CRE Simplified

In this episode I sit down with Ross Howard of JLL. Over the past 14+ years Ross has worked in the CRE tenant rep space. Today we will be unpacking the basics of tenant rep and the learnings of a decade long career in the industry. Hope you all enjoy! - Asa Moran

I wanted to understand what it’s really like to sell industrial properties in California… So I sat down with Allen Buchanan, an alumni from The University of Arkansas who works at Lee & Associates, to learn more about his business and advice for new brokers. Here’s what I learned: How to strategically network Ways to prioritize time as a broker Opportunities to think creatively How to find your specialty in brokerage Personally, my biggest learning was how important it is to th...

I wanted to learn how CRE professionals improvise while working on difficult deals... So, I interviewed Katy Lincoln & Charlie Norton We discussed 2 things - Difficult deals and how they responded - Their experience navigating career changes Biggest takeaway? People and persistence are the keys to being successful in this career.

I wanted to learn how deals are structured… So I sat down with Michael Holshouser, who works at Linville Team Partners, to break down the intricacies of deal structure and how it works. We covered: 1. How to gain ownership in CRE 2. Sourcing debt 3. Deal structure

I wanted to learn what asset managers actually do… So I sat down with Michael Eves, a University of Alabama alum who works in asset management, to break down the role and what it takes to manage and create value in real estate investments. We covered: The pre and post closing role asset managers play in acquisitionsForecasting performance and capital budgeting decisionsCreating value while keeping assets running smoothly

I wanted to learn how retailers decide where to put new stores…. So, I sat down with Matthew Jaeger, a University of Alabama alum, to break down retail strategy and site selection. We covered: The retail site selection processHow retail strategies shape communitiesWhat metrics retailers prioritizeHow cities attract the right retail tenantsAdvice for students breaking into the industry

I wanted to learn what it takes to succeed as a CRE financial analyst… So, I sat down with Sara Butler, a University of Alabama alumna and a financial analyst. My biggest takeaway: preparation creates confidence, and confidence wins business We also covered: • Investment management • Choosing an asset class • Why Argus matters • Building relationships

I wanted to learn what it’s actually like to work in healthcare real estate. So, I interviewed Carleton Compton, President & CEO of Healthcare Realty Group to hear about his path and what the medical real estate space looks like. What I learned: What due diligence really looks like in the medical office worldThe key growth drivers pushing healthcare real estate in TampaHow density shapes where new development actually happensPractical ways students can break into the healthcare side...

Ever wonder how private investors and companies actually raise millions for commercial real estate deals? I did too. That’s why I sat down with Jacob Schurman, a University of Alabama grad and analyst at BMC Capital in Dallas, Texas. In this episode we break down: What capital markets really means How to understand the capital stack The financing process from a capital markets perspective The two sides of brokerage If you’re curious about how big deals get funded, th...

Commercial real estate isn’t just about deals, it’s about the grit required to keep them alive. Scott McLain shares why persistence is the real advantage young professionals can’t afford to overlook. Why “every good deal dies three deaths” in CREThe role of persistence, creativity, and confidence in closing dealsWhy showing up and staying curious creates real opportunityHow young professionals can start building career momentum earlyLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/d-scott-mclain-86a8123 ...

I wanted to know what it’s really like to sell apartment buildings in NYC So I sat down with Mike Weinstein, a University of Alabama alum at Marcus & Millichap, to learn about his journey in multifamily brokerage. Here’s what I took away: • The timeline of a multifamily deal, from start to finish • How brokers get paid • Why it’s important to find your “why” before starting out Links Linkedin: https://tinyurl.com/6a7es342 Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/4f2hzzbp

In this episode, I sit down with Justin F. Brown, CPM®, Regional Manager at Arlington Properties, to dive into the realities of property management. Justin shares lessons from his early career, including the importance of preparation and accountability, and how small details can shape big outcomes. We discuss the pros and cons of working in multifamily real estate, entry level roles that fit different personality types, and why designations like ACoM and CPM matter. Students will gain insight...

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Student Edition, I sit down with Dan McGowan to talk about what it really takes to build a career in CRE. We dive into the importance of internal drive, showing up every day to move your business forward, and how being bold in your outreach can open doors. Dan also shares why patience is just as important, understanding that success in commercial real estate doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent effort and long-term vision. If you’re a stud...

Ever wondered how commercial real estate investors actually evaluate deals? In this episode, I sit down with Frank Gallinelli—author, professor, and founder of RealData—to break down the essential financial metrics and key terms every student should understand. Whether you're just starting out or looking to build a solid foundation, this is the perfect intro to how professionals think through commercial real estate. 🎓 Start speaking the language of CRE—this episode is your crash cours...