Between Two Chairs - Demystifying Commercial Real Estate

In this episode of Between Two Chairs, Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann sit down with Ana Bozovic, founder of Analytics Miami and MiamiDealSheet.com, for a data-driven conversation on where the Miami real estate market is headed next. The discussion moves from Ana’s background in mathematics, physics, and competitive athletics to the macro forces reshaping South Florida: domestic wealth migration, luxury transaction volume, pre-construction opacity, replacement-cost pressure, and the widening gap between headline narratives and market reality. As hosts of Between Two Chairs and leaders at Avanti Way Commercial, the premier commercial real estate brokerage in Miami and South East Florida, Fernando and Jennifer guide listeners through the strategic questions investors should ask before buying into South East Florida commercial real estate. The episode highlights why trusted data, segment-specific analysis, and non-reactive decision-making matter in a market still early in its long-term transformation. For investors, developers, brokers, and business owners, this conversation offers a grounded framework for evaluating Miami’s next phase of growth.Key Takeaways· Miami market shift is being driven by macro forces, domestic wealth migration, and long-term confidence in South Florida’s trajectory.· Luxury real estate demand remains strongest at the highest price-per-square-foot segments, where new and prime product continues to attract capital.· Pre-construction pipeline visibility is a major challenge for consumers because many projects are not easily searchable through traditional listing channels.· Replacement-cost pressure is reshaping affordability, especially as land and construction costs make new lower-priced condo inventory difficult to deliver.· Data-driven investing requires moving beyond headlines, lagging indicators, and bias-confirming narratives to understand true supply-and-demand directionality.

In this episode of Between Two Chairs: Demystifying Commercial Real Estate, Fernando Arencibia Jr. and Jennifer Wollmann take the Kindergarten Series in an unexpected direction: Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. What starts as a playful tribute to Fred Rogers becomes a practical conversation about the core skills that make great commercial real estate professionals stand out—curiosity, listening, consistency, authenticity, execution, and kindness.Jennifer makes the case that Mr. Rogers may have been the “secret greatest CRE broker to ever live,” because he modeled the very behaviors brokers, investors, and advisors need every day: showing up in the neighborhood, learning how businesses operate, asking better questions, making people feel seen, and building trust one conversation at a time.Key Takeaways· Curiosity is a competitive advantage. The best CRE professionals ask questions to understand people, businesses, operations, and submarkets—not just to confirm what they already think.· Relationships outlast transactions. Trust is built one conversation at a time, and the strongest brokers invest in communities rather than chasing one-off deals.· Listening reveals the real problem. Great advisors pause, ask follow-up questions, and uncover the client’s true pain points before offering solutions.· Execution beats endless preparation. Training, conferences, and planning matter, but progress happens when you apply what you learn and take action.· Consistency builds trust. Clients value predictability: returning calls, communicating clearly, telling the truth, and following through.· Set expectations early and often. Whether in brokerage, investing, or build-outs, people want to know what to expect before they move through a complex process.· Kindness is not weakness. Treating people with dignity can strengthen negotiations, deepen empathy, and help advisors guide clients more effectively.Why CRE Professionals Should ListenThis conversation reframes commercial real estate success around fundamentals that are easy to discuss but hard to practice consistently. Brokers, investors, business owners, and anyone building a market presence will hear practical reminders about being present in the community, understanding clients’ operations, communicating value, and becoming a trusted guide instead of a transactional salesperson.Some of the Mr Rogers' episodes referenced in this episode:Mr Rogers talks about curiosity Haircut episodeCrayon episodeSuper Bowl 2026 Lady Gaga's rendition of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” with the incomparable Lady Gaga Mr Rogers addresses Congress

In this episode of Between Two Chairs: Demystifying Commercial Real Estate, hosts Fernando Arencibia Jr. and Jennifer Wollmann sit down with Jose Almirall and Laura Salom, the husband-and-wife team behind Porta Negra Design and Build, to explore how luxury residential development shapes the future of Miami commercial real estate. From South Miami and Coral Gables to Pinecrest and the City of Miami, the conversation connects rooftops, retail demand, permitting complexity, construction costs, buyer psychology, and the relationship-driven mindset required to succeed in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country.Why Miami Commercial Real Estate Brokers Should ListenTop Miami commercial real estate brokers know that retail follows rooftops. This episode offers an inside look at how high-end residential construction, luxury homebuyer demand, local permitting, and neighborhood transformation influence commercial property opportunities across South Florida. Jose and Laura share how they built a data-driven, relationship-centered design-build company over 10 years, evolving from South Miami flips into large-scale custom homes and ultra-luxury new construction.

