In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Grant Chappell, a seasoned commercial real estate broker with a deep focus on multi-family investments in the Bay Area. Grant’s journey from banking at Wells Fargo to 20 years in brokerage is packed with insights, lessons, and strategies for navigating the ever-changing real estate market.

We discuss the current state of multi-family investments, the shifting dynamics in Oakland and Berkeley, and how factors like interest rates, insurance costs, and economic trends are influencing investor decisions. Grant also shares his personal experiences in the market, including his approach to cold calling, relationship-building with property owners, and his philosophy on long-term investing.

Key topics include: ✔️ How Grant transitioned from banking to commercial real estate brokerage ✔️ The impact of market cycles on investment strategies ✔️ Why insurance and financing challenges are reshaping multi-family deals ✔️ How Oakland and Berkeley are evolving as rental and investment markets ✔️ The art of cold calling and building trust with property owners

Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a broker, or just curious about commercial real estate, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Michael Koch, an expert in insurance, payroll, and payment processing, to discuss his innovative approach to lowering business expenses.

Michael shares his journey from working in payroll and HR to disrupting the insurance industry. He explains how traditional insurance brokers often neglect their clients for most of the year, only reappearing at renewal time. To challenge this system, Michael created The Pickle Program—a proactive loss control strategy that helps businesses track their safety improvements throughout the year, ultimately lowering their insurance premiums.

We also explore how Michael collaborates with his wife’s company, AAA Merchant Services, to help businesses offset rising insurance costs through strategic payment processing savings. By combining these financial solutions, Michael and his team provide businesses with a holistic approach to cost reduction.

Tune in to learn:

• How insurance brokers operate and why many fail to serve their clients year-round
• How The Pickle Program is changing the insurance game
• Why transparency with underwriters can help businesses save money
• How payment processing strategies can offset rising insurance costs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we welcome Michael Chidambaram, a seasoned real estate broker specializing in retail and food & beverage spaces. Michael’s journey is anything but ordinary—starting in TV production in Bombay (now Mumbai) before making his way into San Francisco’s commercial real estate market.

We discuss:

• Michael’s transition from media to real estate and how he found his niche in food and beverage brokerage.
• The state of San Francisco’s retail and restaurant scene post-pandemic—what’s thriving, what’s struggling, and where the opportunities lie.
• The impact of remote work on commercial foot traffic and how it’s reshaping the city’s real estate market.
• Opportunities for restaurateurs—why now might be the perfect time to launch a food venture in SF.

Michael shares insider knowledge on market trends, investment opportunities, and the future of San Francisco’s retail landscape. If you’re a business owner, investor, or just curious about the state of SF’s commercial real estate, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest