SF Commercial Property Conversations

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, Bruce Bean sits down with Jacob Sanchez, a commercial broker with BCCRE in San Jose. Jacob shares his unique journey from studying chemistry at San Jose State University to becoming a well-connected figure in commercial real estate.
Jacob reveals how his professors encouraged him to pursue a more people-oriented career, leading him into sales and eventually commercial real estate. With seven years in the industry, Jacob has carved a niche in industrial spaces and medical offices, working with a wide range of clients—from contractors to doctors.
Throughout the episode, Jacob talks about the challenges of relocating long-standing businesses, managing client expectations, and the importance of maintaining strong local connections in the South Bay area. He also shares his “secret sauce” for success, which lies in his love for people and the art of relationship-building. Whether it’s helping doctors move without losing patients or facilitating strategic business partnerships, Jacob’s passion for his work shines through.
Tune in to this insightful conversation to hear more about how chemistry, communication, and connections are the perfect mix in Jacob’s real estate career.
 
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In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we dive into the ever-evolving and chaotic world of real estate insurance with expert Rick Callaway from Acrisure. Rick shares his journey through multiple careers before landing in the insurance field, and sheds light on the current challenges facing property owners, especially in California.
Rick explains the impact of natural disasters and strict regulations, which are causing major insurance carriers to exit the state. He also discusses reinsurance, rising costs, and the challenges of obtaining adequate coverage for both residential and commercial properties. Rick highlights the complexities surrounding insurance in today’s market, offering advice to property owners on how to navigate these troubled waters.
From discussing insurance pricing discrepancies to his work on a new program addressing landlord liability for mold lawsuits, Rick provides valuable insights that every property owner should hear.
Key Takeaways:
California’s insurance crisis explained: why carriers are pulling out.
The role of reinsurance and why it’s crucial to the insurance industry.
Understanding admitted vs. non-admitted carriers.
Tips for property owners on how to secure the best insurance coverage.
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In this exciting episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, Bruce Bean sits down with retail real estate veteran Brian McAndrews. From his early days in the grocery and retail industry to becoming a key player in the real estate wars between Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, CVS, and Longs, Brian shares invaluable insights from his diverse career journey.
Brian's path is anything but linear—he began his career in retail and pivoted into commercial real estate, working for industry giants like CBRE and Hollywood Video. His journey didn’t stop there as he played pivotal roles in CVS's expansion during the "Drugstore Wars," ultimately ending up with Longs Drugs before its acquisition by CVS. Brian’s passion for real estate, his ability to thrive in competitive markets, and his stories about working with iconic companies will captivate anyone interested in corporate real estate, retail strategies, and leadership. Tune in to hear his thoughts on navigating the constantly evolving retail real estate landscape and how he successfully balanced career challenges with family life.
Key Takeaways:
How Brian transitioned from retail to commercial real estate with CBRE
Insights into the "Drugstore Wars" and CVS’s aggressive expansion
The behind-the-scenes of Hollywood Video’s rise against Blockbuster
Longs Drugs' battle with Walgreens and its eventual sale to CVS
The value of strong relationships and networking in real estate
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 sits down with Jonathan Parker, a San Francisco native and a man of many talents—real estate developer, filmmaker, and former musician. Jonathan shares his unique journey from growing up in San Francisco’s Forest Hill neighborhood to navigating the commercial real estate scene with a creative twist. They dive into Jonathan’s early exposure to real estate, his transition from music into filmmaking during the rise of MTV, and his recent work, including the documentary Carol Doda: Topless at the Condor.
Jonathan also sheds light on the changes in San Francisco's real estate landscape, his vision for redeveloping downtown San Rafael, and the evolving challenges brought on by the pandemic. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends art, business, and the ever-changing Bay Area real estate market.
For more information on Jonathan Parker, visit parkerfilmcompany.com. Check out the documentary Carol Doda: Topless at the Condor on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
 
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In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with Patty McGuigan, a legend in the Silicon Valley real estate scene and the first female commercial real estate agent in the area. Patty shares her remarkable journey, from teaching English in high school to breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of commercial real estate.
Patty reflects on her early days at Cornish & Carey, now Newmark, in the 1980s when Silicon Valley was just beginning its transformation into the tech hub we know today. She recalls leasing spaces to major players like Microsoft, Google, and Intel, and her wild adventures with legendary clients, from Sergey Brin wanting to see the roof of a building to running through a broker luncheon with mismatched shoes.
Listeners will be captivated by Patty’s tenacity, wit, and stories of working through the early tech boom of the '80s and '90s. She also touches on her recent writing projects, including her memoir, Scraps Build a Pile, and her experience publishing books for others.
Guest Bio: Patty McGuigan is a veteran commercial real estate agent with over four decades of experience. She has played a pivotal role in shaping Silicon Valley’s commercial real estate landscape and has leased space to some of the largest tech companies in the world. She is also an author and recently completed her memoir.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 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.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 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