Build Forward Now

Build Forward Now
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Connecting economic developers, commercial real estate professionals, and development stakeholders across America through conversations that drive local growth and opportunity.

Episodes

  1. 09/26/2025

    Commercial Real Estate as Economic Development Engine - Episode 105

    Join host Keith Andrews as he sits down with John Letourneau, Director of Commercial Operations at eXp Commercial, for an eye-opening conversation about how commercial real estate drives economic development at every level. Key Topics Covered: - The massive economic impact difference between residential and commercial real estate transactions - Why commercial brokers must engage with municipalities and economic development officials early in the process - Building relationships that matter: It's not who you know, it's who knows you - The importance of being involved in zoning and land use decisions 2+ years before development - Lessons learned from market downturns and the power of relational vs. transactional business - Tax advantages and investment diversification opportunities in commercial real estate - Career advice for professionals considering entering the commercial real estate field Episode Highlights: "If you sell a million dollar factory, forty workers now need a place to go every day. Those suppliers need to bring product in and out of there... So they're bringing in community resources to two hundred ten, twenty, thirty times the fiscal impact a single million dollar home would sell." - John Letourneau This episode was recorded live at the Commercial Mastermind Summit in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, just blocks from the Cumberland River and across from the Titans stadium. Perfect for economic developers, commercial real estate professionals, contractors, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding how commercial real estate shapes our communities and drives local economic growth. Learn more at BuildForwardNow.com #BuildForwardNow #EconomicDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #CRE #Nashville #EconomicGrowth #RealEstate #BusinessDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #Investment #Zoning #LandUse #eXpCommercial #Podcast #EconomicDevelopmentPodcast

    11 min

  2. 09/26/2025

    The Silver Tsunami: How 1031 Exchanges Drive Economic Development - Episode 104

    Join Keith Andrews as he sits down with Tommy Thompson from Fortitude Investment Group at the Commercial Mastermind Summit in Nashville to explore how 1031 exchanges are reshaping America's commercial real estate landscape. In this compelling conversation, Tommy breaks down the "Silver Tsunami" - the massive generational transfer of wealth as 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day - and how it's creating unprecedented opportunities for economic development. Key Topics Covered: - The role of 1031 exchanges in "recycling the economy" and revitalizing aging properties - How Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) enable passive investment in institutional-grade assets - The perfect storm of baby boomers exiting and millennials entering the commercial real estate market - 1033 exchanges and eminent domain opportunities for infrastructure development - Estate planning strategies for multi-generational property portfolios - Building the right team of specialists for commercial real estate success Guest Spotlight: Tommy Thompson runs a division of Fortitude Investment Group, specializing in helping commercial real estate owners transition from active management through 1031 exchanges and DST investments. With expertise spanning fractional ownership of $100M+ institutional assets, Tommy provides insights into how property owners can diversify while supporting local economic development. This episode is essential listening for economic development professionals, commercial real estate investors, brokers, and anyone interested in understanding how tax-advantaged exchanges drive community revitalization and infrastructure improvement. Website: BuildForwardNow.com Follow us for more economic development insights and commercial real estate strategies #EconomicDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #1031Exchange #BuildForwardNow #SilverTsunami #PropertyInvestment #DST #TaxStrategy #MillennialInvestors #BabyBoomers #RealEstateRecycling #CommunityDevelopment #InfrastructureDevelopment #PropertyManagement #WealthTransfer #PassiveInvestment #RealEstatePodcast #Eminent Domain #1033Exchange #CommercialInvestment

    12 min

  3. 09/25/2025

    Tax Strategy Secrets That Drive Local Economic Development - Episode 103

    Join host Keith Andrews for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Bart Basie, retired university professor, IRS subcontractor, and business advisor, recorded live from Nashville. Dr. Basie reveals how federal tax laws aren't just about collecting revenue—they're powerful economic development tools designed to encourage business investment and succession planning. Key Topics Discussed: C-Corporation Tax Advantages: New 21% flat tax rate with escalating tax-free sale benefits 50% tax-free profits after 3 years of ownership 75% tax-free profits after 4 years of ownership 100% tax-free profits after 5+ years of ownership Business Succession Planning: How proper estate planning keeps local businesses operating instead of closing when owners retire Estate Tax Strategy: The critical importance of filing estate tax returns to maximize basis step-up benefits Municipal Incentives: Real-world examples of state and local tax incentive programs that attract development projects Economic Development Impact: How tax policy drives business investment decisions and community economic growth Perfect for economic development professionals, business owners planning exit strategies, commercial real estate developers, municipal leaders, and anyone involved in business succession planning or community development finance. Guest Bio: Dr. Bart Basie is a retired university professor who now serves as an IRS subcontractor, helping write certification exams for enrolled agents and tax preparers. As a licensed CPA and attorney in multiple states, he advises companies nationwide on mergers, acquisitions, and tax optimization strategies. Dr. Basie teaches continuing education courses for tax professionals and helps businesses navigate complex federal tax regulations. Key Takeaways: Congress designs tax laws to encourage specific economic activities, not just collect revenue Proper business structure matters: C-Corporations offer significant advantages over LLCs for long-term business owners Succession planning saves businesses: Without proper planning, retiring business owners may close rather than sell Estate tax returns benefit everyone: Filing creates basis step-up that eliminates capital gains taxes for heirs Tax laws change frequently: Business owners need current, professional tax advice to maximize benefits

