SF Commercial Property Conversations

Bruce Bean - SF Commercial Property
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Investing
  • Weekly

SF Commercial Property Conversations hosted by Bruce Bean is the go-to podcast for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of commercial real estate in the San Francisco Peninsula and beyond. Each episode dives deep into the world of commercial property investments, featuring insights from seasoned investors, industry experts, and professionals who have shaped the landscape of San Francisco’s market. Join us as we explore successful investment strategies, discuss the challenges and opportunities unique to the Bay Area, and uncover the stories behind the buildings that define our skyline. Whether you’re a CPA, doctor, retired professional, or someone with an interest in commercial real estate, this podcast offers unparalleled insights into making informed decisions in one of the world’s most competitive markets. From the dynamics of Triple Net Leases to the legacy of family trusts in real estate, ”SF Commercial Property Conversations” is your invitation to the conversation about building wealth, creating legacies, and investing in commercial properties wisely. With Bruce Bean’s expert guidance, get ready to unlock the strategies for success and be inspired by the journeys of those who’ve navigated the complex waters of commercial real estate investments.

  1. 13h ago

    Doug Higgins: From Hospitality to High Tech, Digitizing Commercial Real Estate

    Old drawings in a box will not help you renovate. Doug Higgins learned that the hard way. Doug managed resorts for a private equity group in San Diego. When it was time to renovate, all they had was a wheelbarrow full of old paper drawings. So he started Havitar, a company that turns real buildings into exact 3D models using laser scanners and drones. In this episode, Bruce Bean and Doug talk about why old drawings are not enough, how exact a scan really is, how AI is starting to read old plans, and the one mistake that would have paid for a full 3D model. Connect with Doug: https://havitar.com | doug@havitar.com Watch the video on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/oEoFK25gVNQ Want to be a guest? https://sfcommercialconversations.com

    Doug Higgins: From Hospitality to High Tech, Digitizing Commercial Real Estate

  2. 1d ago

    Vaibhav: Own Real Estate, Not the Headaches—The Art of Passive Investing

    Want to invest in real estate without dealing with tenants, repairs, and daily property problems? There may be a better way. In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean talks with Vaibhav Puranik, a technology professional turned real estate investor, syndicator, and author of Own Real Estate, Not the Headaches. Vaibhav shares how an unexpected experience managing a foreclosed condo led him into real estate investing. What started with one rental property grew into a career that includes five multifamily syndications, with investments in California and Oregon. Bruce and Vaibhav explore how real estate syndications allow people to invest in larger properties without taking on the daily work of being a landlord. Vaibhav also explains why he wrote his book to help busy professionals better understand passive real estate investing. One of the most interesting parts of their conversation is how artificial intelligence is changing real estate. Vaibhav shares how tools like ChatGPT can help investors review property documents, study projected returns, and save time on property management tasks. They also discuss what makes a good multifamily market, why local jobs and rental income matter, and where Vaibhav sees new investment opportunities. In this episode, you'll learn about: How Vaibhav went from working in tech to owning rental properties and leading real estate syndications. What passive real estate investing means and how syndications work. How AI tools can help investors study real estate deals. Why jobs, local income, and rental demand matter when choosing a market. What Vaibhav sees in California, Boise, and other multifamily markets. Why patience and careful research matter in today's real estate market. About Vaibhav Puranik Vaibhav Puranik is a real estate investor, syndicator, technology professional, and author. He has participated in five multifamily syndications and owns rental properties of his own. His book, Own Real Estate, Not the Headaches, helps everyday professionals learn how to evaluate passive real estate investments and use modern AI tools to make informed decisions.

