๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Local Real Estate Developers

Kristi Kandel

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Local Real Estate Developers Podcast with Kristi Kandel & Raphael Collazo This podcast was created to break down the barriers of entry into development and make it as familiar as flipping a house or house-hacking a duplex. We feature: - Weekly interviews with local developers sharing their projects - Think Like a Developer Minisodes: live in-progress deals - Insights from strategic partners like brokers, architects, engineers, and lenders - Exclusive Developer Vault Most US Cities have fewer than 10,000 residents. We donโ€™t need more outside investors, we need more locals taking action.

  1. 2d ago

    How One Small Idea Can Transform an Entire Town | EP#66

    What if your community doesn't need another billion-dollar project... it just needs someone willing to care? For years, cities have chased mega-projects, outside investors, and expensive revitalization plans believing bigger budgets lead to better communities. But what if the biggest transformation starts with something much smaller? In this episode, urban planner and Ash & Lime founder Rik Adamski shares why thriving towns aren't built by waiting for someone else to invest, they're built by local people who choose to act. Drawing from decades of experience in planning, downtown revitalization, and community building, Rik reveals how vacant storefronts, walkable neighborhoods, third places, and incremental development can breathe new life into struggling communities. Inspired by movements like Strong Towns, Better Block, and tactical urbanism, he makes a compelling case that meaningful change doesn't require billions of dollars, it requires people who care enough to start. If you've ever looked around your hometown and thought, "Someone should do something," this episode is a reminder that someone could be you. ๐Ÿ”— Full Episode: ๐Ÿ“ฅ Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Rik Adamski Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikadamski/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #incrementaldevelopment #strongtowns #placemaking #urbanplanning #buildlocal #thirdplaces #downtowndevelopment #realestatedevelopment

  2. Aug 4

    Why Every Local Real Estate Developer Should Be at the LRED Meetup | EP#65

    What if one weekend could completely change how you see real estate development? REGISTER: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/lred-meetup-2026 In this episode, Raphael Collazo and Kristi Kandel share what to expect at the first-ever Local Real Estate Developer Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. From inspiring keynote speakers and adaptive reuse site tours to honest conversations about project failures, networking, and building stronger communities, this event is designed to help aspiring and active developers take the next step. Development isn't about having all the answers, it's about learning from people who are actively doing the work and building the relationships that help you overcome the inevitable challenges every project brings. The biggest projects don't start with millions of dollars, they start with someone willing to raise their hand, build relationships, solve problems, and believe they can make their community better. ๐Ÿ”— Full Episode: https://youtu.be/rlOOvACFSsU ๐Ÿ“ฅ Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Connect with Raphael: Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ Connect with Kristi: Website: https://kristikandel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #buildlocal #localdevelopers #adaptiveReuse #placemaking #commercialrealestate #urbanrevitalization #mixeduse #developerconference #realestateinvesting #affordablehousing #networking #louisville #kentucky #buildyourcommunity #localleadership #smalltowndevelopment #realestatepodcast

    Why Every Local Real Estate Developer Should Be at the LRED Meetup | EP#65
  3. Jul 28

    The Retirement Money Most Developers Never Think to Use | EP#64

    Raising capital doesn't always mean finding new investors. In this episode, Kaaren Hall reveals how self-directed IRAs can unlock retirement dollars to fund real estate development projects. Learn how developers can access an overlooked source of capital, build investor trust through transparency, and navigate the realities of partnerships, financing, and growing a development business. After losing her job during the Great Recession, Kaaren founded UDirect IRA Services and helped thousands of investors take control of their retirement savings. She shares how self-directed IRAs work, common mistakes to avoid, and why understanding this tool can open doors for both investors and local developers. This episode is for anyone who wants to raise capital more creatively, reduce reliance on traditional banks, and build projects that create lasting impact in their community. ๐Ÿ”— Full Episode: https://youtu.be/RSt6ZI5D6Tw ๐Ÿ“ฅ Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Kaaren Hall Website: https://x.com/uDirectIRA Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaarenhall/ Instagram: instagram.com/udirectiraservices/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWAycexbDjYjHh8R8goug0A About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #realestatedevelopment #buildlocal #selfdirectedira #privatecapital #capitalraising #commercialrealestate #realestateinvesting #localdevelopers

