Shows
Real Estate LegendsJoe Smazal
If you listen to the end, you will hear what a Legend really is, humble and hard working everyday. Here is an accomplished professional who has gratitude and his feet on the ground. I truly forgot his age while we talked. His youth is countered by his old soul, and that is who Joe is as a person. He shares his perspective and how he grew into who he is today. Like many, it did not start in real estate. Joe opens up and gives you a thoughtful story and discussion on his real estate life as a pro an...
2025-12-1800 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastBecoming The $5 Billion Broker: No Lambos Just Listings with Jeff LoweIn this episode of Real Estate Chicago Style, host Joe Smazal sits down with Chicago residential heavyweight Jeff Lowe of the Lowe Group at Compass, on location in a 3,000 sq ft authentic loft conversion in the West Loop. With nearly $5 billion in career sales volume, Jeff breaks down how he built one of the most productive residential practices in the city, why he still genuinely enjoys the grind, and what it really takes to stay at the top of the game for two decades.
2025-12-091h 11
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastBrokering Luxury Retail: Inside Chicago's Premier Retail Brokerage with Elan RasanskyYouTube Description:
Join host Joe Smazal for an insider's look at Chicago's high-end retail real estate with Elan Rasansky, partner at Canvas Real Estate. Discover how a boutique brokerage competes with national giants like CBRE and JLL while representing the world's top luxury brands and restaurant groups.
In this episode, Elan reveals:
How Canvas built relationships with brands like Sweet Green, Louis Vuitton, and top restaurant groups
The 11-year journey to bring Toca Madera to Chicago's Fulton Market
Inside details on the massive $7 billion United Center development project (1901 Project)
Why location isn't everything—it's se...
2025-11-061h 09
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastNate Ernst on Adaptive Reuse & Why Chicago's Downtown is Just Getting StartedIn this episode of Real Estate Chicago Style, host Joe Smazal sits down with Nate Ernst, founder and principal of Envoi Partners, to discuss his journey from acquiring distressed properties in the wake of the Great Financial Crisis to developing over 520 residential units in Chicago's Loop.
Nate shares the story behind founding Ernst Development Company post-2008, where he acquired and repositioned over 40 properties before partnering with attorney and capital markets expert Corey Faulkner to form Envoy Partners.
The conversation dives deep into their philosophy of adaptive reuse—taking underutilized assets and transforming them into spaces th...
2025-10-201h 10
Straight Up Chicago Investor$1 Billion in Real Estate Sales with Chicago Podcaster Joe SmazalJoe Smazal, Senior Managing Partner of Interra Realty, has over a decade of experience selling mid-market apartment buildings and recently surpassed $1 Billion in transaction volume! Joe kicks things off by sharing the genesis and overview of his "Real Estate Chicago Style Podcast"! He reflects on his career's progression and highlights that have led him to crossing the $1 billion mark in total transaction volume. Joe dives deep on the market trends for Chicago's North Side including prime neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Joe closes with takeaways from some recent personal transactions and provides an optimistic outlook on...
2025-10-091h 05
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastRegina Stilp on Chicago Development, Mag Mile Revival & $4.9B in ProjectsJoin us for an insightful conversation with Regina Stilp, founding principal of Farpoint Development, one of Chicago's most innovative real estate development firms. Since co-founding Farpoint in 2016, Regina has spearheaded development projects totaling $4.9 billion across the Midwest and Southeast, including transformative Chicago landmarks.
In This Episode:
Regina shares her journey from traveling the world (Japan, London, adventure tours across America) to becoming a key player in Chicago real estate. Starting at Sterling Bay in 1996 when it was just four people, she helped grow the company through landmark projects including Google's first Midwest headquarters at 1000 West...
2025-10-061h 04
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastChicago's Affordable Housing Needs An Overhaul - Guest: Collette English-DixonJoin host Joe Smazal for an in-depth conversation with Collette English Dixon, Executive Director of the Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate at Roosevelt University and the first African American woman to lead a higher education real estate program in the US.
