Smith Lane Podcast

OnPlace Collective

Presented by OnPlace, Smith Lane Podcast is all about community building and placemaking. In each episode, your hosts Monaca Smith Onstad and Callie Friedman, will take you behind the scenes with industry experts and will dive deep into what’s shaped their community, or, their own personal Smith Lane. We’ll hear success stories, have discussions around emerging trends, and hear valuable insights from developers, architects, engineers, tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and more placemakers.

  1. 4 MAR

    Ladies in Land: Building the Future of Development

    Episode Description Monaca and Callie sit down with the Ladies in Land founder, Erica Sinner, to discuss how she found her way into land development, why confidence is the single biggest career differentiator for women in the industry, and how a simple idea - putting women in a room together to learn - has grown into a multi-city national movement. The conversation covers her early career path from marketing and sales into land acquisition, the moment she realized women needed more than networking- they needed education - and how Ladies in Land evolved from informal meetups into structured chapters offering certifications, professional credits, executive coaching, and university outreach. They also explore expansion into nearly 21 cities (with a goal of 35+), the upcoming conference, a new engineering credit initiative, national partnerships, and the launch of a parallel initiative for men called Dudes in Development. The episode ultimately centers on confidence, mentorship, and building better communities through better-trained professionals.

    46 min

  2. 18 FEB

    Don’t Bet Against Houston: Building The Grand Prairie with EMBER | Season 3, Episode 2

    Episode Description Monaca and Callie sit down with Harry Masterson of EMBER to explore what makes master-planned communities truly work. From how Harry unexpectedly found his way into land development to why Houston remains one of the most resilient growth markets in the U.S., the conversation centers on EMBER’s signature West Houston project, The Grand Prairie, and its prairie-first identity. They unpack how EMBER builds both internal culture and external brand with intention, how “decompression” becomes part of the arrival experience, and how thoughtful design choices—sunsets, overlooks, and authentic landscape storytelling—can turn a perceived challenge (not being right off the freeway) into a defining advantage. The episode closes with Harry’s personal “Smith Lane,” a childhood coastal community on Galveston Bay, and how that sense of freedom shapes his vision for The Grand Prairie.

    37 min
  3. Welcome to Season Three! | Smith Lane Podcast

    4 FEB

    Welcome to Season Three! | Smith Lane Podcast

    Monaca and Callie kick off Season Three of Smith Lane with some major updates: a brand-new set, a growing team, and a bold evolution of the company behind the podcast, OnPlace Collective. Monaca and Callie reflect on how Smith Lane began, why placemaking and community remain at the heart of everything they do, and how growth has shaped both their business and their mission. This episode sets the stage for what’s ahead in Season Three: deeper conversations, more visibility through video, and continued storytelling around building meaningful, connected communities. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Welcome to Season Three A new professional set, upgraded production, and the excitement (and nerves) that come with leveling up. What Is Smith Lane? The origins of the podcast and why it was created alongside a fast-growing company. The personal meaning behind the name “Smith Lane” and its roots in community. The Evolution of the Company Transition from OnPlace to OnPlace Collective Why this wasn’t a rebrand, but a true evolution. How client needs shaped the expansion of services over time. Breaking Down the Collective OnMenity: Amenity and lifestyle planning at the raw land stage OnSpire: Welcome centers, social media, and fractional marketing services OnVie: Lifestyle management, programming that drives sales performance Why Early Planning Matters The value of integrating amenities and lifestyle strategies early in development. How thoughtful placemaking leads to better outcomes for residents and developers. Big Milestones Launching video podcasts and expanding onto YouTube Opening the first satellite office in Houston Hiring a Texas division leader Celebrating the company’s 100th employee Growing with Intention Building internal systems like HR, learning & development, and performance tracking Remaining a bootstrapped company focused on sustainable, client-driven growth Investing in people, training, and long-term culture What’s Ahead for Season Three Continued conversations about placemaking, lifestyle, and community Sharing lessons learned from growth, execution, and innovation Bringing listeners deeper into the story behind the work YouTube Chapter Markers 00:00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:00:25 A New Set, New Energy, and Gratitude for the Team 00:00:55 What Is Smith Lane? 00:01:12 The Origin of Smith Lane and Its Meaning 00:01:31 Why Placemaking and Community Matter 00:01:50 Introducing the Company Evolution 00:01:54 From OnPlace to OnPlace Collective 00:02:21 How Client Needs Drove Growth 00:02:38 The Shift from Planning to Execution 00:03:26 The Birth of Lifestyle Management (OnVie) 00:03:42 Expanding Services and Welcome Centers 00:04:05 Why the Old Brand Became Confusing 00:04:46 Breaking Down the Collective Divisions 00:05:09 Introducing OnSpire 00:05:28 Creating a Clear Client Journey 00:05:40 The Evolution of the Smith Lane Brand 00:05:57 New Logo Inspiration and Design Story 00:06:27 Supporting Connection Through Integrated Services 00:06:56 Why Early Planning Creates Better Communities 00:07:24 Smith Lane Goes Video (YouTube Launch) 00:07:44 Opening the Houston Office 00:08:02 Building the Texas Team 00:08:10 Celebrating 100 Employees 00:08:31 Lessons Learned from Rapid Growth 00:08:55 Investing in HR and Learning & Development 00:09:09 Scaling Systems and Tracking Impact 00:09:33 Growing as a Bootstrapped Company 00:10:08 Investing Back into Culture and Community 00:10:36 What to Expect in Season Three 00:10:50 Closing Thoughts and What’s Next

    11 min
  4. More Than a Gym: How Fitness Fosters Community

    05/11/2025

    More Than a Gym: How Fitness Fosters Community

    On this episode of Smith Lane, hosts Monaca and Callie sit down with Graham Anderson, Co-Owner of Anchor Fitness and Performance, for a conversation about how fitness can serve as a cornerstone for community connection. Graham explains how fitness offerings can go far beyond workouts, becoming a catalyst for stronger communities. He shares how his team listens closely to resident feedback, invests in knowledgeable instructors who genuinely care about their members, and thoughtfully selects equipment and programs that meet the unique needs of each community. The result is welcoming spaces where residents feel confident and engaged. Whether you’re passionate about growing community through fitness or curious about the inner workings of fitness centers in master-planned communities, this episode offers valuable insight from a leader who believes fitness is about much more than physical strength. About Graham Graham Anderson brings over 25 years of experience in the fitness and performance industry, including 15 years working at the highest levels of collegiate and professional sports. His extensive background in athletic performance, injury prevention, and strength and conditioning has shaped a career dedicated to helping individuals reach their physical potential—regardless of age, experience, or starting point. In 2018, Graham co-founded Anchor Fitness & Performance, a fitness solutions company based in Southwest Florida. Anchor Fitness was built on the principle of accessibility—bringing expert-level fitness professionals directly to clients in a variety of settings, whether at home, at work, or online. The mission is simple: to close the "excuse gap" and empower people to make fitness a sustainable part of their lifestyle. Under Graham’s leadership, Anchor Fitness has become a trusted resource for personal training, corporate wellness, and performance-based programs tailored to individual needs. Whether training elite athletes or busy professionals, Graham's philosophy remains consistent—meet people where they are, and give them the tools, support, and motivation to go further.   Connect with Graham LinkedIn

    31 min
  5. Behind the Build: Boutique Construction & Innovative Amenities with Homes by Towne

    22/10/2025

    Behind the Build: Boutique Construction & Innovative Amenities with Homes by Towne

