Ten with Ben

Ben Azulay
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Ben Azulay, Principal at Bradford Allen, dives into the Chicago commercial real estate market to explore the trends and topics most relevant to tenants.

  1. 12/18/2025

    033 // 2025 Team Recap

    Ben sits down with teammates Nathan Meisner and Lauryn Sussman for a year-end review of team milestones and key shifts in Chicago’s office market. From rising downtown foot traffic to changing landlord strategies and major Loop developments, they share what defined the year and how those trends are setting the tone heading into 2026.

    19 min

  2. 10/02/2025

    032 // Market Comparisons with Jon Azulay

    In this episode of Ten with Ben, Ben shares the mic with his brother and commercial real estate colleague, Jon Azulay from CBRE. A former Chicago broker now working in Los Angeles, Jon explores the unique differences between the two commercial real estate markets. From payment cadence and RTO office trends to broker culture, he explains why the Chicago market remains one of the most competitive markets across the country.

    12 min

  3. 06/26/2025

    031 // Navigating Insurance and Risk Assessment

    Ten with Ben

    22 min

  4. 05/08/2025

    030 // Leasing Shifts and Market Insights with Kathleen Bertrand

    Ben is joined by Kathleen Bertrand of Transwestern for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the Chicago office market. They reflect on their parallel 20-year careers in commercial real estate and how market cycles — and downtown activity — are shifting again. They discuss how deal momentum is returning, particularly among smaller tenants, and how Gen Z is helping fuel the shift back to in-office work. Bertrand also shares why landlord flexibility and creative deal-making are more important than ever in a high-cost, fast-moving environment.

    19 min

  5. 02/27/2025

    029 // Deals, Demand & the Office Market Rebound

    Ben is back with another episode of Ten with Ben, exploring the recent momentum in the commercial real estate market. Leasing velocity is up, transaction volume is rising, and distressed assets that once seemed stagnant are now trading hands. Post-election stability and renewed business confidence have fueled this shift, as companies gain clarity on their long-term office strategies. The return-to-office movement is no longer just a talking point with many firms solidifying in-person work policies, with some even requiring five-day attendance. Landlords are responding by enhancing assets with premium amenities to attract and retain tenants. As deal flow accelerates, the market is demonstrating greater resilience than many anticipated—particularly in Chicago, where leasing and investment activities showcase a revived sense of optimism.

    13 min

  6. 12/16/2024

    028 // Reflecting on 2024 and Optimism for 2025

    On this episode of Ten with Ben, Justin Kessler, Nathan Meissner, and Lauryn Sussman join Ben to reflect on a productive 2024 for the tenant rep team at Bradford Allen. The team discusses the uptick in tenant activity, surprising stability in office space needs, and the late-year momentum in deal-making. They also highlight how flexibility from ownership groups has created opportunities for tenants despite market challenges. Looking ahead to 2025, the team shares their optimism for continued market growth and new opportunities as the market adapts.

    16 min

  7. 09/12/2024

    027 // Market Shifts and Opportunities

    In the latest episode of Ten with Ben, Ben Azulay reflects on the year so far, highlighting consistent deal flow and how companies are renegotiating leases to take advantage of current market conditions. He discusses the recovery of distressed properties, with lenders and landlords working out solutions, and questions the real value of amenities in office buildings. Looking ahead, Ben is monitoring how these trends will shape the market through the end of 2024 and into 2025.

    13 min

  8. 06/06/2024

    026 // Meet Aghfar Arun

    In the latest episode of Ten with Ben, Ben Azulay dives into the world of hotel real estate with Aghfar Arun, Director, Hospitality at Bradford Allen. Aghfar discusses his journey into hospitality and the intricacies of acquiring hotel properties, emphasizing the importance of brand affiliation with major players like Hilton and Marriott. He also explores the specialized challenges of converting properties in the hotel sector compared to other real estate markets. The conversation also touches on the impact of the pandemic on operations and the disruption introduced by competitive platforms like Airbnb.

    27 min
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About

Ben Azulay, Principal at Bradford Allen, dives into the Chicago commercial real estate market to explore the trends and topics most relevant to tenants.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Azulay
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ten with Ben
  • Show Website
    Ten with Ben