What does it mean to make decisions from a place of love rather than fear? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Chelsea Mandel. Chelsea is the Co-Founder of Ascension, a corporate real estate and sale-leaseback advisory firm. She’s closed $2 billion in sale-leasebacks, working with business owners, private equity firms, and other sponsors acquiring operating companies.Tune in to this episode as Chelsea shares her valuable insights on finding success in the real investment space![00:01 - 01:36] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Chelsea Mandel!Chelsea is the Co-founder of Ascension[01:37 - 27:15] Unlocking The Potential Of Sales-Leaseback Free RollsSales leasebacks involve selling a business’ mission-critical real estate assetLow barrier to entry for becoming a broker/advisorRecurring long-term businesses with sponsors buying/selling companiesCreative deals such as selling lease back free roll to fund business acquisitionsThe spread between the sale price of the real estate and its value can fund the buyer’s equityWorked with an established set of partners in terms of law firms and diligence providers[27:16 - 31:41] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Worked as a bus counselorWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“The Catcher In The Rye” by J.D. SalingerWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Learn how to skateboardWhat does success mean to you?Chelsea says, “Success would be like having a legacy, something that I work my whole life building and then it continues beyond me.“Connect with Chelsea Mandel: LinkedIn: Chelsea MandelTwitter: @ChelseaNMandelLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“What made me stand out as an advisor was, I could put myself not only in the shoes of the ultimate buyer, being a sales back investor and making sure that we structure everything so that it works for a potential buyer and its marketable.” – Chelsea Mandel“Being able to see the long-term vision by knowing what our clients care about and worry about, I think that's really what sets us apart.” – Chelsea MandelSupport the show

What does success mean to you for your business? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Robert Knakal. Bob Knakal is a sales broker selling investment properties in New York City since 1984. Bob is currently leading the Private Capital Group for JLL in New York.  He started his real estate career in 1984 at CB Richard Ellis where he met Paul J. Massey Jr. They both left CB in 1988 to form Massey Knakal. He was Chairman and Founding Partner of Massey Knakal Realty Services, New York’s #1 building sales firm. Tune in to this episode as Robert shares how he has found what success means to him and learned how he has achieved a deep sense of peace from helping others achieve success![00:01 - 00:41] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Robert Knakal!Robert is a sales broker selling investment properties in New York[00:42 - 24:41] How To Set Yourself Apart In Real EstateBeing introspective and working on weaknessesHe is in the information business, not the real estateLenders dealing with problems differently this time aroundMultifamily space has a tremendous demand despite political headwindsBeing a Seinfeld aficionado and having trivia questions about Seinfeld[24:42 - 32:33] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Worked on a paper routeWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“Good to Great” by Jim CollinsWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Learn how to play the pianoWhat does success mean to you?Robert says, “It is achieving a deep sense of peace and that comes from knowing that you did the right thing all the time you help people, you helped other people achieve success.“Connect with Robert Knakal: LinkedIn: Robert KnakalInstagram: @bobknakalnycLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“Clients are really thirsty to find out what's going on in the market because it's so difficult to figure out today. So, I think it's an opportunity for brokers to set themselves apart, really create some good data sets and impart some great advice to clients.” – Robert Knakal“The best way to differentiate yourself is through specialization and become an expert at something.” – Robert KnakalSupport the show

