Empowered Returns

All Episodes (26)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new

1. 

   1. The Impact of Brand Identity on Real Estate Development

   Discover the pivotal role of brand identity in real estate on this episode of Empowered Returns. We delve into the process of crafting a resonant brand, from historical research shaping community connections, to ongoing brand refinement driving leasing and marketing success. We are joined by Chris Arnold and Bryant Hughes from Authentic. Learn about the art of controlling your online narrative efficiently, without the need for a full-time team. While branding is often viewed as an expense, we un

   Aug 30,2023 47:35
2. 

   2. Discover the Future of Property Access Control - With the Founder of Butterfly MX

   Discover the Future of Property Access Control! Join an eye-opening podcast interview with Cyrus Claffey, the visionary founder of Butterfly MX, a revolutionary PropTech company. Delve into the dynamic world of PropTech and its game-changing impact on the real estate industry. Uncover the secrets behind Butterfly MX's cutting-edge solution, a smart intercom and access control system that's redefining property management. Witness how PropTech solutions like Butterfly MX offer a lifeline during ch

   Jul 27,2023 35:40
3. 

   3. How to Protect Your Assets and Maximize Insurance Coverage for Real Estate Projects

   In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Rob Barresi, Senior Vice President at Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage. Rob joins us to delve into the fascinating world of insurance coverage for large-scale development projects. In this captivating conversation, we'll explore the myriad challenges and strategies involved in securing insurance for these ambitious ventures. Rob emphasizes the vital importance of integrating insurance discussions right from the project's inception, alo

   Jul 12,2023 40:46
4. 

   4. Capitalizing on Change: Seizing Unprecedented Investment Opportunities in Mortgages and Real Estate

   Join P.T. Vineburgh, founding partner at CHARLESGATE, as he sits down with Shant Banosian, the Executive Vice President at Guaranteed Rate, in this captivating episode. Together, they dive into the ever-evolving landscape for investors, exploring the intriguing differences in interest rates between primary and investment properties. Banosian, a seasoned expert, also reveals valuable strategies for delivering exceptional products that enhance affordability in projects, all while harnessing the po

   Jun 28,2023 29:18
5. 

   5. Revolutionizing Property Tech: Transforming Apartment Living with Grata

   Join P.T. Vineburgh, founding partner at CHARLESGATE, for an exciting interview with Troy Crema, co-founder, and CEO of Grata. Grata's smart technology app for multi-residential and condo buildings offers comprehensive solutions from sale to customer support, including implementation and adoption of the technology. With features such as access control, work orders, payment processing, rent payment, marketplace payments, booking of amenities, and parking management, Grata truly revolutionizes res

   Jun 23,2023 31:22
6. 

   6. Exploring the Intersection of Design and Development: A Conversation with Jay Hirsh at Jumbo Capital

   Join P.T. Vineburgh, founding partner at CHARLESGATE as he interviews Jay Hirsh, the managing partner of Jumbo Capital Incorporated. In their conversation, they delve into the current challenges facing the real estate industry, examining the pandemic's impact on assets and the necessity for government intervention to bail out those in need. They touch upon Jumbo's mixed-use development projects, with a particular focus on Ham Shipyard's challenging transaction. Finally, they look to the future,

   Jun 15,2023 38:54
7. 

   7. The Hidden Impact of Staging on Real Estate Sales: Insights from Boston Modern’s Melissa Morrissey

   Learn about the power of home staging! Melissa Morrissey, Founder and Design Director at Boston Modern Staging & Design joins us for a conversation on Empowered Returns. In this episode, we discuss the significance of real estate staging in home sales, balancing renderings against reality, and the future growth of Boston Modern Staging as a top-tier stager in the Boston real estate market. Melissa also shares her top tips for making your home stand out in a crowded market during any time of year

   Jun 07,2023 27:07
8. 

   8. Challenges and Opportunities in Real Estate Deals: Insights from a Multifamily Expert

   Join us for an engaging conversation with Chris Sower, Executive Managing Director at Cushman and Wakefield, as we delve into the profound impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market. Explore the contrasting experiences of properties navigating the new normal, some successfully adapting while others grapple with inherent structural limitations.Discover the crucial role of research and data in optimizing business operations, particularly within the multifamily sector. Chris and his team keenly e

   May 31,2023 35:22
9. 

