estate Partners, shares his journey in real estate development, detailing the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how he navigated through setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, leveraging data and technology, and unique approaches to capital advisory. Eric discusses the current opportunities in the real estate market and offers advice for those facing challenges, highlighting the need for honesty, courage, and a focus on the present.Sponsors:Altra Running Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7, 2025 • 30min
JF3778: Demographics, Dining & Department Stores: How Boomer Wealth is Reshaping Retail in 2025 ft. Gregg Katz
John and Gregg explore the evolving landscape of retail in relation to demographic shifts, particularly focusing on the aging population and its impact on consumer behavior. They discuss how retailers can adapt to meet the needs of different generations, including baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. The conversation also delves into the future of grocery and open-air retail, highlighting the importance of experiential shopping and community engagement. Finally, they touch on investment opportunities in retail, emphasizing the potential for growth in sectors catering to older demographics.Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices