Aspire Commercial’s Topher Stephenson explains how brokers can start using AI today with clear workflows, decisive onboarding, and intentional automation.

The Crexi Podcast connects CRE professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.  

In this episode of The Crexi Podcast, host Shanti Ryle, Director of Content Marketing at Crexi, delves into Topher’s experience, who offers a decade’s worth of insights from of working in CRE operations, AI, and marketing and discusses the transformative power of artificial intelligence for the industry. 

The conversation covers Topher's journey into commercial real estate, the importance of operationalizing excellence, the various AI and automation tools beneficial for CRE, and the evolving role of technology in shaping the future of the industry. Highlights include practical applications, common misconceptions, and strategic recommendations for integrating AI into CRE practices. The episode emphasizes the critical balance between formalized processes and the necessity of flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing CRE landscape.

• Meet Topher Stephenson: Head of Operations at Aspire Commercial
• Topher's Journey into Commercial Real Estate
• Innovative Marketing Strategies in CRE
• The Importance of CRM and Project Management Tools
• Operational Leadership and AI Integration
• Comparing Investment Decks
• Customizing AI for Automation
• Excitement About Automation
• Philosophical Thoughts on AI
• Common Misconceptions About AI
• Importance of Documenting Processes
• Deciding Between AI and Human Solutions
• Balancing Formal Processes and Flexibility
• Rapid Fire Questions
• Future of AI in Commercial Real Estate
• Conclusion and Contact Information

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

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About Topher Stephenson:

Topher Stephenson joined Aspire Commercial, a commercial real estate brokerage based in Houston, Texas,  in 2024 as Head of Operations. He directs company operations and marketing strategy, while leading efforts to leverage AI technology in CRE workflows. Topher also provides keynote presentations on how to use AI in CRE and industry conferences and private company trainings both online and in-person around the country, and provides AI & automation consulting services to select partners. With over a decade of experience, he brings expertise in brokerage management, CRE marketing, and operations, specializing in practical applications of AI and emerging technologies.

Previously, Topher served as Managing Director at The Boulos Company, Northern New England's largest commercial real estate brokerage. He began his career as Director of Real Estate Marketing at Atlantic National Trust, pioneering innovative marketing strategies for commercial properties nationwide.

Topher holds a B.S. in Health Policy & Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Master's in Business Analytics from the University of Maine.

For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.

Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide.

Follow Crexi:

https://www.crexi.com/​ 

https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ 

https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ 

https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ 

https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ 

https://www.youtube.com/crexi