Place Shapers

Justin Marshall, President of Property Services at Fogelman Properties, joins Todd Fidelman to talk about scaling a multifamily operator toward 50,000 units without going rigid or corporate. They get into why private ownership changes how Fogelman operates, why every asset gets its own strategy instead of a standardized playbook, and how reputation has quietly become one of the clearest signals of...

Host Todd Fidelman sits down with Stephanie Orton Lynch , Merrick Creative's new Chief Growth Officer, for a conversation about what she has learned across a career spent shaping how people experience the places they live, work, shop, and gather. From Nordstrom to The Greenbrier to her most recent role at Tri Pointe Homes, Stephanie shares what surprised her about crossing over to the developer si...

In this episode of Place Shapers, host Todd Fidelman sits down with Chris Clifford, retail broker and developer at Cast Capital Partners, to explore what it really takes to transform the way people experience a place — from the ground up. They discuss the philosophy behind the Cliff, a $72 million adaptive reuse project turning a former Henderson office campus into an open-air, experience-first re...

In this episode of Place Shapers our host, Todd Fidelman, sits down with Noel Carson, VP of Marketing and Creative Director at Bozzuto, to explore how genuine connection and thoughtful design shape every experience — from brand storytelling to the feeling of home. They discuss balancing creativity and consistency, building emotional resonance in multifamily spaces, and how art, design, and even sc...

This week on Place Shapers, producer-turned-guest-host Ryan Strohl sits down with friend and former colleague, Joanne King—a legend behind the scenes whose agency career spanned decades, disciplines, and more than a few unforgettable moments. From fax machines and paste-up boards to brand launches and operational wizardry, Joanne shares the evolution of agency life through her sharp wit and sharpe...

In this episode of Place Shapers, host Todd Fidelman welcomes Neil Kumar, seasoned real estate developer and strategic mind behind some of the most thoughtfully designed communities in the D.C. region. Together, they unpack the virtues that drive long-term development—courage, patience, and intelligence—and which truly deserves the captain’s seat when building for the future. From navigating decad...

From metro-topping towers to campus-cool student digs, John Clarkson has seen (and steered) residential developments of every size and shape. As Senior Managing Director for Greystar Development Services, he leads innovative, landscape-shifting projects across the Mid-Atlantic—and still finds time to geek out over site plans and Spanish poetry. Join us as John shares inspirational wisdom gained ov...

In this special conversation, host Todd Fidelman welcomes advertising veteran Harry Merrick for a compelling conversation about the evolution of marketing, leadership, and legacy. As the co-founder of Merrick Towle—now Merrick Creative—Harry helped shape one of the real estate industry’s most influential creative agencies. Though recently retired after 40 years at the helm, Harry continues to supp...

Place Shapers, dives into the often radical origin stories of real estate’s most prized residential and mixed-use communities—many of which have become thriving hubs, cultural landmarks and rejuvenators of entire geographies.  The Place Shapers podcast is made for ambitious professionals who love bold ideas and fresh perspectives, and is part of the Merrick Studios family, alongside Unglossy: Deco...