In this episode of Between Two Chairs, Fernando Arencibia Jr. and Jennifer Wollmann break down the Q2 2026 South Florida commercial real estate market and what it means for Miami commercial real estate brokers, investors, landlords, tenants, and developers. Using the latest South Florida commercial market data, they discuss why sales volume may be down while fundamentals remain strong, where institutional capital is moving, and why Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach continue to stand out nationally.The conversation covers the continued flight to quality across office, industrial, retail, and multifamily; the rise of Broward County as a stronger commercial real estate connector; the impact of new construction pipelines; and the opportunities emerging in Class B and Class C office buildings, small industrial lots, and value-add commercial assets throughout Southeast Florida.Key Topics Covered· Q2 2026 South Florida commercial real estate sales trends· Why South Florida commercial sales declined while market fundamentals stayed strong· Miami office market performance· Industrial real estate rent moderation· Retail real estate strength· Multifamily construction, rent pressure, absorption, and long-term demand· Broward County’s acceleration as a commercial real estate investment market· Flight to quality and investor demand for well-located commercial assets· Opportunities in Class B and Class C office conversions and improvements· · What brokers and investors should monitor in Q3 and Q4 2026Miami Association of Realtors Commercial ReportMiami Commercial Office Report

In this episode of Between Two Chairs, hosts Fernando Arencibia and Jennifer Wollmann explore how authentic storytelling, hyperlocal content, and community-building can transform a real estate brand. Joined by Miami realtor Lynley Ciorobea, the conversation moves from career reinvention and social media consistency to the deeper business value of relationships, collaboration, and showing up with purpose. Lynley Ciorobea is the founder of Lynley Residential Group at Real Broker LLC, specializing in seller representation in Coral Gables, South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Coconut Grove. Through practical examples like “Car Confessions,” Coffee and Convos, and viral neighborhood updates, the episode reveals why local expertise is built through repetition, generosity, and trust—not just listings and sales stats. This discussion reinforces a core market truth: the strongest real estate professionals are not only transaction advisors, but community connectors.Investors, brokers, and business owners interested in Miami and South East Florida commercial real estate will hear why consistent visibility, authentic content, and collaborative networks create long-term authority in a competitive market.3. Key Takeaways· Hyperlocal marketing builds trust faster than generic real estate content because it speaks directly to the neighborhoods and communities people care about.· Community building is a long-term business strategy: relationships with agents, local leaders, clients, and business owners compound over time.· Social media consistency matters more than perfection; repeated visibility creates recognition, credibility, and inbound opportunities.· Miami market storytelling works best when complex real estate updates are made simple, visual, and shareable.Commercial real estate authority grows when brokers show local fluency, collaborate across networks, and contribute value before asking for business.Connect with Lynley Ciorobea! LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcrealestate/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lynleyresidential/ Website → https://lynleyresidential.com/ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAv81z_uM3tPwgPq_t8Z0FA/featured

Real estate is a relationship business—and in commercial real estate, relationships can be the difference between seeing a deal after everyone else and hearing about a market shift before it becomes public knowledge.In this episode of Between Two Chairs: Demystifying Commercial Real Estate, Fernando Arencibia Jr. and Jennifer Wollmann kick off August’s relationship-building theme by exploring the professional communities, associations, and local networks that help commercial real estate brokers, investors, lenders, appraisers, developers, property managers, attorneys, designers, and service providers build trust, share market intelligence, and serve clients better.They discuss why commercial real estate networking is especially important in markets like South Florida, where information on lease terms, off-market opportunities, neighborhood trends, asset-class shifts, and transaction history often moves through trusted broker-to-broker conversations rather than public platforms.The conversation highlights national and international commercial real estate organizations—including the National Association of Realtors, CCIM Institute, SIOR, ICSC, ULI, CREW Network, IREM, and the Realtors Land Institute—along with South Florida resources such as Miami Realtors Commercial and CIASF, the Commercial & Industrial Association of South Florida.In This Episode Learn:· Why relationship building is essential in commercial real estate brokerage· How professional communities help new brokers understand local markets faster· Why broker-to-broker relationships matter for lease comps, sale comps, off-market opportunities, and neighborhood insight· The value of commercial real estate associations such as CCIM, SIOR, ICSC, ULI, CREW, IREM, RLI, Miami Realtors Commercial, and CIASF· How networking events, market tours, lunch-and-learns, deal-making sessions, and local chapters create real business value· Why giving information, making introductions, and being a resource matters as much as asking for help· How South Florida’s commercial real estate ecosystem supports brokers, investors, lenders, appraisers, inspectors, developers, and service providers

