People and Places and How We Use Spaces

Cory Villaume and Matt Hazelton started in the Commercial Real Estate business just weeks apart, 18 years ago. Now, as a dynamic duo, they're heading up the Retail Capital Markets team at JLL Minneapolis. Over their careers they have been responsible for nearly $1 billion of retail property dispositions and acquisitions.From selling shopping centers to single tenant buildings, hear how Matt and Cory started out in the business - one of them even giving up their dream as a music major. Cory and Matt reminisce on their first sales, along with lessons they've learned along the way. We also hear what keeps them going on this crazy ride of Commercial Real Estate.Cory Villaume's LinkedInMatt Hazelton's LinkedIn

At just 26 years old, Logan Haskett is making a name for himself.After several hardships during his adolescent years, Logan knew the path he was on was the losing one. Knowing he had an entrepreneurial spirit within himself, he started to build his knowledge and strengthen his abilities, which in-turn, was just the beginning of a successful career - his secret? Stop making excuses for yourself. At just 21-years-old, Logan started his own Wholesale Real Estate company, which went Nationwide, and sold it three years later. Fast forward to today, he is a Real Estate Investor, an owner of several companies, and is in the process of starting his own Marijuana Grow Operation. Logan's InstagramLogan's FREE Virtual Assistant Mastery CourseCome have lunch with me! I would love your help serving lunch at the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery! We'll prep and serve food to the children and staff. Click here to sign up!I am also hosting a $100 lunch club. Bring $100 to tip our waitstaff. I'll pay for your lunch! Learn more here!

Brian Ingram knows how to put love on a plate.Considering himself as the "world's worst student," Brian's mom put him in a culinary program at the age of 14. By the age of 18, he left his home state of Alaska with a passion for the culinary world, working in restaurants as a chef, travelling from San Francisco to New York, and Singapore to Paris. In 2012, Brian's journey planted him in the Twin Cities, where he started New Bohemia and Seventh Street Truck Park in St. Paul. Years later, Brian and his wife had the desire to truly, and authentically, give back to the community.  Wanting to open a restaurant designed for just that - they came across an old firehouse in St. Paul called Hope Engine Company 3 (built by volunteers). It couldn't have aligned better - and Hope Breakfast Bar was born.On today's episode, Hope Breakfast Bar's give-back component is more humbling than anyone could imagine, and that in a world of chaos and uncertainty, we can still have Hope. See all the stories of generosity on the links below:GiveHopeMN.orgHope Breakfast Bar DocumentaryBrian's LinkedInPurpose Restaurants

Steve Wellington, founder of Wellington Management, Inc., is among Minnesota's most admired CEO's.Since starting the company in 1984, WMI has developed and/or acquired more than 100 commercial and residential properties in the Twin Cities and is currently the 10th largest property management company in St. Paul/Minneapolis. Steve is also an active community and civic leader, building affordable housing complexes for homeless people-he is a founding board member of housing nonprofit Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, where he has worked with churches throughout Minnesota in building 400 units of affordable housing.  On this podcast, get a glimpse of Steve's industry insights, his impressive career, and a unique way he likes to start his company/staff meetings.Steve's LinkedInWellington Management, Inc. 

Roger King initially thought he would be a musician after attending the well-known Berklee College of Music, until he was influenced by his father's venture into property investing.Roger switched paths and found another talent, real estate.Now, with 27-years of real estate under his belt, Roger has garnered over 180 successful property flips, the ground-up development of 13 high-end luxury homes and apartment buildings, and investments in mobile home parks. Beyond his RE career, Roger is the founder of the Real Estate Investing Accelerator program, where his wealth of knowledge supports the growth of both emerging and experienced real estate investors, growing and shaping a new wave of investing talent.Roger's Website Roger's LinkedInRoger's FacebookRoger's InstagramRoger's YouTube Channel

