🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers

Kristi Kandel
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

🎙️ 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. 6D AGO

    A Year of Local Wins: Our Year-End Thank You | EP#34

    If you’ve been rocking with us all year, listening, learning, sending messages, showing up every week, thank you. Truly.In this short but powerful episode, Kristi and Raphael pull back the curtain and share what this podcast is really about: not big-money developers, not corporate initiatives, but locals with grit who are stepping up to shape their cities one project at a time.It’s a thank-you, a reset, and a rally cry for the next chapter of local development.Whether you’re already building or still gathering the courage to start, this episode is a reminder: you’re part of something bigger than your zip code.What We Talk About in This Year-End Message: ✅ Why this podcast was created and who it’s REALLY for ✅ The community impact Kristi and Raphael are seeing across the country ✅ The mission for 2025 and how locals are taking development into their own hands ✅ A genuine thank-you to listeners, builders, and future developers ✅ A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like hosting this platform every weekBold Takeaway:Local development isn’t a trend, it’s a movement. And every movement needs people willing to build where they stand.Connect with Kristi: 🌐 Website: https://kristikandel.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ Connect with Raphael: 🌐 Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 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#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    3 min

  2. 12/23/2025

    Burnout, Breakdown, Breakthrough: Alan Underwood’s Rebuild | EP#33

    What happens when life knocks you flat, your business burns you out, and your next move isn’t obvious? Most people wait for clarity. Alan Underwood started building anyway. In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Alan, a high-performance coach and real estate developer who went from owning restaurants to reshaping his entire life around purpose, discipline, and community-focused development. Alan talks openly about the years he spent chasing work that drained him, the moment he realized he needed a different path, and the slow climb into a career that finally aligned with who he wanted to become. His story is raw and real: navigating the entitlement process without a roadmap, pushing through doubt, learning to take imperfect action, and discovering that the right mindset isn’t just helpful in development, it is the foundation. This episode is for anyone who’s rebuilding, starting over, or grinding quietly toward a project that feels bigger than their current resources. Alan’s journey proves that you don’t need certainty to get moving. You just need the courage to bet on yourself. What We Cover: ✅ How burnout from restaurant ownership pushed Alan to rethink everything ✅ The shift from chasing money to building a life with purpose ✅ Why action beats perfection in development and entrepreneurship ✅ Navigating the entitlement process without experience ✅ Alan’s community-first approach informed by personal challenges ✅ His commitment to service through Angel Flight West ✅ What’s next for his development journey and coaching work ✅ Alan’s advice to anyone trying to step into real estate development for the first time Bold Truth: You don’t rise to the level of your resources. You rise to the level of your grit and your willingness to act before you feel ready. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Alan trusted the process, navigated setbacks with grit, and found out that the project that changes your life is often the one you choose to start before you’re prepared. Connect with Alan: 🌐 Website: https://thealanunderwood.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealanunderwood/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-alan-underwood/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist → 👉 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 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 01:26 Alan Underwood's Background and Journey 06:46 Transitioning from Restaurants to Real Estate 09:46 Lessons from Entrepreneurship and Grit 16:37 The Shift to Real Estate Development 19:43 The 100-Unit Apartment Complex Experience 25:03 Challenges in the Entitlement Process 28:48 Navigating Utility Challenges in Development 30:34 Finding Motivation Through Adversity 34:01 The Importance of Taking Action 36:59 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Investing 41:08 Community-Driven Development and ADUs 45:22 The Impact of Angel Flight West 52:02 Future Aspirations and Legacy Building #localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    58 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    The Deal That Nearly Broke Him: How Brett McManus Fought His Way Into Development | EP#32

    What happens when your first big project goes sideways, the money runs tight, and every choice feels like the wrong one?Most people quit. Brett McManus didn’t.In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Brett McManus, a local developer who learned the business the hard way by getting punched in the mouth on his very first project. Brett walks through how a simple investment turned into a full-blown development education he never asked for. Budget surprises, contractor issues, lender pressure, and the emotional toll of feeling in over your head… he lived every line of that story.But instead of running, Brett got obsessed. He found better partners, learned how to build a team, figured out how to navigate city requirements, and rebuilt his confidence one problem at a time. This episode matters because Brett’s journey is exactly what development looks like for real people building projects in their own backyard, messy, humbling, and worth it.What We Cover: ✅ How Brett stumbled into development before he even realized that’s what he was doing ✅ The moment he knew he was in trouble and couldn’t turn back ✅ What really happens when you choose the wrong contractor ✅ How lender expectations and cost overruns pushed him to rethink everything ✅ The emotional side of development that no one talks about ✅ Why the right partners, operators, and local professionals changed the trajectory of his business ✅ What Brett wishes he knew before ever touching his first project ✅ How he rebuilt trust, systems, and confidence for the deals he’s now taking onBold Truth: Real development isn’t clean or glamorous. It’s survived by the people who stay in the ring long enough to figure it out.🎧 Listen now to hear how Brett learned the hard way, stayed in the game when it got messy, and discovered that the next big win in your community is closer than you think.Connect with Brett: 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innvestors/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 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🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development Journey00:31 Understanding Market Fit in Hospitality#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    52 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    The Developer Who Refuses to Give Up on America’s Housing Crisis | EP#31

    What if the biggest housing crisis of our lifetime isn’t a policy problem… but a leadership problem? And what if the next wave of community builders won’t come from corporate boardrooms, but from people who actually care about the places they live? In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Evan Holladay, founder of Holladay Ventures, a developer who went from a curious college student to building affordable housing communities across the country. This conversation gets real about what it takes to build locally when the odds feel stacked against you: broken systems, slow approvals, tight margins, and the weight of knowing that every delay affects real families. Evan breaks down how he found his way into development through service work and student housing, how early mentors shaped his mindset, and why he believes affordable housing is not just a business, it's a responsibility. His story is a reminder that you don’t need to start with experience, money, or a perfect roadmap. You just need a mission big enough to keep going when everything gets hard. What We Cover: ✅ How a college campus project sparked Evan’s passion for real estate ✅ The mentorship that shaped his path into affordable housing ✅ Why the housing crisis needs developers who actually care ✅ How Holladay Ventures evaluates deals, partnerships, and communities ✅ The real challenges of affordable housing: timelines, approvals, and razor-thin margins ✅ How setbacks shaped Evan’s leadership and long-term vision ✅ His nationwide mission to expand affordable and attainable housing Bold Truth: Local developers aren’t just building properties. They’re building the future of their communities and the future belongs to the ones willing to take responsibility for the people who live in them. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Evan turned a spark of curiosity into a mission-driven development career and why the next person who transforms your community might be you. Connect with Evan: 🌐 Website: http://www.holladayventures.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanholladay/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanholladay/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist → 👉 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 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast 01:06 Evan Holiday's Journey into Real Estate Development 04:14 The Importance of Apprenticeship in Real Estate 05:19 Transitioning to Nashville: A Strategic Move 08:19 Catalysts for Starting Holiday Ventures 13:42 First Independent Project: From House Hacking to Multifamily 18:52 Navigating Partnerships: Lessons Learned 23:31 Securing the First Affordable Housing Opportunity 24:19 Creative Solutions for Nonprofit Development 30:19 Building Community Through Affordable Housing 33:59 The Drive Behind Entrepreneurial Success 37:51 Collaborative Models for Nonprofit Partnerships 40:24 Empowering Future Developers Through Education #localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    44 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    From Firefighter to Full-Time Developer: How Jeremiah Parker Learned to Bet on Himself | EP#30

    Most people wait for the perfect moment. Jeremiah Parker ran toward the fire instead. Before he ever closed a deal, Jeremiah spent years as a career firefighter, working long shifts, responding under pressure, and learning how to stay calm when everything around him was chaos. Those skills followed him into real estate, where he started as a broker, stacked reps, and eventually stepped into development with the same mindset that kept him steady on the job: trust your training, move with purpose, and don’t freeze when things get hard. In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Jeremiah to explore how a firefighter with no safety net became a full-time investor and developer by confronting fear, building a reliable team, and taking on projects most people would talk themselves out of. His story is raw, local, and all real life: the early struggles, the mindset shifts, the deals that forced him to grow, and the deeper reason he’s building something bigger than himself. What We Cover: ✅ How firefighting shaped Jeremiah’s perspective, discipline, and decision-making ✅ Why he got into real estate and how becoming a broker opened doors ✅ The fear, hesitation, and mental battles behind his first investment moves ✅ How he built a trusted team and why the right people change everything ✅ The challenges of scaling from small deals to larger development projects ✅ What drives him to keep building, even when the path isn’t clear Bold Truth: Real estate doesn’t reward the fearless. It rewards the people who feel the fear, step forward anyway, and build something their community can point to and say, that came from one of us. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Jeremiah turned fear into action and built a team and a strategy that allowed him to scale and why the next project transforming your community could be yours. Connect with Jeremiah: 📲 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jeremiah-Parker-Real-Estate-Broker-at-EXIT-Realty-CW-100057358813554/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist → 👉 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 🎬 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development 01:32 Transitioning from W2 to Full-Time Investing 05:45 Overcoming Fear in Real Estate 11:10 The Importance of Taking Action 12:36 From Flips to New Construction 17:04 Navigating the Development Process 18:25 Building a Strong Team for Growth 21:31 Building Strong Relationships with Contractors 22:55 The Importance of Continuous Learning 23:13 Finding Motivation in Personal Goals 25:48 The Deeper Why Behind Development 26:33 Affordable Housing Initiatives 28:14 Navigating Financing and Development Challenges 29:48 Understanding Land Costs and Development Strategies 33:51 Advice for Aspiring Developers 37:48 Connecting with Jeremiah #localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    42 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    Small Bets, Big Shifts: How Katie Neason Is Redefining Local Development | EP#29

    Most people look at development and see something out of reach. Katie Neason looked at it and asked a different question: What if becoming a developer is less about expertise and more about identity?In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Katie for a grounded, brutally honest look at what it really takes to build where you live. From navigating infill projects and fighting “analysis paralysis” to learning to trust small first moves, Katie breaks down why local development isn’t reserved for the chosen few. It’s for anyone willing to learn the rules, build the right relationships, and take action before they feel ready.Katie shares the mindset shifts behind her Rookie Redeveloper program, how she helps everyday people see themselves as developers, and why small neighborhood projects can have the biggest long-term impact.Her story is a reminder that you don’t need to start with land, capital, or confidence. You just need to redefine who you are and take the next step in front of you.What We Cover: ✅ Why your identity matters more than your skill set ✅ How small infill lots create outsized neighborhood impact ✅ The power of removing barriers through clear guidance and community ✅ The difference between owning a property and shaping a place ✅ Why analysis paralysis stops most beginners ✅ How Katie teaches first-timers to take action, not wait for permissionBold Truth:The moment you decide to see yourself as a developer is the moment your entire path changes. Building begins with identity, not experience.🎧 Listen now to hear how Katie breaks down the barriers to getting started and why the next person shaping your community might just be you.Connect with Katie: 🌐 Website: https://www.katieneason.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiedevelops/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-neason-89b4a7a/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 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🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Local Development01:42 Katie Neason's Journey into Development03:31 Navigating Challenges in Development07:40 Understanding City Planning and Zoning11:58 Building Trust with the City12:28 Financing Development Projects20:05 Adapting to Changing Banking Relationships22:26 Innovative Cottage Cluster Development29:22 Navigating Community Responsibilities30:12 The Importance of Local Climate Awareness31:21 Partnership Dynamics in Development33:34 Choosing the Right Investors35:36 Understanding Market Cycles39:15 The Value of Local Development41:08 Incremental Development Strategies42:09 Advice for Aspiring Developers49:06 Community-Driven Development Explained52:07 Current and Future Projects#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    1h 1m

  7. 11/18/2025

    From L.A. Materialism to Nashville Purpose: Meg Epstein’s Mission to Redefine Development | EP#28