What separates an average commercial real estate broker from one who becomes an indispensable advisor?In this episode of Between Two Chairs: Demystifying Commercial Real Estate, hosts Jennifer Wollmann and Fernando Arencibia Jr. sit down with Lindsey Barden, Principal Broker and Co-Founder of Dark Horse CRE, to discuss one of the most specialized areas of commercial real estate brokerage: retail tenant representation.Whether you're a commercial real estate broker in Miami, South Florida, or anywhere in the country, you'll discover how successful tenant representatives help businesses expand, identify profitable retail locations, analyze demographics beyond simple data reports, and become trusted long-term advisors instead of transaction facilitators.Lindsey shares how she built a successful retail brokerage by specializing in franchise expansion, site selection, and helping multi-unit operators strategically grow across new markets. Rather than relying solely on demographic reports, she explains why understanding traffic flow, customer behavior, local market knowledge, and future development patterns often matter more than population statistics alone.In this episode you'll learn:How commercial real estate brokers create long-term value through tenant representationWhy retail tenant representation differs from landlord representationHow franchise brands select new marketsWhat makes an ideal retail locationWhy local market expertise often beats demographic reportsThe importance of traffic patterns, curb cuts, visibility, and accessibilityHow commercial real estate professionals develop lasting client relationshipsStrategies for choosing a profitable niche in commercial real estateHow retail brokers use ICSC and Retail Live to build national relationshipsWhy authenticity on social media can become a powerful business development strategyWhat do figure skating, time management, horseback riding, and co-tenancy have to do with commercial real estateWho to work with if you are looking for retail space in Knoxville or East Tennessee (Lindsey, of course).Jennifer and Fernando also explore the importance of specialization in commercial real estate, how retail brokers evaluate communities beyond traditional market reports, and why becoming part of your client's growth strategy leads to stronger long-term relationships and repeat business.Quote of the episode: "Ride through the messy." Lindsey Barden

In this episode of Between Two Chairs: Demystifying Commercial Real Estate, we break down one of the most important steps for any real estate investor: defining your “buy box.” Instead of chasing anything that looks like a “good deal,” we explain how investors can create a clear investment framework based on goals, asset class, location, price range, property quality, management expectations, and desired returns.The conversation explores why a buy box helps investors move from vague interest to focused decision-making. We discuss how an investor’s “why,” risk tolerance, available time, market knowledge, and personal experience should shape the types of properties they pursue. Topics Covered· How to define a commercial real estate buy box· The difference between chasing deals and following an investment philosophy· How asset class affects management intensity and risk· Why location analysis goes beyond liking a market· The role of demographics, zoning, and economic drivers· How to evaluate price beyond the purchase number· Why flexibility matters in real estate investing· How operational experience can create value· Lessons from Airbnb, multifamily, industrial, self-storage, hotels, land, and retail· How brokers can help investors clarify what they actually want to buySuccessful investing starts before the search begins. By defining a buy box, investors can narrow their focus, learn their market, evaluate opportunities more objectively, and act with confidence when the right deal appears. The best buy box is not just about numbers; it should also reflect lifestyle goals, management capacity, risk tolerance, and the investor’s own strengths.Whether someone is buying a long-term rental, a short-term rental, an industrial box, a self-storage facility, or a small hotel, the key is to know how the property makes money, what could go wrong, what alternatives exist, and how the investor’s own experience can improve performance.If you are interested in investing in real estate and want help defining your buy box, reach out to Fernando and Jennifer to talk through the questions they use when evaluating their own investment criteria.

A good friend of ours called one day and said, "You have to do a podcast episode on how to retire from real estate so agents and brokers don't have to work until their 90's -- unless they are able and want to." Gus Fonte an industrial broker and investor that we interviewed, knows the value of investing in what he knows and will be able to retire whenever he wants. We decided to interview Chris Sierra, CPA,to have him highlight the main steps to take at different stages of your real estate career.To set yourself up for a successful retirement as a real estate agenthere are some of his basic tips: structure your business properly, organize your finances, and invest consistently for the long term. To find out exactly how to do each of those steps, and what other ones to take at different stages of your career, pull up a chair and join us!

From office space to living space, the conversation over converting unused office space has been a topic of conversation since COVID. In this episode, we look at office to residential conversions in South Florida via two distinct projects: The Hazel in Doral and The Hyve at Dadeland. The conversation highlights how highest and best use, land size, zoning changes, construction costs, floor plate challenges, parking, walkability, transit access, and surrounding amenities all influence whether an office building is preserved, converted, or torn down. Overall, the episode frames these projects as major bets on South Florida’s evolving real estate market, especially as developers look for ways to turn aging office properties into housing while better connecting them to the communities around them.

As part of a commercial real estate sale, you will most likely do a Phase I and maybe even a Phase II Environmental Assessment. In this episode, Nicholas Moran of Moran Rocks goes through the steps required to protect the buyer from environmental issues that may arise or already be present due to previous owner or tenant activities. Before you put in a offer, make sure the due diligence period will allow for the turnaround time for these important inspections.What is a reliance letter? How long does it take to complete a Phase II?What should you look for when walking a site?This discussion with Nicholas and his experience as a previous regulator, geologist and environmental consultant, provides our listeners with unique insights from both sides of the regulatory aisle.

