Podcast Episodes

Creating and Building: Born in McComb, MS, Keith says he could have written the book “Hillbilly Elegy,” about his own life. Since his parents weren’t really in the picture, his grandmother raised him from a young age in Pasadena, TX. He went on to graduate from the University of Texas, receiving his MBA with a concentration in real estate shortly thereafter. “I was just intrigued always with the idea of creating and building things.” After working as a management consultant at Deloitte, he interviewed at Century Development and joined the team. This is where he met Ric Campo, who became his long-time business partner. During that time, they realized that considering Houston’s economic recovery status, short-term leases were going to do the best, so they focused their business on apartments. From there, Keith and Ric began buying apartments in Houston and working with investors, until the RTC came along and the one-off asset game didn’t work anymore. They struck a deal with … [Read more...]

While we prepare the next season of Leading Voices for you, we wanted to let you know about some changes behind the scenes. Look for new episodes in early 2018! … [Read more...]

Sam Zell has always had an entrepreneurial mind-set, attributing his real estate success to it. After getting his start managing student apartments as a law school student, he grew his businesses and helped transform what we know as the modern REIT. More about Equity Group Investments Forbes Magazine on Sam Zell’s success … [Read more...]

A-P Hurd was not planning on going into the real estate industry. After working in journalism and on the trading floor, she then landed a leadership role at Touchstone. Her unique perspective on business encourages people to use their skillsets to allow them to do their best work. Executive Q+A: A-P Hurd’s Urban Expression Read more about AP’s book The Carbon Efficient City … [Read more...]

After growing up in Israel and serving in the army, Gadi Kaufmann came to the U.S. on a scholarship to Brigham Young University. His drive led him to an interview with RCLCO during college; and now, after 38 years and four careers at RCLCO, he has transitioned to the current managing director and CEO. Read Gadi’s biography … [Read more...]

Ellen Winkler became an accidental developer when she moved her video production firm to Denver and failed to find a fun, yet collaborative work environment. Now she is creating coworking spaces all around the city. Read more about Ellen’s background Read more about Drumbeat … [Read more...]

Jonathan Rose left his family’s multigenerational real estate company to start his own for-profit mission-driven development firm. His passion for creating communities of opportunity is strengthened through the belief that we all share a compassion that makes the world a better place. More information on the Rose Companies More information on the Well Tempered City … [Read more...]

Leaving a legacy is easy for Phil Freelon, who founded one of the largest African American–owned architecture firms. With numerous cultural institutions under his belt, including the newest Smithsonian museum, he is motivated to design places where the public can convene. Phil Freelon’s bio Read more about the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Read more about Phil Freelon … [Read more...]

Mary Ann Tighe didn’t know what commercial real estate was until she was 36 years old. With a successful career in the Carter/Mondale White House before launching the A&E network, she recognized her knack for deal making and is now one of the country’s most prolific brokers. Read Mary Ann Tighe’s bio Read more about Mary Ann’s career … [Read more...]

Chip Conley started one of the country’s first boutique hotel chains, Joie de Vivre, when he was just 26 years old. After selling the company, he joined the startup Airbnb at age 52, despite the fact that the young founders were primed to disrupt his industry. Read more about Chip’s leadership Read more about Chip’s role at Airbnb … [Read more...]