  4. Jul 14

    From Physics Student to Building an Iconic Development | EP#62

    What if one question could completely change your life? Renzo Sanio never planned to become a real estate developer. He started college studying physics, but everything changed after a professor asked him one simple question: "What do you build here, and why?" That question sparked an obsession that led him from winning a national real estate development competition to launching his own ground-up development just months after graduating college. In this episode, Renzo shares the real story behind building his first purpose-built vacation rental community with his business partner, Rajan Chida. From finding land on Zillow and raising capital without a track record to navigating permits, construction delays, tariffs, change orders, and the emotional highs and lows of development, Renzo pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to become a local developer. You'll hear how military discipline, relentless preparation, and the right partnerships helped him push through setbacks, why development is a "full-contact sport," and why solving problems, not avoiding them, is what separates developers from everyone else. Whether you're dreaming about your first project or already working through the challenges of one, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on finding opportunities, building the right team, managing risk, and creating projects that leave a lasting impact on your community. ๐Ÿ”— Full Episode: https://youtu.be/OUBLXWlf9Ck ๐Ÿ“ฅ Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Renzo Sanio Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-tarsia-41a00613/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #buildlocal #communitydevelopment #groundupdevelopment #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #developerjourney #realestateinvesting #propertydevelopment #entrepreneurship #landdevelopment #buildingtogether #localdevelopers #podcast

  5. Jul 7

    The Capital Stack Mistake That's Killing Development Deals | EP#61

    What if the biggest reason your development deal isn't moving forward... isn't the project, it's your capital stack? In this episode, Sal Tarsia, Managing Partner of CastleGreen Finance, reveals one of the most overlooked financing tools available to local real estate developers: C-PACE financing. From adaptive reuse and historic renovations to ground-up construction, Sal explains how developers are using C-PACE to reduce equity requirements, lower financing costs, and make deals work that otherwise wouldn't pencil. Drawing from decades in commercial lending, Sal shares real-world stories of projects that unlocked millions in value through energy-efficient improvements, why more lenders are embracing C-PACE, and how developers can structure stronger capital stacks before ever approaching a bank. Whether you're converting an office building into apartments, redeveloping a historic property, or planning your next ground-up project, this episode will change the way you think about financing development. ๐Ÿ”— Full Episode: https://youtu.be/MBR7aDSy1II ๐Ÿ“ฅ Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Sal Tarsia Website: https://castlegreenfinance.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-tarsia-41a00613/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #RealEstateDevelopment #CPACE #CommercialRealEstate #AdaptiveReuse #capitalstack #commercialfinance #developmentfinance #localdevelopers #groundupdevelopment #historicrenovation #officeconversion #multifamilydevelopment #realestateinvesting #buildlocal

  6. Jun 30

    The Real Reason Some Developers Keep Winning | EP#60

    What does it take to help build and manage thousands of retail locations across the country? In this episode, Danni Gallagher shares how she went from studying architecture to leading large-scale development programs for some of the biggest retail and healthcare brands in America. Over nearly two decades at CVS, Danni worked her way from construction management to executive leadership, helping oversee everything from new store development and acquisitions to remodels, design standards, and national rollout strategies. Along the way, she learned that development is rarely about having the perfect process. It's about solving problems, building relationships, adapting to constant change, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Danni shares lessons from managing projects across multiple states, navigating public hearings, building high-performing teams, and working alongside developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and city officials to bring projects to life. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how development works at scale and why the same relationship-driven principles apply whether you're building one project or one thousand. ๐Ÿ”— Full Episode: https://youtu.be/tFN4Nr-6RsA ๐Ÿ“ฅ Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Danni Gallagher Website: https://sevan.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danni-gallagher-baa219b7/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #LocalRealEstateDeveloper #RealEstateDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #RetailDevelopment #Leadership #Development #CommunityDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #BuildLocal #PropertyDevelopment

  7. Jun 23

    The Deal Another Developer Passed On Became Their Breakthrough | EP #59

    What happens when two women with no development experience decide to stop playing small? In this episode, Amirah and Kodah share how a Facebook connection turned into a development partnership that's now building cottage communities across Portland. Starting with a modest $6,500 mobile home flip, they learned the fundamentals of investing before taking on larger development projects. Along the way, they faced lender rejections, partnership lessons, and even purchased a property another developer walked away from. Instead of chasing maximum profit, they're focused on creating communities people actually want to live in complete with walkability, community spaces, thoughtful design, and homes built for real families. ๐Ÿ”— Full Episode: https://youtu.be/2UP6B7VL0PU ๐Ÿ“ฅ Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Connect with Kadoh & Amirah: ๐ŸŒ Website https://amikadevelopment.info/ ๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram @amikadevelopment@kadohdevelops @amirahfattom ๐Ÿ’ผ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadoh-chomilo/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #localdeveloper #communitydevelopment #housingdevelopment #womenindevelopment #womeninrealestate #landdevelopment #cottagecluster #realestateinvesting #buildlocal #developerlife #entrepreneurship #placemaking #communityimpact #smallscaledevelopment

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Local Real Estate Developers Podcast with Kristi Kandel & Raphael Collazo This podcast was created to break down the barriers of entry into development and make it as familiar as flipping a house or house-hacking a duplex. We feature: - Weekly interviews with local developers sharing their projects - Think Like a Developer Minisodes: live in-progress deals - Insights from strategic partners like brokers, architects, engineers, and lenders - Exclusive Developer Vault Most US Cities have fewer than 10,000 residents. We donโ€™t need more outside investors, we need more locals taking action.

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