The beginning of the year predictions that interest rates would drop, has not happened and the current inflation rate actually indicates that there will probably be a rate increase before the year end. The war with Iran and the mid-term elections all add continued uncertainty in the market.That being said, retail vacancies are still low, shopping centers are in high demand with investors, Class A office space in many Miami markets is being absorbed, and immigration to Florida, while slower than it was, is still a positive.There is pressure on industrial and multi-family rental rates, but there investors are still bullish on the area, building housing under the Live Local Act or converting office to residential. In summary, Miami fundamentals are strong and capital is still flowing into CRE.

What do a military family, the Women's Investment Summit, and self storage have in common? Lauren Rothlisberger of Everett & Harvey and Serious Storage. In this episode Lauren shares her investment journey from residential rental properties into self storage and the nuances of being a General Partner. Her path hasn't been easy, because let's be real, real estate deals aren't easy, but it has been extremely well thought out. From the conscious tie to family with the business name to the details of scaling a business while living overseas, Lauren's background as a military wife plays a strong role in her investing and operating strategies. Three of the many takeaways include:1) Assessing real risk vs perceived risk and backwards plan for worst case scenario 2) Always look at the repositioning options further down the road and3) How to overcome the challenge of obtaining commercial financing when you are new to commercial real estate investing.Whether you are a current or aspiring real estate investor, this episode will provide you with insights into the self storage niche. Thank you for pulling up a chair!

The World Cup starts today, June 11 and Miami will host our first match on June 15. Planning for this event, that will put Miami on the world stage again - we just wrapped up F-1, started as soon as Miami was awarded the 2026 World Cup four years ago.From fan transportation to and from the games and events, to the logistics of moving players, equipment, food and beverage to the stadium and events, there are a lot moving parts. Luckily for Miami, a lot of the infrastructure projects including the airports, stadiums and roadwork, had already been underway due to the growth the region experienced during COVID. I am sure there will be some challenges,

What do Scrooge McDuck, The Square Grouper, Goldman Sachs, commercial real estate and taxes have in common? The answer is Jon Hilley, founder of 1031 Specialists. In this episode, we dive into why so few sellers do 1031 exchanges, what differentiates 1031 Specialists from other intermediaries and the Golden Strategy.Jon brings his wide range of experience, curiosity and his "Client Happiness Project" to elevate the 1031 experience. "We are in the joy business".FEA Economic Impact Studies of 1031 Exchanges

What’s really driving Miami commercial real estate right now? In this episode, we break down the forces behind the market’s momentum—from record tourism and global events to tech growth, international investment, and shifting consumer demographics.Using the latest tourism trends and real-world examples, we explore how major demand drivers like Formula One, the World Cup, Art Basel, and eMerge Americas ripple through Miami’s commercial landscape. This isn’t just a hospitality story. It’s a conversation about how visitor growth fuels retail, industrial, office, mixed-use development, infrastructure, and the broader business ecosystem across South Florida.We also discuss how rising international travel patterns from regions like South America, Europe, Asia-Oceania, and Africa often become early signals for business expansion, capital inflows, and long-term investment activity.If you want to understand where the Miami commercial market may be heading next, this episode connects the dots between the numbers, the headlines, and the opportunities on the ground.

In real estate it is all about location, location, location... In this episode we sit down with Bob Gillespie, Managing Partner of REACH Commercial at Second Century Ventures, to talk about what really drives success in PropTech. Bob shares his journey from computer science and startup operations to venture investing, and explains how REACH Commercial identifies technologies that can make commercial real estate faster, smarter, and more profitable.The conversation explores why commercial real estate has historically lagged in technology adoption, what makes a startup investable, and why Bob believes the founder often matters more than the initial idea. He also breaks down the biggest reasons PropTech companies fail, why traction is everything, and how associations can play a meaningful role in fostering innovation rather than just reacting to it.Bob also offers a candid perspective on AI in commercial real estate—what excites him, what makes him cautious, and why defensibility, workflow integration, and real market demand matter far more than hype. Along the way, he shares examples from companies in the REACH portfolio and gives listeners a rare inside look at how venture investors think about scale, adoption, and long-term value creation.

A practical, CRE-focused look at why wealth migration is reshaping South Florida’s office, multifamily, retail, and industrial markets—and what comes next.Miami isn’t just adding people—it’s absorbing capital, talent, and corporate gravity. In this episode, we break down the wealth migration into Miami and greater South Florida and what it signals for commercial real estate across the region.

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, what about a picture that has been manipulated by AI? According to an article in Florida Realtors Magazine, real estate fraud hit $275 million last year. Fraud has been increasing rapidly and AI is making it more difficult to detect fraudulent pictures, videos, documents and content. Sarina Ziv, cofounder of Proofmark, explains how rapid AI adoption is making it harder to trust what we see—and why that matters most when money, property, identity, and legal claims are on the line. She describes Proofmark’s origin in a warning-sign moment: receiving media that looked convincingly real to some viewers but “clearly fake” to her, prompting a deeper question—what happens when people can no longer discern what’s real?