In this episode, Colette shares her remarkable journey from accidentally stumbling into real estate at a college job fair to becoming a leader with 30+ years of investment management experience at PGIM Real Estate (Prudential Financial). She discusses:
️ How Chicago compares to other major markets - "all the things New York has without the ha...
2025-09-211h 01
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastInside Cushman & Wakefield: From Career Beginnings to Major Deals in Chicago with GoogleIn this episode, we sit down with Tom Sitz and Cody Huntertmark from Cushman & Wakefield, one of the world's largest commercial real estate services firms, to dive deep into their professional journeys and get an insider's look at high-stakes commercial real estate.
What We Cover:
How Tom and Cody built their careers and landed at a top-tier commercial real estate firm.
The unique challenges and opportunities in commercial real estate Behind-the-scenes insights into major deal-making processes
The career defining Google building deal in Chicago
What it takes to succeed...
2025-09-0447 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastBuilding A $300M Portfolio | The good neighbor unpacks his 25-year experience investing, having fun, & giving back - Ron AbramsJoin host Joe Smazal for an entertaining and insightful conversation with Ron Abrams, owner of Silver Property Group and one of Chicago's most successful multifamily investors. With over 25 years in real estate and 30+ years as an attorney, Ron has built an impressive portfolio of 1,500+ units across 120+ buildings throughout Chicago's north and northwest sides.
What You'll Learn:
How Ron transitioned from practicing law to building a 1500 unit real estate empire
Why he shifted from value-add renovations to acquiring larger, stabilized properties
The secrets behind his successful equity raises with Chicago investors ($22M and $45M deals)
His contrarian...
2025-08-191h 11
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastThe Healthcare Real Estate BLUEPRINT - The Commercial RE Firm Keeping the Pulse of Skilled Nursing.Join us for a conversation with Ben Firestone, CEO and Co-Founder of Blueprint Healthcare Real Estate Advisors, the leading advisory firm exclusively focused on Senior Housing and Healthcare real estate as he takes us from his beginnings at Marcus & Millichap to founding his own firm with $15B sold.
Since founding Blueprint in 2013, Ben has driven the company's rapid growth and innovative approach, leveraging deep market expertise and analytics to lead over 800 transactions valued at more than $15 billion.
With nearly two decades in the seniors housing and care industry, Ben shares his vision for healthcare real...
2025-08-0559 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastThe Revivalist Chicago Hotel Brand | The Neighborhood Hotel Founder Jonathan GordonJoin us for an exclusive conversation with Jonathan Gordon, Founder and CEO of The Neighborhood Hotel, a growing boutique hospitality brand rooted in community, comfort, and character.
In this episode, Jonathan shares:
The inspiration behind launching The Neighborhood Hotel in 2020.
How he merges historic architecture with contemporary design across Chicago neighborhoods—Lincoln Park, Little Italy, and soon West Loop—and in Michigan.
His philosophy of “lasting luxury”: thoughtful amenities, local partnerships, and a home-away-from-home vibe Stories behind the design choices—from heirlooms turned art to custom blankets and curated coffee experiences.
The...
2025-07-211h 02
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastJourney to #1 Broker - What Hustle in Real Estate Looks Like w/ Matt LaricyJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Matt Laricy, Chicago’s TOP real estate broker and managing partner of Americorp Real Estate.
A third-generation realtor and lifelong Chicagoan, Matt has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods, relentless work ethic, and commitment to professionalism.
In this episode, we dive into the lost art of professionalism and determination, exploring how Matt’s journey from starting with zero clients to becoming Chicago’s #1 top-producing agent was fueled by grit, discipline, and a passion for his craft.
Matt shares candid insights on what...
2025-06-1658 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastFunding $10 Billion in Rehab & Construction Loans - Kevin Werner's Chicago Startup Unicorn: RenovoJoin us for an exclusive interview with Kevin Werner, CEO and Co-Founder of Renovo Financial, as we dive deep into the incredible growth story of one of the nation's fastest growing rehab and construction lenders.
