The economy is in a unique in-between phase—caught between recent Fed rate cuts and the upcoming 2024 election. In this special episode of the Blooma podcast, we gather a star-studded panel of experts to break it all down. Host Mark Almeida sits down with Mark Zandi, Ryan Sweet, and John Burns for a lively discussion about how these pivotal events could impact everything from real estate markets to your wallet. Meet Our Panelists:Mark Zandi – Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics. Known for his expertise in economic policy and financial markets. Follow Mark on X (formerly Twitter)Ryan Sweet – Chief U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. Renowned for his high-frequency forecasting and macroeconomic insights. Follow Ryan on LinkedInJohn Burns – Founder of John Burns Research & Consulting. A thought leader in housing and real estate, helping clients make smart investment decisions. Follow John on LinkedInMark Almeida – Operating Partner at Welsh, Carson. Brings nearly 40 years of experience in leading and building financial services businesses, including serving as President of Moody’s Analytics. Follow Mark on LinkedInAbout Blooma:Blooma is a leading provider of CRE Intelligence, combining data analysis, automation, and AI to empower lenders with smarter decision-making in real estate. Learn more about Blooma.

In our final episode of the series, Mark Almeida (fmr. President, Moody’s Analytics) and Michael Mandel (co-founder & CEO, CompStak) are joined by Chris Milano of Capital One. While we initially set out to talk with Chris about the final frontier for data — and how it intersects with technology — this conversation went sideways. In the best way. Sure, we talked about CRE, data, and the tools we use to get the job done…but the central theme of this conversation was a return to our understanding of the truth – and how that might be more subjective than we’d like to think (and even more so when we apply data to it). Who better to tell us the “truth” about data in commercial real estate than…a few good men?

Aaaaaand we’re back with Episode 2 of our data-driven CRE series with CompStak. In this episode, Mark and Michael are joined by Jon Petersen, Managing Director of the US REIT team for global investment firm Jefferies (say that three times fast).The evolution of data availability has transformed the way we analyze the commercial real estate market. In episode 1, we set the stage for CRE data from the perspectives of the providers themselves. This time, we dive in further to find out how consumers of that data are faring in today’s market – and more importantly, how they’re using it to create a winning hand in an increasingly competitive environment. Jon takes us on a journey through time, recalling how data consumption has evolved, leading to the emergence of real-time data analysis that empowers investors to make well-informed decisions. Michael shares insights into the art of packaging and delivering data and some of the challenges that come with it. Finally, the burning question: Are data providers meeting consumer needs? Jon, as a savvy consumer, gives his honest take. And together, these three discuss how providers like CompStak adapt and grow to fulfill users' needs and requests – and what’s in the cards for the future.Stack up your chips, because we're going all in on CRE data.

Commercial Real Estate has a data problem. Not only is the asset class large and unusually complex, but those that oversee it are faced with the headache of getting their hands on relevant data to make decisions. To be clear, this is not due to a lack of data. As a matter of fact, there’s more of it than any one person would even know what to do with – and therein lies the problem. The road from aggregation to insight is a long one, and for inexperienced travelers, it can prove perilous. To get to the bottom of it all, our host (and data extraordinaire himself) Mark Almeida, is sitting down with two of the industry's leading thinkers on the topic: Michael Mandel (CompStak co-founder & CEO) and Ben Thypin (co-founder of Quantierra & formerly at RCA). Whether you’re a die-hard data junkie, or simply data curious, there’s something in this episode for the whole family. Join us as we get a crash course in CRE data from some of the industry’s OG data geeks.

Charles Krawitz has been on the CRE scene for a minute. As a lifelong CRE banker (and the President of the Eric Tannenbaum fan club) you can trust that he knows a good thing when he sees it — and that's exactly how he ended up at Alliant Credit Union.While a bank with no branches might sound like something from the future, it's not. Alliant was 'doing digital' before it was cool, and long before the Pandemic forced the banking community online. Today on the pod, we find out from Charles what makes credit unions (and Alliant in particular) so special, how they're harnessing the power of tech to "boldly go where no bank has gone before", and...how to increase your life expectancy? Tune in, live long, and prosper.

Hans Morris is a mass of contradictions.At first glance, the seasoned finance executive exudes all the quiet confidence of someone who's been around the block... several times over. Even just a quick conversation, however, is a powerful reminder not to judge a book (or an album) by its cover. The Managing Partner at Nyca Partners has a resume that looks like a walk down Wall Street and an artistic IQ that would put any Jeopardy contestant to shame. Oh, and did we mention Hans is an avid punk rock fan? Surprise! But for those who know him best, not really. In the episode, we talk a walk down memory lane uncovering some of Hans' greatest hits, in a way only he can do. More anthology than career path, he shares with us some salient advice on how to get ahead and stay sane in the wild world of finance — and the albums that have made up the soundtrack of his life. Please enjoy, Hans Morris.

JP Conklin is funny. And not in an ironic sort of way. This jack of all trades is dangerously quick on the draw with a one-liner, which is probably why his side gig as a podcaster has taken off the way it has (he doesn't want you to listen to that either). While JP might not be a comedian in real life, he is a lot of other things, including: a founder (of Pensford Financial Services and LoanBoss), a veteran, a father of five, and a private pilot. And while he might be chock full of jokes, he's deadly serious about tech.In our conversation, we discuss how to nail your first job interview, why 'disruption' is a four-letter word, and where the future of CRE is headed (and why it's taken so long to get here). So, to repeat what is surely a question he gets asked by his children constantly: "Are we there yet?!"

Etiquette rule number one says, "never talk politics or religion at the dinner table". That proves exceptionally hard to do when you're sitting down for a conversation with Mike Flood, SVP of Mortgage Bankers Association — or more lovingly, "The Original Washington Insider". On today's episode of Three in 30, what we lack in social graces we make up for in knowledge earned. Join us as we dive in head first to find out how current policy is impacting commercial real estate, what Mike's hearing from members, and what you can expect at MBA’s upcoming CREF event in San Diego, CA. Put your napkin in your lap, sit up straight, and enjoy.

Is the CRE glass half empty or full? According to Jim Costello (Head of Real Estate Economics & Chief Economist — Real assets at MSCI), it doesn't matter.Join us for an impromptu history lesson, a discussion on 'hopium' and toxic positivity, and to find out what happens when a Realist and Economist walk into a bar...and sit down next to two people who just want some answers. Enjoy Jim Costello.

What do finance and surfing have in common? As it turns out, a lot more than you’d think — starting with Bryce Skaff. Bryce is the Co-Head of Dimensional Fund Advisors, but when he’s not nose deep in investing, you can find him at the beach. Aside from the obvious parallels to be made between turbulent markets and choppy waters, Bryce shares some profound wisdom on how to keep your head firmly on your shoulders…and your cash in your pocket.Learn more about Surf Conversation Partnership here: https://www.surfconservation.org/