Heidi Zimmer thought she was going to be a City Planner until she leaned into her curiosity of the commercial real estate development world. She moved from big city jobs to the non-profit sector revealing her niche in affordable housing. Through her development experience, her work percolated a passion; creating spaces that integrated health and wellness, mind and body connection, arts, and nature. Meanwhile, in Bayfield, Wisconsin, a restaurant sitting on 114 acres of land on Lake Superior, was closing...and calling on Heidi's heart. She studied the entire area for possible development opportunities to help boost the local economy.Soon enough, Heidi took a leap of faith and turned her vision to reality and turned the restaurant to a retreat. As the Midwest's first wellness resort,  Wild Rice Retreat is a destination that offers a respite for groups, or solo travelers, looking to ground themselves in mind, body, and spirit.Find out how Heidi came up with the idea of Wild Rice Retreat, how she stepped out of her comfort zone to follow her vision, and how she learned all the ins and outs of running a successful resort - even acting as the head chef for a couple weeks! Wild Rice RetreatWild Rice Retreat InstagramWild Rice Retreat FacebookHeidi Zimmer's WebsiteHeidi's InstagramHeidi's LinkedIn

Marie Slawik was a woman before her time. During the 1950's, a time when men dominated the business sector, Marie and her husband, Harold, founded and owned one of the largest Ford dealerships in the Midwest - Midway Ford in St. Paul., along with an auto-parts store, leasing and car title-loan businesses in an early vertical integration model. They were also growing their real estate business, Har-Mar, Inc. By the early 1960's they had broken ground in Roseville on a new, climate-controlled shopping mall – only the second in Minnesota – to be named after a mashup of their first names: HarMar Mall.When Harold died suddenly in 1962, the business of managing Har-Mar, Inc. and its eight businesses fell entirely on Marie. She picked up the pieces and powered through...something she had to learn at an early age. Not only did she take on the entire business, but her dynamic persona secured a spot as the first woman-member at the men's-only Minnesota Club.On today’s podcast, Marie and Harold’s grandson, Brien Slawik, the family’s third generation President and CEO of Har-Mar, Inc., shares what it was like growing up in the family business and assuming it from his father, how his grandmother paved the way for his business and life mentality, and how being grateful is a simple mindset, but a big one.Har-Mar, Inc. | Slawik Property AdvisorsBrien Slawik's LinkedInMarie's Hall of Fame Induction

Andre Ingram and Nene Matey-Keke live out the Urban Land Institute's Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI) program's mission: to advance the careers of professionals of color and women in commercial real estate.Ingram, a Development Manager at Schaefer Richardson, and Matey-Keke a decorated broker and founder of RNR Real estate group at Compass Realty, talk all things REDI and how it has impacted their careers and expanded their professional networks.The REDI program is a 12-session curriculum and cohort experience designed for professionals identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and women working in various real estate industries. *If you are interested in applying to join the 2024 class, click here to apply: REDI Application (Applications are now being accepted until November 26).Andre Ingram's LinkedInNene Matey-Keke's LinkedInULI Minnesota

Kristen Anderson oversees Hempel Real Estate's construction and design activities. She is part of the reason why we're able to host our podcast show as she and her team built the beautiful podcast studio!Kristen's love for historic buildings broke her into the business. After working on the famous Trinity Church on Wall Street in New York City, it only heightened her passion even more. On today's podcast, listen to how Kristen works through the processes of creating a new usage for a building, especially in a post-covid world. Kristen's LinkedInHempel Real Estate

Torrey Benson is a lifer when it comes to real estate. Coming from a family in commercial real estate, she has maneuvered her professional career around it. A Minnesota native, Torrey grew up a ski racer, going to Minnesota's popular ski area, Buck Hill. As to no one's surprise, she ended up in Montana where she is currently a Commerical Real Estate Investor, Coach and Mentor.In this episode, Torrey shares her breakthrough story on how she bought her first building, the importance of morning routines, and how creating a place for women to chat all things Commercial Real Estate is her new passion-project. Torrey's websiteTorrey's LinkedInTorrey's InstagramGirl Buy That Building - Schedule a FREE 30-minute strategy session with Torrey! Click link to schedule now!Books mentioned in this podcast:Miracle MorningBreakthrough