    On this episode of Smith Lane, hosts Monaca and Callie sit down with John Woodman, Division Manager at Homes by Towne, to uncover what it takes to craft homes within some of Florida’s most celebrated master-planned communities. With more than 25 years of experience across Florida, Arizona, California, and Hawaii, John brings a deep understanding of design, craftsmanship, and community building. John shares the story behind Homes by Towne, a privately held company known for its commitment to customer experience and meaningful community investment. He highlights standout projects like Shellstone and Lakehouse Cove at Waterside, as well as Midway Park, an innovative shared amenity designed to bring residents together and reimagine how neighborhoods connect. Listeners will also hear John’s reflections on the “three E’s of construction,” and how his upbringing on a dirt road in Michigan, John’s personal “Smith Lane”, continues to influence his approach to creating spaces where people can truly thrive. Whether you’re passionate about thoughtful community design, curious about the future of homebuilding, or simply enjoy stories of craftsmanship and care, this conversation offers lessons from a builder who values people just as much as the homes he creates. About John John Woodman serves as the Division Manager for Homes by Towne’s West Florida Division, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry. A graduate of Michigan State University’s Construction Management program, John moved to Florida over two decades ago, drawn by family and the opportunity to build homes in the sunshine state. With a belief that homebuilding is as much about people and customer service as it is about process and blueprints, John emphasizes strong work ethic, lasting relationships with trade partners, and a commitment to quality. His team’s philosophy — “the three E’s: every room, every house, every day” — has become a recipe for delivering well-crafted homes and exceptional customer experiences. Over the course of his career, John has spent more than 10 years in homebuilding and another decade in land development, where he developed a passion for creating communities and lifestyles that extend well beyond the walls of a home. For him, community begins the moment someone drives into a neighborhood and feels that sense of arrival.   Connect with John LinkedIn Gregory FCA

    31 min
  6. Beyond the Headlines: Real Estate Communication, AI, and Community | Ep. 31 with Heather Crowell and Britni Ackrivo

    07/10/2025

    Beyond the Headlines: Real Estate Communication, AI, and Community | Ep. 31 with Heather Crowell and Britni Ackrivo

    On this episode of Smith Lane, Monaca and Callie welcome Heather Crowell and Britni Ackrivo, Executive Vice Presidents at Gregory FCA and the team behind the PlotLines podcast. Together, they dive into the role of communications in real estate, exploring current trends and misconceptions shaping the industry. The conversation highlights how headlines often misrepresent what’s really happening in the market and how a closer look reveals a more balanced story. Heather and Britni share how the PlotLines podcast helps debunk common myths, offering listeners and clients clearer insights into the industry.  They also discuss what real estate clients are prioritizing in today’s climate and the growing influence of AI on marketing and communication strategies. Listeners also get to know Heather and Britni beyond their professional roles, as they share about life as moms and how they balance their personal and professional worlds. Tune in for a discussion that underscores how strategic communication helps create stronger connections and more resilient places to live and work.  About Heather  As Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications and Growth, Heather leads firm efforts to grow market share, build out verticals, and develop AI-powered tools that make life easier for communicators. Heather brings nearly two decades of experience from the C-suite of a publicly traded REIT, where she led marketing, communications, investor relations, and HR through just about every business scenario imaginable: activist campaigns, two bankruptcies, a delisting, and COVID shutdowns—along with major successes like project launches and earned visibility. That range gives her both credibility and calm in high-stakes moments. She knows what matters to executive teams and how to align integrated communications to business goals. At Gregory FCA, she’s the force behind CrisisCalm, an AI-powered tool that saves hours and delivers confidence in the heat of a crisis. She also drives growth in key verticals like real estate and eds & meds, helping clients define strategic positioning, refine investment theses, and tell the right story to the right audience.   Connect with Heather LinkedIn Gregory FCA About Britni  Britni Ackrivo is Executive Vice President at Gregory FCA, the country's seventh-largest public relations firm specializing in real estate. She is also a Co-Host of PlotLines- an award-winning podcast breaking down real estate headlines. In her more than decade at the agency, Britni has had the opportunity to be a PR partner for major real estate projects and developments, allowing Gregory FCA to maintain a long track record of representing some of the biggest, nationally-known commercial and residential real estate companies.   Connect with Britni LinkedIn Gregory FCA

    41 min
  7. Inside Sarasota Tourism: Driving Economic Impact Through Marketing Strategies | Ep. 30 with Erin Duggan

    24/09/2025

    Inside Sarasota Tourism: Driving Economic Impact Through Marketing Strategies | Ep. 30 with Erin Duggan

    This week on Smith Lane, Monaca and Callie sit down with Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. With over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, Erin shares how her career has shaped her approach to promoting Sarasota as a must-experience destination. Throughout the conversation, Erin reflects on the impact of tourism on Sarasota’s economy and quality of life, explaining how visitor dollars support community projects and amenities. She highlights key marketing strategies, the importance of responding to shifting visitor demographics, and how technology is transforming the way tourism is promoted. Discover Sarasota’s hidden gems through a conversation that is both educational and filled with Erin’s passion for the community. About Erin Erin M. Duggan, CDME is the President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. Duggan began working for VSC over 20 years ago and has worked in a variety of roles before taking the helm two years ago. Duggan has been a long-time leader in the local community, serving as President of the Junior League of Sarasota and is a graduate of Leadership Sarasota, Leadership Florida, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Leadership Institute. Professionally, Duggan serves on the Board of Directors for Visit Florida, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the Lakewood Ranch community activities association. Duggan is a graduate of Florida Southern College and holds a Certified Destination Management Executive designation from Destinations International and Purdue University. Duggan lives in Sarasota and is married to attorney Patrick Duggan and they have two teenage sons.   Connect with Erin LinkedIn Visit Sarasota County

    37 min
  8. Policy Meets Planning: Importance of Affordability & Resilient Communities | Ep. 29 with Bill Conerly

    08/09/2025

    Policy Meets Planning: Importance of Affordability & Resilient Communities | Ep. 29 with Bill Conerly

    This week on Smith Lane, Monaca and Callie sit down with Bill Conerly, Vice President and Senior Project Manager at Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., and member of the Florida House of Representatives representing District 72. He shares insights from the intersection of his careers in civil engineering and politics. Throughout the conversation, Bill explains why housing affordability remains one of his top priorities, reflecting on how factors like density and housing fees contribute to sustainable development. He also unpacks the challenges of flooding and stormwater design, emphasizing how thoughtful planning can reduce risks for communities. At the heart of the episode is Bill’s belief in the power of communication and education to guide meaningful change. The conversation concludes with his thoughtful response to the Smith Lane question. Join us for an episode that balances heart, practicality, and education. About Bill  Bill Conerly was born in South Florida and grew up in the Keys and Arcadia. After graduating high school, he left his hometown of Arcadia to enlist in the United States Navy. Serving aboard the USS LaSalle in the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf and the USS Fidelity homeported Panama City, Florida. Bill used the technical skills he acquired in the Navy to put himself through college while working full-time. His diverse work experiences included jobs as a robotics technician on the Jaws ride at Universal Studios and a Civil Engineering Aide at the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Gainesville. In 1997, Bill earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Biological Engineering with a specialization in Soil and Water Conservation from the University of Florida. Bill began his engineering career in Southwest Florida, focusing on stormwater modeling and routing. By 2001, Bill had earned his Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Engineering with a focus in Water Resources. Over the past 28 years, Bill has worked on a wide variety of projects, including Healthcare, Affordable & Senior Housing, Roadway, Utility, Landfill, Single & Multifamily Residential, and Educational projects. Bill is a 26-year resident of Manatee County and has been deeply committed to his community. Serving on many voluntary boards, including as a member of the Planning Commission, MPO CAC, Manatee County Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee and Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Bill was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2024 and recently finished his first Session. When asked why he wanted to serve as a Representative, he replied, “I have a spirit of service and want to use my skills, knowledge, and experience to make Southwest Florida a better place. As an engineer, I bring a unique skillset and problem-solving perspective to Tallahassee.” Connect With Bill LinkedIn Florida House of Representatives Kimley-Horn

    44 min
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About

Presented by OnPlace, Smith Lane Podcast is all about community building and placemaking. In each episode, your hosts Monaca Smith Onstad and Callie Friedman, will take you behind the scenes with industry experts and will dive deep into what’s shaped their community, or, their own personal Smith Lane. We’ll hear success stories, have discussions around emerging trends, and hear valuable insights from developers, architects, engineers, tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and more placemakers.

Information

  • Creator
    OnPlace Collective
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © OnPlace Collective
  • Show Website
    Smith Lane Podcast