A show about construction technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Welcome to the Bricks and Bytes Podcast, where we bring together the worlds of construction, technology, and entrepreneurship. We explore the innovative ideas and groundbreaking advancements that are shaping the future of the industry.
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SF Commercial Property Conversations hosted by Bruce Bean is the go-to podcast for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of commercial real estate in the San Francisco Peninsula and beyond. Each episode dives deep into the world of commercial property investments, featuring insights from seasoned investors, industry experts, and professionals who have shaped the landscape of San Francisco’s market. Join us as we explore successful investment strategies, discuss the challenges and opportunitie ...
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The Sales Mastery Behind Levelset's $500M Exit - GTM Tactics & Growth From CRO Martin Roth
1:22:23
1:22:23
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1:22:23"We got to a million dollars in ARR by taking meetings any way we could - sending chunky mail, handwritten cards, even just picking up the phone. It's simple." In today's episode of Bricks, Bucks and Bytes, we had Martin Roth sharing his journey as Levelset's go-to-market leader and the real-world tactics that helped scale the business to a success…
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Blending Bytes and Brick-and-Mortar: David Blumenfeld on NextRivet Success
17:10
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17:10How do shopping centers, commercial properties, and mixed-use spaces keep up with the rapid evolution of digital technology? In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with David Blumenfeld, co-founder of NextRivet, to discuss how his company is bridging the gap between digital innovation and physical spaces. With years of experience in San Francisco’s …
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From Basketball to Build-to-Rent: Javorn Ferrell’s Real Estate Playbook
21:38
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21:38In this episode, Bruce Bean chats with former athlete turned real estate entrepreneur, Javorn Ferrell, about his fascinating journey from pro basketball courts in Europe to leading build-to-rent housing developments across the U.S. Javorn shares how a desire to make a lasting community impact led him to Google “how to get rich”—and how that search …
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Bryan Marks: Riding the Waves from Wind Surfing to LA Home Flipping
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16:33In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean sits down with Bryan Marks, a real estate investor, home flipper, and realtor with a unique journey. From windsurfing instructor to advertising professional, pilot, and eventually a real estate entrepreneur, Bryan shares how his unexpected start in real estate led to a success…
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Deal or No Deal? Kayla Frerking on Navigating 1031 Exchanges with Leader Bank Confidence
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23:011031 exchanges can be complicated, but what if they could also be... fun? In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with Kayla Frerking, a true leader in 1031 exchanges and a key player at Leader 1031, a subsidiary of Leader Bank. Kayla breaks down the complexities of 1031 exchanges, shares how she’s making tax code exciting, and talks about her unique…
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Jonathan Mitchell: Energizing San Diego’s Multi-Family Market
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22:45In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean sits down with Jonathan Mitchell, a dynamic real estate developer in San Diego. Jonathan shares his journey from running a multimillion-dollar solar company to diving headfirst into real estate development. With a passion for transforming distressed properties into thriving mu…
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AI Won't Save Bad Construction Companies - Solving Tech Adoption Problems from VC Perspective
1:06:39
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1:06:39"AI in construction isn't just hype - we're in construction, so we know nobody will deploy solutions based on hype alone." In today's episode of Brick and Bytes, we had Vivin Hegde from Zakua Ventures sharing insights on construction tech investments and market trends. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why robotics is becoming essential in construction …
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Small Town Roots, Billion-Dollar Vision: The Chris Groves Story
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18:10From a small Wisconsin town to moving multi-billion-dollar infrastructure deals, Chris Groves shares a story packed with grit, hustle, and a sharp eye for where the money’s going next. In this episode, Bruce and Chris dive into infrastructure lending—a space Chris calls one of the most exciting and under-the-radar investment frontiers today. Chris …
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"20-Year-Old Software is Killing Architecture" - Legacy Systems & Cloud Solutions from Qonic Founders
1:17:07
1:17:07
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1:17:07"Loading 19 files, each over a gigabyte, into a web browser and manipulating them like butter was the moment I knew I had to join Qonic." - Aaron Perry, former digital design lead at one of UK's largest architecture firms. In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we sat down with Mark and Aaron from Qonic to explore how they're revolutionizing AEC s…
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Hustle, Grit, and Insurance: Shantelle Cabir’s Blue-Collar Success Story
32:53
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32:53In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean sits down with Shantelle Cabir, a powerhouse in the insurance industry who has built her career serving blue-collar businesses. From starting as a telemarketer at 16 to becoming a top producer at Newfront, Shantelle shares her incredible journey, the lessons she learned along …
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Marc Ampil: The Supply Chain Strategist Turned Real Estate Investor
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20:03In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Marc Ampil, a former supply chain consultant turned real estate investor and commercial real estate agent. Marc shares his journey from working long hours in consulting to finding financial freedom through real estate investing. Marc dives into how he got star…
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Innovation Teams Can't Scale - Adoption Automation Blueprint from Multi-Billion Project Leader