    Vaibhav: Own Real Estate, Not the Headaches—The Art of Passive Investing

  3. Oct 28

    Maxim Shapiro: Raising Capital, Structuring Deals, and Using AI to Work Smarter

    How do real estate investors find the money they need to make deals happen? And how can AI help them save time and work smarter? In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean talks with Maxim Shapiro of Novateur Capital about raising money, finding lenders, and using AI in commercial real estate. Maxim has worked in real estate since 2006. He started in private equity, moved into lending, and later opened his own business in California. Today, he and his partner help real estate owners and developers across the country find the debt and equity they need for their projects. Finding Money for Real Estate Deals Maxim explains why getting a bank loan can be harder in California than on the East Coast. He shares how private lenders and debt funds help fill that gap, especially for projects that need more work or carry more risk. He also talks about what happens when older loans come due at higher interest rates. While some investors worry about a wave of troubled properties, Maxim believes many lenders would rather work with borrowers than take properties back. Using AI to Save Time One of the most interesting parts of the talk is how Maxim uses AI tools like Claude to run his business. AI helps his team build loan packages, create financial models, track emails, and manage replies from lenders. Work that once took hours can now take much less time. For a small business, that means more time to help clients and find new deals. Looking Ahead Despite higher interest rates and changes in the economy, Maxim is hopeful about the future of commercial real estate. He sees plenty of money looking for good projects and investors who are ready to move forward. Whether you own property, develop real estate, or just want to learn how deals get funded, this episode offers a useful look at today's market.

    Maxim Shapiro: Raising Capital, Structuring Deals, and Using AI to Work Smarter

  4. Oct 27

    Chris Roth: Why Making People Laugh Can Be Good for Real Estate Business

    Can making people laugh help you grow your real estate business? Chris Roth thinks so! In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean talks with Chris about how funny videos, real connections, and being yourself can help commercial real estate brokers stand out. Chris is an industrial real estate broker with Lee & Associates in San Diego County. He has worked in commercial real estate since 2006. His career began with a simple idea: he wanted a job where he could meet people, get out of the office, and make his own schedule. Over the years, Chris has learned that success in real estate is about more than knowing buildings and closing deals. It's about building trust and making people feel good about working with you. Chris shares how his team started making real estate videos to help people find them online. At first, they made videos full of facts and market news. But when they posted a funny video of their mistakes and bloopers, people loved it! That led to a new idea: make videos that help people laugh while showing what life as a real estate broker is really like. Bruce and Chris also talk about cold calling, helping new agents, and why being yourself is one of the best ways to win trust.

    Chris Roth: Why Making People Laugh Can Be Good for Real Estate Business

  5. Oct 24

    Jesus Henao: From Marine Corps Discipline to Commercial Real Estate Success

    What does it take to build a lasting career in commercial real estate? For Jesus Henao, it starts with hard work, discipline, and learning from the right people. In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean talks with Jesus Henao about his journey from serving in the Marine Corps to building a successful commercial real estate career spanning more than 30 years. From the Marines to Real Estate At just 17 years old, Jesus joined the Marine Corps to find a better path in life. After four years of service, including eight months in the Gulf War, he went to college at USC and later earned a master's degree in real estate development from Arizona State University. His career took an unexpected turn when he joined Marcus & Millichap as a marketing assistant. There, he worked alongside top-producing agent John Walsh, who taught him the value of hard work, discipline, and staying focused. The Challenges of Today's Real Estate Market Jesus shares his views on the commercial real estate market in California and Utah. He explains how rising expenses, higher loan costs, taxes, and rent control can make it harder for property owners to earn a profit. He also talks about why some investors are looking beyond California for new opportunities. How AI Is Changing Commercial Real Estate One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is how Jesus uses artificial intelligence in his daily work. From reviewing long loan documents to checking lease agreements and writing property descriptions, Jesus explains how tools like ChatGPT and Claude are helping his team save time. But he makes one thing clear: technology cannot replace the personal relationships that make real estate deals happen. Meet Jesus Henao Jesus Henao is a commercial real estate professional with more than 30 years of experience. His team focuses mainly on multifamily investment properties, serving clients in California and Utah. He also works with commercial properties, investment portfolios, and land development opportunities.

    Jesus Henao: From Marine Corps Discipline to Commercial Real Estate Success

  6. Oct 23

    Don Spradlin: Own a Piece of Europe—The Future of Fractional Vacation Home Ownership

    What if you could own a beautiful vacation home in France, Italy, or Spain without paying for the whole house? In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations, host Bruce Bean talks with Don Spradlin, founder of Joie de Vivre Homes, about a new way to own a second home in Europe through fractional ownership. After 40 years in real estate and 20 years raising money for nonprofits, Don found a way to bring together two things he loves: real estate and travel. His company helps people share the cost of owning beautiful homes in some of Europe's most popular places. How Does Fractional Home Ownership Work? Don explains how buyers can own a one-eighth share of a vacation home instead of buying the whole property. Unlike a typical timeshare, owners hold a share in the home through a legal ownership structure. They also have a say in how the property is managed and how much is spent on its care. Don shares how his company handles home purchases, schedules visits, and helps owners enjoy their time abroad. What You'll Learn in This Episode Bruce and Don talk about why sharing a vacation home can make sense for people who only travel to Europe a few months each year. They discuss the difference between fractional ownership and timeshares, how owners choose their vacation dates, and how shared costs are managed. Don also talks about the homes his company is offering in the south of France, Nice, Lake Como, and Barcelona, along with plans to explore more locations in Italy, Spain, and even Japan. One of the best parts of the conversation is Don's view of travel. He believes having a home base abroad lets people feel like part of a local community instead of just being tourists.

    Don Spradlin: Own a Piece of Europe—The Future of Fractional Vacation Home Ownership

  7. Oct 23

    San Francisco's Office Comeback and the BRAVE Way to Speak with Bruce Bean

    Spaces that sat empty for years are finally filling up. Bruce Bean has been in Bay Area commercial real estate since 1990, and he says things are "poppin'." In this October 2026 update, Bruce covers: Why San Francisco now leads the U.S. in office backfill, after vacancy peaked near 40% How small AI and robotics firms are filling Silicon Valley flex space and pushing rents up Leasing a 3,000 square foot Belmont space that sat empty for about five years The BRAVE method for public speaking, from the Stanford class Bruce helps teach How to avoid death by PowerPoint A San Mateo retail building that hasn't changed hands in 67 years Selling about 18 commercial properties out of a single estate The Rotary Fun Run that raised $80,000 for local scholars Want to talk to Bruce about leasing, selling or managing a commercial property? Call him at 650-888-6792 or email bhbean@icloud.com.

    San Francisco's Office Comeback and the BRAVE Way to Speak with Bruce Bean

  8. Oct 15

    College Campus to Collegiate Village: Skylar Skikos Reimagines Community

    What if a college campus could become a place to live for your whole life? In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce talks with Skylar Skikos, founder of Story in Place, about a fresh approach to real estate development. Skylar is working to turn places into communities where people can connect, learn, and build a meaningful life. Skylar spent his first decade in real estate private equity and his second decade working on entrepreneurial hospitality ventures. He later served as a partner and head of development with Chip Conley’s Modern Elder Academy. In 2025, he started Story in Place, a boutique development studio focused on creating places with “stories worth living.” A major focus of the conversation is Skylar’s idea of turning college campuses into intergenerational collegiate villages. Instead of separating students from everyone else, these communities could bring students, families, empty nesters, and other residents together. Skylar shares details about a former college campus that Story in Place is reimagining. The plan includes clustered homes, a former chapel transformed into a library and community hub, a creative arts center, and a partnership with a micro-college that would bring an active student body and classes to the community. Bruce and Skylar also discuss two residential projects in Northern California. In Sonoma, Skylar plans to build homes around a historic property that would become a neighborhood restaurant and gathering place. Another project in Sebastopol will use its location near parks, schools, trails, and downtown amenities to encourage a more connected and walkable way of life. Throughout the conversation, Skylar explains why his hospitality background has shaped his approach to development. Instead of creating a great experience that lasts for only a weekend, he wants to bring some of the best parts of hospitality into everyday residential life. They also talk about community involvement, density, traffic, parking, placemaking, human-scale development, and why listening to local residents early in the development process can lead to better projects.

    College Campus to Collegiate Village: Skylar Skikos Reimagines Community
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About

SF Commercial Property Conversations hosted by Bruce Bean is the go-to podcast for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of commercial real estate in the San Francisco Peninsula and beyond. Each episode dives deep into the world of commercial property investments, featuring insights from seasoned investors, industry experts, and professionals who have shaped the landscape of San Francisco’s market. Join us as we explore successful investment strategies, discuss the challenges and opportunities unique to the Bay Area, and uncover the stories behind the buildings that define our skyline. Whether you’re a CPA, doctor, retired professional, or someone with an interest in commercial real estate, this podcast offers unparalleled insights into making informed decisions in one of the world’s most competitive markets. From the dynamics of Triple Net Leases to the legacy of family trusts in real estate, ”SF Commercial Property Conversations” is your invitation to the conversation about building wealth, creating legacies, and investing in commercial properties wisely. With Bruce Bean’s expert guidance, get ready to unlock the strategies for success and be inspired by the journeys of those who’ve navigated the complex waters of commercial real estate investments.

Information

  • Creator
    Bruce Bean - SF Commercial Property
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    SF Commercial Property Conversations