🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers

Kristi Kandel

🎙️ 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 don’t need more outside investors, we need more locals taking action.

  1. 21 GIỜ TRƯỚC

    How Laura Kunkle Became the Developer Her Community Needed | EP#19

    No big firm. No roadmap. Just one woman building what she couldn’t find. What do you do when you love your neighborhood — but can’t find a home that fits your values, your lifestyle, or your people? In this raw and insightful episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Laura Kunkle shares how she stepped up to become the kind of developer her city didn’t even know it needed. With no real estate background and no deep pockets, she taught herself everything — from site selection to forming an LLC, hiring the right architect, and advocating for smart, community-centered design. Fueled by frustration, faith, and a fierce belief in people-first development, Laura reveals the emotional and practical journey behind her first build: a 10-unit residential project in the heart of her Ohio town. She unpacks the hurdles, the heartache, and the hidden costs of trying to do things differently in a system that often rewards sameness. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t “look” like a developer — this episode is for you. Topics Covered: ✅ Why Laura’s project started with community, not construction ✅ The turning point that pushed her from dreamer to doer ✅ How she built her team with no prior experience — and zero ego ✅ Navigating fear, city politics, and public hearings as a first-time developer ✅ Choosing design, density, and affordability with intention ✅ The power of speaking up in a room where no one looks like you ✅ Why she’s building slow, smart, and with soul — not for a fast flip 💡 “You don’t have to wait for permission to care about your city. You just have to be brave enough to build.” – Laura Kunkle 👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship 🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper Guest: Laura Kunkle Website: https://americainbloom.org/ 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to American Bloom and Its Mission 03:53 Programs and Community Engagement Strategies 08:25 The Role of Developers in Community Beautification 12:07 Granular vs. Conceptual Planning for Communities 16:16 Impact of COVID-19 on Community Development 21:00 Success Stories from American Bloom 29:53 Future Initiatives and Community Involvement #LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

    35 phút

  2. 9 THG 9

    Rebuilding The Beached Whale: How a Local Restaurant Became Ground Zero for Resilience | EP#18

    What do you do when your entire restaurant is washed away — and all that’s left are the pilings? In this powerful episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Mike and Dawn Miller, the local couple behind The Beached Whale — a beloved Fort Myers Beach restaurant that became both a symbol of loss and a beacon of local grit after Hurricane Ian hit. Just six months after purchasing the iconic spot, the Millers watched a Category 5 storm reduce it to rubble. No building. No business. No blueprint. But instead of walking away, they rolled up their sleeves and started rebuilding — not just the structure, but a space for the community to gather, grieve, and grow again. This episode is more than a story of recovery. It’s a crash course in post-disaster development, small-town politics, and doing whatever it takes to serve your people. From fighting through insurance roadblocks to opening a makeshift taco truck under a tent, Mike and Dawn share exactly how they turned total devastation into a movement to rebuild — and how The Beached Whale is rising once again. 🍽 Topics Covered Include: ✅ The emotional and financial impact of losing a restaurant in a coastal disaster ✅ Setting up “Whale 2.0” — a tent bar, taco truck, and live music in a parking lot ✅ How the rebuild became a prototype for the whole town ✅ Working without a general contractor — and managing trades, plans, and inspections themselves ✅ Facing FEMA restrictions, insurance delays, and city politics head-on ✅ Why local ownership matters more than ever in the wake of disaster ✅ The long game of building back smarter — and staying true to your community roots The Millers didn’t wait for permission. 💥 They showed what it looks like when LOCALS take the lead — one taco, one piling, one beer at a time. 👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship 🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more: https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper Guests: Mike & Dawn Miller Website: https://thewhalefmb.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhalefmb/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhalefm/ 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Community Rebuilding 03:16 From Copiers to Commercial Real Estate 05:47 The Impact of Hurricane Ian 08:29 Navigating Insurance Challenges 11:21 The Long Road to Rebuilding 13:55 Creative Solutions in Development 16:43 Partnerships and Funding Strategies 19:14 Maintaining Community Presence 22:39 Expanding Opportunities Post-Hurricane 24:05 Strategic Restaurant Openings 27:47 Advice for Aspiring Developers 32:10 Community-Driven Development 37:43 Future Vision and Growth #LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

    43 phút
  3. Triple the Cost? Reimagining a 19-Lot Subdivision in Rural Idaho | MS#10