1:08:39
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1:08:39"I love my iPhone, but you don't hear people say, I love my consultant." In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we welcomed Angelos Nicolaou from Sektor AI who shared fascinating insights about construction tech adoption, the "anti-consultant" movement, and why technology must equal profitability. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How Sektor helps compan…
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From Ranch Life to Real Estate: Steffany Boldrini’s Self-Storage Success
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16:14How do you go from growing up in Brazil to building a self-storage empire in the U.S.? Steffany Boldrini did just that. In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Steffany shares her incredible journey—from working in tech startups to realizing the power of real estate investing. Steffany, founder of Monte Carlo Real E…
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From Institutional Insights to Entrepreneurial Success: David Saxe’s Multi-Family Growth Story
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42:57In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean sits down with David Saxe, Managing Principal and Co-Founder of Calvera Partners, to dive into the world of multifamily real estate investing. David shares his journey from working at a $30 billion real estate investment firm to launching his own company and navigating the com…
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Traditional Design Stack Is Dying! - Solving Compliance Challenges with AI-Powered Floor Plans
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59:15"To be able to provide more data faster, we need to rely on generation. In order to progress a project and know what's going to be built, you need floor plans." - Jesper on why floor plan generation matters. In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes, we had Jesper, co-founder and CPO of Finch, sharing insights on c…
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The Millennium Tower Challenge: Sam Louwrens on Construction Insurance & Retrofits
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23:31San Francisco’s Millennium Tower is one of the most infamous examples of engineering gone wrong. Dubbed the “Leaning Tower of San Francisco,” this luxury high-rise has faced years of controversy over its sinking foundation, expensive fixes, and ongoing structural concerns. In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean wel…
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Grant Chappell: From Banking to Brokerage – Mastering Multi-Family Investments
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22:45In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Grant Chappell, a seasoned commercial real estate broker with a deep focus on multi-family investments in the Bay Area. Grant’s journey from banking at Wells Fargo to 20 years in brokerage is packed with insights, lessons, and strategies for navigating the eve…
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3-4X BETTER ROI THAN HEAT PUMPS - VARM's Mission to Insulate 1 Million Homes by 2033
1:06:09
1:06:09
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1:06:09"Insulation has a 3-4x better ROI than heat pumps and 10x better than solar systems. Most people get this wrong when retrofitting their homes." In today's episode of the podcast, we had Chris from VARM, who shared his journey of building a VC-backed installation business aimed at becoming the European champion in the space. Tune in to find out abou…
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Michael Koch: Using Payment Processing to Offset Insurance Costs
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28:09
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28:09In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Michael Koch, an expert in insurance, payroll, and payment processing, to discuss his innovative approach to lowering business expenses. Michael shares his journey from working in payroll and HR to disrupting the insurance industry. He explains how traditional…
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File-Based Design Is Dying - Solving Architecture's Profitability Crisis with Cloud-First Solutions
56:12
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56:12"The future of building design is on the cloud. File-based design systems are becoming obsolete." In today's episode of the Future of Design Series from the Bricks and Bytes podcast, we had Altaf from Snaptrude who shared fascinating insights about the evolution of design software in architecture and construction. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why c…
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"From Seed to $10M Series A" - BuildVision's Procurement Platform & Growth Journey
1:11:10
1:11:10
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1:11:10"We make money when our customers make money" In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Mike Powers and Ben Lyddane from BuildVision who shared their journey of raising a $10M Series A led by Norwest Ventures. Their platform helps contractors procure mechanical and electrical equipment more efficiently, saving 20-30% on costs while creating new …
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From Bombay Studios to SF Storefronts: Michael Chidambaram’s Food & Beverage Brokerage Success
18:38
18:38
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18:38In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we welcome Michael Chidambaram, a seasoned real estate broker specializing in retail and food & beverage spaces. Michael’s journey is anything but ordinary—starting in TV production in Bombay (now Mumbai) before making his way into San Francisco’s commercial real estate market…
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From Section 8 to Surfboards: Vertical Market’s Journey through Housing to Innovative Flipping
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19:24In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Jack Kaminer and Tyler from Vertical Markets to explore their unconventional path in real estate investing. From Section 8 housing to flipping boats and incorporating tiny homes into rental properties, Jack and Tyler share their dynamic approach to growing wea…
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Profit Isn't a Dirty Word! - Aligning Client-Contractor Goals from an Innovation Director
1:07:47
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1:07:47"The interest of a contractor and the interest of a client are the same: I want you to finish this building to the best quality, to that date. And if I'm really smart as a client, I want you to make money too." In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had James Pellatt, founder of Digital Trees consultancy, sharing insights from his extensive car…
