People and Places and How We Use Spaces

Ann Cazaban is the Executive Director of Southside Community Health Services. Southside provides high quality and affordable medical, dental, behavioral and vision services.Southside was founded in 1971 and has been a staple in the Minneapolis community to lead a happy and productive life, built on the foundation of good health. Southside embarked on a new project, expanding their services with a new clinic located within the East Lake Street community in South Minneapolis, a medically underserved community. Ann chats to us about this soon-to-be groundbreaking and how Southside is dedicated to serving more people through it. Southside Community Health Services Ann's LinkedIn

Brad Schafer is the Chairman and CEO of Schafer Richardson, which provides quality investment, development, construction, leasing and management services throughout the Midwest.After his sister-in-law introduced him to the industry, Brad has amassed an impressive 38-year career. Listen to Brad talk about his first deal and investment property, how Shafer Richardson came about, and how they are the true trendsetters of the North Loop in Minneapolis.Brad's LinkedInSchafer Richardson Website

Jeremy Jacobs is an Executive Managing Director at Colliers, leading markets throughout the Midwest.Jeremy comes from humble beginnings growing up in a small town in Virginia. After joining the ROTC in Middle School, his Army interest was immediately sparked. Being the first person in his family to attend college, he went to the University of Richmond, and then 9-11 happened. Jeremy attended law school and was deployed to Iraq in 2006 working as a Claims Officer Negotiator for 5 years.  Listen to how Jeremy made the transition from the military to Real Estate, his deployment stories and how they gave him a profound sense of humanity, and how American businessmen compare to an Iraqi one. Jeremy's LinkedInJeremy's Company Website

Jillian Kalogerson has been handy from a young age. Learning everything from her dad, she renovated her own home while going to law school.She learned that law school wasn't what she ultimately wanted, but building and construction was.Fast forward to today, she is the Principal at RISE Collaborative Development - a full-service construction company specializing in meeting clients' needs during all phases of the planning, development and construction of both commercial and residential spaces. With projects like Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis, Keg and Case in St. Paul, and the restaurant, Hai Hai, Jillian is driven by a purpose to build communities...and she is just getting started.Jillian's LinkedInRise Collaborative Development

**This interview is special as it marks our 50th Episode milestone!!**I want to thank my team who has helped me along the way - and all the amazing guests that have taken the time to impart your wisdom to all our wonderful listeners and making the podcast what it is today!Rafik Moore immigrated from Uzbekistan in 1998. Knowing he was in the Land of Opportunity; his path taught him the true meaning of the American Dream.Today, Rafik is the CEO and founder of Brait Capital, a commercial real estate firm that specializes in acquiring, redeveloping, and managing distressed industrial, retail, and office spaces across the country. Rafik reflects on what it means to be a true leader, how he sees the world differently from his life-path, and that success/happiness is a byproduct of 5 distinct principals he has learned along the way. Rafik Moore LinkedInBrait Capital

Andy Babula is the Director of the Real Estate Program at the University of St Thomas. From real life experiences in the Real Estate Industry from Target to United Health to Assembly, Andy brings his expertise to the classroom - setting the stage for the future leaders of the Twin Cities Real Estate space. I hope you're paying attention to this podcast as Andy leaves everyone with a tidbit of homework!Andy's LinkedINShenehon Center for Real Estate

After years climbing the corporate ladder, and much success in the Advertising industry, Erinn Farrell couldn't ignore a longing within her - she knew something else was out there where she could be dedicating her value and time in a better way. Erinn went on to partner with three other women to bring forth The Coven - a vibrant and inclusive coworking community where unique entrepreneurs and modern teams flourish. Not only that, but Erinn *also* founded her own design studio.Take a listen to how Erinn was able to create opportunities in the creative and placemaking spaces, as well as how she models a healthy and vibrant community and culture. Erinn Farrell LinkedInThe CovenErinn Farrell Design

Who knew painting houses on Summit Avenue in St. Paul would be the start of the ever-so-successful career of Peter Mork?As the managing partner of Edina-based Capital Partners, Peter looks back on his exciting career and how it led him to be the commercial real estate veteran he is today.Peter also gives insight into finding good debt, the importance of education, and how to maximize your time in order to live the life you want. Peter's LinkedInCapital Partners

