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What does it really take to make it in real estate development? In this episode, Raphael Collazo, CCIM sits down with John McNellis, veteran developer, co-founder of McNellis Partners, and author of the bestselling Making It in Real Estate: Thriving as a Developer (3rd Edition) — for a candid conversation about building a career in commercial real estate from the ground up. With over 40 years of experience and 100+ deals across shopping centers, mixed-use projects, and office buildings throughout Northern California, John shares the hard-won lessons most developers would never admit to. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify and evaluate real estate opportunities, how to structure partnerships and navigate financing, how to survive economic downturns and costly mistakes, and what it truly takes to build lasting wealth through real estate development. Whether you're just getting started or a seasoned developer looking to sharpen your edge, John's insights are practical, honest, and backed by decades of real-world experience. His new book is the field guide he wished existed when he started — and this conversation is one you won't want to miss. ▶️ Connect with John McNellis: ▶ Website: https://www.johnmcnellis.com ▶ Book: Making It in Real Estate: Thriving as a Developer (3rd Edition) — Available on Amazon If you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE and don't forget to press the bell 🔔, 👍like, comment, and share. 📌 About Your Host — Raphael Collazo, CCIM: Raphael is a commercial real estate broker, investor, and developer based in Louisville, KY. He is President & Co-Founder of Summit Commercial Group, a CCIM designee, and author of 3 CRE books. He has been featured in Commercial Property Executive for his innovative use of AI in commercial real estate brokerage. 🔗 Website: https://raphaelcollazo.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo 📧 raphael@sumcg.com | 📞 502-536-7315 🆓 Free CRE Resources: https://linktr.ee/raphaelcollazocre
How To Make It In Real Estate with John McNellis
Be sure to join us for an engaging discussion on the latest version of our CRE 101 podcast! In this episode, John McNellis, Principal with McNellis Partners and author of "Making It In Real Estate", will talk about his background and how he got into the business. Additionally, he will share insights about his experiences in real estate development and highlight some of the insights he shares in the updated edition of his world-class book, Making It In Real Estate. Be sure to subscribe to catch future episodes: https://lnkd.in/eW3j2s
How To Make It In Real Estate with John McNellis
Most people are using AI the wrong way. They jump into tools… without ever defining what success looks like. In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate 101 podcast with Jake Heller, we break down a simple framework: Before you use AI, you need clear KPIs. Because AI isn’t the goal. Performance is. If it takes you 5 days to build an Offering Memorandum, that’s your benchmark. Now the question becomes: Can AI help you do it faster—without sacrificing quality? If the answer is yes, that’s real leverage. If not, you’re just experimenting. In this episode, we cover: Why most people misuse AI tools How to define KPIs in real estate workflows A simple framework to measure efficiency gains How to use AI to save time and increase output What actually matters when implementing automation This applies whether you’re underwriting deals, building OMs, or running a real estate business. Don’t chase tools. Measure outcomes. Subscribe for more insights on commercial real estate, development, and investing.
Stop Using AI Wrong: Set KPIs First or You’re Wasting Time
Most “real estate analysis” today is just glorified data entry. Taking rent rolls, cleaning data, plugging numbers into Excel… and still dealing with model errors. But that’s changing—fast. In this episode, we break down how AI-powered underwriting tools and Excel agents are transforming commercial real estate analysis. What used to take hours (or days) can now be done in minutes—freeing up investors and operators to focus on what actually matters: making better decisions and closing better deals. If you’re a real estate investor, developer, or broker, this shift will impact how you underwrite, hire, and compete moving forward. What we cover: Why traditional underwriting is broken How AI is replacing manual Excel work The future role of real estate analysts What investors should be focusing on instead How to stay ahead as technology reshapes CRE Whether you’re analyzing multifamily, retail, office, or development deals—this is a trend you can’t ignore. Subscribe for more content on commercial real estate, development, and investing.
