Market volatility.
Geopolitical tensions.
Regulatory changes.
Interest rate fluctuations.
Rising construction costs.
Tightening debt markets.
The list continues…
Navigate the rugged terrain of today's ever-evolving commercial real estate investment landscape with a 360° view from the top. Peaks & Portfolios: Presented by PEG Companies summits a new peak each week, exploring current events and headlines, trends, issues, and opportunities impacting the CRE investment space. Scale to new heights in your investment journey with host Rachel Oh and leading experts as they trek toward the promise of prosperous portfolios here in the Mountain West region and beyond.
Tune in now and elevate your CRE investment game!
The ROI of Art in Architecture: Designing for Better Returns
Years ago, a young sculptor named Jory Morgan Walker helped shape the design of iconic Las Vegas landmarks like the Luxor, Paris, and Mandalay Bay through his fine arts expertise. Today, that same classically trained artist leads one of the West’s most prominent architectural firms, Beecher Walker Architects, blending art, technology, and architecture to create top-performing spaces for commercial real estate investors. Walker shares how to harness the power of design and functionality to boo...
30 Jan 2025
2025 Economic Outlook: Insights from Cushman & Wakefield
From a new presidential administration to surging demand for data centers, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. In this episode, we sit down with James Bohnaker, Senior Economist at Cushman & Wakefield, for an economic outlook with insightful forecasting for the year ahead. James unpacks key factors—including potential tax changes, the economic ripple effects of deregulation, and shifts in immigration—offering expert insights into what lies ahead. Tune in for a nuanced look at the opp...
5 Dec 2024
Building Through Bonds: Innovative Financing Strategies in Real Estate
Brad Andrus and Lauro Garcia share innovative financing strategies in real estate, revealing how downturns can create prime buying opportunities through alternative financing methods.
7 Oct 2024
Office Exodus: Tackling Double-Digit Vacancies and Negative Absorption
With double-digit vacancies that are the worst on record in many markets, commercial real estate investors are faced with the challenge of navigating negative absorption in the office sector. While the Mountain West region has acted as a buffer, avoiding some of the harsher realities facing first-tier markets, we remain in the thick of what real estate mogul Brandon Fugal dubs a "character-building cycle." In this episode, we sit down with the Chairman of Colliers International to explore the...
1 Aug 2024
Impact Investing: Leveraging Tax Credits for Affordable Housing
Can innovative urban development turn the tide on housing scarcity? Through an engaging discussion on public-private partnerships and debunking myths of unattractive low-income housing, we explore tax credits and other effective tools for structuring successful affordable housing investments. In this week's episode, we're delving into one of the most pressing issues of our time and discussing innovative funding methods for those looking to make an impact.
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18 Jul 2024
Soaring Insurance Costs: When Will Investors Find Relief?
Since 2016, the CRE insurance market has faced turbulence due to natural disasters and rising capital costs. This week's episode with Ted Brown, President and Partner at Lockton Companies, breaks down the impact of skyrocketing insurance rates on deals. Ted explains how underwriters initially priced for low catastrophe risk, but consecutive severe weather events led to increased rates. However, there is a silver lining! Tune in to find out when he believes rates will stabilize.
Want to Get In Touch? Send us a text message! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2317731/open_sms)
20 Jun 2024
Why Utah's Real Estate Market Is Booming
Get the inside track on Utah’s booming real estate market with our latest episode of Peaks and Portfolios. Join us as we welcome Kip Paul, Michael King, and JT Redd from Cushman & Wakefield, who bring their expert insights into the rapid growth and investment opportunities along the Wasatch Front. Learn why Utah consistently ranks as the best overall state in the U.S. and how its population growth and strong performance metrics create a compelling environment for commercial real estate. You won't want to miss Kip, Michael, and JT's strategies for navigating this dynamic market.
Discover how Utah's multifamily sector is handling low transaction velocity and a widening bid-ask gap, and what volatile capital markets mean for investor sentiment. Our guests delve into the surprising resilience of Utah’s office market amidst national downturns, attributed to cultural shifts and the migration of companies and workers to the Western states. Gain a deeper understanding of how evolving office space utilization trends and the potential long-term changes to the traditional workweek could impact future investments.
Explore significant growth areas like Salt Lake City's downtown and granary markets, with a record delivery of new units and promising opportunities for developers. From the undersupply of hotel developments to the conversion of hotels into multifamily units, we examine the shifting landscape of Utah's hospitality sector. Kip and his team also provide a seasoned perspective on Utah’s market resilience, comparing the current economic climate to past downturns and offering practical investment strategies. Tune in to find out why Utah stands out as a prime investment destination and how you can capitalize on its robust and diverse real estate market.
Want to Get In Touch? Send us a text message! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2317731/open_sms)
13 Jun 2024
How AI is Revolutionizing Commercial Real Estate
What if your next real estate decision could be guided by AI? Tune in as we explore some game-changing innovations in Prop Tech. Discover how recent advancements are making property management more seamless than ever, from virtual tours to app-based laundry systems, to vehicle vending machines, and much more. We also delve into the exciting future of AI in real estate, from automating routine tasks to predicting equipment failures. This episode is packed with insights into how technology is revolutionizing the real estate landscape, while also cautioning listeners about the potential risks and threats it poses in today's environment.
