SF Commercial Property Conversations

How do you go from growing up in Brazil to building a self-storage empire in the U.S.? Steffany Boldrini did just that. In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Steffany shares her incredible journey—from working in tech startups to realizing the power of real estate investing.
Steffany, founder of Monte Carlo Real Estate Investments, dives into her experiences with angel investing, the lessons she learned from failed startups, and why she ultimately chose self-storage as her primary investment strategy. She also shares insights into market research, syndication, and the challenges of property management.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Steffany transitioned from tech sales to real estate investing
Why she moved from angel investing to self-storage properties
The challenges and rewards of managing self-storage units
Lessons learned from her experience with car washes and multi-family conversions
Her long-term goal of owning $1 billion 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, host Bruce Bean sits down with David Saxe, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Calvera Partners, to dive into the world of multifamily real estate investing. David shares his journey from working at a $30 billion real estate investment firm to launching his own company and navigating the complex landscape of value-add multifamily investments.
David discusses:
The origins of Calvera Partners and how the team scaled from small multifamily projects to owning 12 properties across three different funds.
The challenges facing multifamily investors today, from rising interest rates to increasing insurance costs and climate-related risks.
Why the current market presents a unique buying opportunity for savvy investors.
How data-driven research and market selection play a critical role in choosing the right investments.
His outlook on the San Francisco Bay Area real estate market and why he remains optimistic about San Francisco’s recovery.
David also shares fascinating stories from his early investments, including unexpected surprises in older buildings, lessons learned from self-managing properties, and how investors can prepare for market shifts.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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

San Francisco’s Millennium Tower is one of the most infamous examples of engineering gone wrong. Dubbed the “Leaning Tower of San Francisco,” this luxury high-rise has faced years of controversy over its sinking foundation, expensive fixes, and ongoing structural concerns.
In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean welcomes back Sam Louwrens, an expert in construction insurance, to dive deep into the story of the Millennium Tower. Sam breaks down:
Why the building started sinking before construction was even completed
The similarities between the Millennium Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The $100M+ retrofit—did it fix the problem, or make it worse?
The insurance and legal battles surrounding the project
What developers, engineers, and insurers can learn from this case
Sam also shares valuable insights on how construction projects can avoid similar disasters and the role of proper insurance in mitigating risks. If you’re in real estate, construction, or insurance, this is a conversation 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