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Lights, Camera, Action: Sean Lahijani’s Journey from Sound Stage Architecture to CRE Developer
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22:12
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22:12From designing soundstages to developing commercial real estate, Sean Lahijani has seen it all. In this episode, Sean shares his journey from studying architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to working on high-profile projects like Circa in downtown LA and transforming retail spaces for Sears Growth Properties. But it was his work in soundstage de…
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"Tariffs Will Bankrupt Contractors" - Contracts Hiding Risk & Free Solution from Document Crunch
30:21
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30:21"Knowledge is power when dealing with tariffs. The lack of it caused numerous contractors to go out of business during the last supply chain disruption. We're not going to let that happen again." In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, Josh Levy from Document Crunch shared how they're helping construction companies navigate the recent tariff change…
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Insuring Futures: Jake Cummings’ Blueprint for Affordable Housing and Beyond
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16:23In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Jake Cummings, an insurance expert specializing in affordable housing solutions. Jake shares his unique journey into the insurance industry, from his early aspirations in real estate to a chance meeting on a golf course that led him into his current role. We d…
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Surfing the Commercial Insurance Waves with Jack Landers
23:48
23:48
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23:48Join us for a fascinating conversation with Jack Landers, a seasoned expert in commercial insurance who made the leap from Florida to San Diego, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the industry. Jack shares his journey into insurance, the challenges businesses face in today’s market, and how he helps clients navigate the ever-changing lands…
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Housing Crisis Solved? - Suburban Isolation & Affordability from Built-to-Rent Technology
1:11:11
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1:11:11"A tech-enabled general contractor reduced construction costs by 30% and build times by 25% - not by replacing trades, but by empowering them with better tools." In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Salman from Mosaic who shared how they're revolutionizing the built-to-rent housing sector by bringing together software and construction exp…
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Beyond Traditional Insurance: Michael Nassif’s Captive Solutions
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20:40In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Michael Nassif, an insurance expert who is flipping the script on how businesses approach risk management. Michael shares his journey from growing up in Los Angeles and studying economics to unexpectedly landing in the insurance industry. He discusses how his …
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From Rebel to Rainmaker: The Jordan Pratt-Thatcher Journey
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20:25In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean sits down with Jordan Pratt-Thatcher, a former actor turned successful insurance broker. Jordan shares his fascinating career path, from growing up in Minnesota and discovering a passion for acting, to performing professionally and eventually training at the prestigious Univer…
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Green Beginnings to Golden Deals: Kenny Lau’s Instagram CRE Journey
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22:39Kenny Lau’s journey into commercial real estate wasn’t a straight path—it was a transformation. From working in his family's recycling business to trying his hand at interior design, Kenny ultimately found his passion in commercial real estate. In this episode, Kenny shares how he made the leap, the lessons he learned along the way, and how social …
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3D Scan To BIM - Building Documentation Is Wrong 80% Of The Time
1:12:59
1:12:59
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1:12:59"I started Integrated Projects with $12,000 in what I thought was emergency funds. Looking back, probably the silliest decision." - Jose Cruz In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Jose Cruz of Integrated Projects (IPX) sharing his journey from bootstrapping to raising venture funding. Tune in to find out about: ✅ How growing up in his parent…
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From Chaos to Clarity: Charles Katz Explores California’s Insurance Turmoil
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18:57surance Turmoil California's insurance market is facing serious challenges, and no one understands this better than Charles Katz. With nearly 57 years of experience in the insurance industry, Charles has seen it all—from working with Fortune 500 companies to helping individual homeowners navigate an increasingly complex system. In this episode, Cha…
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From Arduino to Innovation: How Massimo Democratized Hardware Prototyping - BitBuilders - Building hard things
1:10:13
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1:10:13Note : This is a re-release of an episode that was originally uploaded to BitBuilders. "I've made every single mistake that exists in running startups." - Massimo Banzi, co-founder of Arduino Our host, Gabriele Tinelli - investor at Foundamental, Aerospace Engineer and hardware nerd - sits down with Massimo Banzi, the co-creator of Arduino. They di…
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Action2Call Unleashed: David Criss on Transforming Business Communication
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22:19What if you never had to cold call again? In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we dive into the future of business communication with David Criss, Director of Sales at Action2Call. David shares how AI-driven voice agents are revolutionizing inbound and outbound calls, making life easier for commercial real estate…
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Trusting the Process: Noelle Bryce’s Journey from Georgetown to Fiduciary Excellence
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32:33In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, Bruce Bean sits down with Noelle Bryce, an estate planning and asset protection attorney with Barth Calderon LLP. Noelle shares her journey from Glendora, California, to Washington, D.C., and back, and how her passion for governance and public policy led her to a career in estate planning. Th…
