The Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition

On this episode on The Crossman Conversation CEO Edition, Domenic Lanni (L3 Capital) reveals why brick-and-mortar retail is thriving and shares essential advice for young professionals: master soft skills, network intentionally, find your passion, and embrace calculated risks for career success.

In this episode of the Crossman Conversation, John Crossman sits down with Dante Royster, founder of Epic Mortgage and author of THE ULTIMATE MORTGAGE GUIDE. Dante shares his profound insights on navigating the real estate market, the critical importance of self-auditing, and how to build a lasting legacy through deep relationships and a "giver’s gain" mindset. Whether you are a young professional...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition, John Crossman sits down with Sal Tarsia, Managing Partner at Castle Green Finance, to discuss today’s complex real estate market and the role of CPACE financing in helping projects move forward. Sal shares insight on inflation, interest rates, construction costs, and how green energy financing can provide affordable capital for commercial...

John Crossman sits down with Mark Khuri, CEO and co-founder of SMK Capital Management, to discuss today’s commercial real estate market, why Mark believes this is one of the best entry points in years, and how investors can find opportunity in mispriced assets. He also gives powerful advice for young professionals on building a network, giving value first, and paying attention to the details that...

Camilo Varela is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Second Horizon Capital and former Managing Director at Equity International, specializing in impact-driven real estate transformation and global investment strategy.

John Crossman welcomes Dr. Josh Harris back to the Crossman Conversation CEO Edition for a timely discussion on the 2026 ICSC Conference, retail real estate trends, interest rates, consumer confidence, and the strength of today’s market. Harris shares why the industry feels positive despite economic uncertainty, why retail space remains in high demand, and how leaders can face fear while continuin...

Sam Ankin joins John Crossman to discuss retail real estate fundamentals, Southeast growth markets, AI’s impact, and career advice for young professionals. 

Brad Hutensky, Founder & CEO of Hutensky Capital Partners and former ICSC Worldwide Chairman, joins John Crossman to discuss why retail real estate remains resilient, how constrained supply is shaping investment opportunities, and what young professionals must learn to succeed in the industry. Brad shares lessons on honesty, relationships, leasing fundamentals, time management, and navigating mark...

In this episode of Crossman Conversations CEO Edition, John Crossman interviews Tony D’Ambrosio, Vice President of Acquisitions & Dispositions at Big V Property Group. Tony shares insights from more than two decades in retail investment real estate, including how institutional partnerships are reshaping open-air shopping center strategy across the Sunbelt, Midwest, and Mountain States. He explains...

ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee joins John Crossman to discuss why retail real estate is stronger than ever, the myth of the “retail apocalypse,” and how physical stores power today’s omnichannel economy. Drawing on decades of leadership experience at Deloitte and ICSC, McGee shares insights on data-driven decision-making, navigating industry disruption, and what young professionals need to succeed...

In this episode of Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition, John Crossman sits down with Brian Seidensticker, founder of Last Best Partners, to explore how today’s uncertainty in commercial real estate is creating new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Brian explains why “chaos creates opportunity” in shifting markets. He shares how his firm partners with real estate operators who have stro...

In this episode, John Crossman and Dr. Joshua Harris explain why the ICSC Conference is the “center of the universe” for commercial real estate each year. They share strategies for students, young professionals, and executives to maximize networking, schedule high-value meetings, and move stalled deals forward. Crossman emphasizes the importance of setting clear conference goals and executing a fo...

In this episode of Crossman Conversations CEO Edition, John Crossman interviews Najla Kayyem on how strategy, relationships, and communication are shaping success in today’s commercial real estate industry. Najla explains, “The market is really rewarding strategy,” highlighting the importance of disciplined positioning and stakeholder alignment. She also advises young professionals to “do what you...

In this episode, John Crossman talks with Dr. Joshua Harris about the biggest shifts shaping commercial real estate in 2026. Dr. Harris explains why success today requires realistic expectations, flexible strategy, and disciplined capital planning, and why mixed-use development is gaining renewed credibility across markets. He also shares insights on migration to smaller towns, shifting investment...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman talks with Matt Lavinder, founder of New Again Houses Franchising, about how affordability pressures and limited housing inventory have reshaped residential real estate markets nationwide. Lavinder explains why today’s investors must specialize, execute at a high level, and create measurable value through strategy, construction quality, a...

In this CEO Edition of The Crossman Conversation, host John Crossman speaks with Tom Pedulla, Head of Real Estate Investments at Gordon Brothers, about commercial real estate investment strategy, leadership, and career growth in today’s evolving CRE market. With more than 35 years of experience managing debt and equity real estate investments across the United States and Canada, Tom shares insight...

On this episode of The Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition, host John Crossman sits down with national real estate leader Scott Onufrey, Executive Vice President at Peaceable Street Capital. With more than 30 years of experience and over $1 billion in investments led, Scott shares expert insights into today’s commercial real estate landscape. From the continued strength of retail to the challenges...

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation – CEO Edition, host John Crossman speaks with Joshua Harris about how students and young professionals can build successful careers in the real estate industry. Dr. Harris shares practical advice for those interested in commercial real estate careers, explaining the different paths students can take—from brokerage and development to research, investment...

in this episode of The Crossman Conversation CEO Edition, John Crossman welcomes Andy Hunt, Executive Director of the Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership at Marquette University and former institutional investor at Prologis. Andy shares leadership advice for emerging professionals, why collaboration wins, and why one principle remains true in every market cycle: Showing up is undefeated. A...

In this CEO Edition conversation, John interviews Christopher Conlon, Chief Executive Officer of WPG, to discuss the future of retail real estate, REIT strategy, and leadership in today’s market. With more than 30 years of experience — including leadership roles at Acadia Realty Trust and partnership at Ripco Real Estate Corporation — Chris shares practical insight on investing, industry relations...

In this CEO Edition of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman interviews Greg Michaud, Head of Real Estate Finance at Voya and FSU College of Business Hall of Fame inductee. Greg breaks down the current commercial real estate market, capital markets conditions, interest rates, and what investors should expect in the next real estate cycle. He also shares leadership insights and career advice for...

On this CEO Edition of The Crossman Conversation, Chris Merriewether breaks down the growth of the industrial real estate market, shares perspectives from leading EQT Real Estate's Atlanta office, and talks about his desire to make a lasting impact in the communities he serves through his nonprofit.

Angela Healy shares how she’s reshaping the traditional idea of selling a home—challenging owners to consider alternatives like renting, short-term rentals, and long-term wealth strategies. In this CEO Edition episode, Angela also discusses her influence on developing the next generation of leaders and how forward-thinking decisions today can create lasting impact beyond a single transaction. BIO:...

In this CEO Edition of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman sits down with Collete English Dixon, Executive Director of the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University. After a distinguished career leading national investment management, Collete is now focused on mentoring and developing the next generation of real estate leaders in one of America’s greatest cities. She s...

On this CEO Edition John Crossman sits down with Dr. Josh Harris, Senior Vice President of CrossMarc Services, to discuss his new book on the concept of 30-minute cities. Dr. Harris shares his insights on urban planning, community design, and how thoughtful city layouts can improve quality of life, accessibility, and sustainability. His discussion offers a forward-thinking perspective for professi...