Kevin, recently named CEO of the Year by the National Private Lenders Association, shares insights on how Renovo has expanded from a Chicago-based startup founded in 2011 to a national powerhouse with local lenders in over 15 markets across the country and over $10B earned.
Renovo's motto is "We lend where we live" and they process hundreds of loans weekly in the...
2025-06-021h 08
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastLeasing Iconic Class A Office Space in Chicago - with Matt PistorioJoin us for an engaging conversation with Matt Pistorio, founder of Madison Rose, a dynamic Chicago-based real estate firm revolutionizing agency leasing.
Discover how Madison Rose has breathed new life into commercial properties, earning accolades like the 2018 NAIOP Chicago Award for Excellence for a landmark Walgreens lease at the Old Post Office.
Matt shares insights on navigating the evolving office market, his passion for philanthropy through the Madison Rose Foundation, and innovative strategies that have raised over $490,000 for Casting for Recovery.
2025-05-141h 21
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastReal Estate Success is SERVICE - Chicago's Sal Becovic on Building a Legacy of Community InvestmentOur podcast with Sal Becovic, President of Becovic Management Group, is packed with value for the aspiring real estate investor who wants to build a legacy focused on service.
Becovic is a family-owned real estate firm with deep roots in Chicago's North Side. Since taking the helm in 2003, Sal has expanded the company's portfolio from 400 to over 2,000 units, emphasizing community investment and sustainable growth .
In this episode, Sal shares:
The importance of doing as much yourself you possibly can and immersing yourself in the real estate, living among residents, etc.
The...
2025-04-281h 32
Straight Up Chicago InvestorCurrent Chicago Apartment Sales & Leasing Trends with Joe Smazal & Ann Reilly (NSBC Live Event)Tom and Mark interview Joe Smazal of Interra Realty and Ann Reilly of Westward360 during NSBC's Live Event! Conversations range from leasing trends to handling evictions and the state of the multifamily market in 2025. This show is full of valuable insights from two heavy hitters in the Chicago Multifamily Real Estate market! If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Guest: Joe Smazal & Ann R...
2025-04-1740 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastApartment Lease-Up Mastery in Multiple States - Cross Street's Shane RachmanToday's guest Shane Rachman is leading one of the fastest growing new real estate brands that bridges the gap between property management and high-speed lease-ups.
Cross-streets goal is to add value at every step of the multi-family process, from design and branding, to leasing with a high-level of service.
His old school approach is more person-to-person rather than relying on automation.
In this episode we talk about new apartment and amenity trends and the finer points of leading a large leasing team.
Joe Smazal - Interra Realty jsmazal@interrarealty.com
2025-04-141h 04
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastMake It Beautiful - Value Add Development Through Design - Gabe Horstick - Founder of Base 3Gabe Horstick is Founder and CEO of Base 3 (Real Estate Development Group), which was formed in 2021. Gabe Horstick has been passionate about real estate since acquiring his first building at just 23 years old. He founded Campbell Street Asset Management in 2008 and later established Base 3 Development, which now owns and manages 650+ multifamily units. Over the years, Gabe has successfully developed and rehabilitated properties throughout Chicago, building and managing assets exceeding $300 million in total value. His deep knowledge of construction and design has allowed him to create high-quality living spaces that attract discerning renters. In addition to real estate, Gabe co-founded...
2025-04-0156 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastProperty Management Empire Through Grit - Getting to 10,000 Units with Peak's Mike ZuckerMike Zucker spent his early days brokering apartments to make rent,
But he slowly came to the realization that by starting his own property management company (an unpopular decision) and combining his ability to develop investor relationships, he was able to scale his business to managing over 10,000 units.
Now Peak manages some of Chicago's largest residential buildings, and has scaled to over 200 employees.
