NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Chapter: Recent Episodes
NAIOP SFBA
NAIOP SFBA is the leading organization for commercial real estate developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial and mixed-use real estate. Visit naiopsfba.org to learn more!
Fremont has become one of California's leading centers for advanced manufacturing, AI infrastructure, and industrial development. In this episode, Drew Hess sits down with Donovan Lazaro, Economic Development Director for the City of Fremont, to explore the city's remarkable growth story and the strategies helping it attract investment, create jobs, and support next-generation industry.
From record leasing activity and advanced manufacturing to power infrastructure, robotics, and economic development, Donovan shares how Fremont's collaborative, business-friendly approach has positioned the city at the forefront of California's manufacturing future. The conversation also examines what it takes to compete for investment in today's market and why manufacturing remains critical to the long-term success of California's economy.
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Chapter Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction to Donovan Lazaro
1:35 – Fremont's Record Industrial Leasing Activity
3:20 – Manufacturing Roots and the Tesla Transformation
5:00 – Building a Culture of Economic Development
7:20 – Planning, Permitting, and Hazardous Materials Programs
10:45 – California Manufacturing and Industry Retention
12:00 – Fremont's Manufacturing Ecosystem
13:00 – AI Infrastructure and Server Manufacturing Growth
15:00 – Why Power Has Become Critical Infrastructure
18:45 – Working with PG&E and Microgrid Solutions
23:00 – Fremont's Competitive Advantage
24:30 – Industrial Development and Flexible Zoning
26:45 – Retail-to-Industrial Conversions
31:45 – Workforce Housing and Growth Challenges
33:30 – Office-to-Industrial Conversions
35:30 – AI, Robotics, and Fremont's Future
38:30 – What California Needs to Do Better
41:45 – Career Advice and Leadership Lessons
43:10 – Closing Thoughts
In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Minor, Senior Portfolio Manager at DWS, to talk about the long game in commercial real estate—and what it really takes to build a career that lasts.
Catherine’s path didn’t follow a straight line. She started in civil engineering and construction, moved into development, and ultimately found her place on the investment side of the business, where she now leads portfolio strategy at the intersection of global capital and local market insight. Along the way, she made intentional pivots, navigated challenging market cycles, and learned how to recognize when something wasn’t the right fit.
A central theme throughout the conversation is the idea of finding your “just right.” From roles that were “too hot” or “too cold” to the environments and opportunities that ultimately clicked, Catherine shares how trial, risk-taking, and self-awareness shaped her career.
We also dig into what a portfolio manager actually does day-to-day, the realities of today’s fundraising environment, and where she’s seeing opportunity as the next real estate cycle begins to take shape. She offers a candid perspective on mentorship versus sponsorship, the importance of having true allies in your career, and how technology—especially AI—is beginning to influence the industry.
It’s an honest and thoughtful conversation about growth, resilience, and building a career with intention in an ever-changing market.
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro & career overview
3:00 – Finding your “just right”
4:30 – Starting in construction
6:00 – Business school & career pivot
7:00 – Walking away from the wrong opportunity
8:00 – Finding the right fit
11:00 – Global Financial Crisis lessons
12:30 – Google & large-scale development
14:30 – Transition to investment management
15:00 – What a portfolio manager does
16:00 – Market conditions & fundraising
18:00 – Where the market is heading
19:30 – NAIOP & leadership
22:00 – Work culture & AI
25:00 – Lightning round & closing
2026 NAIOP SFBA Chapter President Jordan Angel joins host Drew Hess to share his vision for the year ahead, highlighting a renewed focus on in-person engagement, expanding multifamily participation, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders. He also discusses Bay Area market momentum, capital markets trends, and why he remains optimistic about the region’s future.
In this episode of the NAIOP SFBA Podcast, host Drew Hess sits down with Lydia Tan, a real estate leader whose three-decade career spans nonprofit affordable housing, institutional investment, large-scale mixed-use development, and professional sports.
Lydia shares how her famously non-linear path—from architecture to BRIDGE Housing, Related California, Bentall Kennedy, the Oakland A’s, and now the Oakland Roots & Soul—has shaped her approach to development as both purpose-driven and financially disciplined. She reflects on what it takes to deliver high-impact public-private projects, why there is “no single right answer” in real estate development, and how understanding risk, community, and stakeholders is central to creating lasting places.