    4 THG 9 · NỘI DUNG TẶNG THÊM

    Triple the Cost? Reimagining a 19-Lot Subdivision in Rural Idaho | MS#10

    What do you do when your project budget gets blown up overnight? Walk away or fight to find another path? In this minisode, Craig takes us inside his 19-lot subdivision project in rural Idaho, where a contractor’s estimate came back nearly triple what the realtor promised. Suddenly, a deal that looked straightforward on paper is underwater before breaking ground. Together, we dig into the real questions every small-town developer faces: Can you negotiate down infrastructure costs like curb and gutter? How do you balance what the code says versus what the community really needs? And most importantly how do you pivot when the numbers no longer pencil? If you’re searching for real estate development education that speaks to beginners and locals, not just the big-city players, this episode shows exactly how reimagining density, phasing, and product type can keep a deal alive. This is what local real estate developer mentorship looks like in action. Episode Takeaways Question every line item and verify bids instead of taking them at face value Use local knowledge to negotiate infrastructure requirements that actually fit the community Reimagine product type (like townhomes vs. single-family) to spread costs across more units Explore phasing strategies to reduce upfront capital outlay and buy time with jurisdictions Stay in the game. Development is about problem solving, not perfection Bold Truth Real development doesn’t die when the numbers don’t work—it lives in the creativity to make them work for your community. ✅ Sign up for the LRED Developer Vault & Monthly Newsletter: ⁠http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin⁠  🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:⁠ https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper Ready to go from podcast listener to Local Developer? Whether you're just getting started or ready to go all in, we’ve got the tools to help you build what matters in your own backyard.  → Programs & Resources:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/⁠ → Apply for the Mentorship Program:⁠ https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship #LocalRealEstateDeveloper #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #FromVacantToVibrant #GatekeepingEndsHere #CommunityFirstDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose #RealEstateDevelopmentEducation

    25 phút

  4. 2 THG 9

    From Wall Street to Boutique Hotel Developer | EP#17

    This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this episode of Local Real Estate Developers, we sit down with Marc Weisi, a former Wall Street analyst turned full-time real estate investor, to unpack how he went from house hacking in New Jersey to redeveloping a boutique hotel in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico.Marc doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He shares the unfiltered realities of transitioning from spreadsheets to scaffolding, the importance of trusting local operators, and how taking bold risks — in unfamiliar markets — can reshape your life and your portfolio. From navigating Act 60 and Opportunity Zones to managing egos on the ground, Marc’s story is a raw look at scaling up with purpose.This episode is a blueprint for anyone stuck in the mindset of “playing it safe,” and a call to action for locals ready to bet on themselves — and their communities.🔍 Topics Covered Include:✅ How Marc went from house hacking a triplex to managing a multi-million dollar syndication portfolio ✅ Why Puerto Rico? And how one phone call led to a full hotel redevelopment ✅ The real difference between being an investor vs. a developer ✅ Getting burned by a first GC — and how that shaped how Marc vets partners now ✅ The hard lessons behind managing local teams, design egos, and shifting scopes ✅ Using financial tools like Act 60 and OZs — and the risk behind the reward ✅ Why relationships — not spreadsheets — made this deal workMarc also speaks honestly about legacy, lifestyle, and the freedom that comes from building something real — not just profitable. 💡 “You don’t need to know everything. But you do need to move — and trust the right people when you do.” – Marc Weisi👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper.Guest Name: Marc WeisiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-weisi-0040b425/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcweisi 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development03:34 Marc Weisi's Journey into Real Estate06:01 Transitioning to Larger Projects and Raising Capital08:34 Exploring Hospitality Investments11:10 Investing in Puerto Rico: Opportunities and Incentives14:05 The Project: From Vision to Reality16:29 Building the Team and Overcoming Challenges24:49 Funding Strategies in Real Estate26:17 Navigating Local Banking and Debt27:13 Marketing and Building a Brand in Hospitality28:58 Challenges in Permitting and Construction33:22 Motivation and Community Impact35:42 Operational Excellence in Hospitality38:33 Understanding the Tourist Demographic41:11 Future Projects and Community Development#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

    49 phút
  5. From Broker to Builder: Flipping a Backyard Lot into Three New Homes in Charlotte | MS #10

    28 THG 8 · NỘI DUNG TẶNG THÊM

    From Broker to Builder: Flipping a Backyard Lot into Three New Homes in Charlotte | MS #10