   9. Prioritizing Quality Over Competition: Insights And Challenges From A Boston Developer

   Join us as P.T. Vineburgh, Founding Partner at CHARLESGATE, sits down with Caleb Manchester, President of Gansett Ventures, a dynamic real estate investment and development firm in Boston.In this captivating conversation, they dive into the crucial topic of investing in quality products for long-term ownership and why avoiding frequent replacements is key in the development industry. Discover the challenges they've faced while striking the delicate balance between working "in and on the business

   May 24,2023 33:21
10. 

    10. Navigating Uncertainty in the Real Estate Industry: Insights On Lending, Financing & Market Outlook

    Join us for the latest episode of Empowered Returns, where we chat with Brian Sheehan, Principal at Capital Stack Commercial Real Estate Finance. Get ready for a deep dive into the captivating realm of the lending market as we explore its current challenges and their profound impact on development clients both in and out of Boston. In this episode, we uncover key insights and notable developments shaping the lending market landscape. Join us as Brian shares his expertise and sheds light on the e

    May 17,2023 41:55
11. 

    11. From Single Family To Multifamily: How The Procopio Companies Made The Transition And Found Success

    Join us on the next episode of Empowered Returns as we sit down with Mike Procopio, CEO of the Procopio Companies. In this episode, we'll delve into Procopio's transition from single-family to multifamily development and institutional-sized deals in the Greater Boston real estate market. Discover the keys to their success and how they leveraged it to gain access to institutional capital and partners. Throughout our conversation, Procopio emphasizes the importance of aligning expectations, accoun

    May 10,2023 37:09
12. 

    12. Exploring Boston’s Real Estate Landscape: Regulations, Partnerships, and Economic Turmoil

    Join us for an insightful discussion on real estate development in Boston with Joe Hanley, Partner, and Director at McDermott, Quilty & Miller, LLP. With a wealth of experience in mixed-use, residential, commercial hospitality, and biotechnical development ventures, Joe shares his unique perspective on the industry.In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history of development in Boston, from the challenges faced by local neighborhoods to the fight against chain culture for commercial busi

    May 03,2023 54:16
13. 

    13. Unlocking The Secrets Of Pre-leasing: How Early Marketing Can Revolutionize Your Real Estate Project

    In this quick hit episode, we are joined by Jared Clement, Director of Leasing at CHARLESGATE to discuss early marketing strategies for preleasing multifamily buildings.Marketing and leasing a property much earlier than developers typically think yields significant benefits, including faster absorption, higher rents, and a better return on investment. Early marketing opens up multiple pre-leasing opportunities before the certificate of occupancy is granted, allowing the property to generate inst

    Apr 26,2023 12:32
14. 

    14. Building Better Communities: Prioritizing Basic Amenities, Sustainable Design, And Effective Leasing

    In this quick hit episode, we are joined by Jared Clement, Director of Leasing at CHARLESGATE to discuss the importance of convenient and well-planned amenities in apartment buildings. “While flashy amenities like pools and gyms are important, it's equally crucial to invest in smaller amenities that make residents' lives easier.” - Jared Clement. These might include smart locks, a well-designed package room with built-in recycling, and thoughtful interior design. Adding to this, Jared emphasizes

    Apr 20,2023 10:31
15. 

    15. The Power Of Centralized Leasing

    In this podcast episode,  Mike and Jared of CHARLESGATE discuss the concept of centralized leasing in the multifamily industry. They explain that their centralized leasing model involves three key parts: marketing, property management, and specialized on-demand leasing professionals who work in sync. They emphasize the importance of having a professional sales team for leasing rather than burdening assistant property managers with additional tasks. They also discuss the benefits of centralizatio

    Apr 19,2023 12:26
16. 

    16. The Secrets Of Multifamily Investing: From Pricing Models To Capital Sources & Geographic Diversity

    In this episode of Empowered Returns, we are joined by Eric DiNicola, Managing Principal at Winterspring Capital for a discussion on various aspects of real estate development in Boston. Eric shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of real estate development gained from his experience at Winterspring Capital. He sheds light on a range of issues such as the funding challenges associated with condo projects as well as the nuances in how lenders and contractors perceive larger versus smalle

    Apr 12,2023 44:30
17. 

    17. Real Estate Development And Minority Inclusion: A Conversation With Ralph Parent Of Parent & Diamond

    We are joined by Ralph Parent, Managing Partner at Parent + Diamond for a discussion on minority inclusion in real estate development. Ralph works with established white construction and development companies to bridge gaps and build a better Boston. Throughout this episode, Ralph emphasizes his focus on creating wealth and investing in the community, rather than simply developing more buildings or units in Boston. He believes that investing in minority-owned businesses is crucial for the city's

    Apr 05,2023 42:41
18. 

