The Smart Approach to Environmental, Health, and Sustainability in Real Estate | Loren Witkin, CEO, Citadel EHS
Release Date: 11/11/2025
Beyond the Billboard: How BIG Outdoor Is Redefining Urban Signage
Real Smart
In this episode of Real Smart, host Spencer Kallick sits down with Bill Tagliaferri, president of BIG Outdoor, to explore how out-of-home signage has evolved from simple billboards into immersive urban experiences. Bill shares his unconventional path into the industry, BIG Outdoor’s growth across iconic markets like Times Square, Sunset Boulevard, and Santa Monica, and the complex real estate, zoning, and community dynamics behind major signage projects. The conversation highlights how thoughtful design, emerging technology, and public-private partnerships can turn signage into a catalyst...
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Redefining Pet Emergency Care – How VEG ER for Pets Uses Real Estate to Further Its Mission | Jennifer Hanlon, Vice President of Real Estate and Development, VEG ER
Real Smart
On this episode of Real Smart, we speak with Jennifer Hanlon, vice president of real estate and development at VEG ER for Pets, one of the fastest-growing emergency veterinary care companies in the country. Jennifer discusses how VEG’s open-concept model is reshaping emergency care and the real estate strategy behind its rapid national expansion.
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The Importance of Community and Relationships in Commercial Real Estate | David Mirharooni, Brickstar Capital
Real Smart
David Mirharooni, principal of Brickstar Capital, shares his journey from growing up in an immigrant family to becoming a Beverly Hills-based real estate investor, specializing in commercial retail and hospitality properties. David emphasizes the importance of networking and community involvement, and he talks about his creative use of adaptive leasing strategies. He also shares his take on current market trends, challenges, and the value of personal connections in the real estate industry.
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Reimagining Cities: Adaptive Reuse, Creativity, and Community with Shawn Gehle
Real Smart
This episode features architect Shawn Gehle, co-founder of the Los Angeles architecture and design studio OFFICEUNTITLED, as he discusses his background, the firm’s philosophy, and the evolution of its work. He reflects on his firm’s emphasis on hands-on creativity, material exploration, and close client collaboration, as well as its rapid growth from small residential projects to large mixed-use developments. Don’t miss this conversation about adaptability, innovation, and approaching design with genuine community impact in mind.
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The Smart Approach to Environmental, Health, and Sustainability in Real Estate | Loren Witkin, CEO, Citadel EHS
Real Smart
Loren Witkin, CEO of Citadel EHS, explains how his company adds value and drives strategy by identifying environmental, health, and sustainability risks early in the real estate development process. He goes on to explain why it’s so difficult to build in California, how to work successfully with state and local governments, and the importance of everyone trying to solve project challenges together. An acknowledged leader in his industry, Loren explains how he makes people “feel seen,” and why that is the key to building productive and happy teams.
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Bringing Hustle and Ingenuity to Real Estate Capital Markets | Zachary Streit
Real Smart
Zachary Streit, Founder and President of Priority Capital Advisory, discusses how he’s getting deals done in one of the toughest real estate markets in years. He shares how he built one of the fastest-growing boutique capital advisory firms in the country, closing over $600 million in transactions in under two years, and how his team delivers creative, highly structured financing solutions when traditional capital sources dry up. Tune in to this episode of Real Smart for a discussion on the resurgence of regional banks, new opportunities in retail development, and Zach’s take on...
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Construction Costs, Contracts & What’s Market
Real Smart
Spencer Kallick sits down with Ari Shaeps, Construction Law partner at Allen Matkins, for a deep dive into what’s really driving construction costs, how “what’s market” is determined, and why a well-negotiated contract is the key to real estate success. Ari shares how he negotiated billion-dollar stadium deals in under 60 days, brings unmatched institutional knowledge from coast to coast, and unpacks the realities of tariffs, labor shortages, and buyout savings. This is a must-listen for developers, investors, and anyone navigating construction in today’s volatile market.
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Scaling Smart Development in LA | Jason & Steven Somers, Crest Real Estate
Real Smart
Jason and Steven Somers, brothers and co-founders of Crest Real Estate, share how they built the largest permitting and entitlement firm in Los Angeles. They discuss trends in LA development, how the city is adapting post-wildfires, and the launch of Case Study 2.0, a new housing recovery initiative for fire-impacted communities. From managing thousands of active projects to launching new offices and wellness products, this episode covers what it takes to build smarter, scale faster, and lead with intention in one of the toughest markets in the country.
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Capital Markets, Office Trends & What’s Next | Kevin Donner, Newmark
Real Smart
In this episode of Real Smart, Spencer Kallick sits down with Kevin Donner, Executive Vice Chairman at Newmark, to explore the evolving capital markets landscape and how to navigate a market defined by uncertainty. Kevin shares insights from decades at firms like Eastdil, Goldman Sachs, and Cushman & Wakefield — and opens up about rebuilding his life and home in the Palisades after the devastating fire. This is an episode about relationships, resilience, and how the smartest players in real estate stay grounded during transitions.
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The Industrial Sector's Resilience
Real Smart
In Real Smart's inaugural episode, Spencer B. Kallick interviews Mike Longo, senior vice president - capital markets at CBRE. Mike shares insights about tariffs and the direction of industrial development. He also explains his leadership philosophy and approach to developing business partnerships.
info_outlineLoren Witkin, CEO of Citadel EHS, explains how his company adds value and drives strategy by identifying environmental, health, and sustainability risks early in the real estate development process. He goes on to explain why it’s so difficult to build in California, how to work successfully with state and local governments, and the importance of everyone trying to solve project challenges together. An acknowledged leader in his industry, Loren explains how he makes people “feel seen,” and why that is the key to building productive and happy teams.