The conversation explores Lydia’s leadership philosophy, her deep commitment to mentorship and teaching at UC Berkeley, and her current work helping build Oakland-rooted sports infrastructure that centers community, culture, and civic pride. Lydia also offers candid advice for emerging leaders, insights from decades of complex development work, and an optimistic vision for Oakland’s future.
In this episode, host Drew Hess sits down with Miles Treaster, President, Capital Markets, Americas, at Cushman & Wakefield. Miles shares his path from Sacramento and the “Buzz Oates school of industrial development” to leading one of the largest capital markets platforms in the world.
He breaks down how pricing, risk, and investor psychology are shifting; why cash flow is back at the center of valuations; and where opportunities are emerging across office, data infrastructure, industrial, and senior living. The conversation also covers Bay Area dynamics, San Francisco’s renewed momentum, and the role of leadership, mentorship, and humanity in today’s AI-driven world.
A concise, insightful listen for developers, investors, brokers, and emerging leaders navigating today’s commercial real estate market.
In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Hargrove, President & CEO of the California Business Properties Association (CBPA), for a clear and high-level look at how advocacy shapes commercial real estate in California. Matt breaks down what’s really happening in Sacramento—from AB 98 and its cleanup legislation to CEQA updates, leasing bills, building code reforms, and the day-to-day work of navigating more than 2,500 bills each session.
He also shares why member engagement matters, how to build meaningful relationships with policymakers, common misconceptions about advocacy, and why he remains optimistic about the future of CRE in California.
Timestamps are included below to help listeners easily jump to the sections and policy topics most relevant to them.
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00:00 – Intro & CBPA overview
07:00 – How advocacy works in Sacramento
15:00 – AB 98 & the cleanup bill (SB 415)
23:00 – Leasing bills, SB 1103 & tenant protections
27:00 – CEQA, housing & building code reform
35:00 – Day-to-day wins & bill fixes
38:00 – What keeps Matt up at night
40:00 – How members can engage (time, talent, treasure)
45:00 – PACs & political involvement
48:00 – Optimism for California & CRE
51:00 – Misconceptions & closing
In this episode, host Drew Hess chats with Luke Ogelsby, Vice Chairman at CBRE and the San Francisco Business Times’ 2024 Broker of the Year. Luke reflects on the evolution of commercial real estate, the unstoppable rise of AI, and why he’s doubling down on San Francisco’s future. He shares lessons from early career struggles, the power of resilience, and how his personal values continue to shape a purpose-driven approach to business and leadership. A must-listen for anyone navigating today’s CRE landscape with long-term vision.
In this episode, host Drew Hess sits down with Linda Hothem, Owner and CEO of Pacific American Group, to explore her remarkable journey from social work to becoming a leading force in industrial real estate. Linda shares the founding story behind Pacific American, her pivotal role in shaping the Port of Oakland’s trade infrastructure, overcoming personal tragedy, and her continued legacy through mentorship, philanthropy, and sustainability. It’s a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and innovation in the Bay Area’s evolving commercial real estate landscape.
In this episode of the NAIOP SFBA Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, speaks with Matt Field, Vice Chairman at TMG Partners, in a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, strategy, and creating value in today’s complex real estate landscape.
With over three decades of experience shaping the San Francisco Bay Area skyline, Matt shares lessons from transformative projects like 680 Folsom, PG&E’s Oakland HQ, and Landmark at One Market. He discusses the role of thoughtful deal structure, why asking “why” not “what”* leads to better outcomes, and how transparency and alignment are keys to lasting partnerships.
We also dive into:
- What AI and changing demand mean for the future of San Francisco real estate
- The importance of mentorship and cracking doors open for the next generation
- How to find your “superpower” and operate in flow
- Why you should never bet against San Francisco
Plus, Matt reflects on his personal journey—from early lessons at Catellus and Sedway Consulting to following the Grateful Dead on tour—and the people and moments that shaped his approach to life and business.
In this episode of the NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, sits down with 2025 Chapter President Adam Voelker, Market Leader and Principal at Trammell Crow Company. From industrial to life sciences, Adam brings a purpose-driven approach to leadership—and in this conversation, he shares his personal and professional vision for the year ahead.
You’ll hear Adam’s thoughts on collaboration across chapters, elevating NAIOP’s Executive Development and YPG programs, and why building strong political action committees is essential to the future of Bay Area real estate.
