Between Two Chairs - Demystifying Commercial Real Estate

Fernando Arencibia, Jr. and Jennifer Wollmann
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Between Two Chairs: Demystifying Commercial Real Estate, the podcast that brings you the latest insights and trends from the Miami commercial real estate industry. Co-hosts Fernando Arencibia Jr. and Jennifer Wollmann, both former Chairman of the Board for the largest local real estate association in the Country, the Miami Association of Realtors, bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every conversation. In each episode, we dive deep into the world of commercial real estate in Miami, speaking with market leaders, exploring the latest trends, and breaking down complex concepts to make them accessible for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional, a curious investor, or just interested in the Miami market in general, Between Two Chairs is the podcast for you. So sit back, relax, and join us as we demystify the world of commercial real estate in Miami.

  1. Democratizing Real Estate & The Accredited Investor Rule

    4D AGO

    Democratizing Real Estate & The Accredited Investor Rule

    If I can invest in the stock market, crypto or gamble my life savings away without having to prove that I have the financial warewithal to do so, why do I have to be an accredited investor to invest in real estate? In this epsiode, we discuss the lawsuit that is challenging the accredited investor rule and how unlocking access to real estate investing would "...fuel life-changing innovation, and prove that America's markets work best when they are open to everyone...."

    24 min
  2. Balancing The Old With The New: A Conversation With South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez

    FEB 26

    Balancing The Old With The New: A Conversation With South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez

    February’s theme, The Power of People & Place, comes to life in our conversation with South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez—attorney, former State House Representative, and civic leader guiding a “town going through a period of growth and dynamic change.” In this episode, we explore the social side of development—how cities evolve, how community identity is preserved, and why intentional growth is the difference between thriving and being forced to react. Mayor Fernandez shares a compelling comparison between cities like Paris and London—dense, walkable, mixed-use environments that feel human-scaled and integrated. His insight: If development isn’t intentional, it will eventually be forced by rising land values. “When you don’t invest or allow for investment to happen over time, land becomes more valuable, returns have to be larger because the basis is higher.”

    43 min
  3. What A World Wonder Teaches Us About Building Community in Commercial Real Estate

    FEB 19

    What A World Wonder Teaches Us About Building Community in Commercial Real Estate

    This month’s theme — The Power of People & Place — comes to life through the children’s book A World Wonder by Laura Wiffler. with its message that speaks directly to the heart of commercial real estate: the spaces we build shape the way people experience community. In this episode, we explore how differences in people and buildings create the fabric of a neighborhood — whether we are building, buying, redeveloping, or leasing, what we are ultimately shaping is the community experience. Using Miami as our case study, we connect themes from the book to our own backyard: Ease of Travel & Connectivity Walkable urban cores, transit corridors, our international and executive airports and the ports, all connect us to our community and the world beyond, Diversity of Places & Architecture Miami’s layered identity — historic, modern, waterfront, cultural — reflects the book’s celebration of differences. Landmarks like the Freedom Tower and cultural institutions like the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) anchor community identity and tell the story of place. Community Through Events Events create shared experiences that define cities. Gatherings like Ultra Music Festival and global moments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup energize neighborhoods, activate real estate, and elevate Miami’s position on the world stage. This episode also serves as a thoughtful companion to our recent conversation with MJ Green of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, where we discussed how intentional development can strengthen the social fabric of downtown. At its core, A World Wonder reminds us that buildings are never just buildings. They are invitations, to gathers and create experiences. If you’re in commercial real estate, this episode will challenge you to think beyond transactions and toward transformation — because real estate decisions ripple far beyond square footage and rent rolls.

    23 min
  4. Miami CRE 2026: Stabilization, Shifting Leverage & the Affordability Question

