Episodes

  • BPN w/ Karim Hutson, President & CEO of Genesis Companies
    Dec 12 2023
    Welcome back to Greycast! Our guest today is Karim A. Hutson, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Genesis Companies, a renowned real estate development firm. With over two decades of experience, Karim shares valuable insights on self-reflection, aligning passions with careers, and creating opportunities. We'll also explore his dedication to community upliftment and addressing housing affordability.

    Takeaways
    • Advice for success and personal fulfillment
    • The role of real estate development in building communities
    • Challenges and opportunities in the real estate industry
    • Importance of interpersonal skills and graduate education in business
    • Stakeholder relationships and collaborations in real estate development
    Quotes

    "Connect the lines between who you are, what you excel at, and what brings you fulfillment."-Karim A Hutson

    "Rethink underwriting and services provision, intertwining departments to address people's needs and issues effectively."-Karim A Hutson

    Featured in this Episode

    Karim H. Hutson
    President & CEO, Genesis Companies
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-hutson-9334a/
    Personal Website: http://www.genesiscompanies.com/

    Romain Sinclar
    Co Host, Licensed Real Estate SalesPerson
    Profile: https://greysteel.com/team/romain-sinclair/

    Damani Strasner
    Associate, Investment Sales, Greysteel
    Profile:https://greysteel.com/team/damani-strasner

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction
    04:43 - Growing Real Estate Wealth for Black Families
    11:16 - Family Sacrifices and Commitment to Giving Back
    16:33 - Delivering Quality Products and Services to Tenants
    24:09 - Affordable Housing Advocacy: The Need for Subsidies and Tax Credits
    29:37 - Aligning Business Plans with Long-Term Goals
    32:54 - Housing Issues and Policy Debates
    39:00 - Prioritizing Sustainability and Communication
    44:31 - The Value of Interpersonal Skills: Highly Esteemed by CEOs
    48:27 - Collaborating with Nonprofits and Housing Authorities: The Genesis Approach
    56:04 - Addressing Housing Segregation: Confronting Ongoing Societal Issues
    01:01:26 - Achieving Goals through Introspection, Focus, and Dedication
    01:04:05 - Conclusion

    Produced by http://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • BPN w/ Don Peebles
    Sep 20 2023
    Welcome back to GreyCast! In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, the renowned entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and political activist, Don Peebles. We dive into a fascinating conversation with Don about his incredible real estate journey and groundbreaking achievements in the industry. From his transformative projects in major cities across the country to his advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Don has truly made his mark. Join us as we explore his inspiring story, the challenges he's faced, and his vision for a more equitable future in real estate.

    Takeaways
    • Breaking Barriers in NYC Real Estate
    • Influence of Diverse Mentors
    • Tackling Capital Access for Black Entrepreneurs
    • Exploring Don Peebles' Multifaceted Career
    • Marion Barry's Minority Contracting Legacy
    • From Political Passion to Real Estate Pioneer
    • Launching a Fund for Office Buildings and Access to Capital
    Quotes

    "Real estate is not just about buildings and developments, it's about transforming communities and creating economic opportunities for all." - Don Peebles

    "We need to shift the conversation around diversity from philanthropy to economic opportunity. It's not just the right thing to do, it's also a smart business move." - Don Peebles

    Featured in this Episode

    Don Peebles
    Chairman & CEO of The Peebles Company
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-peebles-0767769/

    Chapters

    00:00 - Introduction
    05:31 - Shaping Don Peebles' Path to Entrepreneurship
    08:48 - Marion Barry's Campaign: A Youthful Bet on Radical Change
    11:30 - Thriving in the Real Estate Market During the 1980s
    34:51 - Mayoral Visions: Atlanta & DC Entrepreneurship
    39:10 - Beyond Basketball to Real Estate Ventures
    49:45 - Scaling Success in Real Estate
    57:29 - Real Estate Essentials: Supply and Demand
    01:04:20 - Guided by Values: Family, Mentors, & Business
    01:12:20 - Equity in Capital for Black Entrepreneurs
    01:20:01 - Outro

    Produced by Heartcast Media
    www.heartcastmedia.com

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • BPN w/ Cedric Bobo
    Aug 16 2023
    Welcome to another inspiring episode of Greycast! Today, we sat down with Cedric Bobo, the co-founder and CEO of Project Destined. Learn about his journey from growing up on a farm in Mississippi to making a mark in the real estate industry. Cedric's story is a powerful example of how believing in someone and providing them with opportunities can change lives. Stay tuned as we explore his story and the valuable lessons he has to share. Let's dive in!

    Takeaways
    -Achieving Greatness: Scaling the Inspirational Journey
    -Creating a Worldwide Real Estate Product
    -Venturing into Asia: Promising Plans Unveiled
    -Pioneering Education: Dominating the Real Estate Industry
    -From Humble Beginnings to Triumph: An Inspiring Background
    -Empowering Students: Mitigating Risks for Lasting Impact
    -Safety Nets and Support: Fostering Courageous Ventures
    -Optimizing Growth: Effective Scaling Strategies
    -Unveiling Success: Key Qualities that Unlock Opportunities

    Quotes
    “Our ultimate goal is to instill the seed of entrepreneurship through repetition and equip students with a solid framework for success." -Cedric Bobo
    "Our approach involves building a strong foundation in each market and strategically adding other relevant products."-Cedric Bobo

    Featured in this Episode
    Cedric Bobo
    CEO & Co-Founder of Project Destined
    Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-bobo-187188/

    Chapters
    ​​00:00 - Introduction
    07:39 - Fostering Ownership Mindset
    11:07 - Mitigating Risks in Entrepreneurship
    14:19 - From Layoff Fears to Teaching Kids
    17:11 - Steph Curry's Safety Net
    20:01 - Sponsorship & Curiosity: Six-Week Program
    25:14 - Hiring Challenges in Real Estate
    27:35 - Building Confidence through Jobs
    34:16 - Scaling Dynamics: Learn, Apply, & Bet
    37:24 - Hiring Alumni & Project-Based Labor
    42:28 - Inspiring Literature & Motivating Podcasts
    46:48 - Selfless Men Making Impact
    49:00 - Transformative Support: Michael Conley's Influence
    53:12 - Drawing Inspiration from George Washington's Wisdom
    54:24 - Outro

    Produced by Heartcast media
    https://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    55 mins
  • BPN w/ Daryl Carter, Chairman and CEO of Avanath Capital Management
    Jun 12 2023
    Tune in to Greysteel's GreyCast podcast! CEO of Avanath Capital Management, Daryl Carter, joins us to share his experience in the debt and equity businesses. Listen as he discusses the challenges of starting a business in 1991 and 2008, and how the financial services industry has evolved. Discover how Avanath focuses on acquiring, rehabilitating, and preserving affordable housing, and even pursues ground-up development opportunities. Carter emphasizes the importance of building strong communities and debunking misconceptions about evictions in the multifamily business industry.
    Don't miss this valuable conversation about entrepreneurship and long-term thinking.

    Takeaways
    -Starting a Business in Different Economic Landscapes
    -Transforming the Financial Services Industry
    -Revitalizing and Preserving Affordable Housing
    -Avanath's Approach to Ground-Up Development
    -Building Strong Communities: Avanath Capital's Key Focus
    -Dispelling Myths: Evictions in Multifamily Business

    Quotes
    "Building communities is more important than just making profits. If you focus on building communities, the profits will come." - Daryl Carter
    "The multifamily industry needs to improve its public perception and tell its story better. We need to focus on the good things we are doing in terms of housing safety instead of emphasizing the supply angle." - Daryl Carter

    Featured in this Episode
    Dayrl Carter
    Chairman and CEO of Avanath Capital Management
    https://www.avanath.com/team/daryl-j-carter/
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-j-carter-b18941116

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    06:41 Banking: Unconventional Path to Success
    10:48 Pioneering Affordable Housing: Journey and Triumph
    15:54 Evolution of Real Estate Business: Then and Now
    31:12 Darryl Davis' Strategy for Affordable Housing Expansion
    36:48 Addressing the Affordability Crisis: Role of Private Capital
    39:36 Tackling High Turnover Rates in Real Estate
    44:05 Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing Crisis
    49:38 Shifting Industry Messaging for Resident Prioritization
    52:11 Housing Concerns Unite Congress Members

    Produced by Heartcast media
    http://www.heartcastmedia.com
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • BPN w/ Donahue Peebles III
    Mar 29 2023
    In this episode of Greysteel's GreyCast podcast, Our host Donahue Peebles III, a real estate entrepreneur and executive vice president of Peebles Corporation. Donahue Peebles III shares his experience growing up in a family of real estate entrepreneurs and how his father's teachings helped shape his career. They also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate industry and what to expect in the post-pandemic future. Donahue Peebles III emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and desires of communities and the people when planning and building structures, as they are the ones who will ultimately benefit from them. The conversation also covers New York City's skyline and the significance it holds worldwide. Finally, Donahue Peebles III shares his insights and tips on motivation and success.

    Takeaways

    Donahue Peebles III story as a 2nd-generation real estate entrepreneur

    The current status of the real estate market during pandemic and post-pandemic

    Sustaining local market expertise and affordable housing allocation and promoting diversity in Washington D.C.

    New York’s symbolism for real estate and its skyscrapersThe drive and motivation into achieving goals and success

    Quotes

    When we enter a market, we commit to acting ethically towards everyone involved, including the policy makers and our competitors. We aim to do our best for ourselves, our investors, and our community. - Donahue Peebles III

    Developers should listen to communities about what they want and have a service mindset when working on projects, rather than thinking they should show people what they want. - Donahue Peebles III

    Featured in this Episode

    Donahue Peebles III
    Executive Vice President, The Peebles Corporation
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/donahue-peebles-73503b73

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    02:38 Donahue Peebles III background
    09:54 Growing the business as 2nd generation entrepreneur
    13:16 The status or real estate market nowadays
    23:42 Sustaining local market expertise in Washington D.C.
    30:48 Affordable Housing and promoting diversity in D.C.
    40:05 The skyline of New York City
    44:00 The drive and motivation
    46:13 Wrap-up
    48:12 How to invest with People Corporation
    51:55 Conclusion

    Produced by Heartcast media
    www.heartcastmedia.com
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    55 mins
  • Greycast: BPN w/ Chris Mfume, Managing Partner of CLD Partners
    Mar 15 2023
    Welcome back to Greysteel's GreyCast podcast. In today’s episode, Chris Mfume is our guest. Chris Mfume is the managing partner of CLD Partners. He is responsible for leading all development and investment activities and guiding the firm’s projects through inception to completion. He is also a member of the Urban Land Institute and Thread, a volunteer-driven mentor program. In the episode, Chris discusses his life background and how he started his real estate journey by job hunting for almost 7 months to founding his own business today. He also discusses the challenges as well as the benefits that he faced for being an African-American in the industry. Moreover, he talks about the things that make him and his company different from other developers as well as his system to be better with others. Lastly, he gives some advice to young aspiring entrepreneurs just like him who want to explore real estate and how to be successful in it.

    Takeaways

    How Chris Mfume started his real estate journey from humble beginnings
    The benefits and the challenges that Chris experienced as an African-American developer
    Things Chris is passionate about in life
    The right time to on making deals and sells the real estate
    The important elements to be successful in the real estate business
    Advice and wisdom from our guest

    Quotes

    While I was trying to get a job for 7 months, I was sharpening my skill set. I look for ways that can add value to myself. - Chris

    There has never been a better time to be a black entrepreneur in real estate than in 2022. - Chris

    Featured in this Episode

    TC Cosby
    Capital Markets, Greysteel
    https://greysteel.com/team/tc-cosby/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-cosby-90b7485/

    Aaron Inman
    Senior Investment Associate at Greysteel, Baltimore Multifamily
    https://greysteel.com/team/aaron-inman/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-inman-9596a911a/

    Chris Mfume
    Managing Partner at CLD Partners
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mfume-3269151b
    https://www.cldre.com

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    02:06 Chris's background and how he started
    07:09 Chris gives insights on how he become successful
    10:50 Thoughts about the market today?
    14:13 How to approach capital on the equity side?
    16:09 The challenges and benefits faced by Chris
    19:15 The neighborhood and areas that are being underserved
    23:32 Are you having trouble as a black developer?
    25:58 What separated Chris from other developers?
    29:48 What are the things Chris is passionate about?
    34:22 Chris’ advice to all aspiring young developers
    39:49 Balancing between aggressively buying and conserving capital
    42:12 Great and bad deals that Chris had
    44:46 Chris's takeaways for young entrepreneurs to be successful
    50:26 When is the right time to make a sell and trade
    52:47 Adjusting the market value based on different factors
    55:08 Important elements to be successful in business
    59:55 What are the missing tidbits for African-Americans to enter the CRE

    Produced by Heartcast media
    www.heartcastmedia.com
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • GreyCast: BPN w/ Josh Wilson
    Mar 1 2023
    Welcome back to season two of Greysteel's GreyCast podcast. In this podcast, TC and Nigel invited Josh Wilson, a former-NFL player who switches into commercial real estate. Josh Wilson recounts his experiences, starting with his time in the NFL and moving on to CRE. He discussed the difficulties he encountered when starting out in real estates, such as obtaining funding and assets to support his business. He also discusses his aspirations for the near future as well as his goals for his business in the future. For fun, they also discussed several NFL-related things and explained how the audience could get involved with WC Investments.

    Key Takeaways

    How Josh Wilson, an NFL player, entered the commercial real estate industry
    The experience working in commercial real estate as a former NFL player
    The Challenges and victories Josh faced when he first entered the real estate business
    Josh's future goals for his company and his dreams

    Quotes

    What I’ve learned is that the worst thing people will say is “No”, and you got to ask why they said “No”- Josh Wilson

    One thing that I've learned is that real estate, through the test of time, always eventually gains value. - Josh Wilson

    One of the things that keep me going with this is realizing that the more we grow, the more minorities we can support. - Josh Wilson

    Featured in this Episode

    Nigel Crayton
    Investments Sales, Greysteel
    https://greysteel.com/team/nigel-crayton/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelcrayton/

    TC Cosby
    Capital Markets, Greysteel
    https://greysteel.com/team/tc-cosby/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-cosby-90b7485/

    Josh Wilson
    WC Investments, LLC
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-wilson-58261094

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    00:31 Introducing our guest
    04:29 How Josh gets into commercial real estate
    08:12 Finding the right direction after NFL
    10:53 The things Josh had to overcome
    15:05 Other ways to access capitals
    17:36 What will be the next in the future years?
    20:39 How does the current environment affect the business on a daily basis?
    24:16 Things Josh wants to accomplish in the near future
    26:28 How does Josh balance these things?
    29:39 Segway questions Josh
    36:49 Unforgettable deals
    41:13 Talks about NFL
    44:50 How to get involved with WC Investments
    47:04 Conclusion
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    52 mins
  • GreyCast: Black Professionals Network Mini-Series Intro
    Feb 27 2023
    Welcome back to season two of Greysteel's GreyCast podcast. In this podcast, Mike introduced a new group in Greysteel which is the Greysteel Black Professional Network or GBPN. Mike introduced the people who are leading the group. First is TC Cosby who leads the structured finance group of Greysteel. Next, is Nigel Crayton, who works on the mid-Atlantic Multifamily team and is also the director of Greysteel. Lastly, Aaron Inman works on the Baltimore Multifamily and is also a Senior Investment Associate.

    In the episode, They will be talking about the leaders of GBPN and share their background and also how they've come with Greysteel. They will also discuss the challenges and barriers they've come across and how to overcome them. They also talked about the core plan of the GPBN and what things they look into in the future.

    Key Takeaways

    Getting to know our guests and how they got to Greysteel
    Our guest explains the group's charter and plans
    Taking on the challenges and obstacles they've faced
    Understanding how to form genuine connections, overcome obstacles, and appreciate the journey
    The recruitment strategy, ideas, and plans

    Quotes

    Coming inside Greysteel, I was instantly approached by Nigel, TC, and Roman. - Aaron

    I appreciated the growth of innovativeness, as well as the community of wonderful people we have here, which I believe distinguishes us from many other places I've seen, had, or experienced in the past. - Nigel

    I've had a lot of wonderful years and a lot of bad years, especially in the beginning. There's no better motivator than being unable to pay your rent or credit card bills. - Mike

    I think the one huge deliverable we're thrilled to achieve is if we can assist some of these groups to develop as our clients. - TC

    Featured in this Episode

    Mike Hehir
    Vice President at Greysteel
    https://greysteel.com/team/mike-hehir/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehehir/

    TC Cosby
    Director at The Greysteel Company, Structured Finance
    https://greysteel.com/team/tc-cosby/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-cosby-90b7485/

    Nigel Crayton
    Director at Greysteel, Mid-Atlantic Multifamily
    https://greysteel.com/team/nigel-crayton/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelcrayton/

    Aaron Inman
    Senior Investment Associate at Greysteel, Baltimore Multifamily
    https://greysteel.com/team/aaron-inman/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-inman-9596a911a/

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    01:12 Meet our guests
    03:32 How Aaron started
    05:29 Plans for the future
    08:11 Barriers and challenges
    10:49 Nigel shares the knowledge he learned from his previous company
    17:02 TC's reason for coming to Greysteel
    19:26 It's more than business and appreciating the journey
    25:32 Overcoming challenges
    31:29 Plans, ideas, and methods for recruitment
    37:59 Takeaways from TC
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    37 mins