What does rowing across the Arctic Ocean have to do with real estate development? According to John Huppi, more than most people realize. In this episode of Building Places, I sit down with one of the key architects behind Tulane’s real estate program, John Huppi, to talk about endurance, entrepreneurship, city building, and the future of the industry. John`Huppi shares the story behind his 600-mile unsupported Arctic Ocean row alongside former NFL star Jimmy Graham, his wife Hannah, and a retired Navy SEAL. He explains how two years of preparation shaped his mindset toward leadership, development, and teaching. The conversation also explores how Tulane’s real estate program grew from a five-course summer minor into one of the largest programs in the School of Architecture and Built Environment, with alumni spread across major U.S. markets including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Episode Breakdown Crossing the Arctic Ocean [00:01:42] The discussion opened with John Huppi recounting that rowing across the Arctic Ocean was not simply about adventure, but about preparation, teamwork, and endurance.He explained how he, his wife Hannah, former NFL player Jimmy Graham, and a retired Navy SEAL crossed 600 miles of open Arctic water without support boats after two years of training and preparation. Why Preparation Creates Confidence [00:05:20] In his words, John said most of the fear and anxiety were handled long before the expedition even started.He emphasized that preparation creates calmness under pressure and connected that same mindset to real estate development and professional leadership. Moving to New Orleans After Katrina [00:09:16] John Huppi reflected on arriving in New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina.According to John, while many people were leaving the city, he saw opportunity in rebuilding and city transformation.He explained how witnessing recovery efforts shaped his interest in development and the built environment. From Pre-Med to Real Estate [00:11:37] John explained that he originally entered Tulane University as a pre-med student studying ecology and evolutionary biology.According to him, understanding ecosystems eventually helped him understand cities, density, transportation, and how people interact within urban environments. Learning Construction Through Real Experience [00:14:38] In this segment, John shared how he spent months working construction jobs in post-Katrina neighborhoods before graduate school.He discussed learning trades like roofing, cabinetry, insulation, and drywall installation while working directly on job sites across the city. Choosing Tulane’s Real Estate Program [00:15:48] According to John, Tulane stood out because of its sustainability focus and strong alumni network.He explained that even though the real estate program was still young at the time, the university already had decades of graduates working in real estate, law, business, and development. Starting a Development Company [00:19:03] John Huppi discussed partnering with one of his classmates after graduation to launch a small-scale development company in New Orleans.He explained how their complementary skill sets helped them acquire, renovate, and flip dozens of properties together. Helping Build Tulane’s Undergraduate Program [00:20:43] In his voice, John described how Tulane approached him about helping create an undergraduate real estate curriculum.The program started as a five-course summer minor before eventually growing into one of the largest academic programs in the school. Real Estate as a Team Environment [00:25:13] John revealed that real estate development operates like a sports team. He compared developers to quarterbacks and coaches who coordinate specialists and guide projects forward.He emphasized that students must learn the “language” of the built environment to collaborate effectively. Lessons From Pitching a Deal to a Bank [00:27:56] He shared a story about walking into a bank meeting wearing a suit for his first deal, only to be told by the bank CEO to “leave the monkey suits at home.”He explained that relationships, trust, and credibility matter more in real estate than appearances. Why Tulane Shifted to a Hybrid Graduate Model [00:32:37] John deliberated on the need for flexibility in graduate education.He explained that many students want to pursue real estate careers without pausing their jobs, mortgages, or family responsibilities, which led Tulane to create a more executive-style hybrid program. The Importance of In-Person Networking [00:36:05] According to John, even with online coursework, relationship-building remains essential.He discussed how Tulane still brings students together through in-person residencies, networking trips, conferences, and industry events across the country. Building Partnerships Through Tulane’s Network [00:37:23] Every one of his real estate transactions involved at least one partner, often someone connected to Tulane.He highlighted the strength of the university’s national alumni network across cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Real Estate Exists Everywhere [00:41:21] In this section, John emphasized that real estate opportunities are not limited to major cities.According to him, small towns, nonprofits, churches, ports, and local institutions all make major real estate decisions that shape their communities. Teaching Students to Recognize Disruption [00:46:44] John discussed Tulane’s approach to AI and technology in real estate.Instead of focusing only on software tools, he explained that the program teaches students how to identify disruption and recognize opportunities where innovation can improve the industry. AI and the Future of Real Estate [00:49:20] According to John, AI will continue changing how deals are analyzed, documents are reviewed, and projects are communicated.However, he stressed that technology alone is not enough because relationships and trust will still determine whether projects succeed. Advice for Students Interested in Real Estate [00:56:55] Toward the end of the episode, John encouraged students to stay curious and pursue interests outside the classroom.He explained that personality, passion, and life experiences often shape success just as much as technical skills do. Themes Discussed in this Episode Preparation and Mental ToughnessTeamwork and PartnershipsReal Estate as a Relationship BusinessThe Evolution of Tulane’s Real Estate ProgramBuilding the Built EnvironmentNetworking and Alumni Connections.Technology, AI, and Industry Disruption Quotes from the Episode: At some point, whatever industry you’re working in, you’re going to end up making a real estate decision.— John Huppi Follow John Renne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-renne/ Follow Tulane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulane.real.estate/ Credits: As one of our podcast listeners, we value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. 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