32: Leo S. Ullman - The Ironman

In. this episode, You will learn about building spaces with amenities to exceed expectations in this conversation with Ezra Stark, CEO of Stark Enterprises, a full-service real estate development company.

Stark Enterprises has a footprint of 9 million square feet of Class A properties in more than seven states with a value of over $2 billion. The company’s portfolio contains more than 50 properties in retail, office, apartment, hotel, and student housing segments.

You’ll hear about strategies to operate and sustain a family business as well. Ezra oversees the
company his father started, and he discusses ways to draw boundaries, gain experience, and
operate with an eye for the future.

You can connect with Ezra at LinkedIn and his website Stark Enterprises.
And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYCMy

Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson

My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about going public and managing REITs in this conversation with Kenneth
Bernstein, president and CEO of Acadia Realty Trust. Acadia is a real estate investment trust
which specializes in the acquisition, redevelopment, and management of open-air retail
properties. The trust owns or has ownership interest in more than 100 properties totaling
approximately $4 billion in value. In addition, Acadia launched Fund V, which is capitalized to
acquire $1.5 billion in retail.

You’ll hear about the advantages and drawbacks that come with going public or remaining
private. Kenneth discusses the development of Acadia, which he co-founded in 1998 and is a
public company. He also shares his thoughts from his experience in the retail trends of the past
decades, and the future of omnichannel in the industry.

You can connect with Kenneth at LinkedIn and his website Acadia Realty Trust.
And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson

My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You’ll learn the value of listening to tenants and working with not-for-profits with Brian Steinwurtzel, Co-CEO and principal of GFP Real Estate, a vertically integrated owner, operator, property manager, and developer of commercial real estate in the New York Tri-State Region. Helmed by three generations of family members over six decades, GFP’s portfolio includes some of New York City’s most iconic real estate assets, including the Flatiron Building and The Film Center.

You’ll hear how to build relationships to secure long-term leases, along with insight on converting office spaces to residential. Brian mentions that volunteering and contributing to improve the neighborhood can also increase the value of the real estate in those locations.

You can connect with Brian at LinkedIn and his website GFP Real Estate.  

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Forbes.com articles

You’ll hear about achieving financial freedom in this conversation with Marco Santarelli, a two-time Inc. 1000 entrepreneur, investor, author, and Broadway producer. Marco is the founder of Norada Capital Management and Norada Real Estate Investments, the largest nationwide provider of turnkey investment property.

You’ll also learn how Marco has a mission to help people achieve personal and financial goals. He offers training programs and covers the benefits of having a lifelong learner mindset. You’ll hear about the differences between active and passive investing, and the important role a sponsor plays in the outcome of an investment.

To connect with Marco, follow him on Instagram and visit his website.  

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson

My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about leadership skills and solving problems from G. David Bednar, principal and founder of Devotio Capital Management: The Real Estate Private Bank. His company serves as an investment advisor and fiduciary, providing bespoke, private real estate investing solutions to ultra-high net worth individuals and families. Prior to creating his own capital management platform, David spent time at other well-known real estate companies, including Ladder Capital, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.

You’ll hear how military service can be applied to real estate leadership, and how to draw on your experiences to provide more value to clients. David also explains that having a strong mentor can help you develop the skills you’ll need for long-time success. 

You can connect with David at LinkedIn and his website Devotio.

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Forbes.com articles

You will learn how to build a real estate business and create an investment fund with Gary Chesson, the retired co-founder of Trinity Partners, a full service commercial real estate firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gary and his partners also co-founded Trinity Capital Advisors, a private equity real estate investment firm which has invested $4.1 billion through acquiring and developing more than 28 million square feet of office and industrial assets primarily in the Southeast.

 You’ll hear how to create an open and generous culture which shares profits evenly. Gary offers advice on how to prioritize family, fun, and balance to avoid burnout. He also shares insight on having an entrepreneurial mindset and taking risks. Gary is the author of “Creating Trinity—Blueprints of a Real Estate Entrepreneur & Investor,” and mentors younger real estate professionals in his free time.

You can connect with Gary at LinkedIn.

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Forbes.com articles

You will learn how to educate investors to create a base for real estate investing with Moses Kagan, co-founder and partner at Adaptive Realty, which focuses on managing high-quality Southern California real estate. Adaptive Realty was founded in 2011 with no outside capital, and now owns about $200 million of real estate. 

You’ll gain insight on how to distribute content on social media to attract others who want to participate in a deal. You’ll also hear about the importance of looking at the numbers before moving forward with an acquisition. Moses emphasizes that the key to long-term success includes getting and keeping the trust of investors. 

You can connect with Moses at Twitter, his blog, and website Adaptive Realty.  

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to understand value in real estate investing with Jonathan Marcus, principal at New England Investment Partners, LLC, which focuses on the national market and actively pursues the acquisition of office, industrial, retail, and multi-family properties. The company takes a conservative and holistic approach to add value while improving the tenant experience.

You’ll hear about being involved in real estate when it’s a family business, and how to start on your own with real estate investing. You’ll also gain insight on moving from multi-family properties to office spaces. Jonathan discusses the advantages that come from continuing to move forward and raise capital when you find a great deal. 

You can connect with Jonathan at LinkedIn and his company website New England Investment Partners.  

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn how to get started, network continually, and build relationships in real estate with Brian Ray, co-founder, managing partner, and principal of Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners and ABR Partners, LLC, his family holding company. During his 20-plus year career, Brian has acquired, developed, and managed properties with a value exceeding $3 billion. 

You’ll glean information on how to set up partnerships and build long-term success, along with managing everything and having fun along the way. Brian advises looking at situations in a way to help solve problems and deliver an outcome to the client. A long-term approach can lead to great success, and Brian has been involved with iconic buildings across the New York skyline, including 40 Bond Street, Seagram’s Building, and One Rockefeller Center. 

You can connect with Brian Ray at LinkedIn and Instagram.

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You’ll learn about remote real estate investing in this conversation with Stacy Conkey. Stacy is a veteran real estate investor and co-founder of Remote Multifamily Investing Academy, which provides coaching and support for those interested in real estate investing. 

You’ll take away tips on overcoming fear, as Stacy describes how she got out of her comfort zone to become a public speaker and find properties that could generate cash flow. After going through training herself, she decided to create a solution that would help others who wanted to make connections and get started in real estate.

You can gain insight into setting metrics for remote real estate investing, which include looking at job growth and population trends. Stacy also explains her 1% rule and breaks down how joint ventures work. She encourages listeners to learn as they go and build on their past experiences to create a lasting portfolio.  

You can connect with Stacy on LinkedIn and through the Remote Multifamily Investing Academy Facebook group.

And I’m always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at:

My website: JamesNelson.com

LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC

Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC

Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC

My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson

My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson