Business Breakdown with Brian Bandell

An in-depth conversation with developers Alan Hooper and Tim Petrillo on their massive project in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village and what type of restaurants, retailers and office tenants are coming. The CEO of the Restaurant People also discusses the vibrant dining scene and what restaurant he will open next.

Real estate developer and President of Rilea Group, Diego Ojeda, shares insights into his innovative projects, partnership with Pitbull, and his embrace of cutting-edge financing like crypto and C-PACE. With projects in the pipeline across Wynwood, Brickell, and beyond, Diego’s story is an inspiring blueprint for entrepreneurs eager to create culture-rich, future-proof spaces. Plus, hear about the rising trend of switching from apartments to condos, a massive foreclosure lawsuit on a Miami condo project, and why a Miami Beach hotel is laying off employees. 

Retail expert Michael Comras reveals his plans for the famed Lincoln Road strip on Miami Beach and how his successful revitalization of Coconut Grove will play a part in the future of Lincoln Road. Comras also discusses how to lured an Apple store to Miami Worldcenter and the future of Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.

From billionaire home purchases to landmark redevelopment projects, South Florida’s real estate scene is changing rapidly. This episode takes a closer look at David Martin’s vision for the Miami Seaquarium, Mark Zuckerberg’s massive Miami property purchase, and the broader wave of investment flowing into the region. Tune in to learn more about the growth of co-working spaces, the struggles of traditional movie theaters, and where the market may be headed next.

Unlock the secret behind the towering developments of David Martin of Terra, one of the most prolific developers in South Florida. In this two-part episode, Martin discuses his mixed-use development headed for a public vote in Boca Raton and reveals how the region could create more affordable and workforce housing.

Nitin Motwani shares the inside story of Miami World Center, a visionary project decades in the making that has helped redefine downtown Miami. From early skepticism to extraordinary results, Motwani breaks down the strategic decisions, community partnerships, and economic development efforts that fueled one of the city’s most ambitious transformations.

A deep dive into the Miami housing market with Ana Bozovic, plus a major financial company moving executives to West Palm Beach and big news for the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus.

Misha Ezratti, the president of GL Homes, reveals a major new deal in Westlake, a long-running plan to develop the Calusa golf course in the Miami area, and the future of homebuilding in South Florida. Plus, tourism reporter Cortney Danielle Moore discusses the latest cruise line news.

Jimmy Tate reveals how he overcame monumental challenges to win approval for the $2 billion renovation of Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale. This iconic resort hosts the region’s largest boat show and Tate spoke about how his project will enhance the setting for the show. He’s also selling luxury condos with the St. Regis brand in partnership with the Related Group.

Matthew Whitman Lazenby, CEO of Whitman Family Development, breaks down the evolution and ambitious expansion of Bal Harbour Shops. He talks about overcoming a big challenge when the anchor tenant he pinned the expansion on went out of business. He stresses the need for workforce housing in his wealthy city as he aims to build on the mall property through the Live Local Act. Brian Bandell and Fred Gonzalez dig into today’s real estate challenges and what’s next for luxury retail and mixed-use development.

Brian Bandell interviews billionaire Stephen M. Ross about his vision for transforming West Palm Beach into a model community. The conversation covers the importance of education, healthcare, and inclusive housing in fostering growth. The discussion also touches on recent developments in retail, including the acquisition of Aventura Mall, Lincoln Road properties and Larry Ellison's purchase of Lion Country Safari, highlighting the potential for revitalization and investment in the area.

While Moishe Mana is the largest owner of land in downtown Miami and Wynwood, he hasn’t been in a hurry to build. Mana explains his vision for the city, including his focus on technology companies, arts and fashion, along with the challenges that have caused him to pivot his strategy. Will Mana join Miami’s building boom?

In this episode of Business Breakdown, Brian Bandell discusses the evolving media landscape with Andy Ansin, owner of two major TV stations in South Florida. The conversation covers the recent America Business Forum, Trump's appearance at the event, and the impact of New York migration on Florida's economy. Andy Ansin explores his journey in the media industry, the strategic importance of network affiliations, and the challenges faced by local broadcasters in the age of streaming. He shares insights on the revitalization of North Bay Village through real estate development and the creation of a lifestyle center in Miramar. 

Brian Bandell and the news team discuss Moishe Mana’s development plans and tech initiative in Miami, Stephen Ross’s tech incubator, big plans for Fisher Island that could impact Port Miami, and more.

Tere Blanca, CEO of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, talks about big deals in the Miami office market and whether the momentum will continue. Brian Bandell is joined in the newsroom by Fred Gonzalez and Courtney Danielle Moore, exploring the challenges faced by Spirit Airlines amidst its bankruptcy and the implications of Miami Dade College's decision to give away prime land for a potential Trump presidential library.

The developer behind numerous high-profile developments in South Florida talks about how he finds deals and forms partnerships with major developers.

Brian Bandell and the SFBJ staff discuss the biggest news of the week, including a condo buyout on Miami Beach, the emergence of a coastal neighborhood and construction industry leaders measuring the impact of immigration enforcement on their workforce.

The leaders of South Florida’s largest condo developer speak about how they create personality in their buildings and the trends with buyers.

Rick Case Automotive CEO Rita Case talks about her top-ranked dealerships and Brian Bandell breaks down big stories like the future of Brightline.

Brian Bandell explains what’s causing the slowdown in home sales and why more developers are facing foreclosure lawsuits.

Condo developer Gil Dezer discuses his latest luxury condo projects, a potential mall redevelopment and his favorite cars.

NSI Insurance CEO Oscar Seikaly answers pressing questions about Florida’s insurance market. Have homeowner insurance rates come down? Why is auto insurance the most expensive in the nation? Will tariffs impact insurance rates?

Grant Cardone, the CEO of Cardone Capital and founder of the 10X brand, has raised more than $1.5 billion through crowdfunding to invest in real estate and bitcoin.

Matt Caldwell talks about how a business turnaround and diligent hiring helped the Panthers reach greatness on the ice.

Randy Carr, CEO of manufacturer World Emblem, discusses how tariffs have cost his business money and will raise prices for consumers.

Brian Bandell speaks with Jorge Garcia, CEO of architecture firm Garcia Stromberg, about how he uses AI.

Join Brian Bandell, Real Estate Editor for the South Florida Business Journal, as he covers the hot topics and powerful people shaping business in South Florida.  In this episode, Hugo Pacanins of Pinnacle Housing explains why it’s so difficult to build workforce housing in South Florida and why the Live Local Act has been slow to produce.

Business Breakdown with Brian Bandell is your go-to podcast for an in-depth analysis of the business landscape in South Florida. Join Brian Bandell, Real Estate Editor for the South Florida Business Journal, as he delves into the hot topics and influential figures that are shaping the business environment in the region. Each episode breaks down a major business story with newsroom and expert guest opinion, covers the top headlines and debates the biggest deals in South Florida's business world. Business Breakdown with Brian Bandell is proudly presented by the South Florida Business Journal and sponsored by Suffolk, redefining how America builds.