The CRE Deal Room

On this episode of The CRE Deal Room, host Adam Dunn is joined by Gunnar Branson, CEO of AFIRE (Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate), for a conversation about global capital flows, long-term investment strategies, and the future of institutional real estate.With over $3 trillion AUM represented across AFIRE members, Gunnar offers unparalleled insight into how foreign capital views the U.S. real estate market—and what’s driving investor decisions amid today’s shifting geopolitical and economic climate.From the decline of cap rate engineering to the rising importance of infrastructure, sustainability, and long-term operations, this episode dives deep into what it means to build—and hold—real assets in a post-pandemic, post-low-rate world.Plus, Gunnar shares personal reflections from his upcoming book Chasing Lights, touching on themes of urban vs. rural identity, community, and our collective stake in the built environment.Highlights:Why real estate should be treated as a generational asset, not a flipWhat’s really behind the pullback in global capital—and why it’s reboundingThe growing role of infrastructure and data centers in CRE strategyWhy multifamily and industrial are still leading—plus new interest in senior living, student housing, and affordable workforce housingThe case for the Great Lakes region as the next major CRE growth marketHow investment management and operations must align to thrive in this cycleGunnar’s take on energy, transit, and the future of urban design“We’re moving from engineering returns to earning them—through operations, tenant experience, and thoughtful long-term strategy.” – Gunnar BransonDon’t miss this global perspective on what’s shaping CRE today and tomorrow.Subscribe to The CRE Deal Room and share this episode with your network.

The CRE Deal Room returns with a legendary voice in commercial real estate. Host Adam Dunn sits down with Luis Belmonte, founder of Seven Hills Properties and one of the most seasoned industrial developers in the U.S., for an unfiltered conversation spanning over six decades in CRE.From house hacking in San Francisco in the ’60s to overseeing $4B/year in development for Prologis and building across the globe - from Japan to Mexico - Luis shares the mistakes, wins, and wisdom gained through recessions, tax reform, bankruptcies, and booms.Belmonte discusses the evolution of industrial real estate, the dangers of chasing “masterpiece” projects, navigating cross-border development, the future of AI-driven data centers, and why integrity and preparation always outperform flash and ego.Whether you’re a rising CRE professional or a seasoned investor, this masterclass in resilience and real estate strategy will challenge your assumptions and sharpen your perspective.Highlights:How Luis turned a duplex into a real estate empire after VietnamThe 1986 tax law’s impact and how it reshaped CRE foreverWhat he learned managing bankruptcies, including Webvan and 24 Hour FitnessPartnering for global expansion - strategies that worked in Mexico, Japan & SingaporeThe rise of data centers and the power challenges shaping CRE’s futureWhy “recession-proofing” your deals is the most important strategyStreet-smart negotiation and the art of trading dignity for dollarsThe most complex deal of his career: transforming Pier 1 in San FranciscoA call for professionalism, integrity, and inclusivity in real estateExplore Luis's books on Amazon: Street Dog MBA, Street Dog Negotiator, Street Dog Manager, and Real Estate 101“You’ve gotta assume there's going to be a recession - and structure your business to survive and thrive in it.” – Luis BelmonteDon't miss this conversation with a CRE icon who’s seen it all, built it all, and still believes in the deal.Subscribe to The CRE Deal Room and share this episode with your network!

In this episode of the CRE Deal Room, Adam Dunn sits down with Chris Tourtellotte, Managing Director at LaTerra Development, to explore the intersection of innovation and legacy in commercial real estate. Chris shares his journey from growing up in Denver to leading one of the most active residential and self-storage development companies in the Southwestern U.S.Listeners will hear how LaTerra evolved from land banking after the Great Financial Crisis to forming strategic ventures with major capital partners, including a $250 million commitment from a Canadian pension fund and a $300 million partnership with an Australian investment bank for self-storage. Chris also opens up about overcoming capital-raising challenges, structuring programmatic ventures, and adapting to market volatility through diversification and innovative deal structures.Highlights include insights on:LaTerra's growth from land banking to multifamily and self-storage development.Structuring capital and partnerships, including programmatic ventures.Navigating market volatility, from COVID-19 to rising interest rates.The unique competitive advantage of nimbleness and innovative amenities.Advice for up-and-coming developers, including risk mitigation and deal scaling.Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends practical wisdom with forward-thinking strategies in CRE development.

The CRE Deal Room brings top industry experts to the table to discuss the most pressing topics in commercial real estate. In this episode, host Adam Dunn welcomes Skylar Romines, founder of ATW Advisors and the self-proclaimed “America’s Favorite Insurance Nerd,” to take a deep dive into the evolving world of CRE insurance.Insurance is one of the largest—and often most misunderstood—expenses in commercial real estate. Skylar breaks down the hidden complexities behind policies, how underwriting standards are shifting, and what investors and developers can do to optimize their coverage while controlling costs. From natural disaster risk to self-insurance strategies, this conversation goes beyond the policy to deliver real insights that impact your bottom line.Highlights:Why CRE owners often overpay for insurance and how to negotiate better terms.The role of an owner’s rep in protecting developers and investors.Emerging risks in liability coverage—what’s being excluded and why it matters.How data and technology are reshaping the insurance underwriting process.Skylar’s journey from retail sales to building a powerhouse CRE insurance advisory firm.Follow Skylar Romines for more expert insights:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarrominesX (Twitter): https://x.com/skylarrominesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1skylarDon’t let insurance be a blind spot in your CRE investment strategy. Learn from one of the industry’s top experts and gain actionable insights to protect your assets. Subscribe to The CRE Deal Room and share this episode with your network today!

In this episode of The CRE Deal Room, Adam Dunn interviews Ryan Duff, a former mortgage banker and founder of C-Port Equity, a private equity platform redefining multifamily investments through partnerships and innovative strategies. Ryan discusses C-Port’s first fund, its four initial deals, and his vision for scaling up in 2025. Learn how Ryan applies his 15+ years of experience in mortgage banking to identify unique opportunities in the multifamily sector while aligning interests between investors and operators. Highlights: Ryan’s transition from aspiring Hollywood Agent to Mortgage Broker C-Port’s approach to recapitalizing distressed multifamily assets. Key leadership principles shaping the firm's foundation. Insights into building trust and aligning interests with sponsors and investors while creating strategy Partnership. Unlocking the “sport-mentality” to build a best-in-class team Ryan’s long-term vision for C-Port’s micro-fund platform. Hear how Ryan Duff is leveraging relationships and market expertise to drive returns in multifamily investments. Follow the podcast for more CRE insights, and don’t forget to leave a review!