Commercially Speaking Podcast- Commercial Real Estate Investing That Entertains

Most people never choose a career in commercial real estate because they never realize it is an option.They do not grow up around brokers, developers, investors, or property managers. They do not know the language, the career paths, or the people who can open the first door.Daynon Kirby is working to change that.In this episode of Commercially Speaking, Daynon returns to introduce the Black Foundation, a commercial real estate-focused private foundation built around access, education, investment, and attainable housing.The organization helps minorities, veterans, students, and aspiring professionals discover the many career paths available throughout commercial real estate while creating practical pathways into the industry.Daynon also explains why the foundation is building its own investment arm rather than depending entirely on donations. Its model combines people and profits, using commercial real estate, private equity, and other investments to create a mission that can sustain and expand itself.We also get extremely practical about what someone should do when they want to enter commercial real estate but have no family connections or industry experience.In this conversation:How to break into commercial real estate with no connections• Why CRE offers far more careers than brokerage• How to identify the strongest firms in your local market• What young professionals can offer a brokerage immediately• How AI can help you research firms and create real value• Why joining a collaborative team may be better than starting alone• How to approach experienced professionals without asking to “pick their brain”• The power of CCIM education, scholarships, and relationships• How veterans can transition into commercial real estate• Why attainable housing is a central part of the Black Foundation’s mission• How the foundation combines philanthropy with investments• Why a hand up can create more lasting change than a handoutThis episode is for students, veterans, career changers, young professionals, and anyone who senses that commercial real estate could change their future but has no idea where to begin.Learn more about Daynon and the Black Foundation:The Black Foundation: theblackfoundationinc.comLinkedIn: Search “The Black Foundation” and Daynon KirbyCCIM resources and education: ccim.comFind a local CCIM professional: findaccim.comThanks To Our Sponsors🤖 Superpowers HQ – Need an executive assistant that will anticipate your needs? Get one here: superpowershq.com/commerciallyspeaking💰🏙️ CRE Investor Coach: No Guess Work, No Wasted Time — https://bit.ly/43t6VrlSubscribe to Commercially Speaking for more conversations about commercial real estate, investing, brokerage, business, and the people changing the industry.00:00 – Daynon Kirby Returns With a New Mission03:20 – What Is the Black Foundation?08:15 – Building a Nonprofit That Funds Itself12:50 – Commercial Real Estate Creates Generational Wealth17:10 – Why Most People Never Consider a Career in CRE22:30 – Careers in Commercial Real Estate Beyond Brokerage27:40 – Who Is Actually Suited for Commercial Real Estate?33:20 – How to Break Into Commercial Real Estate With No Connections39:30 – Join a Team or Start Alone?45:10 – What Young Professionals Can Offer Immediately51:25 – How to Find the Best CRE Firms in Your Market58:10 – Using AI to Research Commercial Real Estate Companies01:05:00 – How to Approach a Broker Without Wasting Their Time01:11:30 – Networking When You Don’t Know Anyone01:18:20 – The Truth About Affordable and Attainable Housing01:24:10 – Creating Change Through Mindset and Opportunity01:31:00 – Paying Opportunity Forward01:36:40 – How CRE Professionals Can Become Mentors01:42:30 – Why CCIM Can Transform a Commercial Real Estate Career01:49:00 – Opportunities for Veterans in Commercial Real Estate01:54:30 – How to Get Involved With the Black Foundation

Most of us never realize how transformative a simple hobby can become—especially when it unlocks a renewed sense of purpose, presence, and creative joy.In this episode, Joe Daly, founder of Daily Goods, reveals how discovering artisan leathercraft at 49 turned into a full-blown business and a new way of living. Joe shares the surprising story of starting with a side passion, the exponential growth fueled by word-of-mouth, and the deliberate decisions to scale while staying true to handmade craftsmanship.You'll discover how a small leather journal transformed Joe’s life—teaching him that creating with his hands isn’t just about products; it’s about connecting to something deeper—faith, purpose, and family. We break down the essential difference between hobby and business, the importance of keep-it-simple product design, and how strategically investing in tools like clicker presses can accelerate growth without sacrificing quality.This is essential listening for skeptics, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs alike—anyone craving more purpose, productivity, and peace in their busy lives. Joe’s story illustrates that it’s never too late to find what makes you come alive and that the pursuit of craftsmanship can be a journey to better mental health, meaningful work, and stronger relationships.Get inspired to pick up your tools, slow down, and rediscover what it means to craft—and why sometimes, the best business move is simply making something with love. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just curious about what it really means to create, this episode will challenge your assumptions and ignite your own creative fire.Thanks To Our Sponsors🤖 Superpowers HQ – Need an executive assistant that will anticipate your needs? Get one here: superpowershq.com/commerciallyspeaking💰🏙️ CRE Investor Coach: No Guess Work, No Wasted Time — https://bit.ly/43t6Vrl👍 Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's deciding what comes after high school.🎙 Commercially SpeakingSmarter Business. Better Conversations. Bigger Laughs.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background06:08 The Journey into Leather Crafting13:02 Transitioning from Hobby to Business20:02 The Importance of Craftsmanship and Creativity27:51 Finding Purpose through Creation29:30 The Power of Presence and Creation31:01 From Hobby to Business: The Journey Begins33:38 A Leap of Faith: The Turning Point37:23 Crafting a Unique Niche in Leather Goods45:12 Defining Handmade: The Debate56:17 Building a Meaningful Work Culture01:00:21 Inventory Management and Production Challenges01:08:00 Bulk Orders and Business Growth01:13:47 Transitioning from Hobby to Business01:18:31 Future Projects and Aspirations01:25:28 Content Creation and Marketing Strategies