From Brickell and Downtown Miami to Wynwood, Coral Gables, Kendall, and Aventura, coworking has become one of the most practical and creative responses to how people actually live and work in South Florida today. What started as a niche option for freelancers has grown into a core part of Miami’s business ecosystem. Tune in to this episode to learn why this office model works so well here. Including:Short‑term commitments instead of multi‑year leasesFully furnished offices with shared amenitiesThe ability to scale space up or down quicklyLocations closer to where people actually liveIn a city where traffic, lifestyle, and flexibility matter as much as square footage, the coworking model fits right in.

In this Earth Day–inspired episode, hosts Fernando Arencibia Jr. and Jennifer Wollman discuss how sustainability, resiliency, and climate strategy are reshaping South Florida’s commercial real estate market, moving the conversation beyond traditional drivers like supply, demand, and capital markets. They explore Miami-Dade County’s Sustainable Buildings Program and other regional initiatives that promote LEED-certified construction, long-term operational efficiency, employee wellness, and climate preparedness, emphasizing how these efforts can reduce costs, preserve asset value, and command higher rents. The episode highlights landmark developments such as 1450 Brickell, Brickell City Centre, and the Miami Design District—recognized as the world’s first LEED Gold–certified neighborhood—to illustrate how innovative design and resilient infrastructure enhance both performance and user experience. Fernando and Jennifer also examine the evolving role of ESG, the impact of stricter building codes and insurance reforms following Hurricane Andrew, and the challenges of retrofitting older buildings, concluding that sustainability in South Florida is ultimately about smart stewardship, durability, and responsibly accommodating continued growth in a changing climate.

South Florida is blessed with a beautiful environment; from beaches, to the Everglades, the wildlife and tropical foliage all contribute to an amazing quality of life. In Miami we have UDB to protect the Everglades, which in turn protects the Biscayne Aquifer. The importance of considering the environment in our developments and buildings is important to maintaining a quality of life and place that is worthy of leaving to our grandchildren and theirs and theirs. "Real estate is not just a transaction. For an owner it is stewardship. It is durability. It is thinking about today for what the building will need tomorrow." DeLeah Becker

In this episode we dive into an Instagram post by Ryan Serhant that starts with "ChatGPT blew up my $50 million deal". We use a lot of large language models to help us automate tasks, give us alternate scenarios that we may not be taking into consideration, but if you are using ChatGPT as a real estate advisor, you need to beware of confirmation bias. Large language models tend to confirm ideas and beliefs we already have so it is going to feed you the information you want to hear. A way to get over that is better prompts, uploading unbiased data or information and make sure you are not asking a question to assuage a fear or doubt you may have.

From 3 - 30%...that is Beth Azor's goal for increasing the number of women who invest in real estate. Is it doable? Absolutely! Through the collaboration and relationships made at the Women Real Estate Investment Summit, women who want to invest are able to network with women who are already investing or who syndicate real estate deals.Tune in to hear some of the highlights of this years summit.

Affectionately known as Ruben the Cuban, Ruben Ruban is a senior advisor at SVN who specializes in mixed use developments and asset repositioning. He is also the 2026 President of CCIM’s Miami Chapter, as well as the host of the CRE Cafecito Podcast.With his Panama hat and cigar in pocket, he epitomizes the Miami Cuban flair and brings that sense of warmth, culture, and diversity that makes Miami such a great place to live, work, play & invest.In this episode, Ruben leads us through some of the deals he has done, his thoughts on where in the cycle Miami real estate is, and where some of the growth and opportunities are today.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to build generational wealth through commercial real estate—and why the mindset required is fundamentally different from the traditional transaction-driven approach many investors take.The conversation challenges the common short-term investment cycle and introduces a powerful alternative: thinking in decades and even centuries, not quarters or years. Instead of focusing solely on immediate returns, we discuss how long-term ownership of strategic assets—such as land and trophy properties—can create enduring financial stability for families.But generational wealth isn’t simply about acquiring more assets. It requires intentional planning, financial literacy, and thoughtful stewardship. From estate planning strategies to tax-advantaged structures, the episode highlights how families can design systems that preserve wealth while empowering future generations to remain productive and responsible stewards.The discussion also touches on a critical shift for real estate professionals and investors: moving from transactional thinking to legacy building. When commercial real estate is approached with a long-term vision, it has the potential not only to transform family balance sheets, but also to shape communities and support lasting economic impact.Whether you’re a commercial real estate professional, investor, or someone thinking about the financial future of your family, this episode invites you to reconsider your time horizon and ask a powerful question:Are you closing deals… or building something that will benefit generations to come?Generational wealth isn’t built deal by deal. It’s built with a vision that extends far beyond your lifetime.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about the Florida Council of 100's Ambition Accelerated Campaign highlighting Florida's Gold Coast as center for the next generation of growth. Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade have been booming and though outsiders discuss a bust, those of us with boots on the ground are not seeing it largely due to the dedication people like Stephen Ross and Ken Griffin are pouring into the area."Where you choose to build a business determines how much time is spent driving growth versus navigating bureaucracy" - Ken Griffin

If I can invest in the stock market, crypto or gamble my life savings away without having to prove that I have the financial warewithal to do so, why do I have to be an accredited investor to invest in real estate? In this epsiode, we discuss the lawsuit that is challenging the accredited investor rule and how unlocking access to real estate investing would "...fuel life-changing innovation, and prove that America's markets work best when they are open to everyone...."

