The CRE Connection · Samy Soussan Podcast By Samy Soussan cover art

The CRE Connection · Samy Soussan

The CRE Connection · Samy Soussan

By: Samy Soussan
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Welcome to the Commercial Real Estate Connection Podcast: Building Relationships for Commercial Success', the place where we connect with the brightest minds in commercial real estate, uncovering their secrets, strategies, and captivating stories. We are dedicated to helping beginners learn from experts in the commercial real estate industry. Join us as each episode, we sit down with successful investors, brokers, developers, and other key players in the commercial real estate world to discuss their experiences, strategies, and secrets to success. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and perspectives to help you navigate the complex world of commercial real estate and build strong relationships that lead to commercial success. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, join us as we connect you to the industry and share expert insights for aspiring professionals.The CRE Connection Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Ep. 9 - Dance of Deals: Andy Weiner's Real Estate Revolution at Rockstep Capital
    Apr 2 2025

    Rockstep Capital's Andy Weiner shares his transformative journey from the retail world to spearheading a successful real estate investment company. Raised in the bustling environment of Weiner's Stores in Houston, Andy's early days in his family's clothing business equipped him with a deep understanding of retail markets. He recounts his strategic pivot to real estate, where he initially focused on Walmart-anchored centers and later embraced opportunities in secondary and tertiary markets with Tractor Supply stores. Andy provides keen insights into the significance of local investors in mitigating acquisition risks, especially in mall spaces burdened with insolvent debt.

    The conversation takes a dynamic turn as we explore the unique company culture at Rockstep Capital, inspired by the agility and adaptability akin to a "rock step" in dance. The evolution of the company’s investment strategy from deal-by-deal to the formation of the $50 million Hometown America fund is highlighted, offering local investors co-investment opportunities and targeting an impressive 18-plus IRR. Andy unveils the company’s ethos, guided by 25 "rock steps," each fostering a culture of accountability and emphasizing values such as integrity, punctuality, and family prioritization to fuel both personal and professional growth.


    As the episode unfolds, Andy shares his philosophy on living life with fervor and compassion. He reflects on the power of maintaining a driven mindset, underscored by genuine kindness in daily interactions. The importance of building strong relationships in real estate is highlighted, alongside his thoughts on the comparative advantages of retail real estate amid shifting market dynamics. Throughout, Andy’s compelling narrative offers invaluable life and business lessons, leaving listeners with a profound understanding of the synergy between intense passion and benevolence in achieving success.

    ▶️ If you're interested in learning more about Andy and Rockstep Capital, check out the following links:
    ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner/
    ▶ Website: https://rockstep.com/
    Check out the Rocksteps at:
    https://rockstep.com/company/rockstep-way
    If you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment and share.
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    ▶️ Check out our Website: https://creconnection.transistor.fm/
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    ▶️ For business inquiries: creconnectionpod@gmail.com
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    ▶️ Follow me on:
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samy_souss/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samy-soussan/
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    #CommercialRealEstate, #BethAzor, #CanvassingQueen, #RetailDevelopment, #TenantMix, #Franchising, #RetailTrends, #MedicalServices, #CreativeProblem-Solving, #BuildingRelationships, #EmpoweringConfidence, #RealEstateInvestments, #StrategicTenantDecisions, #RetailLeasing, #RetailLandscape, #RetailProperty, #RetailCenters, #RealEstateCareer, #FinancialConstraints, #RetailSpaces

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Ep. 8 - Leased and Loaded: Mastering Retail Leasing with Beth Azor, The Canvassing Queen
    Jan 22 2025

    Joins us as we sit with Beth Azor, widely known in the commercial real estate world as "The Canvassing Queen." Beth shares her incredible journey from growing up in a real estate family in Wisconsin to becoming a leading expert in retail leasing and property ownership in Florida.

    Beth reveals how her passion for connecting with people and helping businesses grow led her to transition from residential real estate to commercial leasing, where she thrived for 18 years, eventually becoming the president of a major CRE firm. She discusses pivotal moments in her career, including her first deal, creative problem-solving in leasing, and the evolution of her personal real estate portfolio.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

    • The power of canvassing and building tenant relationships.
    • The shifting trends in retail, including the rise of food & beverage and medtail tenants.
    • Tips on managing tenant mix and turning pop-ups into long-term leases.
    • The importance of creativity and persistence in problem-solving and deal-making.

    Beth also shares practical advice on building meaningful industry relationships and creating niche-focused networking opportunities. With engaging anecdotes and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the art and science of retail leasing and commercial real estate.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Why tenant sales reporting is crucial for property success.
    • The difference between impulse and destination tenants – and how to cater to both.
    • How Beth turned a nickname meant as ridicule into her empowering brand, "The Canvassing Queen."

    Tune in to learn from Beth's 36+ years of experience and her relentless drive to elevate retail real estate to new heights!

    ▶️ If you're interested in learning more about Beth, check out the following links:
    ▶ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethazor
    ▶ Website: https://www.bethazor.com/
    If you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment and share.
    -----------------------------------
    ▶️ Check out our Website: https://creconnection.transistor.fm/
    ----------------------------------
    ▶️ For business inquiries: creconnectionpod@gmail.com
    ----------------------------------
    ▶️ Follow me on:
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samy_souss/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samy-soussan/
    -----------------------------------
    #CommercialRealEstate, #BethAzor, #CanvassingQueen, #RetailDevelopment, #TenantMix, #Franchising, #RetailTrends, #MedicalServices, #CreativeProblem-Solving, #BuildingRelationships, #EmpoweringConfidence, #RealEstateInvestments, #StrategicTenantDecisions, #RetailLeasing, #RetailLandscape, #RetailProperty, #RetailCenters, #RealEstateCareer, #FinancialConstraints, #RetailSpaces

    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • Ep. 7 - The LP's Playbook: Strategic Investing with Aleksey Chernobelskiy
    Oct 28 2024

    💼 The LP’s Playbook: Strategic Investing with Aleksey Chernobelskiy 💼

    Curious how to become a smarter, more strategic real estate investor? 🎧

    In our latest episode of the Commercial Real Estate Connection Podcast, we feature Aleksey Chernobelskiy, an entrepreneur and LP advisor who shares weekly insights to help Limited Partners level up their investment game. Prior to founding his own business, Aleksey ran STORE Capital’s $10 billion commercial real estate portfolio and led the firm’s underwriting team.

    With a quadruple major in Finance, Mathematics, Economics, and Accounting from the University of Arizona, Aleksey now advises LPs on managing existing investments and assessing new opportunities.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Key Investment Strategies for LPs
      Aleksey dives into the essentials of investment diligence, covering metrics like IRR and cap rate compression. Discover how to balance risk and reward in volatile markets and avoid common pitfalls in syndications.


    • Networking and Mentorship
      Aleksey highlights the pivotal role of mentorship and relationship-building in his career, sharing actionable advice for LPs on overcoming the fear of connecting with industry leaders.


    • Balancing Professional and Personal Growth
      Get insights into Aleksey’s unique approach to work-life balance, including routines like Torah study and bouldering, and how his personal life fuels his professional success.

    ▶️ If you're interested in learning more about Aleksey, check out the following links:
    ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chernobelskiy/
    ▶ Website: https://www.lplessons.co/
    If you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment and share.
    -----------------------------------
    ▶️ Check out my Website: https://creconnection.transistor.fm/
    ----------------------------------
    ▶️ For business inquiries: creconnectionpod@gmail.com
    ----------------------------------
    ▶️ Follow me on:
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samy_souss/
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samy-soussan/
    -----------------------------------
    #CommercialRealEstate #CREPodcas #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInsight #CREInsiders #tenantrep #CREIndustry #RealEstateExperts #CREconnections

    Show more Show less
    38 mins
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