We also go beyond the boardroom—Adam opens up about his love for basketball, his go-to espresso habit, and how mentors shaped his leadership style.
💬 What You’ll Learn:
- Why collaboration between NAIOP chapters matters more than ever
- The power and purpose behind a strong PAC
- How regional momentum is shifting in the Bay Area market
- Leadership advice for the next generation of real estate professionals
- Personal insights from Adam’s journey across Southern California, D.C., and the Bay Area
🛠️ Whether you’re in development, investing, or just passionate about the future of commercial real estate, this episode offers sharp insights and a human connection to the industry we love.----more----
🎧 Listen now and subscribe to stay in the loop on market trends, leadership conversations, and the policies shaping our future.
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In this insightful episode, host Drew Hess chats with Co-Founder and Managing Partner at SKS Partners, Paul Stein, who shares his journey in the real estate industry, highlighting the cyclical nature of the market, his experiences in leasing and development, and the importance of collaboration. From groundbreaking projects in San Francisco's South of Market area to his foray into biotech, Paul discusses the challenges, lessons, and strategies that have shaped his career.
In this episode, Drew Hess, co-founder of Layline,LLC, joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the commercial real estate industry, focusing on industrial investments. Drew shares his extensive career path, from starting at Arthur Andersen to working with notable firms like AMB Property and Prudential Real Estate Investors. He explains the founding principles of Layline, emphasizing their focus on the Bay Area's industrial sector and their goal to bring institutional experience to a local level. Drew provides insights into the current industrial market trends, challenges posed by rising interest rates, and the impact of COVID-19 on e-commerce and supply chains. He also highlights the importance of mentorship, work ethic, and building strong industry relationships.
PLUS Drew will be the new host of the NAIOP podcast!
In this episode, host Dave Karol, Managing Director at Ridge Capital Investors, sits down with the NAIOP SFBA's esteemed 2024 President, Briana DeHaan, Senior Vice President at Northmarq. Briana brings to the table her extensive experience in commercial real estate financing, having orchestrated over $2 billion in debt and equity transactions, and her visionary leadership for the SFBA chapter.
Briana shares her strategic vision for NAIOP SFBA in 2024, highlighting her commitment to enhancing educational programs and amplifying government affairs initiatives. Listeners will gain insights into her plans to expand Real Estate Insiders (REI) programming, foster professional growth through the Young Professionals Group (YPG), and navigate the political landscape affecting the commercial real estate industry.
In this engaging episode, host Dave Karol sits down with James Goddard of Wareham Development to delve into the nuances of the Bay Area's life science real estate market. Learn about Wareham's targeted approach to high-barrier markets, how they've adapted to the shifting venture capital landscape, and why nurturing long-term tenant relationships is key. Goddard provides a frank look at Wareham's development strategies, their resilience across market cycles, and imparts practical advice for those in the industry. Join us for a conversation brimming with expert insights and a touch of humor from a seasoned pro.
In this episode, Host, Dave Karol, Managing Director at Ridge Capital Investor interviews Todd Darling, COO of Acacia Capital, where he discusses the company's focus on multi-family real estate and its success in the western US market. He shares his background in the industry and how he transitioned from working for a large organization to a smaller private equity group. Todd also talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the multifamily market and the opportunities it presents. He emphasizes the importance of understanding regulatory issues when underwriting deals and provides insights into the current state of the market. Lastly, He provides insight into surviving cycles, why he believes that being able to make mistakes is essential for emerging professionals, and why he remains bullish on the Bay Area and the entire West Coast.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:49 - Todd Darling's Background and Path to Acacia Capital
3:55 - Acacia Capital's Investment Strategy and Portfolio
9:20 - Impact of COVID-19 on Investment Strategies
11:31 - Acacia Capital's Recent Investment in Sunnyvale
12:41 - Regulatory Considerations and Market Dynamics
21:39 -Advice for Young Real Estate Professionals
23:37 -Closing Remarks
Learn more about NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area at www.naiopsfba.org
In this episode host David Karol, Managing Director, Ridge Capital Investors interviews Isaac Abid, Partner, HP Investors an investment and development firm based in San Diego and Oakland.