February’s theme, The Power of People & Place, comes to life in our conversation with South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez—attorney, former State House Representative, and civic leader guiding a “town going through a period of growth and dynamic change.”In this episode, we explore the social side of development—how cities evolve, how community identity is preserved, and why intentional growth is the difference between thriving and being forced to react.Mayor Fernandez shares a compelling comparison between cities like Paris and London—dense, walkable, mixed-use environments that feel human-scaled and integrated.His insight: If development isn’t intentional, it will eventually be forced by rising land values.“When you don’t invest or allow for investment to happen over time, land becomes more valuable, returns have to be larger because the basis is higher.”

This month’s theme — The Power of People & Place — comes to life through the children’s book A World Wonder by Laura Wiffler. with its message that speaks directly to the heart of commercial real estate: the spaces we build shape the way people experience community.In this episode, we explore how differences in people and buildings create the fabric of a neighborhood — whether we are building, buying, redeveloping, or leasing, what we are ultimately shaping is the community experience.Using Miami as our case study, we connect themes from the book to our own backyard:Ease of Travel & Connectivity Walkable urban cores, transit corridors, our international and executive airports and the ports, all connect us to our community and the world beyond, Diversity of Places & Architecture Miami’s layered identity — historic, modern, waterfront, cultural — reflects the book’s celebration of differences. Landmarks like the Freedom Tower and cultural institutions like the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) anchor community identity and tell the story of place.Community Through Events Events create shared experiences that define cities. Gatherings like Ultra Music Festival and global moments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup energize neighborhoods, activate real estate, and elevate Miami’s position on the world stage.This episode also serves as a thoughtful companion to our recent conversation with MJ Green of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, where we discussed how intentional development can strengthen the social fabric of downtown.At its core, A World Wonder reminds us that buildings are never just buildings. They are invitations, to gathers and create experiences.If you’re in commercial real estate, this episode will challenge you to think beyond transactions and toward transformation — because real estate decisions ripple far beyond square footage and rent rolls.

"Mixed Urban Is A Trend, Not Trendy" The 2026 CCIM Miami Monroe Outlook Conference delivered a clear message: Miami’s commercial real estate market is not collapsing — it’s recalibrating.In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways from industry leaders including Jeffrey Havsey of Moody’s Analytics, Terry Fraser Reid of Miami Freedom Park, Michael Berkowitz of Berkowitz Development Group, South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez, Carrie Smith of Franklin Street, Grant Killingsworth of CBRE, Edison Vasquez of ComReal, and Mitash Kripalani of Cushman & Wakefield.Some of the highlights include:Retail: Notable submarkets:BrickellWynwoodCoral GablesCoconut Grove (reestablished primary market)South Miami (Sunset Place redevelopment catalyst)Industrial: 2025 favored tenants, with:Higher concessionsSlower lease-up timesTariff-related pauses mid-yearBut new construction has slowed significantly, meaning fewer deliveries in 2–3 years. By Q4 2026, leverage is projected to shift back toward landlords.A key tension to watch: the disconnect between developer-required land pricing ($2–$2.5M/acre) and owner expectations ($3M+/acre).The Big Picture for 2026: Miami CRE is entering a phase of:Slower but stabilizing fundamentalsModerating rent growthDecelerating supplyImproving sentimentSector-specific leverage shiftsIt’s no longer a frenzy market. It’s a fundamentals market.And in that environment, underwriting, local expertise, and strategic positioning matter more than ever.

Miami Downtown Development Authority Chief of Economic Development and Strategy, MJ Green joins us to talk about Miami's major moment. We dive into the challenges, such as how to bring new business in while keeping the small businesses that help create Miami's culture; the focus of the DDA on individuals: safety, cleanliness, and events and business: incentive programs, networking, permitting assistance; and insights on where we are heading. Glydways, Brightline, Metrorail, Metromover and Freebee are all part of the transportation network that is going to help us get there. Learn how the DDA can assist you in transactions you have within the DDA boundaries. They are amazing partners whether you are a broker or owner!

It is an election year, which means Florida Realtors and the Florida Legislature start their meetings and session much earlier than usual. The conversations this year are all about affordability and potential policies that can make Florida more affordable. Insurance, housing, property taxes, permitting and zoning all affect affordability and legislators are looking at all of these items. Think Bigger is something Beth Azor encourages her women investors to do and we think it is appropriate in this context as well. Thinking bigger allows for a big picture view of how a policy aimed at one sector may affect another, often with uninteded consequences. How can tech help address some of the inefficiencies that lead to increase costs and, therefore, a decrease in affordability. These topics and more are explored in this issue, where we highlight some of the topics that arose during our midwinter meetings.

