Season 1, Episode 5: Creating Opportunities for Underserved Communities in Real Estate—The Legacy of Dennis Cruzan

INFOIn this episode of BMC Talks, Host Alexander Alemany ’13 (MBA) interviews Dennis Cruzan, founding partner at Cruzan, and talks about diversity in the real estate industry, his life story, the five key plays he made to become successful, the “why” behind his legacy and how his work through the Real Estate Awareness and Diversity Initiative (READI), in partnership with the Burnham-Mooers Center for Real Estate, aligns with his company’s values.GUEST​Dennis Cruzan is the founding partner of Cruzan. He has over 35 years of experience in commercial real estate, including development, acquisitions, finance, leasing, and asset management. Previously, Dennis served as co-manager of JMI Realty’s hospitality, office, and multi-family development activities and acted as development partner with the Padres for the Ballpark District in downtown San Diego. Read his full bio. HOSTAlexander Alemany '13 (MBA) is a USD alumnus and the principal and founder of Hub & Spoke Communities​, a real estate development company that builds mixed income housing in walkable, urban neighborhoods. Read his full bio.ABOUT THE BMC TALKS PODCASTThe BMC Talks podcast series provides inside access to conversations with an array of real estate professionals to explore the shifts occurring in real estate, technology and society, which are shaping the future of our built environment. Host Alexander Alemany ’13 (MBA) also takes a deep dive into the personal and professional stories behind how his guests became successful and shares their valuable advice to anyone building a career in real estate or business. The BMC Talks podcast supports the mission of the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate (BMC), which is to help recruit, educate and mentor our real estate students with the goal of facilitating their career pursuits in a socially responsible manner. We accomplish this mission through the support of outstanding faculty and professional staff, dedicated career services, scholarship offerings, active industry involvement and outreach, and cutting-edge research. For more information about the Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business, visit www.usdrealestate.com or contact [email protected].