What are the keys to building a successful business? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Jesse Futia. Jesse is the Principal and CEO of Executive Equity Investing. Jesse grew up in Albany NY and graduated from the University of Albany. He was commissioned as an officer in the US Army and served as a US Army Ranger from 2019-2021. He began investing in real estate during college where he and his family built one of the largest student housing portfolios in Albany NY.Tune in to this episode as Jesse shares his advice on digital branding strategies for growing businesses![00:01 - 01:36] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Jesse Futia!Jesse is the Principal and CEO of Executive Equity Investing[01:37 - 27:15] Maximizing Engagement By Repurposing ContentDigital branding building has an immense reachFinding a balance between portraying an authentic self and ghostwritingInvesting time in copywriting skills to make sure the content is authenticEstablishing a niche and brand by showing up consistentlyRepurposing content is a great way to save time and get more leads[27:16 - 32:41] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Worked as a bouncer in his college townWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch AlbomWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Learn how to play the guitarWhat does success mean to you?Jesse says, “It's not defined by how much money we make while we're here on the earth. It's going to be defined by the people that we impact.“Connect with Jesse Futia: Website: Executive Equity InvestingLinkedIn: Jesse FutiaTwitter: @JesseFutiaInstagram: @JesseFutiaLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this linkWHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“There is no better time, in my opinion, than right now to invest in your digital brand, if that's LinkedIn, if that's Twitter, if that's TikTok or something else because the deal flow is a lot slower for many investors and syndicators out there.” – Jesse Futia“If you miss the point, if you miss the mark on the hook, then the entire post is going to fall off.” – Jesse FutiaSupport the show

How do you utilize social media in the real estate syndication space? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Marc Kuhn. Marc founded MAK Construction with a vision to be the area's top concrete contractor. MAK Construction has grown from a small residential contractor to now general contracting multi-family units and commercial projects. Marc's entrepreneurial spirit and desire to bring unmatched quality and experience to the construction industry have brought his company to where it is today.Tune in to this episode as Marc shares his insights on how to utilize social media for your real estate syndication![00:00 - 01:02] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Marc Kuhn!Marc is the Founder of MAK ConstructionHe discovered real estate investing and passive income [01:03 - 23:36] Repurposing, Coaching, And TeamworkRelying on multiple sources of income to reduce anxietyHiring a coach can save time and help achieve more in less timeConstruction management and dealing with 3rd party contractorsRepurposing content is key to avoiding burnoutSocial media can help land deals, partnerships, investors, and employees[23:37 - 30:52] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?He worked as a dishwasherWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“The 10X Rule” by Grant CardoneWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?How to leverage skills to scale up businessesWhat does success mean to you?Marc says, “You start seeing success when you start getting your time back. “Connect with Marc Kuhn: LinkedIn: Marc KuhnInstagram: @marc.kuhn.makYouTube: Marc KuhnLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“Just learn the space. I think my success though is learning to repurpose, hiring the right people to push you and show you the way.” – Marc Kuhn“You have to have boots on the ground. I'm a big believer in that, even in the asset management space. I just have to know someone's in the area so we know we can manage the deal right. if we're going to syndicate it or just buy it ourselves or whatever the case is.” – Marc KuhnSupport the show

How do you stay on top of changing tax laws to be set up for success? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Chris McCormack. Chris is a proactive CPA and Certified Tax Coach who founded Better Books after working for the second-largest professional services firm in the world.  Chris explains how having an entrepreneurial mindset and being inspired by others can help set one up for success while discussing the challenges accountants face in staying on top of changing tax laws and why many don’t specialize in one particular area.Tune in to this episode as Chris provides his insights how having an entrepreneurial mindset and being inspired by others![00:01 - 01:36] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Chris McCormack!Chris is a CPA and a Certified Tax Coach[01:37 - 22:51] Leveraging Tax Strategies In Real EstateHe learned about tax strategies from reading Rich Dad, Poor DadCompounding money and arbitrage can make moneyTax benefits vary depending on the propertyFinding a specialist in the industry can be beneficial for saving time and money[22:52 - 28:51] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Worked as a janitorWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“Book of Proverbs”What is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Learn how to danceWhat does success mean to you?Chris says, “Just being able to provide for my family and allow us to live. But also be generous and take care of the widows and the orphans. “Connect with Chris McCormack: LinkedIn: Chris McCormack CPA, MBA, CTCInstagram: @chrismccormackcpaFacebook: Chris McCormackTwitter: @cmccormackcpaLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“I just started to realize that the value of a building was there and then in talking and doing some more research. It's because there's a threefold way of building wealth through real estate.” – Chris McCormack“The tax benefit that comes with cost segregation is different for the single-family home... So, it's really key to sit down and get a view of what it looks like for you .” – Chris McCormackSupport the show