"The financial economy is built for people on salary, the whole thing," explains Brandon Wright, serial entrepreneur and CEO & Founder of Tongo, Monthly bills assume you’re paid twice a month. Credit scores reward predictable paychecks and penalize irregular income. Yet the majority of real estate agents, brokers, and investors are self-employed.In this episode, Brandon shares how his own entrepreneurial journey revealed the disconnect between modern work and outdated financial infrastructure—and how that insight led to the creation of Tongo. We explore the real financial challenges faced by indepenent contractors and small business owners, from cash-flow volatility to credit access, and what it takes to build tools that actually reflect how people earn money today.Whether you are a real estate broker, agent or investor, this episode will show you how to save more of what you make and free up your time to do what you do best, putting deals together and closing transactions.

Join us as we break down a small strip center listing we had in a transitioning market. How does pricing affect the number of offers you get? How do you work with multiple absentee owners, owners who don't want to counter any offers, what happens when you are circumvented after an NDA is signed. One thing about commercial real estate is that no two deals are ever the same and we learn something with every transaction. Pull up a chair and see if you learn anything as we dissect this deal.

Grease traps, storm drains, and septic tanks may not be glamorous—but ignoring them can derail a deal, delay an opening, or lead to major unexpected costs.In this episode, we get down and dirty with the experts at Day & Night Septic to uncover why these systems deserve serious attention during the due diligence phase of commercial real estate transactions—not just for purchases, but for leases as well, especially NNN leases where maintenance and repair obligations may fall squarely on the tenant.Section 21-49.2 of the Code of Miami-Dade County requires the seller or lessor to provide the purchaser or lessee with a FOG Generator Disclosure (Fats Oil & Grease)

The commercial refrain since 2022 or 2023 has been "Survive 'til '25". The extremely rapid rise in interest rates brought a lot of uncertainty to the market, especially for those assets with loans coming due at a time when rents were lower, vacancy rates were higher and, as a result, valuations were lower. Well, '25 is in the rear view mirror and the 4th quarter in South Florida, at least at our company, was strong in terms of both leasing and sales. Is this a sign of a 2026 CRE resurgence? Tune in to hear from ULI and The Counselors of Real Estate predictions for this year. We wish you a healthy and prosperous 2026 with new deals, relationships, and opportunities for growth.

Merry Christmas! We wish you a very warm (we are in South Florida after all), healthy, and happy holiday season full of memory making! In this episode we highlight Black Friday and retail sales at this time of year. Year end sales tell us a lot about the commercial real estate market, the health of the economy and give us a glimpse of where we are heading at the beginning of next year. We give a brief overview of Visit Florida's 2024 report to get a glimpse of how tourism affects our local cre markets. We also do a lot of name dropping! Beth Azor, DeLea Becker, John Crossman, Spencer Levy and Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer all get a shoutout.

2025 was the first full year of real estate under the new NAR rules, it was also the year when AI really took off. Changes overall are happening rapidly so what does the Broker of the Future look like? Join us in this episode where we discuss some of the challenges and opportunities for real estate brokers.

In this episode of Between Two Chairs, we sit down with Jennifer Gerson, Director of Community Engagement at Dade County Federal Credit Union from Dade County Federal Credit Union (DCFCU) to explore how a long-standing financial institution is driving community empowerment throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Fernando and Jennifer are passionate about the power of community—growing it, nurturing it, and helping people and small businesses thrive—and DCFCU embodies that mission through financial literacy, accessible lending, and deep local engagement.Listeners will learn what makes credit unions unique, who can become a member, and how DCFCU's programs—including the RISE Small Business Loan initiative—are unlocking opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Fernando gives us an overview of the economic data and policy topics presented at the National Association of Realtors Annual Convention. He touched on Lawrence Yun's presentation on the national commercial market and the economics behind it. He touched on the office market, retail demand, industrial and multi-family markets. We compared it to our local Miami MSA and touched upon the national issues with flood/hazard insurance and federal tax policies.

Melissa Kirsch, the deputy editor of Culture and Lifestyle at The New York Times, wrote an article about the Chain of Gratitude. The “consistent and intentional effort to acknowledge the good things in your life” is so important for our health, emotional and mental well being. In her article, Melissa challenges us to take gratitude a step further by tracing the origin of that gratitude. In this episode we dive into our chain of gratitude and count you, our listeners among our blessings. Wishing you a warm Thanksgiving full of new memories, good food, and time to spend with family and friends.