What is Marine Corps boot camp really like?In this special episode of Commercially Speaking, Bo Barron sits down with his son, Ben, just nine days after graduating from United States Marine Corps boot camp, to talk about what really happened during those 13 weeks.From arriving at the famous yellow footprints to the mental and physical challenges of training, Ben shares what surprised him most, the moments he wanted to quit, and how boot camp changed him.Bo also reflects on his own Marine Corps experience and what it was like watching his son leave for the same journey decades later.Along the way, they discuss:Why Ben chose the Marines instead of a traditional college pathThe biggest lessons from boot campHow Marine training builds confidence and resilienceWhat parents should know if their child is considering military serviceThe truth about Marine Corps cultureLife after boot camp and what's next in Marine Combat Training (MCT)Whether you're considering military service, raising teenagers, or simply interested in stories of discipline, leadership, and personal growth, this conversation offers an honest look inside one of the toughest training programs in the world.Thanks To Our Sponsors🤖 Superpowers HQ – Need an executive assistant that will anticipate your needs? Get one here: superpowershq.com/commerciallyspeaking💰🏙️ CRE Investor Coach: No Guess Work, No Wasted Time — https://bit.ly/43t6Vrl👍 Like, Subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's deciding what comes after high school.🎙 Commercially SpeakingSmarter Business. Better Conversations. Bigger Laughs.⏱ Chapter List00:00 Introducing Ben, Fresh Out of Marine Boot Camp02:25 Why Ben Chose the Marines Instead of College08:56 Growing Up as Bo Barron's Son17:52 The Decision That Changed Everything25:05 Shipping Out Earlier Than Expected31:45 Arriving at Parris Island38:52 The Hardest Part of Boot Camp46:40 Letters From Home54:30 Passing the Physical Fitness Test1:02:10 What It Felt Like as a Parent1:11:12 Marine Combat Training & Becoming Military Police1:21:05 Could He Be Deployed?1:30:08 Why College Isn't the Right Path for Everyone1:39:52 What Boot Camp Teaches Every Young Man1:48:30 Final Advice for Parents and Future Marines

Most investors start by asking:"How much money can I make?"Bob Fraser thinks that's the wrong question.In this episode, the co-founder and CFO of Aspen Funds explains why the best investors in the world focus on risk before returns, how billionaire investors build portfolios differently, and why protecting capital matters more than chasing upside.We dive into:✅ Why good technology doesn't automatically create good investments✅ The hidden problem with most capital raising strategies✅ How billionaire investors think about risk✅ Why Evergreen funds may outperform traditional syndications✅ The biggest mistakes operators make when raising capital✅ What Bob looks for before investing in any deal✅ The future of multifamily, industrial, and retail real estate✅ Why natural gas may be one of the most important investments of the next decadePlus, Bob shares lessons from being wiped out during both the Dot-Com crash and the Great Financial Crisis and how those experiences shaped the way he invests today.If you're an investor, operator, broker, or entrepreneur trying to build wealth that survives market cycles, this episode is packed with practical insights.Thanks To Our Sponsors🤖 Superpowers HQ – Need an executive assistant that will anticipate your needs? Get one here: superpowershq.com/commerciallyspeaking💰🏙️ CRE Investor Coach: No Guess Work, No Wasted Time — https://bit.ly/43t6Vrl

Most real estate insiders agree: AI is disrupting brokerage faster than anyone expected. But what if the biggest shifts come from the human side? Andie Edmonds, a trailblazer in commercial real estate and the new president of the CCIM Institute, reveals why trusted relationships—and human intuition—will remain the backbone of the industry, even as artificial intelligence transforms how deals get done.In this eye-opening conversation, Andie shares her journey from Oregon to Arizona, navigating market changes, industry disruptions, and a slower shift towards tech. You’ll discover how AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are influencing broker decision-making, the undeniable importance of human empathy in client relationships, and the subtle ways ethical dilemmas—like fraud and tenant mix—shape property investments today. Andy also dives into the evolving landscape of healthcare real estate, exploring how demand for behavioral health and senior housing is reshaping asset types, and why landlords need to stay vigilant about new challenges.You'll learn how industry leaders are balancing innovation with trust, and why the future of CRE hinges on mastering both technology and human connection. This episode is perfect for brokers worried about AI replacing their jobs, emerging professionals eager to stay relevant, and anyone interested in how real estate must adapt to survive and thrive in a new era.With decades of experience and a sharp eye on the next generation, Andie Edmonds exemplifies leadership that combines faith, industry insight, and a pioneering spirit. She’s a CEO, a CCIM, and now, the president shaping the future of the largest professional designation in commercial real estate—a must-listen for those who want to understand not just what’s changing, but how to lead through it.Whether you’re a seasoned broker, a future investor, or curious about the ethical dilemmas facing real estate today, this episode offers real talk, actionable insights, and a compelling reminder: Humans are irreplaceable, and trust will always be the most valuable currency in CRE.Thanks To Our Sponsors🤖 Superpowers HQ – Need an executive assistant that will anticipate your needs? Get one here: superpowershq.com/commerciallyspeaking💰🏙️ CRE Investor Coach: No Guess Work, No Wasted Time — https://bit.ly/43t6Vrl