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160+ Acquitions - Hexagon’s Strategy Behind $32B Valuation Success
1:08:56
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1:08:56"We've done over 160 acquisitions since 2002. Some small, some billion-dollar companies." - Alex Brihac, VP of Strategy at Hexagon In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Alex Brihac from Hexagon, a $6 billion company that most in construction tech haven't heard of! We learned about their acquisition strategy, how they evaluate companies, and …
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Full Court Press: How Jason Malabute Scored as a CPA and CRE Partnerships
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19:22In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean sits down with Jason Malabute, a CPA specializing in commercial real estate taxation. Jason shares his inspiring journey from dreaming of being a professional basketball player to becoming a tax expert and real estate investor. Growing up in Los Angeles, Jason initially had no…
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Innovative Journeys: Sam Louwrens’ Transition from Homeschooling to Construction Insurance
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31:14In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we welcome Sam Louwrens, a commercial insurance broker specializing in construction insurance. Sam shares his unconventional journey—from being homeschooled in Cody, Wyoming, to navigating university in record time, and eventually finding his way into the world of insurance. S…
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SoCAL Landman – Mastering CRE with an IBM Edge
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22:01In this episode, host Bruce Bean sits down with Peter Quinn, a seasoned commercial real estate expert based in San Diego, California. Peter shares his fascinating journey from working at IBM to becoming a top-tier CRE professional. With decades of experience in land brokerage, development, and investment, Peter provides insights into how he navigat…
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AI Agents Are Changing The Game - The Future Of Construction Workflows
1:05:26
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1:05:26"AI agents aren't replacing humans—they're just handling 80% of the work, freeing skilled professionals to do what they do best." In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had James Garner, Global Head of Data, Insights & Analytics at Gleeds, discussing how AI is transforming construction consultancy. Tune in to find out about: ✅ Why construction is…
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Numbers to Net Worth: Paul Levine’s Guide to CRE and Cost Segregation
19:03
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19:03In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean sits down with Paul Levine, a former CPA turned commercial real estate expert. With over 50 years of experience in income taxes and financial strategies, Paul brings unique insights into commercial real estate, cost segregation, and tax-saving strategies. Paul shares how an un…
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Built's Path to becoming a $1.5B Construction Tech Unicorn
1:14:08
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1:14:08Note : This episode is a re-release of an episode that was initially released at Groundbreakers. "It turns out in construction and real estate, there's a lot of big problems. There's an abundance of them." - This candid observation from Built Technologies' CEO perfectly captures why construction tech is ripe for disruption. In our latest conversati…
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Vernon Webb: From Silva to Mindfulness Coaching for Sales Success
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19:49What if the key to sales success isn’t just strategy but mindset? In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, Bruce Bean sits down with Vernon Webb, a leadership coach and mindfulness expert, to uncover the mental roadblocks that keep professionals from reaching their full potential. Vernon shares his fascinating journey—from discoveri…
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Procore's AI Strategy & Implementation - AI's Role in Modern Construction
1:09:25
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1:09:25"AI agents could eliminate 20% of time spent searching for information on construction projects" In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Rajitha Chaparala, VP of Product Data and AI at Procore, share fascinating insights about the future of construction technology and AI implementation. Tune in to discover: ✅ How AI agents are transforming dai…
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Evin Wieser: Where Genetics Insight Meets Property Management Innovation
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28:46Evin Wieser started his career in genetics but found his true calling in property management. In this episode, he shares how he transitioned from working at Roche to managing some of San Jose’s most exciting commercial properties, including San Pedro Square Market. We also dive into the growing trend of office-to-residential conversions and the sci…
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Sold for $500m - Scott Wolfe's Epic Story With Levelset
1:22:33
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1:22:33Note: This is a re-release of an episode that was originally published at Groundbreakers. "I sued the bar association because they tried to restrict blogging. Content was just the way I saw the world." - This mindset led to a $500M exit. In today's episode of Groundbreakers from Bricks and Bytes, we had Scott Wolfe, founder of Levelset, share the r…
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Small-Town Beginnings, Big-City Brokerage: The Joe Killinger Story
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20:38On this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Joe Killinger, a dynamic force in the world of commercial real estate. From growing up on a small farm in Nebraska to building a thriving brokerage in Los Angeles, Joe's story is one of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Joe shares insights fr…
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The Truth Behind DeepSeek’s Impact on AEC | Alan Mosca on AI & Construction Tech
1:18:16
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1:18:16"Training an AI model's final run for $6M does not mean the entire model costs $6M" In today's episode of Bricks and Bytes, we had Alan Mosca, CTO and co-founder of nPlan, who shared fascinating insights about AI developments, construction tech, and the future of project planning. Tune in to find out about: ✅ The truth behind DeepSeek's training co…
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