    18. Lease Up and Sell Out Faster - The 3 Step Go-To-Market Strategy for Multifamily Development

    In this episode, we’re joined by Christine Mulvey, Director of Marketing & Communications at CHARLESGATE, as she discusses the importance of developing a go-to-market strategy for marketing new developments in the real estate industry. During this insightful conversation with CHARLESGATE’s Founder Michael DiMella, Mulvey reveals some of the key differentiators in CHARLESGATE’s strategy when working with developers to bring new buildings to market in the competitive Boston real estate market. Mul

    Mar 29,2023 48:25
19. 

    19. Navigating The Complexities Of Construction: Insights And Strategies For Success In Greater Boston

    We are excited to be joined by Patrick Callahan, President at Callahan Construction in Boston. Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience in the construction industry and will be sharing his insights on the challenges and opportunities in this constantly evolving field. As President of Callahan Construction, Patrick is no stranger to the difficulties that come with running a business in the construction industry. From the high cost and limited availability of labor to the challenge of findin

    Mar 22,2023 52:26
20. 

    20. Real Estate Development: Strategies for Building Value and Community

    The next Episode of Empowered Returns features special guest, Eric Shinrock, Executive Vice President at The Mount Vernon Company. Eric joins P.T. Vineburgh for an insightful conversation on Eric’s transition from the world of large institutional development to starting his own successful firm in Boston.  Learn Eric’s current approach to finding and entitling great projects at The Mount Vernon Company and the importance of great design in real estate development.  CHARLESGATE Hosted by P.T. Vine

    Mar 15,2023 45:19
21. 

    21. Creating Sustainable Spaces: Architecture, Hospitality, and Responsible Real Estate Development

    On the next Episode of Empowered Returns we are joined by Eric Robinson, Co-Founder and Principal, RODE Architects to discuss a range of topics in the architecture and design industry in Boston.  Hear details about Eric’s background and how RODE has differentiated itself through their community engagement process and unique design work -  bringing the most value to their clients. From multifamily, to hospitality and life science projects, RODE has a wide range of design expertise. Their forward

    Mar 08,2023 01:12:22
22. 

    22. Real Estate Investing: Entitling Projects, Building The Right Teams, And Understanding The Market

    In this episode of Empowered Returns, we are joined by Ricky Beliveau, owner of Volnay Capital, Volnay Management, V10 Development, EVO Real Estate Group and EVO Origin Funding in Boston.  This jammed-packed episode covers various real estate development topics including acquiring and entitlements, structuring deals with contingencies, succeeding in new markets and lessons learned growing several successful businesses.  All of this paired with Ricky’s interesting backstory from flipper to real e

    Feb 28,2023 01:01:20
23. 

    23. Minimizing Risk And Maximizing ROI: A Small Development Firm’s Approach To Real Estate Development

    On this episode, we are excited to welcome Bryan Lee, Principal at Transom, a Boston-based real estate development firm. Bryan shares his journey from working in large institutional real estate development to starting his own successful firm. He discusses the challenges he faced along the way and the lessons he learned from his experiences. We dive deep into Bryan's current approach to finding and entitling great projects at Transom and the importance of great design in real estate development.

    Feb 22,2023 01:01:21
24. 

    24. Navigating the Development Industry: Trends and Projects with Rens Hayes of H + O Engineering

    On this episode of Empowered Returns, we are excited to welcome Rens Hayes, Founding Partner at H + O Structural Engineering.  Join us as Rens takes us on a journey through the establishment and growth of his company, sharing valuable insights on organization building, leadership, and company culture. We delve into the challenges of developing client relationships, balancing scale with return, and the importance of employee productivity and development. In addition to exploring the inner working

    Feb 22,2023 01:01:20
25. 

    25. Insights From A Successful Real Estate Developer: Design, Development And Community Impact

    In this episode of Empowered Returns, we delve into the complex world of political influences in real estate development. Our special guest, David Goldman of New Boston Ventures, shares his unique perspective on the changes to the built environment in many Boston neighborhoods and how his background in politics has shaped his approach to real estate development. David will discuss the power of community partnerships in creating successful development opportunities and the current state of the af

    Feb 13,2023 55:51
26. 

    26. Unleashing the Power of Operational Excellence: Lessons from a Real Estate COO

    On this episode of Empowered Returns, join us as we explore creating a people-centered workplace culture and elevating women's roles in commercial real estate.  We'll talk about designing employee programs that promote work-life balance and wellness, how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted operations at many organizations, and discuss the importance of implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in commercial real estate. Our special guest, Leslie Cohen, Chief Operating Officer a

    Feb 13,2023 58:10