AI Is Replacing Real Estate Analysts (And No One Is Talking About It)
What happens when you “make it”… but still feel lost? In this episode, we unpack a powerful journey—from engineering and high-paying tech roles to living on the beach in Puerto Rico… yet still feeling unfulfilled. This is a raw conversation about purpose, identity, and making a major life pivot. Instead of ignoring that feeling, he leaned into personal and professional development—eventually starting a blog called The Strong Professional. After consistently writing for over a year, that blog turned into something bigger… his first book. We break down: Why success doesn’t always equal fulfillment The internal struggle many high achievers face How personal development can reshape your trajectory Turning consistent content into a book (50,000+ words) How to pivot your career with intention If you’re in commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, tech, or just feeling stuck despite “doing well”—this story will resonate. 📍 Hosted by commercial real estate professionals 📩 Reach out for CRE brokerage, investing, or collaboration opportunities
From Engineer to Author: Why Success Didn’t Feel Like Fulfillment | Real Career Pivot Story
If you’re trying to break into commercial real estate, here’s a better approach than the typical “coffee meeting”… Ask to ride along. In this conversation, we break down why getting in the car and touring real properties with experienced brokers or investors is one of the fastest ways to actually learn the business. Instead of sitting across a table, you’re in the field—seeing deals, asking questions, and understanding how decisions get made in real time. We cover: Why property tours beat coffee meetings for learning CRE How to approach brokers and ask for a ride-along What to look for when touring commercial properties Why successful people are more approachable than you think The importance of mentorship and learning by doing If you're serious about getting into commercial real estate, investing, or brokerage—this is one of the simplest and most effective strategies you can use today. 📍 Based in Louisville, KY 📩 Reach out if you want to connect, learn, or explore opportunities in commercial real estate
Skip the Coffee Meeting—Ride Along Instead | How to Break Into Commercial Real Estate FAST
One of the most surprising insights in commercial real estate? High school students often ask better, and tougher, questions than adults trying to break into the business. In this conversation, we unpack why younger minds approach real estate, business, and investing differently, and how that curiosity creates an edge. From fearless questioning to fresh perspectives, there’s a lot professionals can learn from the next generation. We cover: Why high school students ask sharper, more insightful questions The role of curiosity in success (and why adults lose it) Lessons CRE professionals can learn from younger thinkers The importance of early exposure to real estate and entrepreneurship How schools and communities can create better opportunities for students If you're in commercial real estate, investing, or business—and especially if you're mentoring or building a team—this perspective shift is worth your time. 📍 Based in Louisville, KY 📩 Reach out for CRE brokerage, investment, or collaboration opportunities
High School Students Ask BETTER Questions Than Adults?! | Why Young Minds Win in Real Estate
What does it really take to bring a vision to life in commercial real estate? In this episode, we dive into the mindset behind building something bigger than yourself, even when the people closest to you don’t fully understand it. From being told the idea was “crazy” to pouring countless hours into a project like Quartermaster Station, this is a raw look at what it takes to develop, build, and believe in a long-term vision. We discuss: The reality of pursuing ambitious real estate development projects Balancing family, time, and business commitments Treating a deal like your “fourth child” Doing the work even when you don’t have the largest ownership stake Lessons from partnerships and leadership in CRE The passion that keeps developers going This is a must-watch for anyone in commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, or development who’s chasing something bigger—and dealing with doubt along the way. 📍 Hosted by commercial real estate professionals 📩 Reach out for investment, development, or brokerage opportunities
“They Said I Was Crazy - The Real Story Behind Building Quartermaster Station | CRE Developer
In this video, we take a practical approach to content creation in commercial real estate. Instead of overcomplicating things or chasing unrealistic ideas, we focus on what actually works—getting out in the field and filming at real fast food properties. These locations offer high visibility, strong tenant demand, and real-world deal insight. If you're a commercial real estate broker, investor, or developer, this is a simple but powerful strategy to start creating content, building authority, and attracting deals. We break down: Why fast food properties are ideal for CRE content How to create engaging videos without overthinking it Real-world examples of retail and QSR (quick service restaurant) locations How consistent content can drive deal flow and investor interest If you're trying to grow your presence in commercial real estate, this is a reminder: start simple, stay consistent, and use what’s already around you. 📍 Based in Louisville, KY 📩 Reach out if you’re looking to buy, sell, lease, or invest in commercial real estate
We Tried Filming at Fast Food Properties… Here’s What Happened | CRE Field Strategy
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