Boone comes alive in the summer, and this episode explores how tourism, recreation, and seasonal business activity shape the local economy and commercial real estate market. From hiking, fishing, and downtown dining to infrastructure, growth, and preservation, we look at what makes Boone such a compelling place to visit and invest in.

Takeaways

• Summer tourism drives Boone's commercial real estate market
• Recreational activities play a significant role in attracting visitors to Boone's tourism and recreation plays a significant role in shaping the local economy.
• Challenges such as seasonality, labor, and infrastructure impact commercial real estate and business operations.

Timestamps

• 03:26 Impact of Summer Tourism on the Economy
• 06:20 Perfect Summer Day Itinerary in Boone
• 13:54 Recreational Activities and Commercial Real Estate
• 15:40 Influence of Outdoor Recreation on Business Locations
• 17:04 Key Recreational Activities in Watauga County
• 26:29 Expansion of Indoor Recreational Activities
• 29:45 Exploring Boone's Tourism and Recreation
• 31:18 Challenges of Seasonality and Labor
• 33:13 Impact of Parking and Congestion
• 39:18 Vision for the Future of Real Estate
• 43:20 Expanding Business Opportunities
• 54:15 Appeal of Boone's Summer Season

Thank you for tuning in and supporting the podcast. Be sure to follow, share and if you leave a review it might even get a shout out on a future episode. In other news, we are officially on Instagram so find us at @booneteapodcast and connect, let us know a topic, building or commercial real estate issue you would like us to discuss.

Jamie puts James in the hot seat! This episode is a detailed discussion on Boone's commercial real estate landscape, exploring the boom and bust cycles of car washes, hotel development, and the balancing act between local taste and national chains. We also dive into traffic concerns, infrastructure challenges, and the future of commercial real estate in the High Country.

In this episode:

• The factors behind Boone's car wash proliferation and market cycles
• How hotel development reflects Boone’s tourism strength and community impact
• The relationship between commercial real estate, traffic patterns, and infrastructure
• Challenges and opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs
• Understanding real estate turnover, tenant mix, and market supply constraints
• The importance of infrastructure in supporting sustainable growth
• Practical advice for entrepreneurs eyeing Boone’s prime locations

Timestamps:
02:27 - Why car washes keep popping up
07:46 - The hotel boom and tourism demand
13:49 - Local growth, tourism, and community identity
20:53 - Local businesses vs. national chains
32:34 - Childcare, wages, and unmet community needs
35:32 - The Hardees site and the new Mountaineer Tavern concept
40:21 - Why some properties have high turnover
50:36 - Traffic, access, and development constraints
61:27 - Lightning round and final takeaways

Thank you for tuning in and supporting the podcast. Be sure to follow, share, and if you leave a review, comment or question for us, it makes us smile!

James and Jamie welcome David Jackson, President & CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, as the first guest on the Boone Tea Podcast.

David joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about what makes Boone unique, how Appalachian State University shapes the region, the challenges and opportunities facing local development, and the industries driving the High Country's future growth. Along the way, he shares insights on economic development, community identity, affordability, innovation, and what it takes to build a healthy local economy.

Takeaways

• Boone's character is shaped by its strong sense of community, distinct identity, and natural beauty.
• App State is a major driver of the region's economy, culture, and innovation ecosystem.
• Sustainable growth in Boone requires balancing modernization with preservation of the community's character.
• Economic development depends on a healthy workforce, reliable infrastructure, and housing affordability.
• Strong partnerships between local government, businesses, educational institutions, and residents are essential to long-term success.
• Emerging industries, particularly healthcare and life sciences, present significant opportunities for economic growth in the High Country.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing David Jackson
• 05:31 Boone's Community and Identity
• 16:32 App State's Growth and Impact
• 21:46 Development Needs in Boone
• 33:54 Misconceptions About Developers
• 41:33 Growing Industries in Boone
• 46:47 Attracting Healthcare and Life Sciences Companies
• 52:14 Defining a Healthy Local Economy
• 01:15:32 Lightning Round of Community Insights

Quick Links

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

NCInnovation

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, consider following the show and leaving a rating or review—it helps more people discover conversations about Boone and the High Country.

James covers his experience at the ICSC Vegas convention, networking at the event, and conversations with retailers.

This episode delves into the different types of commercial real estate and specialized roles that brokers can have. We discuss various types of commercial real estate transactions, including leasing and sales. It explores the complexities of leasing, the different types of leases, and the valuation of commercial properties. Additionally, it highlights the challenges and the importance of relationships in the commercial real estate industry.

Takeaways

• Different types of Commercial Real Estate
• Commercial Real Estate Transactions
• Specialized roles in Commercial Real Estate
• Understanding the different types of leases, such as gross lease, modified gross lease, and triple net lease, is crucial in commercial real estate.

Chapters

• 00:00 ICSC Vegas Convention
• 14:31 Types of Commercial Real Estate
• 22:16 Roles in Commercial Real Estate
• 30:23 Appraisers and Lenders
• 39:11 Types of Commercial Real Estate Transactions
• 55:02 Valuation of Commercial Properties
• 01:03:42 Challenges and Relationships in Commercial Real Estate

If you enjoyed this episode we would appreciate you leaving us a five star rating or sharing with a friend. We welcome questions or suggestions for future episodes. Until next time.

The episode covers a range of topics related to retail real estate, and the factors influencing the presence of specific retailers in Boone. It also delves into the use of data analytics to understand consumer behavior and make informed retail decisions. The conversation delves into the retail landscape of Boone, North Carolina, exploring the factors that influence the success and viability of retail businesses in the area. It provides insights into the demographic fit, market dynamics, and the challenges faced by retailers in tertiary markets.

Takeaways

• Understanding consumer behavior and demographic data is crucial for making informed retail decisions.
• Demographic fit is a crucial factor for retailers in tertiary markets.
• Retailers in smaller markets need to consider factors such as population, income, and logistics for success.

Chapters

• 05:07 Why Certain Retailers Won't Come to Boone
• 13:06 Franchisee-Franchisor Relationship and Retail Real Estate
• 19:31 Understanding Retailer Presence and Consumer Behavior
• 30:32 Data-Driven Retail Decision Making
• 38:43 Retail Landscape of Boone, NC
• 43:43 Retailer Selection and Market Dynamics
• 50:56 Construction Costs and Retail Development
• 56:42 Local Business and Community Needs
• 01:03:37 Future of Retail in Boone, NC

James is heading to ICSC Vegas, the Superbowl of retail real estate. If you are going out there and want to connect, feel free to reach out via email or social media. You can find his contact information at www.appalachiancre.com.

The conversation delves into the vibrant and diverse landscape of Downtown Boone, covering its attractions, eateries, projects, and the impact of the North Carolina Main Street Program. It also explores the role of the Downtown Boone Development Association and the Municipal Service District, as well as the area's economic vitality. The conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and retailers, as well as the flexibility and unique offerings of downtown retailers.

Takeaways

• Downtown Boone is a vibrant and diverse hub with attractions, eateries, and projects that contribute to its economic vitality.
• The role of the Downtown Boone Development Association, the Municipal Service District, and the North Carolina Main Street Program is crucial for the success and growth of Downtown Boone.

Chapters

• 00:00 Welcome to Downtown Boone
• 05:08 The Green and Wilcox Building
• 10:19 The Main Points of the DBDA
• 16:27 Howard Street Revitalization Project
• 22:34 First piece of Boone Tea

Show Notes:

• For more information on Downtown Boone, NC go to www.downtownboonenc.com
• Boonerang is June 19-21, 2026 and for more information go to www.boonerangfest.com

Welcome to Boone Tea! This podcast aims to address complex commercial real estate issues and explain why they matter to Boone residents and business owners. The conversation delves into the dynamics of real estate supply and demand, the impact of construction costs on housing, economic factors affecting housing development, policy and regulatory frameworks for housing development, and the concept of micro housing as a solution to housing needs.

Takeaways

• Challenges of the housing crisis
• Impact of interest rates on housing
• Affordability and availability of housing
• Real estate supply and demand
• Impact of construction costs on housing
• Economic factors affecting housing development
• Policy and regulations in housing development
• Micro housing as a solution for housing needs

Chapters

• 00:00 Introductions | Housing Market Trends
• 30:56 Real Estate Supply and Demand
• 36:24 Impact of Construction Costs on Housing
• 42:12 Economic Factors Affecting Housing Development
• 50:20 Micro Housing as a Solution for Housing Needs