SF Commercial Property Conversations

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Devin Ickes, a commercial real estate (CRE) security expert, to explore the evolving landscape of security in CRE. From his roots in data-driven real estate technology to his current role at Cybex Security, Devin shares how his extensive industry experience informs his approach to providing tailored, high-touch security solutions.
Discover how technology, data, and personalized service intersect to address modern security challenges. Devin explains how Cybex’s custom systems for cameras, access control, intrusion detection, and fire monitoring are setting a new standard for service and innovation in the San Diego market.
Key highlights:
Devin’s career evolution from real estate technology to CRE security.
The critical role of technology in shaping today’s CRE landscape.
How Cybex Security delivers personalized service in a field dominated by large corporations.
Why data and real-time insights are essential for modern security solutions.
Learn how to secure your commercial property while maintaining a human touch in an AI-driven world. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Join Bruce Bean as he dives into a fascinating conversation with Matthew Smith, a seasoned professional in commercial real estate technology, and the creative force behind RealNex. From his early inspirations watching Baywatch to his journey across the country, Matthew shares his unique path to success.
Discover how Matthew’s experiences—from selling cars in San Diego to excelling in commercial real estate software—shaped his professional approach. He also delves into the critical lessons he learned, including the importance of maintaining a “logbook,” which continues to influence his work today.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why Matthew Smith would love to have dinner with Elon Musk.
How his grandfather’s work with Northrop Grumman inspired his fascination with space.
The unconventional journey that brought him to California and into the commercial real estate industry.
How RealNex provides cutting-edge CRM solutions tailored to brokers and real estate professionals.
Whether you're interested in commercial real estate, innovative software, or inspiring life journeys, this episode has something for everyone.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Welcome to another episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean! This week, Bruce is joined by Shaun Bird, a seasoned asset management expert with over two decades of experience spanning property management, technical facilities management, and asset strategy.
Shaun shares his fascinating journey from growing up in Dubai to establishing himself in the U.S., where he has developed innovative strategies for managing diverse properties. Tune in as Shaun demystifies the key differences between property management and asset management, explains the significance of CapEx, and discusses the role of ISO standards in modern asset management.
From leveraging AI for better decision-making to overcoming challenges in affordable housing, Shaun's insights offer a masterclass in navigating the complexities of property and asset management.
Key Topics Discussed:
Shaun's career path: From Dubai to the U.S.
Property management vs. asset management: What sets them apart?
Capital expenditures (CapEx): Breaking it down.
The role of ISO standards in asset management.
How AI is revolutionizing operational efficiencies.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

What does it take to shape thriving cities, redevelop languishing neighborhoods, and drive innovative campus expansions? In this episode, Linda Padilla-Smyth shares her remarkable journey through the dynamic world of commercial real estate.
From revitalizing neighborhoods in Southern California to driving property growth at Chapman University, Linda Padilla-Smyth has built an impressive career in real estate development and consulting. Linda joins host Bruce Bean to discuss her evolution from city redevelopment projects to launching her own ventures, including Padilla-Smyth and Associates, a thriving consulting and brokerage firm.
Linda dives into topics such as:
Redevelopment strategies that breathe new life into communities.
The growth of Chapman's property portfolio and turning donations into multimillion-dollar successes.
Her shift into consulting, investment, and educational ventures.
Simplifying complex concepts like REITs and DSTs for aspiring investors.
Linda’s knack for connecting the dots and thinking ahead sets her apart. Whether advising universities on hotel developments or helping investors enter the game, her expertise is unparalleled.
Stay tuned to hear Linda’s insightful advice on navigating the commercial real estate landscape.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, host Bruce Bean sits down with seasoned real estate professional Rich Enderlin to explore his incredible journey from New York City to the West Coast, and his rise in the commercial brokerage world.
Rich shares how his early experiences in property management during the 1990s recession sparked his transition into brokerage. With stories of $60,000 commissions, the importance of mentorship, and building relationships, Rich dives into the highs and lows of a career in commercial real estate.
Listeners will gain insight into:
The rigorous training that shaped Rich’s foundation at Marcus & Millichap.
The evolution of technology in real estate, including CRMs and property management software.
The burgeoning market for affordable housing and its impact on Los Angeles.