Joe Latina was born into a family restaurant business, spending much of his childhood washing dishes and cooking breakfast. His path continued in the hospitality industry until he dipped his toes in Real Estate and got his license and began investing.Now, Joe is one of the top-producing real estate brokers in the Mid-Atlantic region and is the Managing Principal of LMT Commercial in Wilmington, Delaware, serving real estate investors, property owners, occupiers and restaurant owners/operators. Listen to how Joe and Lisa discuss what has changed in brokerage from when they first started, their CORFAC ties, and their love of Prince!Joe Latina LinkedIn LMT Commercial CORFAC International

Jenna Myrland believes that reshaping places will reshape communities, which in-turn, reshapes people’s lives. As the owner and designer of her studio, JM Workshop, Jenna is using her past experiences as a vehicle to elevate spaces for change. Her work with a humanitarian agency focused on design for connection and community across the globe. It inspired her to unite practice and purpose in the built environment.Listen to Jenna’s journey on how she was able to grow and learn through different things that life threw at her – only to create the solid ground for what she does today.Jenna's LinkedInJM Workshop

Josh Helgesen has been handy from the get-go. Woodworking in the shop with his dad sparked interest early and turned into a passion he would soon form his career around. Fast forward to 2001, he was brought onto Greiner Construction as an apprentice. Working as a carpenter, then onto foreman/superintendent roles, Josh continued to climb the ladder until now, as the majority owner. With Josh in the top seat, Greiner is now the largest minority-owned General Contractor in the state of Minnesota.Listen to how Josh helped Greiner grow into what it is today, how making an impact is what gets him excited, and how listening to employees and adapting to new times is an important aspect of being CEO.Josh's LinkedInGreiner Construction Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

A former football player at the University of Minnesota, Scott Redd has always been determined to do his best on, and off the field. While his football career ended when he graduated college, his most important job was just beginning in the workforce.Now, Scott Redd is the CEO and President of Sabathani Community Center, a pillar in the heart of South Minneapolis, where it provides people of all ages and cultures the resources to improve their lives and build a thriving community. From food distribution, clothing, and workforce strategies to their community energy project - hope is alive at Sabathani Community Center - and they're just getting started.Sabathani Community Center Scott Redd LinkedIn

From the small town of Harmony, Minnesota with a population of about 1,000 people, Jonathon Cremer grew up in a 4th generation family manufacturing recycling business. He learned the ins and outs of how a business is ran from a young age. You could say growing a business was in his blood.While his family created a community in business - he wanted to create a community in buildings - and out came Evrsphere, a company focused on helping companies become greener, and cleaner. Evrsphere connects people, place, and performance by helping companies reach their sustainability goals - such as air quality, natural light, clean water, recycling, reducing their carbon footprint, and more. Listen to how Jonathon creates healthy spaces and the importance of investing in health.Evrsphere WebsiteEvrsphere LinkedInEvrsphere Instagram

Cory Villaume and Matt Hazelton started in the Commercial Real Estate business just weeks apart, 18 years ago. Now, as a dynamic duo, they're heading up the Retail Capital Markets team at JLL Minneapolis. Over their careers they have been responsible for nearly $1 billion of retail property dispositions and acquisitions.From selling shopping centers to single tenant buildings, hear how Matt and Cory started out in the business - one of them even giving up their dream as a music major. Cory and Matt reminisce on their first sales, along with lessons they've learned along the way. We also hear what keeps them going on this crazy ride of Commercial Real Estate.Cory Villaume's LinkedInMatt Hazelton's LinkedIn

At just 26 years old, Logan Haskett is making a name for himself.After several hardships during his adolescent years, Logan knew the path he was on was the losing one. Knowing he had an entrepreneurial spirit within himself, he started to build his knowledge and strengthen his abilities, which in-turn, was just the beginning of a successful career - his secret? Stop making excuses for yourself. At just 21-years-old, Logan started his own Wholesale Real Estate company, which went Nationwide, and sold it three years later. Fast forward to today, he is a Real Estate Investor, an owner of several companies, and is in the process of starting his own Marijuana Grow Operation. Logan's InstagramLogan's FREE Virtual Assistant Mastery CourseCome have lunch with me! I would love your help serving lunch at the Minneapolis Crisis Nursery! We'll prep and serve food to the children and staff. Click here to sign up!I am also hosting a $100 lunch club. Bring $100 to tip our waitstaff. I'll pay for your lunch! Learn more here!

