Podcast
🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers
Hosted by Kristi Kandel · EN
🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers Podcast with Kristi Kandel & Raphael Collazo
This podcast was created to break down the barriers of entry into development and make it as familiar as flipping a house or house-hacking a duplex.
We feature:
- Weekly interviews with local developers sharing their projects
- Think Like a Developer Minisodes: live in-progress deals
- Insights from strategic partners like brokers, architects, engineers, and lenders
- Exclusive Developer Vault
Most US Cities have fewer than 10,000 residents. We don’t need more outside investors, we need more locals taking action.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How One Small Idea Can Transform an Entire Town | EP#66
Yesterday00:55:18Summary readyWhat if your community doesn't need another billion-dollar project... it just needs someone willing to care?For years, cities have chased mega-projects, outside investors, and expensive revitalization plans believing bigger budgets lead to better communities. But what if the biggest transformation starts with something much smaller?In this episode, urban planner and Ash & Lime founder Rik Adamski shares why thriving towns aren't built by waiting for someone else to invest, they're built by local people who choose to act.Drawing from decades of experience in planning, downtown revitalization, and community building, Rik reveals how vacant storefronts, walkable neighborhoods, third places, and incremental development can breathe new life into struggling communities. Inspired by movements like Strong Towns, Better Block, and tactical urbanism, he makes a compelling case that meaningful change doesn't require billions of dollars, it requires people who care enough to start.If you've ever looked around your hometown and thought, "Someone should do something," this episode is a reminder that someone could be you. 🔗 Full Episode:📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestRik AdamskiLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikadamski/ About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping.#localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #incrementaldevelopment #strongtowns #placemaking #urbanplanning #buildlocal #thirdplaces #downtowndevelopment #realestatedevelopment
Summary
Why Every Local Real Estate Developer Should Be at the LRED Meetup | EP#65
1w ago00:11:06Summary readyWhat if one weekend could completely change how you see real estate development?REGISTER: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/lred-meetup-2026In this episode, Raphael Collazo and Kristi Kandel share what to expect at the first-ever Local Real Estate Developer Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. From inspiring keynote speakers and adaptive reuse site tours to honest conversations about project failures, networking, and building stronger communities, this event is designed to help aspiring and active developers take the next step.Development isn't about having all the answers, it's about learning from people who are actively doing the work and building the relationships that help you overcome the inevitable challenges every project brings.The biggest projects don't start with millions of dollars, they start with someone willing to raise their hand, build relationships, solve problems, and believe they can make their community better.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/rlOOvACFSsU📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinConnect with Raphael: Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ Connect with Kristi:Website: https://kristikandel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping#localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #buildlocal #localdevelopers #adaptiveReuse #placemaking #commercialrealestate #urbanrevitalization #mixeduse #developerconference #realestateinvesting #affordablehousing #networking #louisville #kentucky #buildyourcommunity #localleadership #smalltowndevelopment #realestatepodcast
SummaryThe Retirement Money Most Developers Never Think to Use | EP#64
2w ago00:49:39Summary readyRaising capital doesn't always mean finding new investors. In this episode, Kaaren Hall reveals how self-directed IRAs can unlock retirement dollars to fund real estate development projects.Learn how developers can access an overlooked source of capital, build investor trust through transparency, and navigate the realities of partnerships, financing, and growing a development business.After losing her job during the Great Recession, Kaaren founded UDirect IRA Services and helped thousands of investors take control of their retirement savings. She shares how self-directed IRAs work, common mistakes to avoid, and why understanding this tool can open doors for both investors and local developers.This episode is for anyone who wants to raise capital more creatively, reduce reliance on traditional banks, and build projects that create lasting impact in their community.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/RSt6ZI5D6Tw📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestKaaren HallWebsite: https://x.com/uDirectIRA Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaarenhall/ Instagram: instagram.com/udirectiraservices/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWAycexbDjYjHh8R8goug0A About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping#localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #realestatedevelopment #buildlocal #selfdirectedira #privatecapital #capitalraising #commercialrealestate #realestateinvesting #localdevelopers
SummaryBuilding 100 Affordable Homes With No Real Estate Experience | EP#63