    What if the key to success wasn’t more but meaning?After building hundreds of millions in real estate, Meg Epstein could’ve stopped at wealth. But as she tells Kristi and Raphael, money without purpose leads to misery, a truth she learned firsthand in Los Angeles, surrounded by the rich and unhappy.Now based in Nashville, Meg has turned her focus toward freedom, purpose, and people, building projects that serve both investors and communities. From flipping the script on Airbnb condos to scaling The Modernist, her new model for flexible, investor-owned living spaces, Meg shares how to create developments that actually give back.This isn’t a story about chasing deals. It’s about building differently with vision, values, and the courage to ignore the crowd.What We Cover: ✅ How early exposure to “miserable rich people” changed Meg’s definition of success ✅ Why money without a mission leads to burnout in real estate ✅ The power of giving back and how purpose sustains your ambition ✅ Meg’s formula for scaling community-centered condo projects ✅ How The Modernist bridges the gap between investing, living, and flexibility ✅ The underrated skill that helped her raise hundreds of millions in equity ✅ Why thoughtful outreach and consistent learning still beat automation ✅ Meg’s lesson on staying focused and playing the long gameBold Truth:Real success isn’t about how much you build, it’s about why you build. The developers who last are the ones who lead with purpose, not ego.🎧 Listen now to hear how Meg is redefining what it means to build wealth with purpose and why the future of real estate belongs to developers who lead with vision, not vanity.Connect with Meg: 🌐 Website: http://www.holladayventures.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megaubaleepstein/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megepstein/ Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping. 🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 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🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Development Journey00:32 Perseverance in Development: The Key to Success00:42 Finding Motivation: Beyond Financial Success#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    45 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    From City Hall to the Dirt: How Land-Use Attorney Anne Pollack Champions Local Developers | EP#27

    What happens when you stop waiting for big developers to show up and start building for your own community?In this episode, Kristi and Raphael sit down with Anne Pollack, a seasoned land use and zoning attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida, who’s helped shape some of the city’s most complex redevelopment projects. Anne doesn’t just know the rules, she teaches local developers how to use them to their advantage. From navigating city staff and neighborhood plans to learning through costly mistakes, Anne brings a real-world, no-shortcuts perspective to what it takes to turn local vision into approved projects.For anyone who’s ever hit a wall with permitting, struggled to align with a city’s plan, or wondered how small-town development really happens, this conversation is your playbook.What We Cover: ✅ Why the hardest projects teach you the most valuable lessons ✅ How to “pay tuition” through experience and make it worth every dollar ✅ What community-driven development actually looks like (and what it’s not) ✅ How to read and leverage your city’s comprehensive plan ✅ The two ways to start a project: lead with your idea or lead with your city’s needs ✅ Why motivation matters more than money in long-term development ✅ The rise of small, local developers and why they’re shaping the future of Florida’s growth ✅ How joining local real estate organizations can expand your network and opportunityBold Truth: If you can flip a house, you can flip a block. Real community change doesn’t come from waiting on outsiders, it comes from locals who learn the rules, build with purpose, and take ownership of their own neighborhoods.🎧 Listen now to hear how Anne helps turn everyday challenges into community-driven wins and why the next great developer might just be you.Connect with Anne: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepollack/Listen + Subscribe: Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.Want more from Kristi? Hear how she’s helping locals become developers in their own communities without the gatekeeping.🎧 Local Real Estate Developer Podcast Playlist →👉 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🎬 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Land Use and Real Estate Development02:56 Anne Pollack's Journey in Land Use Law05:26 Understanding Land Use: Key Concepts and Challenges08:11 The Importance of Due Diligence in Development10:53 Navigating Zoning and Comprehensive Plans13:32 The Role of Relationships in Land Use Approvals16:43 The Complexity of Zoning Processes19:18 The Value of Local Expertise in Development22:13 Real-Life Examples of Development Challenges24:58 Conclusion and Key Takeaways31:29 Navigating Coastal Development Challenges34:12 Balancing Safety and Market Needs36:57 Advice for New Developers42:56 Understanding Community-Driven Development48:07 The Future of Development in Florida#localrealestatedeveloper #realestateinvesting #womeninrealestate #mindsetmatters #communitydevelopment #realestatejourney #propertyinvestor #infilldevelopment #therealestatedeveloper #partnerships #elevateswfl

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

🎙️ 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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