How to identify your tenants in the retail space? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Beth Azor. Beth is affectionately known as ‘The Canvassing Queen™’ Beth Azor is the founder and owner of Azor Advisory Services (AAS), a leading commercial real estate advisory and investment firm based in Southeast Florida.As its principal, Beth currently owns and manages six shopping centers in Florida and travels the country consulting with, brokering deals for and training associates in the commercial real estate industry. Tune in to this episode as Beth provides her expert insight on how to strategically plan retail shopping centers![00:01 - 01:14] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Beth Azor!Beth is the Founder and Owner of Azor Advisory Services (AAC)She has been in the retail real estate world for 37 years, buying and selling and currently owning 5 shopping centers valued at 80 million[01:15 - 32:03] The Art And Science Of Retail LeasingFinding tenants for a space is a combination of art and scienceTarget canvassing involves creating a list of prospects and visiting themNew retail trends are the 4 F words: Fun, Fitness, Fixing Oneself, and FoodShopping centers need to have tenants that are destination oriented to bring in trafficStrategic planning is an art form when it comes to shopping centers[32:04 - 26:30] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Cleaning hair salonsWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“10X is easier than 2X” by Benjamin Hardy, Dan SullivanWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Learn how to singWhat does success mean to you?Beth says, “Being happy and feeling accomplished. “Connect with Beth Azor: Website: Beth AzorLinkedIn: Beth AzorTwitter: @BethAzor1LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“I'm fine investing in other people's deals but if I'm running the deals, I like to have control and be near in a very close proximity.” – Beth Azor“I'm identifying, I'm a matchmaker, we are matchmakers. So, which “uses”, would do well in this size space, then I'm looking at rents.” – Beth AzorSupport the show

Do you want to learn how car wash businesses can benefit you? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Kriss Berg. Kriss talks about how he got started in the business world and began investing in a variety of industries including construction, solar, online businesses, real estate, newsletters, and e-commerce. Despite the risks associated with these businesses, one venture that Kriss found particularly lucrative was the car wash business. Tune in to this episode as Kriss provides his insights on everything related to the car wash business and another business idea that he is exploring![00:01 - 01:36] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Kriss Berg!Kriss is the Car Wash Guy[01:37 - 23:49] Uncovering The Tax Benefits Of Car Wash BusinessesHe got into the car wash business when he realized the potential of cap rate and value increase in real estateReached out to an accountant for tax liabilityCar wash is the perfect bonus depreciation vehicleCar washes simple businessesTargeting self-serve/touch-free combination car washes[23:50 - 30:56] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Worked at a veterinary clinicWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert KiyosakiWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?To be able to singWhat does success mean to you?Kriss says, “Freedom from stress and bad feelings around money. “Connect with Kriss Berg: Website: Tax Free Cash CowTwitter: @krissbergtweetsLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“It's a simple business. I think real estate people look at car washes and think that they're complex. and if you looked at a car wash, you'd think it's easy.” – Kriss Berg“Car wash is almost ideal because it's a very unique combination of fairly low land value with very high value in the buildings and equipment and improvements, which is what is eligible for bonus depreciation.” – Kriss BergSupport the show

Why is it important to have a passion for what you want to do? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Coby Lefkowitz. Coby Lefkowitz is a real estate developer, writer, and thought leader in the world of urban planning and development. Based in New York, and in addition to his own projects at his firm Backyard, Coby works with people and cities worldwide to create more beautiful, walkable, sustainable, and dynamic communities for all. Coby tries to marry romantic ways of looking at the world with how to actually implement them in our built environment, something he calls romantic pragmatismTune in to this episode as Coby shares how an individual got their feet wet in the development world![00:01 - 01:16] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Coby Lefkowitz!Coby is the Principal & Co-Founder of Backyard[01:17 - 24:56] Romantic Pragmatism In Creating Sustainable NeighborhoodsCreating walkable, dynamic, sustainable, and resilient neighborhoods by unlocking density near city cores and amenitiesOpenness to opportunities and passion for architectureOpportunity zones have been used to help build in core neighborhoodsReforming zoning and building codes has allowed for more progressive infill development[24:57 - 33:17] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Working in basement studios in the summerWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane JacobsWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Learn how to draw architectureWhat does success mean to you?Coby says, “It's contentment, and then you can put a monetary or a material value to success.“Connect with Coby Lefkowitz: Website: Coby LefkowitzTwitter: @CobylefkoLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“You're never going to have 100% confidence. And so, you need to get a sufficient threshold. And then as soon as I feel sufficiently comfortable, I dive in.” – Coby Lefkowitz“It was a real opportunity for us to kind of make good on what we preach of wanting to create more walkable and dynamic and sustainable and resilient neighborhoods, but actually being able to do that, goes back to the romantic and pragmatism.” – Coby LefkowitzSupport the show

How can you get up from your failures to achieving success? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Val Katayev, Val Katayev is a highly successful serial entrepreneur, having been co-founder and leader of four tech companies focusing on digital media in display, mobile, music, search, and data, which generated over $500M in revenue combined without taking any venture capital.  Currently, he is focusing on Jocalio, a startup to reimagine the $180B jewelry industry.Val discusses various business ventures such as real estate development and artificial intelligence integration into businesses.  Tune in to this episode as Val shares his journey from his failures to his successes![00:01 - 01:16] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Val Katayev!Val has 25 years of experience in various industriesHe is the CEO of Jocalio, a tech-enabled jewelry company [01:17 - 22:57] Reinventing The Jewelry Industry With JocalioHis goal is to have a store in every town that has a Walmart as part of the Jocalio collectiveWhen starting a business, it is important to focus on what they are working on and not get caught up in the headlinesIntegrating AI into marketing, communication, inventory management, and product mixUtilizing AI to connect data from jewelers and outside sources[22:58 - 32:42] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Worked as a digital monitorWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“Outliers” by Malcolm GladwellWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Learn how to do storytelling in social mediaWhat does success mean to you?Val Katayev says, “To have all the right things in place, where you have the freedom to explore entrepreneurially and time with the family. “Connect with Val Katayev: LinkedIn: Val KatayevTwitter: @valkatayevInstagram: @valkatayevLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“It's worth taking a chance on, something then you don't have to do it again if it doesn't work.” – Val Katayev“I do still think that execution is a big part, but also luck does play a role and just being at the right time and right place, could allow you execution to happen as well.” – Val KatayevSupport the show

How can one leverage the power of social media for your business? In this episode of Weiss Advice, we welcome Aviva Sonenreich, Aviva has combined three generations’ worth of experience in commercial real estate with modern marketing savvy nearly absent from the field. She uses her platform to share a wealth of knowledge on one of the industry’s most rapidly growing markets.Tune in to this episode as Aviva gives her advice on how to use social media and be successful with it in order to reach potential customers![00:01 - 01:27] Opening SegmentWe welcome, Aviva Sonenreich!Aviva is a commercial real estate owner, broker, and manager[01:28 - 22:18] Exploring The Different Uses Of Industrial Space In Commercial Real EstateBeing introduced to TikTok and how she became a TikTok superstar during COVIDConsistency in posting content is important for anyone active on social mediaThe commercial real estate industry has people who are old school and don’t understand marketingTradespeople, e-commerce businesses, and automotive businesses use the industrial space[22:19 - 29:19] THE FINAL FOURWhat's the worst job that you ever had?Worked in the food hall when she was in collegeWhat's a book you've read that has given you a paradigm shift?“How To Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale CarnegieWhat is a skill or talent that you would like to learn?Sales psychologyWhat does success mean to you?Aviva says, “Just being happy and feeling fulfilled emotionally and being able to give. “Connect with Aviva Sonenreich: Website: Warehouse HotlineLinkedIn: Aviva Sonenreich Instagram: @AvivaRealEstateTikTok: @AvivaRealEstateLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“Go big. If I can do it, you can do it, they can do it. I think a lot of people don't understand that they could go bigger and, in this industry, the sky is the limit.” – Aviva Sonenreich“Commercial real estate is a lot and so is social media. And so, being that these apps are geo local, it just worked really well to becoming like the warehouse girl on the internet and in Denver and then getting referring business that way.” – Aviva SonenreichSupport the show