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Grant Chappell, a seasoned commercial real estate broker with a deep focus on multi-family investments in the Bay Area. Grant’s journey from banking at Wells Fargo to 20 years in brokerage is packed with insights, lessons, and strategies for navigating the ever-changing real estate market.
We discuss the current state of multi-family investments, the shifting dynamics in Oakland and Berkeley, and how factors like interest rates, insurance costs, and economic trends are influencing investor decisions. Grant also shares his personal experiences in the market, including his approach to cold calling, relationship-building with property owners, and his philosophy on long-term investing.
Key topics include:✔️ How Grant transitioned from banking to commercial real estate brokerage✔️ The impact of market cycles on investment strategies✔️ Why insurance and financing challenges are reshaping multi-family deals✔️ How Oakland and Berkeley are evolving as rental and investment markets✔️ The art of cold calling and building trust with property owners
Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a broker, or just curious about commercial real estate, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Michael Koch, an expert in insurance, payroll, and payment processing, to discuss his innovative approach to lowering business expenses.
Michael shares his journey from working in payroll and HR to disrupting the insurance industry. He explains how traditional insurance brokers often neglect their clients for most of the year, only reappearing at renewal time. To challenge this system, Michael created The Pickle Program—a proactive loss control strategy that helps businesses track their safety improvements throughout the year, ultimately lowering their insurance premiums.
We also explore how Michael collaborates with his wife’s company, AAA Merchant Services, to help businesses offset rising insurance costs through strategic payment processing savings. By combining these financial solutions, Michael and his team provide businesses with a holistic approach to cost reduction.
Tune in to learn:
How insurance brokers operate and why many fail to serve their clients year-round
How The Pickle Program is changing the insurance game
Why transparency with underwriters can help businesses save money
How payment processing strategies can offset rising insurance costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Michael Chidambaram, a seasoned real estate broker specializing in retail and food & beverage spaces. Michael’s journey is anything but ordinary—starting in TV production in Bombay (now Mumbai) before making his way into San Francisco’s commercial real estate market.
We discuss:
Michael’s transition from media to real estate and how he found his niche in food and beverage brokerage.
The state of San Francisco’s retail and restaurant scene post-pandemic—what’s thriving, what’s struggling, and where the opportunities lie.
The impact of remote work on commercial foot traffic and how it’s reshaping the city’s real estate market.
Opportunities for restaurateurs—why now might be the perfect time to launch a food venture in SF.
Michael shares insider knowledge on market trends, investment opportunities, and the future of San Francisco’s retail landscape. If you’re a business owner, investor, or just curious about the state of SF’s commercial real estate, you won’t want to miss this 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 with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Jack Kaminer and Tyler from Vertical Markets to explore their unconventional path in real estate investing. From Section 8 housing to flipping boats and incorporating tiny homes into rental properties, Jack and Tyler share their dynamic approach to growing wealth and seizing unexpected opportunities.
We dive into:
How they transitioned from brewing beer to investing in real estate
Their experiences with Section 8 housing and why they moved on
The unexpected opportunity they found flipping boats after hurricanes
How they’re maximizing rental income with tiny homes and multi-unit conversions
Their passion for surfing and how Vertical Markets has even funded surf trips
Jack and Tyler bring a refreshingly flexible and creative mindset to real estate investing. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great business story, this episode is packed with 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

From designing soundstages to developing commercial real estate, Sean Lahijani has seen it all. In this episode, Sean shares his journey from studying architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to working on high-profile projects like Circa in downtown LA and transforming retail spaces for Sears Growth Properties. But it was his work in soundstage development that truly expanded his perspective on the intersection of real estate and entertainment.
Bruce and Sean dive into the world of film production facilities, discussing the cutting-edge technology behind soundstages, including LED walls and extended reality (XR) environments. Sean also talks about the challenges and rewards of starting his own firm, Anomaly Development Company, and how he’s growing his business through word of mouth, social media, and strong client relationships.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Sean transitioned from architecture to commercial real estate development
The role of soundstages in modern film production and the impact of new technology
The challenges of launching a new real estate development firm
Why commercial real estate is slow to adopt technology but is starting to catch up
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Jake Cummings, an insurance expert specializing in affordable housing solutions. Jake shares his unique journey into the insurance industry, from his early aspirations in real estate to a chance meeting on a golf course that led him into his current role.
We dive into the fascinating world of insurance for affordable housing, discussing how developers and major corporations leverage low-income housing tax credits and how specialized insurance products help protect these investments. Jake explains the Live Tech Recapture Bond, a surety bond designed to safeguard tax credits for major investors like Wells Fargo and Verizon.
We also explore how Jake sources leads, the role of networking at industry conferences, and the innovative insurance solutions his company is developing to combat rising property insurance costs. Plus, we get a glimpse into Jake’s personal interests, from golfing and snowboarding to his passion for J. Cole’s music.
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 a fascinating conversation with Jack Landers, a seasoned expert in commercial insurance who made the leap from Florida to San Diego, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the industry. Jack shares his journey into insurance, the challenges businesses face in today’s market, and how he helps clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of property coverage in California.
We dive into:
Jack’s unique path from life and health insurance to commercial insurance
The evolving property insurance market and the impact of recent fires in California
The difference between admitted and non-admitted insurance carriers
Common challenges landlords and business owners face in securing coverage
How Jack stays competitive in a tough industry through referrals and problem-solving
Beyond insurance, Jack shares his love for surfing, sailing, and racing catamarans, offering a fresh perspective on balancing business with personal passion.
If you're a property owner, investor, or just curious about the insurance market, this episode is packed with insights!
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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