Neil's first job was at a bank - and when he realized his mom made double what he did as a Residential Real Estate Agent, he knew he needed to switch gears. He followed his mom's footsteps and by the age of 29, he became the #1 RE/MAX agent in Iowa, but despite this, he longed for more freedom to choose how he spent his time.Neil began to realize the power in investing and started to do so in single family homes. After a phone call from an agent for an off-market deal in a commercial property, then he was really hooked. Now, he is CEO of Legacy Impact Investors, a company that empowers real estate agents to build wealth through commercial real estate investments. In this episode, Neil explains that the greatest investment you can make is within your own organization. He also poses the audience with an important question, if time was in your bank, how would you spend it?Check out Neil's Website! Legacy Impact Investors Buy Neil's book! Unicorn Hunting for Real Estate Investment CompaniesNeil's LinkedIn If you like this content, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review!

Something fun and exciting this week as Lisa Christianson sits on the other side of the mic and is in the hot seat! Christianson & Company's Summer Intern interviews Lisa on this special podcast.Lisa was an entrepreneur before she was an entrepreneur.As soon as she could remember, Lisa would doodle ideas onto paper about different business ideas - whether that was sending out rate increase announcements for her babysitting gigs, or even her first official business she started in high school where she'd gather themed birthday items in bulk and give them to her clients. After becoming a licensed broker in 2001, eventually she went out on her own again, but this time, she founded Christianson & Company - her successful commercial real estate firm.In this episode, Lisa gives us a glimpse at the person behind the microphone - career advice from lessons learned along the way, the most important things to know about the industry, and a memorable moment she knew her life as an entrepreneur was entirely valid and justified. Lisa's LinkedINChristianson & CompanyInstagramYouTube Channel

Jill Rasmussen has amassed one of the most impressive 35-year real estate resumes. She has established herself as a leading healthcare specialist providing strategic planning, brokerage, development, and investment services. As one of the three principals at Davis Healthcare Real Estate Group, Jill tells us how she got her start in the commercial real estate industry, what is unique about medical/healthcare facilities, and her advice to junior brokers. Jill Rasmussen's LinkedInDavis Real Estate GroupSIORIf you like this content, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review! 

From Criminal Defense Attorney to CEO and Owner of J. Benson Construction, Paul Edlund's career journey has been quite the ride.After working as an Attorney for over 10 years, Paul realized that during that time, his life had spiraled into shambles. Being married with three children, he admitted himself to rehab in 2016 for addiction to alcohol. He has been active in recovery ever since.Since then, he quit his job as an attorney and entered the construction industry - where he has now been the Owner and CEO for three years. From his previous career as an attorney, to his own personal journey, he has a unique perspective on how to help rebuild communities and people. Paul believes that by bringing construction jobs to those that need a better path makes work meaningful and makes the world a better place. Paul Edlund's LinkedInJ. Benson Construction If you like this content, please subscribe, rate, and write a review! Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast.

Design was instilled in Betsy Vohs at an early age.Growing up, she asked for a design budget for her bedroom on her birthday - she knew it was her life-calling.Fast forward to 2015, her love came full circle as she founded a design studio, Studio BV. It is now considered one of the fastest growing design firms in Minneapolis. Vohs' passion for her work has amassed several accolades and has given her the unique ability to solve design problems - such as starting a Design Forward division of the firm's practice to solely focus on design work for mission driven organizations.   In this episode, Vohs explains how design changes our behavior and how it even changes our life - she also shares how she took the best of what she learned from her career and applied it to the firm she founded.  Betsy's LinkedInStudio BV

