In this episode of The Intelligent Developers, we are joined by Rodger Brown, a visionary leader in mission-based real estate development. Together, we dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of investing from a nonprofit development perspective. Rodger shares his approach to transforming neighborhoods through projects that align with community needs, creating long-term value and impact. Whether you're a developer, investor, or someone passionate about the intersection of real estate and social good, this conversation offers insights into how to drive meaningful change through thoughtful development strategies.

In this episode of The Intelligent Developers podcast, we are joined by Vernon Beckford. Vernon shares his journey, beginning with his experiences at New Rochelle High School, Columbia University, and earning his MBA from Harvard. He reflects on his time on Wall Street, his entrepreneurial aspirations, and his passion for comics, including his fondness for Batman.

Vernon dives deep into the art of entrepreneurship, discussing the creation of a platform for originating and syndicating loans. He offers valuable advice on crafting the story of your deal and the expertise required of sponsors to succeed. Additionally, he shares how he is highlighting the journeys of other successful entrepreneurs through his platform.

For this episode of The Intelligent Developers, we welcomed Craig Robinson, a seasoned executive with a diverse background in scaling companies, prop tech, and real estate services. Craig shared insights from his extensive experience leading national organizations such as WeWork and Colliers, guiding companies through various stages of growth. He also discussed the impact of board leadership and how strategic decision-making in the boardroom can influence the trajectory of a business. This conversation offers invaluable perspectives on leveraging technology in real estate, understanding the nuances of executive leadership, and the importance of creating meaningful impact through governance and strategy. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established professional, Craig’s reflections on leadership and innovation provide a roadmap for navigating and succeeding in the real estate and prop tech sectors.

In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Horne as our guest. We explore her impressive career managing large-scale projects at a major construction organization and her transition to consulting for HBCUs. Jennifer shares her expertise in public-private partnerships (PPP), military housing, and sustainability. She also discusses her passion for investing in her hometown and briefly touches on her partnership with Amazon's Housing Equity Fund and mentors in the Urban Land Institute.

In this episode, we sit down with Monique Wilson Marrero to explore her journey from growing up in Brooklyn to developing a passion for real estate development and community building. She shares insights from her management consulting experience and discusses her career transitions and aspirations. We also delve into the impact of AI on the real estate industry and gain valuable perspectives on community finance from an institutional investor's standpoint.

In this episode, we sit down with Wemimo Abbey and Samir Goel, co-founders of Esusu. They share their journey from aspiring entrepreneurs and friends to building a unicorn company. Through hard work, a compelling vision, and innovative use of data, they’ve aimed to bridge the wealth gap. Wemimo and Samir discuss the importance of having a passionate vision, executing with precision, and building a strong team. Their story combines the dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the execution prowess of Jeff Bezos, offering valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Bramwell, a skilled New York real estate developer. Chris shares his experiences navigating the challenges of being a trailblazer as a Minority New York City Real Estate Developer. He discusses the opportunities he found in NYC public-private projects, reinvesting in Buffalo NY, and the role politics played in his journey. Additionally, Chris talks about his commitment to giving back to the community through both his time and talents.

In this episode, we are joined by our guest Nikki Beasley. As a nonprofit leader, Nikki sheds light on the crucial task of training the next generation of developers and real estate professionals. Delving into the profound impact on individuals and communities, she offers valuable insights into the lifecycle of development and wealth creation. Tune in as Nikki discusses the importance of keeping people informed about ongoing happenings, opportunities, and challenges in the field. With her wisdom, she reminds us of the virtues of diligence and grace, inspiring us all to navigate the world of development with both skill and compassion.