In this episode we dive into his humble beginnings and what he looks for in a building as an investment.
2025-03-1945 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastAn Apartment Mogul's Journey - TJ Rubin Left Litigation to Create Fulton GraceTJ Rubin has established one of Chicago's top residential brokerage firms, with an emphasis on multifamily apartment complexes: Fulton Grace.
Over the years he has grown the team and earned numerous accolades on INC and Chicago Crain's Fast 50, among others.
Tooday we talk about his journey from litigation attorney to finding his true passion in creating relationships with investors, developing new talent, and developing software tools that provide formative investing education.
2025-03-1156 min
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastFrom Uber to Enterprise, Starting a Development Company from Scratch | Guest: AJ PattonAJ Patton tells his incredible story of leaving the 9 to 5 to start his own solar and development company, along the way he has lead large corporations like Lowe's and even the state of Illinois on how to impact real change in the most impoverished areas of Chicago
2025-03-031h 00
Real Estate Chicago Style PodcastYour First High-Rise Development Project - Mavrek CEO / Adam FriedbergAdam Friedberg comes from a real estate upbringing but his success is largely self taught. Taking his own risks, and being involved with every step of the development process. Now his company Mavrek is developing downtown high-rises where others are sitting on the sidelines.
2025-03-0356 min
Global Investors: Investing in U.S. Real EstateGI290: Selling Apartment Buildings with Joe SmazalJoe Smazal is a multifamily broker in Chicagoland who has personally sold over 240 properties, comprised of over 5,300 units, valued at over $940 million, focusing primarily on apartment buildings worth over $2 million.
Learn More About Joe Here:
Website: https://interrarealty.com/
Connect with the Global Investors Show, Charles Carillo and Harborside Partners:
◾ Setup a FREE 30 Minute Strategy Call with Charles:
http://ScheduleCharles.com
◾ Learn How To Invest In Real Estate: https://www.SyndicationSuperstars.com/
◾ FREE Passive Investing Guide: http://www.HSPguide.com
◾ Join Our Weekly Email Newsletter: http://www.HSPsignup.com
...
2025-01-1634 min
Real Estate for BreakfastReaching New Heights in Multi-Family Real Estate with Joe Smazal
In this episode of the Real Estate for Breakfast podcast, Ice Miller Real Estate Practice Group partner and host Phil Coover, sits down for a conversation with Joe Smazal, Senior Managing Partner at Interra Realty. Joe brings more than a decade of experience specializing in the sale of mid-market apartment buildings in Chicago. With nearly $1 billion in total property transactions under his belt, Joe discusses his journey in real estate, the nuances of Chicago’s vibrant housing market, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
The conversation kicks off with Joe reflecting on his career high...
2024-12-2446 min
Breneman Blueprint: Real Estate and Entrepreneurship PodcastJoe Smazal – Sales Expert & Multifamily Broker with $500M SoldJoe Smazal, Senior Managing Partner of Interra Realty, one of Chicago's top multifamily brokers, joins us on this episode today. This is one of our best episodes, but it came out very early in our podcast's existence. So we want to replay it for everyone here today.In today’s conversation, Joe and Drew discuss what buyers can do to set themselves apart in the competitive real estate market. Tune in and join the conversation as Joe shares valuable insights and strategies to make a mark as a buyer in today's dynamic landscape....
2023-11-291h 11
Street Smart Success370: Multifamily Assets In Steady Infill Markets Are Unparalleled For Capital Preservation And Low RiskIn highly desirable, steady markets not subject to excessive volatility, Real Estate values tend to hold and appreciate consistently over time, and are great, low risk capital preservation assets. One such market that has withstood the test of time is Chicago. Chicago remains a powerful magnet that attracts residents from all over the greater Midwest and beyond. Joe Smazal, Senior Managing Partner of Interra Realty, is one of Chicago’s top-producing Multifamily brokers in the $5-$15 million range and is building his own portfolio of Multifamily assets.