Patty Wall, a former chef/caterer, was planning and executing a wedding event when her client called it off 10 days before. Little did she know, the soon-to-be groom would be her future husband, business partner, and co-creator of The Market at Malcolm Yards.With John, coming from a commercial real estate/development background, this dynamic duo was meant to be. The Market at Malcolm Yards, a part of the Prospect Park neighborhood in Minneapolis, features 9 kitchens, a bar serving batch cocktails and a self-pour tap-wall with 30 different beer and wine options. The Market is also host to many public events.The Market is just the beginning of the larger Malcolm Yards neighborhood which includes a variety of housing and other commercial uses as well as parks, trails, and public art.Patty and John explain how the vision of the food hall came to fruition and is now considered one of the hottest spots in town. Patty's LinkedInJohn's LinkedIn The Market at Malcolm YardsIf you like this content, please subscribe, rate, and write a review! 

Nicole Middendorf is a wealth advisor, author, coach, speaker, and media contributor. Not only is she the CEO of ProsperWell Financial, but she devotes her life to elevating over life's circumstances.On today's episode, listen to how Nicole went from "having it all" to surviving an earth-shattering domestic abuse crisis. We hear how she pulled herself out of one of the toughest chapters of her life and turned it into a life of purpose. Nicole shares her creation of the "Live it List" - a tool to help live life to the fullest by setting goals and obtaining them. She also explains how the average person can become wealthy without compromising quality of life - demonstrating through her own real-life experiences. Nicole's WebsiteNicole's LinkedInProsperWell FinancialIf you like this content, please subscribe, rate, and write a review! 

If you’re in the Commercial Real Estate world in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Market, you’ve probably heard the name Chris Simmons. With his larger-than-life personality combined with the amount of knowledge he holds; it is to no surprise the standout leader he is and the impact he has on the industry.With over 25 years' experience, Chris is a Managing Director of Retail Services at Transwestern and has completed over 2,000 lease, sale, and built-to-suit transactions representing almost eleven million square feet of retail space. In this episode, Chris discusses everything from how working in the world of commercial real estate seemed more exciting than his original career path in aviation, who helped him ‘learn the game’ in the business, and that it doesn’t matter what school you went to or what degree you have, but honesty, mentorship, and outworking everyone else are the main contributors to success.  Chris’s LinkedInTranswestern 

  Coming to the United States at five years old, Marshall Nguyen learned at a young age that how hard you work, is how big your reward is.  The quickest way for Marshall's parents to earn an income in the US, was to enter and operate their own nail business.  Fast forward to Marshall's high school years, he was reading through the leases for the nail salons and unknowingly at the time, got his first taste in the business in which one day he'd be so successful in.  Now, he is a Senior Vice President at the Caspian Group, where he specializes in Retail Investments and Brokerage Services.  Learning quickly again, he recognized a need for minority representation in the industry and found an untapped market to make a difference in his community.  On top of Brokerage, Marshall is a General Partner with Pacifica Square USA (a Windfall Group company), that develops and invests in Asian Lifestyle Shopping Centers and Mixed-use developments through out the US.   In this episode, with a cultural expectation to become a doctor or engineer, Marshall explains how he choreographed his career into the Commercial Real Estate industry. Marshall also details a new project he is spearheading, inspired from his travels throughout Asia, in order to revitalize Burnsville Center with new developments. Marshall's LinkedInCaspian Group 

Brent Babcock is Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN). He is responsible for retail, e-commerce, aftermarket sales, and organization marketing, communications, and facilities.When Brent started his job at Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, he quickly realized how retail helps provide additional support for the community.Last year alone, GESMN served over 4,500 people through customized programming, (along with over 1,000 youth within 30 school districts statewide), and the average wage for jobs using GESMN's services was over 60% higher than the state's minimum wage. In this episode, Brent explains how he grew GESMN's e-commerce business by over 400%, the importance of optimizing retail locations, and how providing someone with employment gives them purpose and connection. Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes after donating items? Brent takes us on that journey today.    Brent Babcock's LinkedInShop Goodwill Online here!Goodwill MN Easter SealsJoin GESMN for The Power of Work Fundraiser and learn more about Goodwill! 2023 Power of Work FundraiserIf you like this content, please subscribe, rate, and write a review!