    12 min

  4. 09/25/2025

    Unlocking Hidden Value: How 1031 Exchanges & Mineral Rights Drive Economic Development - Episode 102

    In this fascinating episode recorded live from Nashville's Commercial Mastermind Summit, host Keith Andrews sits down with Tommy Brackey (Mineral Rights Specialist, eXp Commercial in Dallas, Texas) to explore an often-overlooked economic development tool: 1031 exchanges involving mineral rights. Discover how a tax strategy that began in the 1920s to help farmers swap properties without crushing tax burdens has evolved into a sophisticated economic development mechanism. Tommy breaks down the history of Section 1031 exchanges, from the Revenue Act of 1921 through today's modern applications, and explains how they stimulate local economies by encouraging property transactions that might otherwise be stymied by capital gains concerns. Key Topics Covered: The surprising history of 1031 exchanges and their economic development origins How mineral rights qualify as "deeded real estate" for exchange purposes Solving the "boot money" problem in commercial real estate transactions Why mineral rights can be valued "down to the penny" unlike traditional real estate How municipalities can leverage mineral rights for pension funds and development projects The role of major energy players (Exxon, Chevron) in creating monthly royalty income streams Creative uses of 1031 exchanges as "parking places" for commercial investors Perfect for: Economic development professionals seeking innovative financing tools, commercial real estate investors looking to optimize tax strategies, and municipal leaders interested in alternative revenue streams for community projects. Quote of the Episode: "Since mineral rights are deeded real estate, they are therefore 1031 exchange compatible. I can be down to the penny in the mineral rights asset class - you can't do that in traditional real estate." Connect with Tommy: Website: BetterCallTommy.com Specializing in West Texas Permian Basin mineral rights and 1031 exchange solutions Episode Length: 12 minutes Recorded: Live from Nashville Commercial Mastermind Summit Build Forward Now is the podcast for economic development professionals, commercial real estate experts, and community leaders building America's economic future. New episodes every week. Website: BuildForwardNow.com Follow: @BuildForwardNow

    12 min

  5. 09/24/2025

    From Nashville to Small Towns: How Local Agents Build Better Communities - Episode 101

    In this episode of Build Forward Now, host Keith Andrews sits down with Sean Murphy, Senior Vice President of Growth for eXp Commercial, at the Commercial Mastermind Summit in Nashville. This engaging conversation explores how commercial real estate professionals are uniquely positioned to drive economic development in their local communities. Sean shares insights on how eXp Commercial's distributed model enables agents to be deeply embedded in their local markets, working directly with mayors, city councils, and economic development offices rather than just chasing big deals from urban towers. The discussion reveals how their revolutionary brokerage model - with lower overhead and higher agent retention - allows advisors to focus on purposeful community building rather than worrying about commissions. A major highlight of the conversation focuses on the upcoming Opportunity Zone deadline that many rural communities are missing. Keith and Sean discuss the critical July 2025 deadline for municipalities to petition their governors for new Opportunity Zone designations under recent federal legislation, and how this represents a massive economic development opportunity for small towns across America. Key topics covered: How eXp Commercial's embedded local presence drives better community outcomes The economics behind sustainable commercial real estate models Opportunity Zone designation strategies for rural communities Density bonus opportunities in the new federal legislation Why taking money concerns "off the table" enables more purposeful development work This episode is essential listening for economic developers, commercial real estate professionals, and local government officials looking to understand how innovative brokerage models can better serve community development goals. Episode Length: Approximately 15 minutes Recorded at: Commercial Mastermind Summit, Nashville, Tennessee Build Forward Now is the economic development podcast exploring strategies, partnerships, and innovations driving growth across American communities.

    11 min
  • 5 Episodes

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Connecting economic developers, commercial real estate professionals, and development stakeholders across America through conversations that drive local growth and opportunity.

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  • Creator
    Build Forward Now
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    2K
  • Episodes
    5
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