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/

What if your tenants were nationally recognized brands, and your real estate investments practically ran themselves?

Tom Rauen breaks down the power of net lease investing and how he built a $55M commercial real estate portfolio featuring tenants like Starbucks, Arby's, and FedEx.

From market trends to lease structures, Tom shares why this focused strategy offers stability, simplicity, and serious long-term potential. He explains how long-term leases, strong credit profiles, and a hands-off management style make this asset class attractive, especially in markets like Iowa.

Whether you're scaling up or shifting strategy, Tom delivers a practical, focused perspective on building wealth through commercial real estate.

🧠 Tom Rauen's Top 5 Takeaways:
•Why net lease assets offer stable, passive income with less day-to-day management.
•How national tenants reduce risk and boost long-term investment confidence.
•Why the current market is full of opportunity thanks to increased inventory and aging ownership.
•How focusing on Iowa creates a streamlined and manageable investment approach.
•Why understanding lease terms and tenant quality is essential for evaluating property value.

👤 About Tom Rauen:
Tom Rauen is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, and community builder based in Iowa. He is the founder and CEO of 1-800-Tshirts.com (a 3× Inc. 5000 company) and the owner of Rauen Capital, where he has grown a $55 million net lease real estate portfolio featuring tenants such as Starbucks, Applebee's, Jimmy John's, and FedEx.

Tom is also the founder of Fast Food Landlord, co-owner of Dimensional Brewing Company, and a partner in the iconic Field of Dreams movie site. Known for his innovative mindset and love for legacy-focused investments, Tom continues to build both community and capital with every deal he touches.

Contact Info:
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/fastfoodlandlord

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrauen/

Website | https://rauencapital.com/

What happens when a football-playing teacher trades the classroom for construction?

Andrew Long shares his journey from coaching and seminary to custom homebuilding, property management, and multifamily investing. With a background rooted in service and strategy, Andrew unpacks how vision, partnerships, and adaptability have shaped his success across multiple real estate lanes.

Andrew dives into lessons learned from managing single-family and multifamily assets, how he's used partnerships to scale, and why understanding market dynamics is key to staying competitive. He also talks about mindset, networking, and his commitment to building a business with long-term impact.

🧠 Andrew Long's Top 5 Takeaways:
• How teaching laid the foundation for Andrew's leadership in real estate and construction.
• Why Alair Homes was built to deliver quality custom homes and value-driven renovations.
• How market shifts pushed Andrew to explore multifamily and creative deal structures.
• Why partnerships and multiple investment models open new doors for growth.
• How clarity, consistency, and community drive long-term success in real estate.

👤 About Andrew Long:
Andrew Long is an accomplished real estate investor, licensed contractor, and real estate agent with over a decade of hands-on experience across multiple sectors of the industry. He is the founder of a successful luxury custom home and renovations company, where he has combined construction expertise with sharp real estate insight to deliver high-quality projects and guide clients through seamless transactions.

In addition to residential work, Andrew has expanded into ground-up development, with a focus on build-to-rent and multifamily investments. Over the past year alone, he has produced $5.5 million in real estate deals by leveraging his operational systems, market knowledge, and commitment to strategic growth. Andrew brings a unique blend of boots-on-the-ground experience and business leadership to every project, and remains passionate about helping others find success in real estate through education, mindset, and execution.

Contact Info:

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/andrew.long.39566

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/along5503/

What if the most misunderstood asset class in real estate was also one of the most stable?

Joanne Stevens brings decades of experience in mobile home parks to this episode, sharing how she's seen the industry evolve, the stigma it still fights, and why institutional investors are now taking notice.

Joanne unpacks key revenue drivers, investor trends, and the nuances of managing communities in a way that builds value without alienating residents

From lot rents to zoning battles, she breaks down what makes this niche both challenging and full of opportunity. If you've ever overlooked mobile home parks, Joanne makes a strong case for taking a second look.

🧠 Joanne Stevens' Top 5 Takeaways:
• How mobile home parks offer one of the last affordable housing options in many markets.
• Why institutional investors are moving into manufactured housing, and what that means for operators.
• How the stigma around mobile home living impacts value and perception.
• Why careful rent increases and community-focused management are key to long-term success.
• How strong partnerships and deep industry knowledge can unlock overlooked value.

👤 About Joanne Stevens:
Joanne Stevens is a nationally recognized expert in mobile home parks and manufactured housing. As a broker, consultant, and former community owner, she's helped clients across the U.S. maximize the value of their parks, ranging from 30 to nearly 500 home sites.

She has served in leadership roles with the Manufactured Housing Institute, the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association, and the Urban Land Institute, and has decades of hands-on experience in development, zoning, management, and sales. Joanne is a go-to advisor for owners, operators, and investors navigating the evolving world of mobile home communities.

Contact info:

Email | joannestevens@iowarealty.com

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-stevens-36642426/

What does it take to turn a flooded bank into a luxury, mixed-use anchor in downtown Des Moines?

Jesse Bunney, General Manager at Lawmark Capital, shares the inside story of the Mezzo on Walnut project, from redevelopment hurdles and $12 million renovations to 209 luxury apartments and game-changing leases.

With deep experience in asset management and a mindset built on persistence, Jesse walks through the vision, grit, and community partnerships it takes to pull off one of the city's most ambitious downtown transformations.

🧠 Jesse Bunney's Top 5 Takeaways:
• How a $10/hour job at Chick-fil-A helped Jesse rebuild his career and align with his purpose.
• Why persistence and empathy became the foundation for leading complex real estate projects.
• How mixed-use momentum is redefining downtown Des Moines.
• What it takes to balance construction, leasing, and tenant needs, without losing your mind.
• Why every building is a business, and success comes down to people and process.

👤 About Jesse Bunney:
Jesse Bunney is the General Manager at Lawmark Capital, where he leads asset management, development strategy, and operations for over 1 million square feet of commercial real estate, including the landmark Mezzo on Walnut project in downtown Des Moines. Originally from Miami, Arizona, Jesse's path has taken him from commercial brokerage at CBRE to leading redevelopment for Lawmark's growing portfolio. His career spans asset management, leasing, ground-up redevelopment, and relationship-first leadership.

Known for his hands-on approach and passion for people, Jesse has helped reshape downtown Des Moines through strategic vision, deep local partnerships, and a commitment to making every project better than the last.

Contact Info:

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jbunney

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebunney/

Are high-end rentals really worth the work?

After 15 years in real estate, Mark Lane has found his niche. And it's not where he started.

Mark shares how his business evolved from flipping to wholesaling, and why certainty, simplicity, and smart marketing drive his strategy. He discusses how effective marketing fuels deal flow, why higher-end rentals became a new focus, and how vision and personal growth are baked into his business goals.

With a focus on lean operations and long-term relationships, tune in to hear one of Des Moines' most active investors unpack what it takes to stay profitable and purposeful in today's market.

Mark Lane's Hard-Earned Insights:
• How wholesaling created a leaner, more predictable business model with better margins and less risk.
• Why the real value in real estate is made at the time of purchase, not at the sale.
• How investing in better-quality rentals has elevated Mark's portfolio and tenant experience.
• Why marketing is the heartbeat of successful investing and the key to consistent deal flow.
• How personal growth, clear vision, and strong relationships have fueled Mark's long-term success.

👤 About Mark Lane:
Mark Lane is a seasoned real estate investor based in Des Moines, Iowa, with over 15 years of experience buying, selling, and holding residential properties. A former factory worker at John Deere, Mark left the assembly line in 2010 to pursue a more purpose-driven path in real estate. Since then, he has bought and sold hundreds of homes, becoming one of the leading house buyers in the Des Moines metro.

Mark's business today focuses on high-margin wholesaling and quality rental properties, with an emphasis on community impact, efficient systems, and personal development. He's passionate about helping homeowners out of difficult situations, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating safe, affordable housing. Mark lives by the motto:
"Work hard, do good, and live well."

Contact Info:

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/buymyrehab