3w ago01:02:57Summary readyMost people wait until they have experience. Alex Martinsen built a team and started anyway.After exiting a successful construction business, Alex took on an entirely new challenge: building 100 affordable homes in his first year of real estate development.In this episode, he shares how relationships, partnerships, private capital, and a simple land acquisition strategy are helping solve one of America's biggest housing challenges. From finding deals through Facebook Marketplace to raising millions without traditional financing, Alex proves that taking action beats waiting for the perfect moment.If you're ready to stop making excuses and start building in your own community, this episode is for you.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/KYfwscjcyv0📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestAlex MartinsenLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmartinsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmartinsen_/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@landhomepackage About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping#localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #affordablehousing #attainablehousing #communitydevelopment #landdevelopment #privatecapital #manufacturedhomes #buildlocal #realestatepodcast
SummaryFrom Physics Student to Building an Iconic Development | EP#62
4w ago00:43:50Summary readyWhat if one question could completely change your life?Renzo Sanio never planned to become a real estate developer. He started college studying physics, but everything changed after a professor asked him one simple question: "What do you build here, and why?" That question sparked an obsession that led him from winning a national real estate development competition to launching his own ground-up development just months after graduating college.In this episode, Renzo shares the real story behind building his first purpose-built vacation rental community with his business partner, Rajan Chida. From finding land on Zillow and raising capital without a track record to navigating permits, construction delays, tariffs, change orders, and the emotional highs and lows of development, Renzo pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to become a local developer.You'll hear how military discipline, relentless preparation, and the right partnerships helped him push through setbacks, why development is a "full-contact sport," and why solving problems, not avoiding them, is what separates developers from everyone else.Whether you're dreaming about your first project or already working through the challenges of one, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on finding opportunities, building the right team, managing risk, and creating projects that leave a lasting impact on your community.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/OUBLXWlf9Ck📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestRenzo SanioLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-tarsia-41a00613/ About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping#localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #buildlocal #communitydevelopment #groundupdevelopment #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #developerjourney #realestateinvesting #propertydevelopment #entrepreneurship #landdevelopment #buildingtogether #localdevelopers #podcast
SummaryThe Capital Stack Mistake That's Killing Development Deals | EP#61
Jul 700:42:54Summary readyWhat if the biggest reason your development deal isn't moving forward... isn't the project, it's your capital stack?In this episode, Sal Tarsia, Managing Partner of CastleGreen Finance, reveals one of the most overlooked financing tools available to local real estate developers: C-PACE financing.From adaptive reuse and historic renovations to ground-up construction, Sal explains how developers are using C-PACE to reduce equity requirements, lower financing costs, and make deals work that otherwise wouldn't pencil.Drawing from decades in commercial lending, Sal shares real-world stories of projects that unlocked millions in value through energy-efficient improvements, why more lenders are embracing C-PACE, and how developers can structure stronger capital stacks before ever approaching a bank.Whether you're converting an office building into apartments, redeveloping a historic property, or planning your next ground-up project, this episode will change the way you think about financing development.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/MBR7aDSy1II📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestSal TarsiaWebsite: https://castlegreenfinance.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-tarsia-41a00613/ About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping#localrealestatedeveloper #RealEstateDevelopment #CPACE #CommercialRealEstate #AdaptiveReuse #capitalstack #commercialfinance #developmentfinance #localdevelopers #groundupdevelopment #historicrenovation #officeconversion #multifamilydevelopment #realestateinvesting #buildlocal
SummaryThe Real Reason Some Developers Keep Winning | EP#60
