SF Commercial Property Conversations

This week on SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we dive into the fascinating journey of Greg Sharp—a former engineer who turned his technical mindset into a thriving career in condo conversions and mortgage brokering. Greg shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial path, including lessons learned from his early ventures, working with high-stakes investors, and navigating economic downturns.
Listeners will gain insights into:
How Greg transitioned from engineering to real estate
His experience in condo conversions, including navigating complex financing and development challenges
Lessons from mentoring relationships and surviving economic cycles
His current work helping investors secure financing for multifamily properties and other real estate ventures
Greg’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and innovation, offering valuable lessons for anyone in or entering the real estate market.
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, we sit down with Jacob Rubenstein from the San Diego office of Voit Real Estate Services. Jacob shares his remarkable journey from studying philosophy at UCLA to building a thriving career in commercial real estate.
Discover how Jacob’s early exposure to real estate—his mother’s career in office leasing—shaped his passion for the industry. He opens up about his early days exploring multifamily properties in Los Angeles, his pivot to industrial real estate in San Diego, and how he leverages unique strategies like door-knocking to connect with property owners and tenants.
Jacob also dives into the nuances of San Diego’s industrial market, explaining the mix of big-box warehouses, smaller freestanding spaces, and even the challenges of the industrial condo market. He discusses the significance of cost segregation and tax benefits, sharing valuable insights for property owners looking to maximize their returns.
Tune in to learn about Jacob’s hands-on approach to brokerage, his knack for solving client challenges, and his inspiring philosophy on making the most of life. Whether you're curious about real estate trends or looking for motivation to chase your own dreams, this episode offers 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

This week on SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we welcome Joe Gabbarian of NAI Capital. Joe's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and success. From his roots in Iran, through his engineering studies in Canada, to becoming a commercial real estate powerhouse in Southern California, Joe shares the fascinating trajectory of his career.
With over 35 years of experience, Joe dives into his journey of transitioning from engineering to real estate, the lessons learned from his many transactions, and how he’s adapted to changing markets. From leasing prime properties in Santa Monica to navigating the challenges of the Los Angeles office market, Joe provides invaluable insights for anyone curious about the commercial real estate landscape.
We also discuss Joe’s unique marketing approach, including his long-running newsletter, The Quad City Report, and the importance of "timing, timing, timing" in real estate. Whether you're an industry professional or simply interested in a compelling career story, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge 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 Alfredo Mejia, a seasoned real estate expert from Monrovia, California. Alfredo shares his journey from an accountant dissatisfied with recording others' business ventures to running his family's restaurant business and ultimately finding his true calling in real estate.
With over 20 years of experience, Alfredo delves into his specialization in industrial properties, coaching insights for aspiring real estate professionals, and the challenges of navigating environmental regulations in Southern California. This episode offers a wealth of practical advice, including Alfredo's take on the importance of business coaches, CRM tools like Realnex, and the growing influence of AI in real estate operations.
Discover why Alfredo finds joy in real estate, from the fascinating people he meets to the innovative businesses he helps grow. Whether you’re an industry insider or simply curious about the dynamic world of real estate, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 as we delve into the inspiring journey of Mir Ali, an industrial real estate expert at Marcus & Millichap. From his humble beginnings as a bank teller to becoming a leader in industrial property brokerage, Mir shares his story of resilience and adaptability. He discusses the early challenges of cold calling and how a career in banking laid the foundation for his real estate success. Mir also reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic propelled him to take control of his future by entering the brokerage world, focusing on industrial and office properties in Southern California's competitive Inland Empire market.
In this episode, Mir offers invaluable insights for new agents, from the power of cold calling to the importance of choosing a focused niche. He explains how combining persistence with a hands-on approach, such as property visits, has made all the difference in building client trust and closing deals. Whether you're a seasoned agent or considering a real estate career, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 remarkable journey of Nikita Zhitov, founder of CityPlat and a dynamic force in the Carolinas’ commercial real estate market. From his start in real estate during high school to managing a $350 million portfolio, Nikita shares the strategies and philosophies that have shaped his success.
Tune in to hear about:
How Nikita discovered real estate investing as a teenager and made $50,000 on his first deal.
The challenges and lessons he learned during the 2008 recession.
Why adaptability and continuous learning are keys to long-term success in real estate.
CityPlat's focus on small-bay industrial properties and their lucrative investment strategies.
Insights into the Raleigh-Durham market and its unique advantages.
Nikita also discusses the importance of giving back, including his foundation that helps students enter the real estate industry. Whether you’re an investor, broker, or just curious about commercial real estate, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Don Sutton, a seasoned real estate professional who transitioned from managing logistics at a global scale to becoming a prominent figure in LA's competitive real estate market. From speaking multiple languages to teaching at top universities, Don shares how his unique experiences shaped his successful career.
Join us as Don recounts his early days at LAX logistics, his unexpected pivot to real estate after 9/11, and his insights into managing income properties. He discusses his passion for education, his work with Cal State LA and UCLA Extension, and his practical approach to balancing brokerage and teaching. Don also delves into the challenges of California’s real estate market, deregulation trends, and his outlook on affordable housing.
Whether you’re an aspiring investor or a real estate enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and firsthand experiences from a seasoned pro.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Jeremy Hoffman, a principal at Zen Development Consultants, LLC, and a seasoned expert in affordable housing. Jeremy shares his unique journey from architecture to real estate development and sheds light on the challenges and intricacies of affordable housing.
Discover how Jeremy’s work is reshaping the landscape of affordable housing through innovative financial modeling and creative problem-solving. He unpacks the differences between market-rate and affordable housing, explains the nuances of financing with tax credits, and dives into the complexities of California’s competitive housing environment.
Whether you're a developer, policymaker, or simply curious about the mechanics of affordable housing, this episode provides valuable insights into a sector that marries economic challenges with a commitment to community impact.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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’re joined by Ryan Dougherty, a dynamic force in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. From his early career in business journalism to his rapid rise as a top-performing CRE broker in Southern California, Ryan shares invaluable insights and strategies that are perfect for aspiring and experienced real estate professionals alike.
Ryan takes us through his journey, including:
Transitioning from business journalism to investment banking and CRE.
Key lessons from navigating Southern California's unique real estate market.
How his background in journalism gives him an edge in storytelling and client relationships.
Practical advice for building your CRE business, including the power of cold calling and effective client communication.
Whether you’re looking to start or scale your CRE business, Ryan’s candid advice will leave you inspired and ready to take action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 in this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean as we dive into the inspiring journey of Tracy Hodges, founder of Falcon Construction. Tracy shares her remarkable career progression—from her early days as a bookkeeper and her transition into the world of construction, to becoming a licensed general contractor and establishing her own company.
Tracy talks about the pivotal moments in her career, including her experiences with major projects, her passion for creating value for her clients, and how her father's legacy inspired her to start Falcon Construction. With a focus on ethical practices, building relationships, and leaving a lasting legacy for her family, Tracy exemplifies what it means to combine purpose and expertise in the commercial construction industry.
Discover how Tracy scopes projects, manages construction and brokerage operations, and juggles a pipeline full of exciting opportunities. Whether you're in commercial real estate, construction, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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