2023-10-1342 min
How to Scale Commercial Real EstateOpportunities for Investing in Chicago's Multifamily PropertiesToday’s guest is Joe Smazal. Joe is the most active broker in the sale of $2M+ apartment buildings in Chicago. Joe has personally closed over 200 properties, comprised of over 4,300 units, for a total consideration of over $725,000,000. Join Sam and Joe in today’s episode. -------------------------------------------------------------- Where did Joe start? [00:00:48] Opportunities in the Chicago real estate market [00:02:41] Considerations for investing in Chicago multifamily properties [00:07:54] Understanding Local Regulations [00:09:10] Challenges and Opportunities in a Competitive Market [00:10:27] Desirable Amenities and Property Types in Chicago [00:13:52]
2023-06-2821 min
Straight Up Chicago InvestorA Decade of Grinding and Succeeding on Chicago's Northside with Joe SmazalIt first took Joe Smazal of Interra Realty six years to sell $100M of multifamily real estate. Six months into 2022, Joe has already sold $100M of assets THIS YEAR ALONE! Joe explains how he left his stable day job to become a Chicago commercial broker, and the growing pains and hustle required to get started. He then speaks to the importance of developing relationships for increased deal flow and identifying areas of focus to become a trusted expert in your market. In classic SUCI fashion, Joe dives in at a street-level to define the boundaries of some n...
2022-07-2848 min
Breneman Blueprint: Real Estate and Entrepreneurship PodcastJoe Smazal, Top Multifamily Broker With an Update on Chicago Multifamily’s Strong YearJoe Smazal, a broker at Interra Realty, returns to the Rise and Invest podcast for our 26th episode. Joe joined the podcast for our pilot episode back in December 2021 and it is great to have him on the show again. He is one of the top multifamily brokers in Chicago with $600+ million in total career sales. In this episode, Drew and Joe continue their conversation from the pilot episode as they dive deeper into what is happening today in Chicago’s multifamily market. Joe offers great insights on current events including rising interest rates and upda...
2022-06-2847 min
Breneman Blueprint: Real Estate and Entrepreneurship PodcastDrew Breneman - $200M+ Real Estate Owner & Founder of Breneman CapitalOn this episode of the Rise and Invest Podcast, prior guest Joe Smazal flips the script on Drew and interviews him. They talk about Drew's origin story in real estate, and how he turned a duplex he purchased as a teenager to $200+ million worth of property over the past 15 years.Contact/Follow Drew Breneman:Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewbreneman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbreneman---The Rise and Invest Podcast is hosted by Drew Breneman, real estate investor and founder of Breneman Capital. Drew began his real e...
2021-12-151h 16
Breneman Blueprint: Real Estate and Entrepreneurship PodcastJoe Smazal - Sales Expert & Multifamily Broker with $500M+ SoldJoe Smazal, broker at Interra Realty, joins us on our first episode. He is one of the top multifamily brokers in Chicago with $500 million in total career sales. In this episode, we get into Joe's start in brokerage, his mentality and approach that lead to his success, maintaining relationships with buyers/sellers, how to win competitive deals as a buyer, personal branding, and more.Contact/Follow Joe Smazal:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesmazalInterra:https://interrarealty.com/team/jsmazal ---The Rise and Invest Podcast is hosted by...
2021-12-151h 07
Straight Up Chicago InvestorFrom Student/Tenant to 1,200 Units in Hyde ParkWhat's your unit goal? Is it 20...maybe 50? Well today's guest explains how his company amassed 1200 units solely in Hyde Park, (not including their north side portfolio). Nick Hollenkamp drops street-level advice on the different corridors of Hyde Park along with his ten year forecast for the neighborhood. Nick provides great soundbits on why you should never fully give up on a deal, which pockets of Hyde Park present opportunities for smaller sized investors, the benefits of student housing, and why it's important to develop strategic relationships. What a crazy good episode we have for you to...
2021-09-3040 min