Advertise on podcast: NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

NAIOP is now CREDA, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. In this launch episode, host Drew Hess sits down with incoming chapter president Josh Westerberg (Mesa West Capital) to unpack what the rebrand means, what stays the same, and what's ahead for the Bay Area's premier commercial real estate organization. Josh shares his path from USC real estate student to 25-year CRE finance veteran, why he chose to build his career around this chapter, and his priorities for the year: continuity through the name change, sparking new ideas across 50+ annual events, and pushing an ambitious advocacy agenda, from San Francisco's housing ballot measure to energy policy for AI-driven data center demand. Plus, a story about getting stuck in a Capitol Hill elevator with a sitting congressman. Whether you're a longtime member or new to the industry, this episode is your guide to what CREDA does and why it matters now more than ever. ----more---- Timestamps 0:06        Welcome & the NAIOP → CREDA name change explained 0:39        Meet Josh Westerberg, incoming chapter president 1:04        Josh's background: 25 years in CRE finance, Mesa West Capital 2:38        Why Josh took on the presidency now 3:06        Stepping in during a rebrand: fresh start, not pressure 3:47        Chapter highlights: Best of the Bay, Real Estate Challenge, NorCal Symposium 5:16        Executive development programs & the 12-month cohort model 6:30        Advocacy through the Government Affairs Committee 7:37        The AI revolution's impact on Bay Area commercial real estate 10:06        Josh's priorities: continuity and creativity 13:03        Leading across 8 of 9 Bay Area counties 14:41        Top policy issues: housing, industrial, and energy 16:10        The DC trip — advocacy on Capitol Hill 16:52        The elevator story with a congressman from Pennsylvania 18:27        Why professionals should get involved with CREDA 20:00        How to connect: CREDASFBA.org

Fremont has become one of California's leading centers for advanced manufacturing, AI infrastructure, and industrial development. In this episode, Drew Hess sits down with Donovan Lazaro, Economic Development Director for the City of Fremont, to explore the city's remarkable growth story and the strategies helping it attract investment, create jobs, and support next-generation industry. From record leasing activity and advanced manufacturing to power infrastructure, robotics, and economic development, Donovan shares how Fremont's collaborative, business-friendly approach has positioned the city at the forefront of California's manufacturing future. The conversation also examines what it takes to compete for investment in today's market and why manufacturing remains critical to the long-term success of California's economy. ----more---- Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to Donovan Lazaro 1:35 – Fremont's Record Industrial Leasing Activity 3:20 – Manufacturing Roots and the Tesla Transformation 5:00 – Building a Culture of Economic Development 7:20 – Planning, Permitting, and Hazardous Materials Programs 10:45 – California Manufacturing and Industry Retention 12:00 – Fremont's Manufacturing Ecosystem 13:00 – AI Infrastructure and Server Manufacturing Growth 15:00 – Why Power Has Become Critical Infrastructure 18:45 – Working with PG&E and Microgrid Solutions 23:00 – Fremont's Competitive Advantage 24:30 – Industrial Development and Flexible Zoning 26:45 – Retail-to-Industrial Conversions 31:45 – Workforce Housing and Growth Challenges 33:30 – Office-to-Industrial Conversions 35:30 – AI, Robotics, and Fremont's Future 38:30 – What California Needs to Do Better 41:45 – Career Advice and Leadership Lessons 43:10 – Closing Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Minor, Senior Portfolio Manager at DWS, to talk about the long game in commercial real estate—and what it really takes to build a career that lasts. Catherine’s path didn’t follow a straight line. She started in civil engineering and construction, moved into development, and ultimately found her place on the investment side of the business, where she now leads portfolio strategy at the intersection of global capital and local market insight. Along the way, she made intentional pivots, navigated challenging market cycles, and learned how to recognize when something wasn’t the right fit. A central theme throughout the conversation is the idea of finding your “just right.” From roles that were “too hot” or “too cold” to the environments and opportunities that ultimately clicked, Catherine shares how trial, risk-taking, and self-awareness shaped her career. We also dig into what a portfolio manager actually does day-to-day, the realities of today’s fundraising environment, and where she’s seeing opportunity as the next real estate cycle begins to take shape. She offers a candid perspective on mentorship versus sponsorship, the importance of having true allies in your career, and how technology—especially AI—is beginning to influence the industry. It’s an honest and thoughtful conversation about growth, resilience, and building a career with intention in an ever-changing market.   Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & career overview 3:00 – Finding your “just right” 4:30 – Starting in construction 6:00 – Business school & career pivot 7:00 – Walking away from the wrong opportunity 8:00 – Finding the right fit 11:00 – Global Financial Crisis lessons 12:30 – Google & large-scale development 14:30 – Transition to investment management 15:00 – What a portfolio manager does 16:00 – Market conditions & fundraising 18:00 – Where the market is heading 19:30 – NAIOP & leadership 22:00 – Work culture & AI 25:00 – Lightning round & closing

​​2026 NAIOP SFBA Chapter President Jordan Angel joins host Drew Hess to share his vision for the year ahead, highlighting a renewed focus on in-person engagement, expanding multifamily participation, and supporting the next generation of industry leaders. He also discusses Bay Area market momentum, capital markets trends, and why he remains optimistic about the region’s future.

In this episode of the NAIOP SFBA Podcast, host Drew Hess sits down with Lydia Tan, a real estate leader whose three-decade career spans nonprofit affordable housing, institutional investment, large-scale mixed-use development, and professional sports. Lydia shares how her famously non-linear path—from architecture to BRIDGE Housing, Related California, Bentall Kennedy, the Oakland A’s, and now the Oakland Roots & Soul—has shaped her approach to development as both purpose-driven and financially disciplined. She reflects on what it takes to deliver high-impact public-private projects, why there is “no single right answer” in real estate development, and how understanding risk, community, and stakeholders is central to creating lasting places. The conversation explores Lydia’s leadership philosophy, her deep commitment to mentorship and teaching at UC Berkeley, and her current work helping build Oakland-rooted sports infrastructure that centers community, culture, and civic pride. Lydia also offers candid advice for emerging leaders, insights from decades of complex development work, and an optimistic vision for Oakland’s future.

In this episode, host Drew Hess sits down with Miles Treaster, President, Capital Markets, Americas, at Cushman & Wakefield. Miles shares his path from Sacramento and the “Buzz Oates school of industrial development” to leading one of the largest capital markets platforms in the world. He breaks down how pricing, risk, and investor psychology are shifting; why cash flow is back at the center of valuations; and where opportunities are emerging across office, data infrastructure, industrial, and senior living. The conversation also covers Bay Area dynamics, San Francisco’s renewed momentum, and the role of leadership, mentorship, and humanity in today’s AI-driven world. A concise, insightful listen for developers, investors, brokers, and emerging leaders navigating today’s commercial real estate market.

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Hargrove, President & CEO of the California Business Properties Association (CBPA), for a clear and high-level look at how advocacy shapes commercial real estate in California. Matt breaks down what’s really happening in Sacramento—from AB 98 and its cleanup legislation to CEQA updates, leasing bills, building code reforms, and the day-to-day work of navigating more than 2,500 bills each session. He also shares why member engagement matters, how to build meaningful relationships with policymakers, common misconceptions about advocacy, and why he remains optimistic about the future of CRE in California. Timestamps are included below to help listeners easily jump to the sections and policy topics most relevant to them. ----more---- 00:00 – Intro & CBPA overview 07:00 – How advocacy works in Sacramento 15:00 – AB 98 & the cleanup bill (SB 415) 23:00 – Leasing bills, SB 1103 & tenant protections 27:00 – CEQA, housing & building code reform 35:00 – Day-to-day wins & bill fixes 38:00 – What keeps Matt up at night 40:00 – How members can engage (time, talent, treasure) 45:00 – PACs & political involvement 48:00 – Optimism for California & CRE 51:00 – Misconceptions & closing

In this episode, host Drew Hess chats with Luke Ogelsby, Vice Chairman at CBRE and the San Francisco Business Times’ 2024 Broker of the Year. Luke reflects on the evolution of commercial real estate, the unstoppable rise of AI, and why he’s doubling down on San Francisco’s future. He shares lessons from early career struggles, the power of resilience, and how his personal values continue to shape a purpose-driven approach to business and leadership. A must-listen for anyone navigating today’s CRE landscape with long-term vision.

In this episode, host Drew Hess sits down with Linda Hothem, Owner and CEO of Pacific American Group, to explore her remarkable journey from social work to becoming a leading force in industrial real estate. Linda shares the founding story behind Pacific American, her pivotal role in shaping the Port of Oakland’s trade infrastructure, overcoming personal tragedy, and her continued legacy through mentorship, philanthropy, and sustainability. It’s a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and innovation in the Bay Area’s evolving commercial real estate landscape.

In this episode of the NAIOP SFBA Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, speaks with Matt Field, Vice Chairman at TMG Partners, in a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, strategy, and creating value in today’s complex real estate landscape. With over three decades of experience shaping the San Francisco Bay Area skyline, Matt shares lessons from transformative projects like 680 Folsom, PG&E’s Oakland HQ, and Landmark at One Market. He discusses the role of thoughtful deal structure, why asking *“why” not “what” leads to better outcomes, and how transparency and alignment are keys to lasting partnerships. We also dive into: What AI and changing demand mean for the future of San Francisco real estate The importance of mentorship and cracking doors open for the next generation How to find your “superpower” and operate in flow Why you should never bet against San Francisco Plus, Matt reflects on his personal journey—from early lessons at Catellus and Sedway Consulting to following the Grateful Dead on tour—and the people and moments that shaped his approach to life and business.

In this episode of the NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area Podcast, host Drew Hess, Principal at Layline, sits down with 2025 Chapter President Adam Voelker, Market Leader and Principal at Trammell Crow Company. From industrial to life sciences, Adam brings a purpose-driven approach to leadership—and in this conversation, he shares his personal and professional vision for the year ahead. You’ll hear Adam’s thoughts on collaboration across chapters, elevating NAIOP’s Executive Development and YPG programs, and why building strong political action committees is essential to the future of Bay Area real estate. We also go beyond the boardroom—Adam opens up about his love for basketball, his go-to espresso habit, and how mentors shaped his leadership style. 💬 What You’ll Learn: Why collaboration between NAIOP chapters matters more than ever The power and purpose behind a strong PAC How regional momentum is shifting in the Bay Area market Leadership advice for the next generation of real estate professionals Personal insights from Adam’s journey across Southern California, D.C., and the Bay Area 🛠️ Whether you’re in development, investing, or just passionate about the future of commercial real estate, this episode offers sharp insights and a human connection to the industry we love.----more---- 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to stay in the loop on market trends, leadership conversations, and the policies shaping our future. — 🔗 Learn more about membership and upcoming events at NAIOPSFBA.org 📱 Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram ⭐ Don’t forget to like, review, and share this episode with your network!

In this insightful episode, host Drew Hess chats with Co-Founder and Managing Partner at SKS Partners, Paul Stein, who shares his journey in the real estate industry, highlighting the cyclical nature of the market, his experiences in leasing and development, and the importance of collaboration. From groundbreaking projects in San Francisco's South of Market area to his foray into biotech, Paul discusses the challenges, lessons, and strategies that have shaped his career.

In this episode, Drew Hess, co-founder of Layline,LLC, joins the podcast to discuss his journey in the commercial real estate industry, focusing on industrial investments. Drew shares his extensive career path, from starting at Arthur Andersen to working with notable firms like AMB Property and Prudential Real Estate Investors. He explains the founding principles of Layline, emphasizing their focus on the Bay Area's industrial sector and their goal to bring institutional experience to a local level. Drew provides insights into the current industrial market trends, challenges posed by rising interest rates, and the impact of COVID-19 on e-commerce and supply chains. He also highlights the importance of mentorship, work ethic, and building strong industry relationships. PLUS Drew will be the new host of the NAIOP podcast!

In this episode, host Dave Karol, Managing Director at Ridge Capital Investors, sits down with the NAIOP SFBA's esteemed 2024 President, Briana DeHaan, Senior Vice President at Northmarq. Briana brings to the table her extensive experience in commercial real estate financing, having orchestrated over $2 billion in debt and equity transactions, and her visionary leadership for the SFBA chapter. Briana shares her strategic vision for NAIOP SFBA in 2024, highlighting her commitment to enhancing educational programs and amplifying government affairs initiatives. Listeners will gain insights into her plans to expand Real Estate Insiders (REI) programming, foster professional growth through the Young Professionals Group (YPG), and navigate the political landscape affecting the commercial real estate industry.

In this engaging episode, host Dave Karol sits down with James Goddard of Wareham Development to delve into the nuances of the Bay Area's life science real estate market. Learn about Wareham's targeted approach to high-barrier markets, how they've adapted to the shifting venture capital landscape, and why nurturing long-term tenant relationships is key. Goddard provides a frank look at Wareham's development strategies, their resilience across market cycles, and imparts practical advice for those in the industry. Join us for a conversation brimming with expert insights and a touch of humor from a seasoned pro.