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Davis, CCIM—broker, educator, and author of SimpLEASEity and Simply Own It! The American Dream. With decades of experience helping business owners and investors in Metro Phoenix, Andrea brings a rare combination of clarity, practicality, and inspiration to the world of commercial real estate (CRE).Andrea breaks down why owning commercial real estate remains one of the most accessible and powerful paths to building wealth—and why it continues to be a core piece of the American Dream. From buying her own office condo for Davis Commercial AZ, to guiding countless clients through leasing and ownership decisions, Andrea offers a step-by-step roadmap for anyone looking to understand or enter the CRE space.We also dive into one of the biggest economic drivers in the western U.S. right now—the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plant in northern Phoenix. Andrea explains how this massive project is reshaping demand, pricing, and investment opportunities across the region.Whether you are a business owner, getting started in real estate as an agent or investor, or a seasoned pro, you will gain valuable insights on the process, potential and pitfalls of CRE.

Dear Street is a perfect book for Miami at this point in time. Miami has been booming and, though we don’t have 4 seasons here, we do have a lot of people who have been grumbling lately about Miami. Some of the things they grumble about include: traffic, affordability, construction, climate (heat, humidity,), traffic...This book reminds us: 1) to appreciate our community2) the acts of one person can have a positive effect on the community overall3) find the positives in an area, property, person, eventIf you are finding a lot of negative issues in your community or deal, figure out how you can fix, address, or offset the negatives. Not only will you solve the issue, you will feel good about doing so. Resolving issues is always better and more productive than grumbling about them ;-)

Spoiler alert: We’re starting this one at the end — because our guest, John Crossman, closes with a challenge that perfectly sums up the spirit of this episode: “Be more like Robin Webb," a broker, CCIM, and amazing human that we lost earlier this year.In an industry often seen as competitive, commercial real estate is, at its best, deeply collaborative. And few people embody that more than John Crossman — CEO of CrossMarc Services, industry thought leader, and passionate advocate for faith, leadership, and community.In this episode, John, Fernando and I talk about: The importance of impactWhy the retail asset class is not just about shopping centers, but about serving communities.How the classic film “It’s A Wonderful Life” beautifully illustrates the connection between community and commerce.The power of keeping your head in a space you can impact, and why perspective is everything in both leadership and life.John’s insights remind us that real estate — like life — is about far more than transactions. It’s about transformation.If you’ve ever wondered how faith, purpose, and community fit into the world of commercial real estate, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with both heart and impact.

In this episode, we break down how the DISC assessment —a simple yet powerful behavioral tool—can transform the way you manage your commercial real estate business. Whether you’re leading a brokerage team, negotiating deals, or nurturing client relationships, understanding DISC can help you communicate more effectively, close more transactions, and build stronger partnerships. This episode will help you increase your emotional intelligence, gain incredible insights into yourself, your clients, people you work with, even family members. We describe traits of the 4 different personality types to help you identify them and discuss how to leverage this information.

Repurposing underutilized buildings is something a lot of value add investors are familiar with. But what about repurposing an entire neighborhood? Thea Goldman was a part of the team that revitized Wynwood and changed it from a run down, tired, industrial district that ran into hard times into a vibrant arts and culture neighborhood. From Joey's Pizza, the catalyst to igniting this neighborhood, to the Wynwood Business Improvement District, Thea takes us on a tour of how Wynwood became what it is today and provides a rough blueprint for the long, arduous process it takes to make "a place go from not to hot".

Real estate involves a lot of money, unknowns, and a significant time commitment, so all of those things lead to FEAR. Fear Of Missing Out and Fear Of Making A Mistake, are both real fears, but with different behaviours associated with them. FOMO is related more to impulsive behaviour whereas FOMM is related to hesitation and both play a huge role in investing. Being able to identify which one of these you lean towards, will help you become more aware and keep you from making an investment mistake (by being too impulsive) or of missing out on an investment (due to fear of making a mistake). Google AI came up with “FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) drives impulsive actions due to the perceived fear of others' success or better experiences, while FOMM (Fear of Making a Mistake) causes paralysis and inaction due to the fear of making wrong choices, especially in investment or purchasing decisions. FOMO can lead to buying high or overspending, whereas FOMM can result in missing opportunities and delayed decisions”. Know yourself, analyze the investment and if you feel you may be looking at an investment from either FOMO or FOMM, institute one of the lifelines from "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" to help you through.

The City of Coral Gables is known as The City Beautiful for a reason. Designed by George Merrick in 1925, this City is centrally located, walkable, and a favorite of consulates and global headquarters including FIFA, Diagio, Bacardi among others. Several new projects, inlcuding The Plaza, have low vacancies and high rents due to demand for office and retail in the city center.

This episode provides insights on community, career mobility, and property opportunities from healthcare spouse and agent Joel Mora. Relocating for a job is always difficult for a family, but it happens frequently with workers in the medical field, especially in the early phases of a career. In this episode, Joel Mora, a healthcare spouse, discusses the logistics involved and focuses on the City of Weston, FL. Home to the Cleveland Clinic, this small town is where many healthcare workers live, since is within a 10 mile radius of approximately 6 major hospitals. Learn more about Weston's commercial real estate, their high priority on parks, and their innovative permitting process.