How strategic networking and a robust database led Rich to multi-million-dollar deals.
Rich also discusses his time building BRC Advisors into a top brokerage firm in Los Angeles and the eventual collaboration with industry icon Rand Sperry.
Whether you're an aspiring broker or an industry veteran, Rich’s story is full of actionable insights and inspiration.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ta'mara Bateson, a seasoned professional in property and asset management. From her early days in Anaheim, California, to navigating her way through commercial real estate, Ta'mara shares the challenges and triumphs that shaped her career.
Discover how she transitioned from being a manicurist to building a successful career in property management, eventually managing multiple properties and working with major clients. She discusses the distinction between asset and property management, shares tips for managing stress in high-pressure roles, and reveals her current focus on maintaining a balanced and fulfilling work life.
Whether you're a property owner, aspiring manager, or just curious about the inner workings of commercial real estate, Ta'mara’s journey is packed with valuable insights.
Key Highlights:
The transition from personal services to professional real estate management
Differences between asset management and property management
The importance of choosing the right clients
Challenges of managing shopping centers and large properties
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 engaging episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce Stein shares his fascinating journey from Detroit to Los Angeles and how he transitioned from aspiring architect to seasoned commercial real estate consultant. Stein’s unique expertise lies in helping property owners optimize their portfolios and plan for the future.
Bruce talks about his early career in architecture, scaffold design, and real estate syndication, before spending 16 years working on high-profile projects, including major developments and a motion picture studio. Now operating independently, he assists clients with tailored real estate strategies, including advising aging property owners on creating actionable plans for their heirs.
Learn how Stein earned the nickname “The Paladin of Real Estate” and why his modern tagline, “Have Smartphone, Will Travel,” perfectly sums up his dynamic consulting style. Whether it's evaluating properties, mentoring the next generation, or advising on tax and financing strategies, Stein’s approach is as insightful as it is practical.
Discover actionable advice and stories from a consultant who has seen it all and knows how to handle it.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Bobby Rai, a multi-talented entrepreneur with expertise in residential real estate, commercial projects, high-end renovations, and solar installations.
Bobby shares how his career began with mentorship under his uncle, eventually leading him to navigate the worlds of residential and commercial real estate. From flipping homes to luxury remodels and expanding into solar energy solutions, Bobby has built an impressive portfolio of integrated services.
Listeners will gain insights into:
Bobby's unique approach to business growth through referrals.
How he transitioned from quick flips to luxury renovations.
His entry into the solar market and why he emphasizes partnerships.
Current commercial solar projects in California, including hotel rooftops.
Bobby’s story is a testament to adaptability and leveraging strong networks to create thriving businesses.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 the dynamic and knowledgeable Daria Walker, founder of Walker Realty Capital. From her early days in the Bay Area to building a successful mortgage brokerage firm in Los Angeles, Daria shares her journey filled with ambition, resilience, and sharp industry insights.
Discover how Daria leveraged her experiences at Marcus & Millichap and Umpqua Bank to identify trends, navigate economic shifts, and create a thriving business. She opens up about the challenges faced during the pandemic, why she took the leap into entrepreneurship, and how she’s helping clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Highlights include:
The impact of an inverted yield curve on the real estate market
How Walker Realty Capital supports developers and investors
Trends in Oakland’s multi-family market and tenant protections
The importance of partnerships in mortgage brokerage
If you're a real estate enthusiast, an investor, or someone considering a career in commercial real estate, you won’t want to miss this candid and insightful conversation.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Landis Williams, president of Your Favorite Lenders. Based in Orange County, Landis opens up about his path from economics student to entrepreneur, navigating the challenges of lending, and his unique perspective on building a successful business.
Discover how Landis' company specializes in residential and commercial lending, with a focus on customer satisfaction, innovation, and community engagement. From optimizing SEO to winning accolades as a top lender, Landis explains his company's strategies to thrive in a competitive market.
Key topics discussed include:
The process of becoming a Department of Real Estate-licensed mortgage broker.
Unique benefits of operating under a DRE brokerage structure.
Marketing strategies that generate consistent leads and foster loyalty.
Insights into the fix-and-flip market, commercial lending, and emerging trends in real estate finance.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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