Abid shares his unique insight into the Oakland market as one of largest commercial real estate owners and as a resident. In December 2022 he was featured an SF Business Times article entitled “Oakland Tried to Create a Living Downtown. It Hasn’t Worked”. He breaks down what is really happening with regard to public safety and City politics and why he remains optimistic about the future of the city.
In this episode, host Dave Karol, Managing Director at Ridge Capital Investors and industry veteran, Tawni Sullivan discuss the CREATE program and the reality of the enormous talent gap in commercial real estate.
CREATE, The Commercial Real Estate Alliance Tomorrows Employees, is a unique collaboration between NAIOP-SFBA, BOMA SF, BOMA East Bay, and IREM that educates a diverse workforce and connects career-ready candidates to employers. In partnership with San Francisco State University and Merritt College, CREATE provides signature a program that allows students learn the fundamentals of the industry and about career opportunities.
In this episode host Dave Karol, Managing Director, Ridge Capital Investors interviews Colby Wick, Managing Director, Shorenstein Properties and 2023 NAIOP SFBA Chapter President. Wick provides insight on the state of Bay Area office and multifamily markets and shares what he is most fired up about as Chapter President including a new taskforce he created to help revitalize downtown San Francisco.
In this episode host Dave Karol, Managing Director, Ridge Capital Investors interviews Cyrus Sanandaji, Founder and Managing Director of Presidio Bay Ventures a San Francisco based investment and development firm focused on design, construction, and long-term operation of a diverse set of product types.
The rich and candid conversation includes insights into what drove Sanandaji to start the company after working for the US General Services Administration (GSA) delivering projects for agencies such as the FBI, how his international background shapes his perspective, where he sees the best opportunities for development during these uncertain times and how he’s leveraging his talent and resources to capitalize on them.
Sanandaji, also a resident of San Francisco, shares his thoughts on the state of the City and how a recent personal experience with crime inspired him to write a “Viewpoint” piece in the San Francisco Business Times.
In this episode host Dave Karol, Managing Director, Ridge Capital Investors and interviews Sally Stocks, Portfolio Manager at CalSTRS, the second largest pension fund in the US. Stocks shares candidly about her role and what drove her decision to join the organization after many years working with them as her client. She also provides valuable insight into what CalSTRS looks for in their local real estate partners, the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in the equation and why she encourages young professionals to explore the world pension funds along their career path.
In this episode host Dave Karol, Managing Director, Ridge Capital Investors and Past NAIOP SFBA Chapter President interviews current Chapter President, Amanda Bates, Vice President, Portfolio Director, EQ Office, and Immediate Past President Adam Lasoff, Managing Director, JLL, Capital Markets Group.
Long time colleagues and friends, they engage in a fun, candid, and meaningful conversation. Topics include the impact of the pandemic on their lives and careers, role NAIOP has played in their success, their thoughts state of the office market, their advice for young professionals and more!
In this trailer host Dave Karol, Managing Director of Ridge Capital Investors and Past NAIOP SFBA Chapter President introduces the new podcast series. He shares the chapter’s goals and provides insight into what listeners can expect to experience when tuning in as well as how they can find and engage with the podcast.
NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Chapter is pleased to deliver another outstanding podcast: Inside NAIOP’s YPG and NED Programs. This episode provides the inside scoop on the unique scientific approach behind the chapter’s renowned Young Professionals Group and its innovative new NAIOP Executive Development program. It features a conversation between Cori English, NAIOP SFBA Board Member / Communications Committee Co-Chair and leadership development guru for both YPG and NED, Julie Chesley, PhD. A highly-recommended listen for anyone who is thinking about applying to either program as well as those interested in personal and professional development. You can find links to all of NAIOP SFBA’s podcasts on our chapter website https://naiopsfba.org/ and can subscribe to them on iTunes. We encourage you to forward this episode to your colleagues and friends and share it on social media. Please provide your comments as well. We value your input and will incorporate your feedback in our future podcasts. Happy listening!
This inaugural podcast presented by Dr. Rebecca Johannsen, Corporate Consultant, discusses how overlooking diversity can actually inhibit the potential of any business. Johannsen shares research and suggests methods to help listeners combat unconscious biases and reshape their thinking (and their workplaces) to leverage the full potential of everyone on their team. Host: Cori English, Director at RETS Associates. Guest: Chapter President, Lauren Young, Partner at PCCP, LLC.