SF Commercial Property Conversations

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Scott Shute, the former Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs at LinkedIn. Scott shares his inspiring journey from Kansas to Silicon Valley, where he combined his passion for mindfulness and technology. At LinkedIn, Scott spearheaded mindfulness and compassion programs, revolutionizing how companies think about workplace culture.
Scott discusses the importance of balancing business success with compassion, exploring how companies that take care of all stakeholders—employees, customers, and shareholders—can be more profitable and sustainable in the long run. He introduces concepts such as "conscious business" and "mindful leadership," providing insights on how individuals and companies can thrive by fostering compassion and mindfulness.
Scott also provides practical exercises to help listeners cultivate a mindset of abundance and compassion, making a compelling case for why leaders in any industry should prioritize these values. Tune in to learn how to build a more conscious workplace and live a more fulfilled life.
Guest Bio:Scott Shute is a keynote speaker, author, and former Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs at LinkedIn. With a background in engineering and over a decade of experience at LinkedIn, Scott now focuses on bringing mindfulness and compassion to the workplace through his nonprofit, Changing Work. He is the author of The Full Body Yes and a pioneer in the fields of mindfulness and workplace culture.
----------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we dive into the fascinating journey of Brent Wickam, founder of Urban Rock Properties. Brent's story is one of grit, determination, and passion for commercial real estate. From growing up as a cowboy in Wyoming to establishing a successful career in San Francisco's competitive real estate market, Brent shares his unique experiences and insights.
Join Bruce and Brent as they discuss:
Brent’s early days in Wyoming and his decision to move to San Francisco.
His foray into the commercial real estate world during the economic downturn of the early '90s.
The ups and downs of Brent's career, including his ventures into the tech world and back into real estate.
Brent’s innovative strategies for finding off-market deals and his bullish outlook on the future of San Francisco’s real estate market.
His approach to buying and holding properties and the importance of relationships in the real estate business.
Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring stories.
Guest Bio: Brent Wickam is the founder of Urban Rock Properties, specializing in off-market commercial real estate deals in San Francisco and beyond. With a background in both real estate and technology, Brent brings a unique perspective to his work, blending traditional real estate practices with modern tech-savvy strategies. 
 
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of "SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean," we journey to Bali with Neill Kramer, who shares his unique experience of retiring in paradise. Neill, a former Bay Area tech entrepreneur, discusses how he transitioned from Silicon Valley startups to a tranquil life in Bali, where he has successfully built affordable properties and a new life.
Neill reveals how his passion for architecture and cost-effective building techniques led him to construct homes and even a hotel in Bali at a fraction of what it would cost in the U.S. He compares the $45-$55 per square foot construction costs in Bali to the skyrocketing $700 per square foot in California, offering insights into why building and retiring abroad can be an attractive option.
Throughout the conversation, Neill emphasizes the importance of having a purpose in retirement, the realities of living in a tropical paradise, and how to navigate the challenges of healthcare and legal residency as an expatriate. He also highlights the potential for building a new lifestyle in Bali, whether through real estate investment or simply enjoying a serene retirement.
For those intrigued by the idea of retiring in a tropical paradise or exploring affordable property development, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring insights from someone who has made it a reality.
Guest Information: Neill Kramer is the founder of the "Retire in Bali" Facebook group and author of a monthly newsletter on financial independence and senior living in Bali.
 
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this insightful episode, Bruce Bean sits down with Patrick Kennedy, the innovative mind behind Panoramic Interests, to explore his transformative journey in urban development. Patrick shares his unique approach to building in high-density areas, his experience with modular construction, and his thoughts on how rent control and union requirements impact housing costs. From his beginnings in Danville to his ventures in Berkeley and San Francisco, Patrick’s story is a testament to resilience and innovation in the face of challenges like financing hurdles, construction complexities, and a shifting urban landscape. Discover how his passion for development continues to drive him to redefine what’s possible in urban housing.
Guest Information:Patrick Kennedy is the Founder and CEO of Panoramic Interests, a real estate development company known for its cutting-edge work in urban housing.
 
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In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with Karen Kaminski, a pioneer in the salon suite industry. Karen shares her journey from beauty school dreams to creating a successful business model that supports salon owners and investors alike. Starting with a small opportunity in the beauty industry, Karen transformed the salon suite concept into a thriving business by opening five locations across Pennsylvania.
Karen talks about the challenges she faced in finding the right locations and how she streamlined the process for salon owners and commercial property investors. She explains the importance of market research, property management, and how her business model helps beauty professionals succeed by providing them with the necessary business skills. Whether you’re a beauty professional or an investor, Karen’s insights into the salon suite industry are invaluable.
Guest Bio:Karen Kaminski is the founder of Allure Salon Suite Consulting, a company that specializes in helping salon owners and investors create successful salon suite businesses. With a deep passion for the beauty industry and extensive experience in property management, Karen offers a unique perspective that combines beauty and business.
 