Jun 3000:52:15Summary readyWhat does it take to help build and manage thousands of retail locations across the country?In this episode, Danni Gallagher shares how she went from studying architecture to leading large-scale development programs for some of the biggest retail and healthcare brands in America.Over nearly two decades at CVS, Danni worked her way from construction management to executive leadership, helping oversee everything from new store development and acquisitions to remodels, design standards, and national rollout strategies.Along the way, she learned that development is rarely about having the perfect process. It's about solving problems, building relationships, adapting to constant change, and surrounding yourself with the right people.Danni shares lessons from managing projects across multiple states, navigating public hearings, building high-performing teams, and working alongside developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and city officials to bring projects to life.This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how development works at scale and why the same relationship-driven principles apply whether you're building one project or one thousand.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/tFN4Nr-6RsA📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestDanni GallagherWebsite: https://sevan.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danni-gallagher-baa219b7/ About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #RealEstateDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #RetailDevelopment #Leadership #Development #CommunityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #BuildLocal #PropertyDevelopment
SummaryThe Deal Another Developer Passed On Became Their Breakthrough | EP #59
Jun 2300:55:32Summary readyWhat happens when two women with no development experience decide to stop playing small?In this episode, Amirah and Kodah share how a Facebook connection turned into a development partnership that's now building cottage communities across Portland.Starting with a modest $6,500 mobile home flip, they learned the fundamentals of investing before taking on larger development projects. Along the way, they faced lender rejections, partnership lessons, and even purchased a property another developer walked away from.Instead of chasing maximum profit, they're focused on creating communities people actually want to live in complete with walkability, community spaces, thoughtful design, and homes built for real families.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/2UP6B7VL0PU📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinConnect with Kadoh & Amirah:🌐 Website https://amikadevelopment.info/📸 Instagram @amikadevelopment@kadohdevelops@amirahfattom💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadoh-chomilo/About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping.#localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #localdeveloper #communitydevelopment #housingdevelopment #womenindevelopment #womeninrealestate #landdevelopment #cottagecluster #realestateinvesting #buildlocal #developerlife #entrepreneurship #placemaking #communityimpact #smallscaledevelopment
SummaryThe Local Developer Who Refused to Give Up on Main Street | EP#58
Jun 1600:55:24Summary readyWhat happens when nobody is coming to save your town?For Luke Henry, the answer was simple: buy the buildings, take the risk, and start building.In this episode, Luke shares how he went from mowing lawns and house hacking his first property to acquiring eight vacant downtown buildings and helping transform Marion, Ohio's Main Street.He breaks down the realities of small-town development, earning the trust of local banks, creating businesses when tenants wouldn't take the leap, building an ecosystem for entrepreneurs, and navigating the criticism that often comes with leadership.This is a powerful conversation about vision, persistence, and what it really takes to revitalize a community when everyone else is waiting for someone else to do it.The biggest lesson?There is no "they." Only the locals willing to step up and build.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/gxIUlqsApJI📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestLuke HenryLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luhenry/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henrydevelopmentgroup/ About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping.#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #RealEstateDevelopment #DowntownRevitalization #CommunityDevelopment #MainStreet #AdaptiveReuse #localdeveloper #placemaking #buildlocal #economicdevelopment #smalltowns #entrepreneurship #realestateinvesting #communitybuilding #mixeduse #localownership
SummaryFrom Rule-Follower to $450M Sports Ecosystem Developer | EP#57
Jun 900:56:26Summary readyWhat does it take to go from hospitality jobs and side businesses to helping build a $450M mixed-use sports and community development?And how do you step into development when you never set out to be a developer?In this episode, Beth Underhill shares her path from catering and entrepreneurship to real estate investing, student housing, and ultimately leading a large-scale 103-acre sports and mixed-use development. She breaks down how exposure to landlords and developers shifted her mindset, how early flips and contractor issues shaped her approach, and how commercial real estate opened the door to bigger thinking.Beth walks through how the sports complex vision evolved into an entire ecosystem, hotels, retail, multifamily, food, and wellness, driven by local demand, city plans, and strategic relationships. She also gets real about financing challenges, partnerships, and what it actually takes to move a project of this scale forward.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/doPVeF_BTr8📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestBeth Januzzi Underhill Website: www.investingwithbeth.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethjanuzziunderhill/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investingwithbeth/ About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping.#localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #mixeduse #sportscomplex #commercialrealestate #landdevelopment #communitydevelopment #cincinnatirealestate #entrepreneurship
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