Episodes

More major names in commercial real estate than ever before this century are leaving positions — willingly or not — and switching jobs (and, in some cases, launching entirely new ventures). “The Backstory” podcast this week explores the trend with Commercial Observer editors Max Gross, Cathy Cunningham and Tom Acitelli. Big names, messy exits and a job market in transition — it’s all in the episode ahead.

In this compelling episode of "The Back Story," the Commercial Observer's editorial team delves into the remarkable resilience and continued growth of Florida's real estate market in 2024. While much of the nation grapples with a slowdown, Florida stands out as an exception, with its office sector shaking off the pervasive doom and gloom and apartment rents climbing steadily. Join our roundtable discussion as we unpack the dynamics that have allowed the Sunshine State to maintain its outlier sta...

Dive into the challenges and opportunities facing New York’s real estate industry in a post-pandemic era with our latest podcast episode, featuring Max Gross, Brian Pascus and Tom Acitelli. From the significance of the Real Estate Board of New York’s annual gala and its symbolic return to form, to the intricate weave of state and federal policies impacting housing and development, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. With a special focus on the 2024 presidential election and its potenti...

In this episode of "The Back Story," join host Max Gross and fellow editors Cathy Cunningham and Tom Acitelli for a candid reflection on the tumultuous year of 2023 in the commercial real estate world. The team delves into the challenges the industry faced, from the struggles in debt markets to the fluctuating dynamics of various asset classes. They also touch on the surprising resilience of certain sectors and ponder the industry's trajectory as we edge into 2024. This episode promises an unvar...

In this special episode of Commercial Observer’s podcast “The Back Story,” we delve into the unique and creative world of commercial real estate as seen through the lens of holiday cheer. Our featured piece is a holiday poem by Skip Card, who took time from his job as Commercial Observer's copy editor to artfully capture in festive verse the intricate details of 2023's commercial real estate market. Following the reading, our esteemed panel — Editor in Chief Max Gross, Executive Editor Cathy Cun...

In this engaging episode of “The Backstory,” top Commercial Observer editors Max Gross, Cathy Cunningham and Tom Acitelli discuss the intricacies and highlights of the 2023 Young Professionals issue. The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process as well as the criteria and quirks that landed these 75 names on the list this year.

This special double-feature episode of “The Back Story” takes listeners behind the scenes of two major events in the real estate world. First, join hosts Max Gross, Nicholas Rizzi, and Tom Acitelli as they dissect the meteoric rise and fall of WeWork. They explore how the once-lauded coworking giant crashed into bankruptcy and that bankruptcy’s ripple effects on the industry. In the second half, we shift gears to mark the much-anticipated release of Commercial Observer’s annual Owners Magazine. ...

In this episode, our top editors, Max Gross and Tom Acitelli, unearth the secrets behind the seasonal Spirit Halloween stores, the comeback of brick and mortar retail, and the underlying trends of the retail market. This Halloween special isn't just about costumes – it's an insightful look into the ever-evolving retail landscape. Tune in and discover what's lurking behind those storefronts!

Unravel the complexities of proptech with Commercial Observer’s Power Proptech 2023 list. This episode delves into the industry’s explosive growth, pandemic-driven challenges, and subsequent slowdown, with insights from stalwarts like MetaProp's Zach Aarons and proptech maven Michael Beckerman. Discover how proptech’s top players are navigating some choppy waters.

Dive into a captivating discussion with one of the real estate industry's legends, MaryAnne Gilmartin of MAG Partners. Hosted by Max Gross, this episode unveils the intricate layers of establishing and driving a development company amid New York's dynamic real estate backdrop. Discover MAG Partners' origin story, their unique branding approach, and the philosophy that guides their journey.

In the midst of change and challenges, Los Angeles sees its real estate stalwarts shine. Join Greg Cornfield and Max Gross as they unpack the 'Power LA 2023' list, spotlighting those steering LA's real estate ship amidst storms of strikes, market upheavals, and the emerging heroes of the industrial sector. This episode is an exploration of resilience, strategy, and innovation in LA's evolving landscape.

Dive into the world of commercial real estate with Cathy Cunningham and Max Gross as they unravel the success story of Newmark amidst industry challenges. From CEO Barry Gosin's strategic talent acquisitions to the game-changing hire of Doug Harmon and Adam Spies, discover how Newmark is setting new benchmarks in the real estate realm. A tale of perseverance, strategy, and vision, this episode offers a unique peek into the workings of a market leader.

In today's episode, we delve into the current state of the commercial real estate market. With debt originations dropping and a reduced lender landscape, how is construction lending emerging as a beacon of optimism? Join Cathy Cunningham and Brian Pascus as they dissect Newmark's Q2 report, discussing the opportunities, risks, and insights from industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned professional or simply curious about market dynamics, this discussion offers valuable insights into today's C...

In this special episode of Commercial Observer's Backstory, we dive into the groundbreaking news of Fortress Investment Group's acquisition of a staggering $1 billion in office loans from Capital One. A move signaling a significant bet on New York City’s office sector rebound. Join us as Andrew Ceon, the editor who first unveiled this story, and Cathy Cunningham, our executive editor, discuss the potential implications, the current state of NYC's office landscape, and the future of urban investm...

This episode serves a flavorful blend of real estate insights and culinary tales, as we explore the rapid emergence of modern grocery stores across the continental US. Guided by our Editor-in-Chief, Max Gross, and expert Nick Rizzi, listeners will journey through the transformative impact these establishments are making in retail. And for a sprinkle of fun, can you guess who among our hosts is a die-hard Trader Joe's fan and who leans more towards Whole Foods? Tune in to unravel the mysteries of...

In this urgent and revealing episode, we dive into a growing and alarming trend within the construction industry: the increasing reliance on child labor. Join our insightful hosts, Chava Gourarie and Brian Pascus, as they unravel the complex factors driving this unsettling shift.

Tune in to the “Backstory” podcast to hear Commercial Observer editors Max Gross, Cathy Cunningham and Chava Gouarie discuss how the special Water Issue came together, including the story of the Florida man who’s been buying up submerged land and charging people millions for access.

Join us as we delve into the world of Washington-area commercial real estate and uncover the most influential figures shaping the capital region. In this episode, we'll reveal the secrets behind compiling the Power D.C. list and explore captivating stories about the vibrant real estate landscape. Get ready for an insider's perspective and deep insights into the movers and shakers of the Washington D.C. commercial real estate scene.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Max Gross, Editor in Chief of Commercial Observer, and Nicolas Rizzi, Web Editor of Commercial Observer, delve into the intriguing changes observed in the annual Power 100 List. Traditionally featuring prominent local New York political figures, this year's list seemed to lack their presence. The discussion unravels the reasons behind this shift and the implications it holds for the real estate industry. Max and Nick explore the promises made by figures li...

In this week's episode of Back Story, join Max Gross, Cathy Cunningham, and Brian Pascus as they delve into the rise of alternative lenders in the financial landscape. Explore the changing dynamics of the commercial real estate lending market and the expanding role of non-bank lenders. This episode offers nuanced insights into a pivotal financial trend. Perfect for finance professionals, enthusiasts, and observers keen to stay informed. Tune in for a rewarding journey into the world of finance.

Compiling one of Commercial Observer’s annual Power lists is no mean feat. From selecting the honorees to interviewing them to ranking them and everything in between, CO’s editors have their work cut out. Layer on top of that a particularly tumultuous year for commercial real estate in which the concept of “power” itself was once again truly redefined, and you’ve got a topic worth digging into. Max Gross, CO’s editor in chief, and Cathy Cunningham, finance editor and co-deputy editor, stepped u...