Shows
Ten with Ben030 // Leasing Shifts and Market Insights with Kathleen BertrandBen is joined by Kathleen Bertrand of Transwestern for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the Chicago office market. They reflect on their parallel 20-year careers in commercial real estate and how market cycles — and downtown activity — are shifting again. They discuss how deal momentum is returning, particularly among smaller tenants, and how Gen Z is helping fuel the shift back to in-office work. Bertrand also shares why landlord flexibility and creative deal-making are more important than ever in a high-cost, fast-moving environment.2025-05-0819 minTen with Ben029 // Deals, Demand & the Office Market ReboundBen is back with another episode of Ten with Ben, exploring the recent momentum in the commercial real estate market. Leasing velocity is up, transaction volume is rising, and distressed assets that once seemed stagnant are now trading hands. Post-election stability and renewed business confidence have fueled this shift, as companies gain clarity on their long-term office strategies. The return-to-office movement is no longer just a talking point with many firms solidifying in-person work policies, with some even requiring five-day attendance. Landlords are responding by enhancing assets with premium amenities to attract and retain tenants. As deal flow accelerates...2025-02-2713 min
Thinking Talmudist Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh WolbeEp 69 - Biblical Underdogs: Lessons in Humility (Sotah 5a)Can arrogance truly be equated with idolatry? Explore the intriguing parallels between arrogance and the Asherah tree, a symbol of idol worship, as we draw insights from Talmudic teachings, specifically Tractate Sotah 5a. Reb Elazar's compelling comparison sets the stage for a deeper understanding of how arrogance disrupts our connection with the divine, much like leavened bread contrasts with the humble matzah of Pesach. Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner's teachings further reveal how unchecked arrogance might challenge God's sovereignty, urging us to remain vigilant against its insidious influence.Join us as we highlight humility's pivotal role amidst prosperity, contrasting...2025-01-0649 min
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast CollectionTalmudist: Biblical Underdogs - Lessons in HumilityCan arrogance truly be equated with idolatry? Explore the intriguing parallels between arrogance and the Asherah tree, a symbol of idol worship, as we draw insights from Talmudic teachings, specifically Tractate Sotah 5a. Reb Elazar's compelling comparison sets the stage for a deeper understanding of how arrogance disrupts our connection with the divine, much like leavened bread contrasts with the humble matzah of Pesach. Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner's teachings further reveal how unchecked arrogance might challenge God's sovereignty, urging us to remain vigilant against its insidious influence.Join us as we highlight humility's pivotal role amidst prosperity, contrasting...2025-01-0649 minTen with Ben028 // Reflecting on 2024 and Optimism for 2025On this episode of Ten with Ben, Justin Kessler, Nathan Meissner, and Lauryn Sussman join Ben to reflect on a productive 2024 for the tenant rep team at Bradford Allen. The team discusses the uptick in tenant activity, surprising stability in office space needs, and the late-year momentum in deal-making. They also highlight how flexibility from ownership groups has created opportunities for tenants despite market challenges. Looking ahead to 2025, the team shares their optimism for continued market growth and new opportunities as the market adapts.2024-12-1616 minTen with Ben027 // Market Shifts and OpportunitiesIn the latest episode of Ten with Ben, Ben Azulay reflects on the year so far, highlighting consistent deal flow and how companies are renegotiating leases to take advantage of current market conditions. He discusses the recovery of distressed properties, with lenders and landlords working out solutions, and questions the real value of amenities in office buildings. Looking ahead, Ben is monitoring how these trends will shape the market through the end of 2024and into 2025.2024-09-1212 minTen with Ben026 // Meet Aghfar ArunIn the latest episode of Ten with Ben, Ben Azulay dives into the world of hotel realestate with Aghfar Arun, Director, Hospitality at Bradford Allen. Aghfar discusseshis journey into hospitality and the intricacies of acquiring hotel properties,emphasizing the importance of brand affiliation with major players like Hilton andMarriott. He also explores the specialized challenges of converting propertiesin the hotel sector compared to other real estate markets. The conversationalso touches on the impact of the pandemic on operations and the disruptionintroduced by competitive platforms like Airbnb.2024-06-0626 minTen with Ben025 // Meet Jimmy SarnoffIn the latest episode of Ten with Ben, Ben welcomes Jimmy Sarnoff, Managing Partner at Sarnoff & Baccash, to discuss the intricacies of property taxation in Chicago. They dive into how recent changes by the City’s Assessor have impacted property assessments and taxes, particularly highlighting the triennial reassessment cycle and various tax-saving strategies. Jimmy offers insights on leveraging property tax incentives for commercial and residential developments, and the potential benefits of converting commercial properties to residential to revitalize Chicago’s LaSalle Street. This episode provides crucial advice for navigating the complex landscape of property taxes and making informed real esta...2024-04-1814 min