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we welcome Jay Greenberg, one of San Francisco's leading multi-family brokers. Jay shares his incredible journey from St. Louis to the competitive real estate market in San Francisco, where he has built a remarkable career since 1989.
Jay recounts his early days in the business, the challenges he faced during the economic downturns, and the resilience required to succeed in the fluctuating market. He offers insights into his strategies for navigating the complexities of San Francisco's multi-family real estate scene, including his approach to investment and property management.
Key Takeaways:
Jay’s transition from the insurance business to real estate.
The impact of the 1989 earthquake on San Francisco’s real estate market.
Strategies for success in a depressed market.
Jay’s tenure at Marcus & Millichap and his leadership role at Compass.
The importance of tenacity and networking in real estate.
Jay’s experience with buying and managing multi-family properties.
Join us for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice and inspiring stories from one of the top professionals in the field.
Guest Information: Jay Greenberg is a renowned multi-family broker based in San Francisco. He has over three decades of experience in the industry and currently works with Compass. Jay also writes the San Francisco Apartment Report for the San Francisco Apartment Magazine.
 
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, Bruce Bean sits down with Daniel Webster from US Bank. Daniel shares his remarkable journey from being a pro skateboarder to becoming a healthcare banker. Raised by a single mother in Upland, California, Daniel navigated the world of professional skateboarding before an injury redirected his path towards higher education. Encouraged by his mother, he attended UC Berkeley, where he discovered his passion for business. Daniel's career trajectory led him to US Bank, where he now pioneers a new division focused on financing for healthcare professionals.
Key Points:
Daniel’s early years in Upland, California, raised by a single mother and his passion for skateboarding.
Transition from skateboarding to business studies at UC Berkeley.
Daniel’s pivotal experiences and internships that shaped his career in banking.
The new medical finance program at US Bank and its benefits for healthcare professionals.
Personal insights into Daniel’s life, work-life balance, and future aspirations.
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, Bruce Bean sits down with Meris Ota, a structural engineer turned development coordinator. Meris shares her journey from growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii to studying at Stanford University and transitioning from structural engineering to real estate development. Discover the pivotal moment on a San Francisco high-rise project that sparked her career change, and learn about her work with HIP Housing, including their innovative programs and recent achievements. Join us for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, community impact, and personal growth.
Guest Bio: Meris Ota is a seasoned development coordinator with a background in structural engineering. She has worked with prominent real estate development groups and is currently a consultant. Meris is also the outgoing president of HIP Housing, a nonprofit dedicated to affordable housing in San Mateo County.
Key Points:
Meris's early life in Hawaii and her interest in the built environment
Her educational journey from Oahu to Stanford University
Transitioning from structural engineering to real estate development
Challenges and successes in her new role
Contributions to HIP Housing and its innovative programs
 
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest
 

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce interviews Nima Moridi, a seasoned Silicon Valley commercial real estate expert. Nima shares his journey from helping his father with real estate tasks in his youth to becoming a significant player in the Silicon Valley real estate market. He delves into his family's rich history, their escape from Iran, and how these experiences shaped his career. Nima also discusses his shift from residential to commercial real estate, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of the industry. Listeners will find inspiration in Nima's dedication to his craft and his thoughtful perspectives on the evolving real estate landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Nima's early start in real estate, helping his father and obtaining his real estate license at 18.
The impact of Nima's family's history in Iran and their journey to the United States.
Transitioning from a potential career in medicine to following his passion for real estate.
Differences between residential and commercial real estate and Nima's focus on multifamily properties.
The effects of the pandemic and AI boom on the real estate market in Silicon Valley.
Guest Bio: Nima Moridi is a Silicon Valley commercial real estate expert with over a decade of experience. Born and raised in San Jose, Nima comes from a multi-generational real estate family. He is passionate about real estate and martial arts, holding a black belt in Taekwondo and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest
 

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, Bruce Bean sits down with Reid Tileston, an entrepreneur who has mastered the art of business ownership by acquiring and growing existing businesses. Reid shares his journey from high school taxi business operator to successful business owner and author of "Grit It Done".
Episode Highlights:
Reid's early entrepreneurial experiences and the realization that buying an existing business can be a viable path to success.
The four avatars of business roles: employees, equity employees, business owners, and entrepreneurial business owners.
How Reid's book, "Grit It Done", outlines nine steps to business ownership and growth.
The parallels between owning a business and owning commercial real estate.
The current market opportunities, especially in the context of wealth transfer and the retiring baby boomer generation.
Reid’s personal stories and insights on the importance of relationships and trust in business.
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We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest