Fried on Business

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, communicate, and solve problems—but it also comes with new risks. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried explores a growing reality: AI is incredibly powerful, but it's also waiting to embarrass anyone who relies on it without careful review. Drawing from real-life examples and personal observations, Jim shares several stories...

As America celebrates another Independence Day, Jim Fried takes a break from discussing markets, real estate, and business strategy to share something more personal—a heartfelt tribute to the country that has shaped his life and career. In this special episode of Fried On Business , Jim reflects on the freedoms, opportunities, and values that continue to make America extraordinary. Drawing on memo...

Every successful real estate transaction begins with a critical question: what is the best way to structure the deal? In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with attorney Thomas J. Handler, Esq. to explore the legal, financial, and strategic considerations that drive effective real estate deal structuring. Thomas explains that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The ideal s...

Real estate markets are constantly evolving, but today's pace of change feels different. Higher interest rates, shifting consumer expectations, new technologies, and changing capital dynamics are forcing industry professionals to adapt quickly. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried explores what it means to successfully navigate change in an increasingly unpredictable marketplace....

In business, we talk constantly about culture, integrity, and purpose — but where do those values actually come from? In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with Rabbi Mendel Potash , Director of Midtown Chabad Miami, to explore how Jewish ethical tradition offers a powerful and practical framework for the way we work, lead, and build. Jewish ethics aren't abstract theolog...

The residential mortgage market has changed dramatically over the past few years, reshaping affordability, buyer behavior, and the path to homeownership. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried breaks down the current state of residential mortgages and explains what borrowers, homeowners, and real estate professionals need to understand in today’s lending environment. Jim begins by address...

Artificial intelligence is changing business faster than almost any technology in recent memory—and branding expert Bruce Turkel believes we are only at the beginning. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with Bruce to discuss how AI is transforming branding, creativity, communication, and competitive strategy across industries. Bruce explains that AI is not simply another to...

The housing market has become increasingly difficult for buyers, sellers, and developers alike. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried breaks down the key challenges shaping today’s residential real estate environment and explains why the market feels so strained across multiple levels. Jim begins with the issue dominating nearly every housing conversation: affordability. Rising interest...

As blockchain technology and digital assets continue to evolve, one challenge remains central to broader adoption: trust. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with Jeffrey Glusman, CEO of the Blockchain Deposit Insurance Corporation (BDIC), to discuss how insurance and risk management could help create a safer foundation for the future of crypto. Jeffrey explains why many inv...

Great cities are shaped by people who see what others miss—and have the discipline to bring that vision to life. In this special episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried pays tribute to Jeff Berkowitz, a Miami urban innovator whose leadership and insight helped influence the city’s growth and transformation. Jim reflects on Jeff’s approach to development, leadership, and long-term thinking. Rather...

Family offices have become one of the most influential sources of capital in today’s investment landscape—but their decision-making process often remains misunderstood. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried breaks down the key issues that drive how family offices evaluate opportunities, structure investments, and ultimately decide where to deploy capital. Jim explains that family office...

Zoning has always been one of the most powerful—and most underutilized—tools in real estate investing. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with Olivia Ramos, founder of DeepBlocks, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way investors understand and leverage zoning data. Disclosure: Jim Fried owns stock in DeepBlocks Olivia explains how DeepBlocks was buil...

For years, retail real estate was written off as the weakest sector in commercial real estate. E-commerce growth, changing consumer habits, and shifting tenant demand led many to believe that brick-and-mortar retail was in permanent decline. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried explains why that narrative has changed—and why retail has suddenly become one of the hottest sectors in toda...

No issue is impacting commercial real estate more right now than interest rates. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried breaks down why elevated borrowing costs have become the defining force reshaping the CRE market—and what investors, developers, and owners need to understand moving forward. Jim explains how high interest rates affect every layer of the market. Debt is more expensive,...

In a world filled with emails, texts, and endless notifications, one simple habit still stands out: returning phone calls. In this solo episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried explains why this small act of responsiveness carries significant weight in business relationships and long-term success. Jim shares how returning a call is more than just good manners—it’s a signal of professionalism, resp...

Education isn’t just about classrooms; it’s about the ecosystems that surround students, teachers, and families. In this episode of Fried On Business, I sit down with Marilen Marnett from The Education Fund to talk about how their work is transforming Miami-Dade County Public Schools. We dig into how creative programs, private-sector partnerships, and smart resource reuse are helping educators do...

Black swan events are, by definition, unpredictable—but their impact on markets, businesses, and individuals can be immediate and severe. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried explores how to survive—and position yourself during—these rare but powerful disruptions. Jim begins by explaining what makes a black swan event different from normal market volatility. These are not gradual shift...

Broadcast media is evolving quickly—and so are the facilities that support it. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with Andrew Ansin, CEO of CEO of Sunbeam Development and Sunbeam Television, to discuss how strategic real estate decisions are shaping the future of television operations in South Florida. Andrew shares the thinking behind relocating both WSVN Channel 7 and Mia...

Commercial real estate is undergoing a significant generational shift—and it’s happening faster than many expected. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried examines how generational change is reshaping leadership, ownership structures, capital allocation, and strategic priorities across the CRE landscape. For decades, many commercial properties have been held and operated by experienced o...

Before you negotiate a deal, lead a team, or make a major decision, there’s one conversation that happens first—the one in your own head. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried focuses on the power of positive self-talk and how internal dialogue shapes leadership, performance, and long-term success. Jim explains that most setbacks in business are amplified not by external events, but by...

Over the years, Jim Fried has collected a set of simple sayings that guide almost every business decision he makes. They aren’t complicated frameworks or buzzwords. They’re short, memorable phrases—easy to repeat, hard to ignore—that cut through noise and help him stay grounded when stakes are high. In this solo episode of Fried On Business , Jim shares many of his favorite business sayings and ex...

Real estate deals rarely fit neatly into a standard template. Markets shift, lenders tighten, costs rise, and suddenly transactions that once worked simply don’t pencil. In this solo episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried explains why flexibility and creativity have become essential tools for anyone operating in today’s real estate environment. Jim walks listeners through the idea that great dea...

Retail real estate has changed—but it’s far from dead. In fact, according to retail expert Rod Castan, the sector is stronger and smarter than ever when approached strategically. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with Rod to break down what’s really happening in today’s retail market and why experience, not just square footage, now drives performance. Rod explains how the...

Capital stacks rarely come together perfectly. Between senior debt, mezzanine financing, and sponsor equity, there is often a gap that can stall or kill otherwise strong deals. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried breaks down how family office equity is increasingly being used to solve that problem. Jim explains what a capital stack really is, why gaps form in today’s market, and how r...

Spirituality and business are often treated as separate worlds—but according to Rabbi Mendel Potash, they are deeply connected. In this episode of Fried On Business , Jim Fried sits down with Rabbi Potash of Chabad Midtown to explore how purpose, faith, and ethical responsibility shape the way we work, earn, and lead. Rabbi Potash explains that spirituality is not limited to prayer or study. Inste...