What do population growth, construction costs, and classrooms have in common?

Mike Macri, CBRE Vice President and Iowa State professor, connects the dots between market trends, development strategy, and the next generation of real estate leaders. Mike unpacks what's really driving commercial real estate in Iowa and why education, economics, and execution matter more than ever.

Mike discusses the shifting demand toward suburban areas, the rise in construction costs, and the importance of strategic planning in today's interest rate environment. He also emphasizes the role of population growth in driving market health and the importance of training future professionals through Iowa State's MRAD program. Whether you're an investor, developer, or student of the game, Mike brings valuable insight from every angle.

🧠 Mike Macri's Top 5 Takeaways:
• Why suburban demand is reshaping office and industrial trends in Iowa.
• How rising construction costs and interest rates are impacting feasibility.
• Why smaller industrial footprints are gaining popularity in key markets.
• How population growth underpins long-term economic and real estate success.
• Why the MRAD program at Iowa State is critical for developing future real estate leaders.

👤 About Mike Macri:
Mike Macri III is Vice President at CBRE, an Associate Professor of Practice at Iowa State University, and a nationally respected voice in commercial real estate. With over 20 years of experience, Mike has completed more than 10 million square feet in leasing transactions and led nearly 2 million square feet of development projects. His strategic work spans national tenants, institutional investors, municipalities, and educational clients.

In addition to brokerage and development, Mike is an expert in economic development, serving as a consultant to cities, school districts, and regional growth initiatives across Iowa. As a professor, he helps shape the next generation of real estate professionals through Iowa State's Master of Real Estate Development (MRAD) program. Holding designations including CCIM, MRED, and CRE, Mike brings together academic insight, field-tested experience, and a people-first approach to every project.

Contact Info:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-macri-iii-ccim-mred-cre-5856bb231/

Website | https://www.cbre.com/people/mike-macri

What makes farmland one of the most overlooked, but resilient, asset classes in today's market?

Steve Bruere, President of Peoples Company, shares how his deep roots in agriculture and decades of experience in farmland transactions have positioned him at the forefront of one of America's most essential industries. From market anxiety to tech innovation, Steve breaks down what's happening in farmland now and what's coming next.

Steve unpacks how interest rates, commodity prices, and investor sentiment are shaping decisions, and why specialization in farmland transactions matters more than ever. He highlights the long-term value of owning land, the role of technology in farming, and the continued growth of the Land Investment Expo, a premier national event for investors and landowners.

If you've ever wondered how farmland fits into a diversified portfolio, this episode offers a clear, strategic perspective.

🧠 Steve Bruere's Top 5 Takeaways:

• How softer commodity prices are fueling investor caution, and opening up new opportunities.
• Why net lease-style investing with national tenants brings stability to ag real estate.
• How high-quality farmland offers long-term upside and inflation protection.
• Why specialization and transparency are critical in farmland transactions.
• How events like the Land Investment Expo shape the future of ag policy and investment.

👤 About Steve Bruere:

Steve Bruere is President of Peoples Company, one of the nation's top firms in farmland brokerage, management, appraisal, and capital markets. Since taking the helm in 2004, Steve has expanded the company's reach across 35 states, transforming it into a vertically integrated platform serving some of the largest landowners and institutional investors in the U.S.

Raised on a multigenerational farm in Iowa, Steve brings deep personal and professional insight to the ag real estate world. He is also the founder of the Land Investment Expo, American Farmland Owner, and co-founder of the International Ag Alliance and Farmland Capital Alliance. Through tools like FarmWorth and developments like Middlebrook, Iowa's first Agrihood, Steve is leading the charge in modernizing farmland investment, management, and sustainability.

Contact Info:
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebruere/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/stevebruere/

What happens when a family-first mindset drives a real estate career?

In this episode, David Gellerman of Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate reflects on nearly four decades in the business. He talks about starting in wholesale, finding his way into real estate through mentorship, and the evolution of Hawkeye into a trusted family-run firm focused on brokerage, investment, and property management.

David shares how strong relationships, a conservative approach to debt, and a focus on people over transactions have shaped his long-term success. He also offers insight into his vision for the next generation and why slowing down to enjoy the journey matters just as much as the growth.

🧠 David Gellerman's Top 5 Takeaways:
•How mentorship helped David transition from wholesaling into commercial real estate.
•Why Hawkeye Commercial focuses on depth over breadth, growing around key markets instead of stretching too thin.
•How relationships with clients, vendors, and tenants are the foundation of the business.
•Why conservative debt strategies keep the company resilient in changing markets.
•How culture, connection, and enjoying the moment fuel David's long-term vision for the company.

👤 About David Gellerman:
David Gellerman is a lifelong Quad Citizen and seasoned commercial real estate leader with over 38 years of experience. After graduating from Drake University, he joined his family's multi-industry businesses and now leads Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate, a full-service brokerage, investment, and asset management firm with offices in the Quad Cities and Coralville/Iowa City.

David has served as CEO since 2012 and chairman since 2019. He's actively involved in the community, holding leadership roles with the Quad City Area Realtors, Quad Cities Chamber, and Better Health Foundation, among others. He and his wife Rene live in Bettendorf and have five grown children.

Contact Info:

Website | https://thehawkeyegroup.com/