    FEB 12

    Miami CRE 2026: Stabilization, Shifting Leverage & the Affordability Question

    "Mixed Urban Is A Trend, Not Trendy" The 2026 CCIM Miami Monroe Outlook Conference delivered a clear message: Miami’s commercial real estate market is not collapsing — it’s recalibrating. In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways from industry leaders including Jeffrey Havsey of Moody’s Analytics, Terry Fraser Reid of Miami Freedom Park, Michael Berkowitz of Berkowitz Development Group, South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez, Carrie Smith of Franklin Street, Grant Killingsworth of CBRE, Edison Vasquez of ComReal, and Mitash Kripalani of Cushman & Wakefield. Some of the highlights include: Retail: Notable submarkets:BrickellWynwoodCoral GablesCoconut Grove (reestablished primary market)South Miami (Sunset Place redevelopment catalyst)Industrial: 2025 favored tenants, with:Higher concessionsSlower lease-up timesTariff-related pauses mid-yearBut new construction has slowed significantly, meaning fewer deliveries in 2–3 years. By Q4 2026, leverage is projected to shift back toward landlords. A key tension to watch: the disconnect between developer-required land pricing ($2–$2.5M/acre) and owner expectations ($3M+/acre). The Big Picture for 2026: Miami CRE is entering a phase of:Slower but stabilizing fundamentalsModerating rent growthDecelerating supplyImproving sentimentSector-specific leverage shiftsIt’s no longer a frenzy market. It’s a fundamentals market. And in that environment, underwriting, local expertise, and strategic positioning matter more than ever.

    33 min
  5. Miami Is Having A Major Moment Right Now - Interview with Miami DDA's MJ Green

    FEB 5

    Miami Is Having A Major Moment Right Now - Interview with Miami DDA's MJ Green

    Miami Downtown Development Authority Chief of Economic Development and Strategy, MJ Green joins us to talk about Miami's major moment. We dive into the challenges, such as how to bring new business in while keeping the small businesses that help create Miami's culture; the focus of the DDA on individuals: safety, cleanliness, and events and business: incentive programs, networking, permitting assistance; and insights on where we are heading. Glydways, Brightline, Metrorail, Metromover and Freebee are all part of the transportation network that is going to help us get there. Learn how the DDA can assist you in transactions you have within the DDA boundaries. They are amazing partners whether you are a broker or owner!

    46 min
  6. 2026 Word of the Year: Affordability, Affordability, Affordability

    JAN 29

    2026 Word of the Year: Affordability, Affordability, Affordability

    It is an election year, which means Florida Realtors and the Florida Legislature start their meetings and session much earlier than usual. The conversations this year are all about affordability and potential policies that can make Florida more affordable. Insurance, housing, property taxes, permitting and zoning all affect affordability and legislators are looking at all of these items. Think Bigger is something Beth Azor encourages her women investors to do and we think it is appropriate in this context as well. Thinking bigger allows for a big picture view of how a policy aimed at one sector may affect another, often with uninteded consequences. How can tech help address some of the inefficiencies that lead to increase costs and, therefore, a decrease in affordability. These topics and more are explored in this issue, where we highlight some of the topics that arose during our midwinter meetings.

    19 min
  7. The Financial Economy Was Not Built For Self-Employed People

    JAN 22

    The Financial Economy Was Not Built For Self-Employed People

    "The financial economy is built for people on salary, the whole thing," explains Brandon Wright, serial entrepreneur and CEO & Founder of Tongo, Monthly bills assume you’re paid twice a month. Credit scores reward predictable paychecks and penalize irregular income. Yet the majority of real estate agents, brokers, and investors are self-employed. In this episode, Brandon shares how his own entrepreneurial journey revealed the disconnect between modern work and outdated financial infrastructure—and how that insight led to the creation of Tongo. We explore the real financial challenges faced by indepenent contractors and small business owners, from cash-flow volatility to credit access, and what it takes to build tools that actually reflect how people earn money today. Whether you are a real estate broker, agent or investor, this episode will show you how to save more of what you make and free up your time to do what you do best, putting deals together and closing transactions.

    55 min
  8. Anatomy of a Deal - Strip Center in Lake Worth Beach

    JAN 15

    Anatomy of a Deal - Strip Center in Lake Worth Beach

    Join us as we break down a small strip center listing we had in a transitioning market. How does pricing affect the number of offers you get? How do you work with multiple absentee owners, owners who don't want to counter any offers, what happens when you are circumvented after an NDA is signed. One thing about commercial real estate is that no two deals are ever the same and we learn something with every transaction. Pull up a chair and see if you learn anything as we dissect this deal.

    30 min
See All (151)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Between Two Chairs: Demystifying Commercial Real Estate, the podcast that brings you the latest insights and trends from the Miami commercial real estate industry. Co-hosts Fernando Arencibia Jr. and Jennifer Wollmann, both former Chairman of the Board for the largest local real estate association in the Country, the Miami Association of Realtors, bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to every conversation. In each episode, we dive deep into the world of commercial real estate in Miami, speaking with market leaders, exploring the latest trends, and breaking down complex concepts to make them accessible for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional, a curious investor, or just interested in the Miami market in general, Between Two Chairs is the podcast for you. So sit back, relax, and join us as we demystify the world of commercial real estate in Miami.

Information