In this episode of Build Forward Now, host Keith Andrews sits down with Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President of Growth for eXp Commercial, at the Commercial Mastermind Summit in Nashville. This engaging conversation explores how commercial real estate professionals are uniquely positioned to drive economic development in their local communities.
Sean shares insights on how eXp Commercial's distributed model enables agents to be deeply embedded in their local markets, working directly with mayors, city councils, and economic development offices rather than just chasing big deals from urban towers. The discussion reveals how their revolutionary brokerage model - with lower overhead and higher agent retention - allows advisors to focus on purposeful community building rather than worrying about commissions.
A major highlight of the conversation focuses on the upcoming Opportunity Zone deadline that many rural communities are missing. Keith and Sean discuss the critical July 2025 deadline for municipalities to petition their governors for new Opportunity Zone designations under recent federal legislation, and how this represents a massive economic development opportunity for small towns across America.
Key topics covered:
- How eXp Commercial's embedded local presence drives better community outcomes
- The economics behind sustainable commercial real estate models
- Opportunity Zone designation strategies for rural communities
- Density bonus opportunities in the new federal legislation
- Why taking money concerns "off the table" enables more purposeful development work
This episode is essential listening for economic developers, commercial real estate professionals, and local government officials looking to understand how innovative brokerage models can better serve community development goals.
Episode Length: Approximately 15 minutes Recorded at: Commercial Mastermind Summit, Nashville, Tennessee
Build Forward Now is the economic development podcast exploring strategies, partnerships, and innovations driving growth across American communities.
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