    What happens when a broker stops selling deals and starts building them? In this minisode, meet Alan Cicito, a Charlotte-based land broker who went from helping others scale build-to-rent portfolios… to raising his hand and saying, “I want to be the buyer this time.” This is a real-life story of real estate development for beginners—how one relationship, one lot, and one zoning code changed everything. 📍 Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Alan didn’t overthink it. He saw the potential, partnered with a builder he trusted, and jumped into his first ground-up deal. You’ll hear how he structured the joint venture, got hit with a surprise DOT easement, and adjusted fast—proving you don’t need millions to get into the game. 🎯 Episode Takeaways: • How to start real estate development without millions • Using zoning “by right” to fast-track your first project • Structuring a joint venture between broker and builder • Navigating surprise land issues like easements and setbacks • Taking action before you feel ready—because learning by doing is the fastest way forward 💥 Bold Truth: The biggest cost isn’t the dirt or the build—it’s the price you pay for staying on the sidelines. ✅ Resources & Mentorship: → Sign up for the Developer Vault & Newsletter: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin → All links (podcast, vault, mentorship): https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper → Apply for Mentorship: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship → Explore Programs & Tools: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/ 📣 Subscribe for weekly real stories from locals becoming developers in their own communities—without gatekeeping. 🎧 Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. #LocalRealEstateDeveloper #CharlotteRealEstate #BuildWhatMatters #ThinkBigStartLocal #GatekeepingEndsHere #RealEstateDevelopmentEducation #CommunityFirstDevelopment #InfillDevelopment #RealEstateWithPurpose #BrokerToBuilder #JointVentureDevelopment #NorthCarolinaRealEstate #FromVacantToVibrant

    25 phút

  6. 26 THG 8

    Breaking Ground and Breaking Stereotypes | EP#16

    This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a call to every LOCAL woman ready to take the lead in real estate — no permission required.In this raw and inspiring episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Christine opens up about how a personal breakdown became the breakthrough she needed to step into development. With no formal training, no partner, and two young kids, she rolled up her sleeves and figured it out herself — from running construction crews to navigating city permits and pushing through delays that would’ve made most people quit.Christine doesn’t sugarcoat the struggle. She shares the sleepless nights, the financing battles, and the real moments of doubt — but also the wins, the learning curves, and the million-dollar mindset she built brick by brick. Her journey proves you don’t need connections, credentials, or corporate backing to become a developer — just commitment, creativity, and relentless local pride.Topics Covered Include: ✅ How Christine got into development after her marriage ended ✅ The truth about pre-development, permits, and why so many quit too soon ✅ How she manages life as a single mom and full-time builder ✅ Her deal structure, timeline, and how she created serious equity ✅ Why she’s passionate about helping women own the process ✅ What it really means to belong in this industry — and take up spaceChristine's story isn’t a highlight reel — it’s a roadmap for the rest of us. If you’ve ever thought, “Could I really do this?” — this episode says: Yes. And here’s how.💡 “I had to become the person I was waiting on.” – Christine👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper.Guest: Christine KnappWebsite: https://coachingwithchristine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinethebraincoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-knapp-coach/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development and Mindset Coaching03:41 The Importance of Mindset in Development Projects08:21 Understanding Limiting Beliefs and Overcoming Challenges11:00 The Science Behind Mindset and Success15:48 Harnessing Negative Emotions for Positive Change19:55 Developing Self-Awareness and Curiosity22:38 Identifying Limiting Beliefs25:27 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome27:11 The Power of Small Steps31:28 Resilience in the Face of Challenges35:57 The Importance of Community Support#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

    41 phút
  7. Featuring Sylvia & Africa: How Two First-Time Developers Pivoted Into a 6-Unit Win | MS#09

    21 THG 8 · NỘI DUNG TẶNG THÊM

    Featuring Sylvia & Africa: How Two First-Time Developers Pivoted Into a 6-Unit Win | MS#09

