Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook

Ryan Rao is Chief Development Officer at VIO Med Spa, an expanding chain in the medical aesthetics industry. Rao discusses the company’s nationwide growth, the factors driving consumer demand for med spa services, and VIO’s unique approach to site selection and real estate. He explains how VIO Med Spa differentiates itself through its retail-focused locations, spa-like environment, and comprehensive service offerings, including inj...

• Holly Cohen, Holly Cohen Retail Advisory Services discusses her extensive career in...

Jeffrey Rosenberg is Chairman & CEO of Big V Property Group, a family-owned company with an 80-year history. Rosenberg discusses the company’s evolution from its origins as a single grocery store in New York state, to an owner and operator of open-air shopping centers, including The RIM in San Antonio and The Avenue Murfreesboro in Tennessee. He explains Big V’s approach to market research, the importance of core values, and the ch...

James interviews Dan Roberts, co-founder of Veckta, a company that assists large commercial property owners in developing onsite energy systems. Roberts explains how Veckta identifies optimal sites for energy generation and storage, such as solar and battery systems. He details the economic benefits and processes for deploying these systems and highlights the platform's role in streamlining data collection and procurement. They als...

James interviews David Fuller-Watts of Kinexio about the challenges of managing retail properties and how technology, particularly AI, can streamline processes such as data collection and tenant communication. David shares his journey from founding a marketing agency to creating an enterprise property management solution. The conversation also touches on the future impact of AI on property management, the importance of enthusiasm i...

James dives into the economic, historical, and retail landscape of Montgomery, Alabama, with Jerime Reid and Frank Robinson. Jerime, the Chief of Staff to the Mayor, and Frank, the Director of Economic Development, discuss Montgomery's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and its current status as a dynamic and diverse economy. The conversation covers the impact of Maxwell Air Force Base, the significance of tourism driven by ...

Jim Babinchak and Kevin Kern with architecture firm Cooper Carry talk about their role in helping Northwood Investors transform the Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, NC into a vibrant mixed-use project known as The Bowl at Ballantyne. They discuss the design vision of creating a communal and walkable environment with a blend of retail, residential, and entertainment spaces. Key features include family-friendly amenities like ...

Phil Colicchio is an attorney and real estate consultant known for his work representing celebrity chefs and helping to pioneer the Las Vegas restaurant boom. Phil talks about the food and beverage industry in Las Vegas, the evolution of food halls, and the integration of entertainment into dining experiences. Phil also speaks about working with his cousin Tom Colicchio and his experiences negotiating licensing agreements for other...

Mickey Papillon leads tech strategy for Irvine Company. He discusses the influence of technology on the shopping experience, including EV charging stations, AI, and the use of mobility data for strategic decision-making. He talks about using technology to enhance customer experience from online product discovery to in-center navigation. The conversation also covers predictive analytics and robotics, exploring their practical applic...

Matt DuPlessie is founder and CEO of Level99, a real-world gaming venue designed for adults. He covers the origins of Level99, its unique concept of combining various physical and mental challenge rooms with high-quality dining, and plans for growth, including upcoming locations in Tysons, Virginia, Hartford, Connecticut, and Disney Springs in Orlando. Matt also discusses the technology and design process behind the games, the imp...

Brandy Mathie is Director of Site Acquisition and Portfolio Management at Electrify America, the largest open hyper-fast electric vehicle charging network in the U.S. Mathie explains the company's growth, future goals, and the logistics of deploying charging stations in retail locations. She also covers customer experience, ideal site locations, and the increasing demand for EV infrastructure. 

James Cook is the Director of Retail ...

Kien Tsoi, regional director of leasing for Dollar Tree, talks about what it takes for a retailer to surpass 9,000 stores in North America. Kien talks about his background in retail brokerage and the unique shopping experience that Dollar Tree offers. He also speaks to the competition he faces for retail spaces and the impact of economic conditions on value retail. 

James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for ...

Andy Weiner, President of RockStep Capital discusses his unique strategy of involving local investors and community bank lending to invest in open air and enclosed shopping centers. Andy shares insights from his background in retail and explains how RockStep mitigates risks by fostering strong local partnerships. He also delves into the company's principles, known as 'Rock Steps,' which guide their operations and culture. The conve...

Jennifer Schuler, CEO talks about the storied history of  Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, from Alice Handel's dedication to quality ice cream starting in 1945 in Ohio, to today's franchise-driven expansion. Jennifer shares her own career journey from General Mills to Wetzel's Pretzels, highlighting her passion for the food industry. The conversation touches on the Handel's growth strategy, focus on quality, and the hands-on approach t...

Don Tepman, better known as 'StripMallGuy,' talks candidly about his rise to social media fame in the retail real estate world. Don discusses his beginnings in real estate, his years of anonymous posting, and the decision to reveal his identity. He shares his strategies for selecting and managing properties, focusing on mom-and-pop tenants, the challenges and rewards of revitalizing strip centers, and the importance of niche knowle...

James Cook discusses the successful collaboration between the city of Yorba Linda, California, and Zelman Development in creating the Yorba Linda Town Center. Featuring insights from Colleen Callahan, the Economic Development Manager for the city, and Brett Foy of Zelman Development, the conversation explores the project’s conception, early challenges, and the cooperative efforts that led to its realization. The episode also delves...