Congressional Dish290: Israel War Money: What’s Already LawAfter an unprecedented embassy bombing followed by an unprecedented drone and missile attack, Israel and Iran may have us on the brink of WWIII. In this episode, as Congress and the Biden administration ponder additional support for Israel, we take a look at what has already been approved for Israel in the 2024 defense authorization and funding law. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use yo...2024-04-181h 10Ten with Ben024 // Meet Aaron LetseizerThis episode of Ten with Ben features Aaron Letzeiser, co-founder of Obie, who discusses the innovative ways his company is simplifying the insurance process for real estate investors and owners. Aaron shares insights on how Obie leverages technology to offer rates instantly and provide transparent insurance options, making the process more manageable and empowering for investors. Aaron’s journey from selling insurance in college to revolutionizing the insurance buying experience for real estate investors highlights the episode’s theme of innovation and adaptation in the real estate world.2024-03-0715 min
Salesology® - Conversations with Sales Leaders075: Ben Azulay – Mentoring New HiresGuest: Ben Azulay Guest Bio: Since joining Bradford Allen as an associate in 2004, Ben has made significant contributions to the firm. In 2015, Ben became a Principal due to his hard work, dedication, and vested interest in the direction of the company. While he specializes in representing office tenants in Chicagoland and nationwide, Ben has also had great success representing landlords in a variety of real estate transactions. His expertise in assisting commercial office clients with operational, qualitative, and financial structuring allows Ben to easily identify problem areas and craft smart, client-specific real estate s...2024-01-0734 minTen with Ben023 // Work Family In this special episode of Ten with Ben, Ben is joined by Justin Kessler, Nathan Meisner, and Lauryn Sussman for a compelling conversation on their unique team dynamics and experiences in real estate. The episode focuses on the team’s strong bond as they navigate various aspects of the industry together. Justin shares insights from a notable microbrewery deal, while Nathan reflects on adapting strategies during the pandemic and Lauren speaks to her development within the team’s nurturing environment. Together, they offer an optimistic but cautious outlook of the market headed into 2024. The episode wraps up with a frien...2023-12-1516 minTen with Ben022 // Opportunities in the MarketTen with Ben is back to showcase the "power of the ask." Today's market is all about seizing opportunities through creative negotiation. Current conditions present unique opportunities for tenants to renegotiate leases and for landlords to showcase their financial stability as a major strength. Ben offers actionable insight to both tenants and landlords on how to navigate the market effectively, from securing favorable lease terms to arranging unexpected perks.This week, Ben gets candid about the lessons he's learned over twenty years in real estate—and how the best advice always transcends the business. As a proud Am...2023-11-1013 min
Specks of LightTalking about Israel with Shaiel Ben EphraimI had the privilege to speak with Shaiel Ben Ephraim, who is a prolific writer and podcaster, about the situation in Israel, the war with Hamas, our feelings as Jewish people who live in Israel and outside of it, and what's it like being a Jew in this new global atmosphere. We've also have a live discussion with members from the audience on various topics related to this.
Enjoy!2023-10-311h 28Ten with Ben021 // Wrapping Up Q3 2023In this week's episode, Ben reflects on his two-decade-long journey as a tenant rep broker, shares current market conditions, and identifies recent challenges the industry is facing. From the bustling Fulton Market district to new activity throughout the Loop, get an expert view on what's shaping Chicago's office landscape. Post-pandemic, the deals may be smaller, but leases are being signed. Ben also touches on the perseverance of brokers, the importance of location to tenants, and just what makes Chicago such a dynamic and resilient city.2023-10-2710 minTen with Ben020 // Brian Dovalovsky, Asset ManagementBen sits down with Bradford Allen's head of asset management, Brian Dovalovsky.2023-08-2017 minTen with Ben019 // Meet Rob HealyIn our latest Ten with Ben, we sit down with longtime property manager Rob Healy, Vice President and General Manager at CIM Group, L.P. to discuss the vital role of property management and why they’re too often an unsung hero in getting deals done. As a former property manager at the BMO Harris Bank building, Rob also shares his thoughts on the planned revitalization of LaSalle Street and the challeneges of redeveloping its infrastructure for multifamily. Catch the full show to learn more about Rob and hear his take on current trends and market conditions.2023-04-2019 minTen with Ben018 // State of the MarketIn our latest Ten with Ben, we sit down with BA’s own Dan Fernitz and Justin Kessler to discuss the state of the market. What were the big trends in 2022? Will they carry over to 2023? What’s next for the flight-to-quality, the return-to-office, supercharged amenities, suburbs vs downtown, foreclosures, and distress. With over a century’s worth of cumulative market knowledge at the table, the conversation was wide-ranging, well-informed, and chock full of insights. 2023-01-2638 minTen with Ben017 // Meet Eric JanssenThis week, we meet with Eric Janssen, president and founder of Chicago Real Estate Resources (CRER), a full-service commercial real estate firm with a focus on investment, retail, and office leasing and a fellow Chicago affiliate of TCN. Eric is an award-winning and well-traveled real estate professional with a multitude of diverse experiences under his belt and has been working in the Chicago market for over three decades. Expertly weathering the challenges in today’s market, Eric’s optimism encourages his brokers to adapt to the changes and persevere, noting “it always comes back.”2022-12-0117 min