    When your “easy” second project turns into a crash course in zoning, overlays, and HOA structuring what do you do? In this minisode, we’re back with Sylvia and Africa, two first-time developers in Sacramento who thought they could replicate their last infill townhome design just one block away. Instead, they ran into: ✅ Zoning restrictions ✅ Historic district overlays ✅ Parking minimums ✅ And a city that said, “Nope.” But here’s where it gets good: rather than walking away, they pivoted. Hard. This episode shows how they reimagined the site as a 6-unit condo project with rooftop access, private yards, and a path to affordability while learning to navigate PUD structuring, HOA planning, and small-unit pricing along the way. ⏱️ Featured Moments & Lessons 00:00 – 00:45 🔁 The Pivot: Why their “rinse-and-repeat” plan failed—and what changed their direction. 02:05 – 03:15 🏘️ Zoning Realities: When the city says, “you can’t do that,” here’s how to respond. 04:26 – 06:50 📐 PUDs & HOAs: What it takes to structure a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and why it matters when offering smaller units with shared infrastructure. 07:15 – 08:30 💸 Pricing Strategy: How they’re creating perceived value in 550 sq ft units with outdoor spaces and efficient design. 09:00 – 11:05 📊 Condo vs Townhome: How they worked with their civil engineer to design a project that would pass city review and appraise well. 12:20 – 13:40 🔍 City Collaboration: What surprised them in their second go-around and how they got buy-in for a project that fits the neighborhood. 🎧 Why This Episode Matters If you’re planning your first infill or urban development project, you need to understand how design, zoning, and city planning collide in real time. This episode isn’t theory—it’s a front-row seat to what happens when locals lead projects and figure it out as they go. 📥 Want More? Subscribe to the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify for more real-world stories from everyday folks shaping their cities without gatekeeping. And don’t forget: 🔓 Get free tools, checklists, and deal models inside the Developer Vault → 👉 www.localrealestatedeveloper.com #RealEstateDevelopment #LocalDeveloper #PUD #InfillHousing #AttainableHousing #SmallLotDevelopment #CondoProject #ZoningOverlay #UrbanInfill #LREDpodcast #KristiKandel

    31 phút

  8. 19 THG 8

    From Rock Bottom to Rental Riches: Ray’s Local Developer Comeback Story | EP#15

    This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for LOCALS ready to lead.In this gripping episode of Local Real Estate Developers, Ray Smith shares the raw, unfiltered journey of losing it all — and rebuilding it piece by piece with grit, creativity, and purpose. After Hurricane Ian destroyed his Florida-based general contracting business, Ray was left broke, living with his parents at 42, and searching for a way back.But instead of chasing big money or flashy flips, he doubled down on relationships, kept it local, and chose a place few would: Albuquerque, New Mexico.Ray reveals how he went from house-hacking out of desperation to launching a profitable, people-first development strategy focused on small single-family homes, creative partnerships, and steady cash flow. His story is proof that real estate development doesn’t require wealth, status, or perfect timing — just the will to start and the heart to serve.Topics Covered Include: ✅ How Ray’s construction company went bankrupt after Hurricane Ian — and what he learned from losing everything ✅ Why Albuquerque became the unexpected launching pad for his next chapter ✅ The gritty, step-by-step return: from living in a flip to building a rental portfolio ✅ Partnering with local GCs, wholesalers, and even realtors for shared growth ✅ Flipping with a purpose — and how Ray avoids overdesigning in working-class neighborhoods ✅ Navigating Section 8, short-term vs. long-term rentals, and passive income streams ✅ Moving from reactively flipping to proactively developing new homes ✅ Why Ray now mentors others looking to rebuild their lives through real estateRay’s journey is more than a comeback — it’s a blueprint for locals who want to build something that lasts, even after life knocks you down.💡 “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start where you are — and partner with people who believe in what you’re building.” – Ray Smith👉 Ready to become a local developer in your town? Apply for the Mentorship:https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/dev-mentorship🎧 Access all platforms, the Developer Vault, and more:https://linktr.ee/localrealestatedeveloper.Guest Name: Ray SmithLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-smith-b0104718/ 🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development03:10 Ray Smith's Journey into Real Estate05:15 Transitioning from Residential to Commercial Real Estate09:14 The Restaurant Business Experience14:06 Leasing and Tenant Relationships21:55 Funding Strategies and Private Money25:38 Expanding Projects and Future Plans28:05 Transforming Spaces: The Art of Renovation30:41 Navigating Zoning Challenges in Real Estate33:59 Building Relationships with New Business Owners36:38 Creating a Vibrant Retail Corridor41:12 Future Projects: Expanding the Vision47:10 Passion and Community: The Heart of Development#LocalRealEstateDeveloper #ThinkBigStartLocal #RealEstateWithHeart #LREDPodcast #BuildWhatMatters #CommunityFirst #FromVacantToVibrant #MentorshipMatters #NeighborhoodRebuilders #GatekeepingEndsHere

    55 phút
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🎙️ 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 don’t need more outside investors, we need more locals taking action.

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