Brian Ingram knows how to put love on a plate.Considering himself as the "world's worst student," Brian's mom put him in a culinary program at the age of 14. By the age of 18, he left his home state of Alaska with a passion for the culinary world, working in restaurants as a chef, travelling from San Francisco to New York, and Singapore to Paris. In 2012, Brian's journey planted him in the Twin Cities, where he started New Bohemia and Seventh Street Truck Park in St. Paul. Years later, Brian and his wife had the desire to truly, and authentically, give back to the community.  Wanting to open a restaurant designed for just that - they came across an old firehouse in St. Paul called Hope Engine Company 3 (built by volunteers). It couldn't have aligned better - and Hope Breakfast Bar was born.On today's episode, Hope Breakfast Bar's give-back component is more humbling than anyone could imagine, and that in a world of chaos and uncertainty, we can still have Hope. See all the stories of generosity on the links below:GiveHopeMN.orgHope Breakfast Bar DocumentaryBrian's LinkedInPurpose Restaurants

Steve Wellington, founder of Wellington Management, Inc., is among Minnesota's most admired CEO's.Since starting the company in 1984, WMI has developed and/or acquired more than 100 commercial and residential properties in the Twin Cities and is currently the 10th largest property management company in St. Paul/Minneapolis. Steve is also an active community and civic leader, building affordable housing complexes for homeless people-he is a founding board member of housing nonprofit Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, where he has worked with churches throughout Minnesota in building 400 units of affordable housing.  On this podcast, get a glimpse of Steve's industry insights, his impressive career, and a unique way he likes to start his company/staff meetings.Steve's LinkedInWellington Management, Inc.

Roger King initially thought he would be a musician after attending the well-known Berklee College of Music, until he was influenced by his father's venture into property investing.Roger switched paths and found another talent, real estate.Now, with 27-years of real estate under his belt, Roger has garnered over 180 successful property flips, the ground-up development of 13 high-end luxury homes and apartment buildings, and investments in mobile home parks. Beyond his RE career, Roger is the founder of the Real Estate Investing Accelerator program, where his wealth of knowledge supports the growth of both emerging and experienced real estate investors, growing and shaping a new wave of investing talent.Roger's Website Roger's LinkedInRoger's FacebookRoger's InstagramRoger's YouTube Channel

Heidi Zimmer thought she was going to be a City Planner until she leaned into her curiosity of the commercial real estate development world. She moved from big city jobs to the non-profit sector revealing her niche in affordable housing. Through her development experience, her work percolated a passion; creating spaces that integrated health and wellness, mind and body connection, arts, and nature. Meanwhile, in Bayfield, Wisconsin, a restaurant sitting on 114 acres of land on Lake Superior, was closing...and calling on Heidi's heart. She studied the entire area for possible development opportunities to help boost the local economy.Soon enough, Heidi took a leap of faith and turned her vision to reality and turned the restaurant to a retreat. As the Midwest's first wellness resort,  Wild Rice Retreat is a destination that offers a respite for groups, or solo travelers, looking to ground themselves in mind, body, and spirit.Find out how Heidi came up with the idea of Wild Rice Retreat, how she stepped out of her comfort zone to follow her vision, and how she learned all the ins and outs of running a successful resort - even acting as the head chef for a couple weeks! Wild Rice RetreatWild Rice Retreat InstagramWild Rice Retreat FacebookHeidi Zimmer's WebsiteHeidi's InstagramHeidi's LinkedIn

Marie Slawik was a woman before her time. During the 1950's, a time when men dominated the business sector, Marie and her husband, Harold, founded and owned one of the largest Ford dealerships in the Midwest - Midway Ford in St. Paul., along with an auto-parts store, leasing and car title-loan businesses in an early vertical integration model. They were also growing their real estate business, Har-Mar, Inc. By the early 1960's they had broken ground in Roseville on a new, climate-controlled shopping mall – only the second in Minnesota – to be named after a mashup of their first names: HarMar Mall.When Harold died suddenly in 1962, the business of managing Har-Mar, Inc. and its eight businesses fell entirely on Marie. She picked up the pieces and powered through...something she had to learn at an early age. Not only did she take on the entire business, but her dynamic persona secured a spot as the first woman-member at the men's-only Minnesota Club.On today’s podcast, Marie and Harold’s grandson, Brien Slawik, the family’s third generation President and CEO of Har-Mar, Inc., shares what it was like growing up in the family business and assuming it from his father, how his grandmother paved the way for his business and life mentality, and how being grateful is a simple mindset, but a big one.Har-Mar, Inc. | Slawik Property AdvisorsBrien Slawik's LinkedInMarie's Hall of Fame Induction