Episode 22: Special Guest Jason Baker on Retail Trends

In the first half of this engaging two-part conversation, Tom and Tim Dosch catch up with their longtime friend and industry leader Jason Baker, co-founder of Baker Katz, to talk about what’s really going on in the retail real estate market across Texas.

With over 20 years of experience in tenant representation, development, and investment strategy, Jason shares real-world insights on how the retail scene has shifted, especially post-COVID, and what’s coming next for Houston, DFW, and beyond. From rising construction costs to the ongoing growth of H-E-B and Costco, he breaks it all down with both a big-picture perspective and practical takeaways for real estate pros, operators, and investors.

Tune in now and don't miss Part 2, where Jason opens up about the personal side, leadership lessons, adoption, faith, and how to build a life that goes beyond just work.

Key Takeaways

• Retail’s rebound: Why post-COVID demand has surprised many, and what it means for brick-and-mortar in 2025 and beyond

• Omnichannel is here to stay: How successful retailers are combining physical stores with digital convenience

• Restaurant realities: Sales are strong, but rising costs are compressing margins, what operators need to know

• Grocery market shifts: H-E-B’s rapid growth in DFW and what it signals for competitors like Kroger and Tom Thumb

• Smart development strategy: Why retail construction is paused now, but expected to pick up again in 2026

• Lessons in partnership: How Jason and co-founder Kenneth Katz have built a 20-year business relationship rooted in trust and complementary strengths

• Disciplined investing: Why understanding tenant demand has helped Baker Katz navigate cycles with confidence

  
  

  In This Episode:

  • [00:00:52] Who is Jason Baker? A closer look at his background and role in shaping Houston retail real estate

  • [00:08:42] E-commerce vs. in-store: why the real story is more complex than it seems

  • [00:15:27] Inside the restaurant business: top-line growth vs. shrinking margins

  • [00:20:08] H-E-B’s market dominance, and why their DFW expansion changes the game

  • [00:24:30] H-E-B vs Costco business models

  • [00:31:06] The importance of culture and being good listeners to customers

  • [00:32:17] The retail development outlook: why patience and strategy matter

  • [00:35:39] The early days: how Jason helped pioneer tenant rep brokerage in Texas.

  • [00:39:11] Jason's partnership with Kenneth and the value of partnerships

  • [00:44:53] Leaving well: lessons in honoring mentors and transitioning with integrity

  • [00:46:47] The origin of Baker Katz’s investment philosophy, and how it continues to evolve

  • [00:51:07] Investing with a long view: balancing upside potential with downside protection.

  • [00:54:04] Part 2 preview

  
  Resources and Links

  Podcast

  • Texas Land Guys Podcast

  
  

  Jason Baker

  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmbaker

  • https://bakerkatz.com

  
  

  Tom Dosch

  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-dosch-37263b3b/

  • https://dmre.com/

  • https://ascentinv.com/

  • https://100xharvest.org/

  
  

  Tim Dosch

  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-dosch-67a07899/

  • https://dmre.com/