Want to Get In Touch? Send us a text message! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2317731/open_sms)
30 May 2024
Hot off the Press: An Analysis of CBRE's New American Cities Report
The urban landscape is ever-evolving, a living entity that responds to the ebbs and flows of societal changes, economic pressures, and now more than ever, the impact of a global pandemic. As city planners and real estate investors grapple with these shifts, insights from thought leaders like Julie Whelan of CBRE become invaluable. Just yesterday, CBRE published an intriguing new report unveiling the intricacies of urban transformation and growth, providing a roadmap for what the future might hold for various cities across the United States. In this week's episode, we sit down for an exclusive interview with Whelan, one of the key masterminds behind the report, for a deep dive into CBRE's recent findings. Learn about the essential elements that contribute to a thriving city, from economic dynamism to responsive governance. Whelan's expertise provides a comprehensive guide for making cities more vibrant, resilient, and inclusive places. Tune in for a rich discussion that promises to reshape how we think about urban development in the post-pandemic era.
Check out CBRE's report on the future of US cities here (https://www.cbre.com/insights/books/shaping-tomorrows-cities).
Want to Get In Touch? Send us a text message! (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2317731/open_sms)
23 May 2024
The Investor's Compass for Thriving Amidst Real Estate Challenges with PEG Companies Co-CEO Garett Bjorkman
Discover the undercurrents of private credit within the real estate sector, as I, Rachel Oh, alongside Garett Bjorkman, co-CEO of PEG Companies, reveal how modern financial landscapes are sculpting new opportunities for investors. With the aftermath of the financial crisis still looming, we dissect how private credit firms are filling the gaps left by banks' liquidity mismatch with transitional real estate assets. Garett's expertise, paired with his personal journey from bustling Shanghai to the serenity of Utah, lends a worldly perspective to the evolving trends in global and domestic real estate investment.
Amidst the ebb and flow of the multifamily real estate market, we unravel the strategic advantages of conservative lending and the resilience it breeds in uncertain times. In a climate where some peers buckle under the weight of over-leverage, our approach stands as a bastion of stability, emphasizing the significance of maintaining strong banking relationships. As we navigate through the quagmire of market distress signals, from the hushed handover of office assets to the bracing for elevated interest rates, we elucidate why now might be the most opportune moment for the shrewd investor to seize on inventive financing solutions like preferred equity and mezzanine loans.
The conversation delves into the promising yet challenging world of select service and extended stay hotels, shining a light on the real estate niches that yield handsome returns, albeit with less fanfare than their luxurious counterparts. We also journey through Utah's residential boom, examining the unique blend of geographical constraints and the lasting echoes of the 2008 crisis, shaping the market's trajectory. Garett and I also tackle the intricate task of curating affordable luxury developments that harmonize community needs with lucrative investor returns. Join us on Peaks and Portfolios for a dialogue that ascends the usual chatter, offering fresh insights and strategies for navigating the real estate landscape.
23 May 2024
Riding the Wave of Opportunity with Newly Appointed PEG Companies Co-CEO Garett Bjorkman
In today's episode, we dive into how modern financial landscapes are sculpting new opportunities for investors with newly appointed PEG Companies Co-CEO Garett Bjorkman. With the aftermath of the financial crisis still looming, we dissect how private credit firms are filling the gaps left by banks' liquidity mismatch with transitional real estate assets. Garett's expertise, paired with his personal journey from bustling Shanghai to the serenity of Utah, lends a unique perspective to the evolving trends in global and domestic real estate investment. In the multifamily real estate market, we delve into the advantages of conservative lending practices and the importance of maintaining strong banking relationships. Turning to the hospitality sector, the episode shines a spotlight on select service and extended-stay hotels as an area ripe with potential for higher yields. The conversation wraps up by touching on the delicate balance of developing affordable luxury residential projects that meet community needs while ensuring investor returns, foreshadowing some of PEG's new investment strategies on the horizon.
17 May 2024
Strategies for Thriving in Economic Uncertainty with WaFd Bank CEO Brent Beardall
As waves of economic uncertainty crash over us, Brent Beardall, CEO of WaFd Bank, joins us as our beacon, guiding through the fog of financial markets and real estate currents. Our latest candid talk sheds light on the resilience of banking relationships in times of economic stress, diving into the impact of recent bank upheavals on the industry. Brent's personal testament of overcoming a plane crash not only adds a layer of human resilience to the discussion but also underlines his unique perspective on leadership and the importance of deep connections in both life and business.
Peering through the lens of Brent's expertise, we unravel the complexities of commercial real estate investments, scrutinizing the risks associated with different property types and locales. The bank's century-old strategy of high equity portfolios offers a masterclass in economic endurance, as we also forecast the most promising regions for real estate investments. Furthermore, our conversation ventures into the peculiarities of current economic indicators, including the prolonged inverted yield curve's implications and the Federal Reserve's tightrope walk to foster growth amid volatile government spending.
Finally, our dialogue meanders through the evolving tapestry of urban retail and the potential hidden in the downturns of prime real estate markets. Listeners will find stories of revitalization and strategic growth as we detail WaFd Bank's expansion into new territories and the lasting impact of community pillars like WaFd Bank in Seattle. Join us on Peaks and Portfolios for a deep dive into the stories, trends, and expert insights that shape the financial and real estate worlds we navigate.
17 May 2024
Setting the Record Straight: WaFd Bank CEO Brent Beardall Debunks the Misconceptions of Today's CRE Landscape
With a 'personal vendetta against Chicken Little,' WaFd Bank CEO Brent Beardall is on a mission to debunk the misconceptions surrounding today’s CRE landscape. This week’s episode provides a unique perspective on the resilience of banking relationships during economic stress, highlighting the persistence of high inflation and the repercussions of last year's bank upheavals. Beardall’s candid commentary, combined with his personal account of surviving a plane crash, enriches our understanding of leadership and connectivity in business. Our conversation delves into the peculiarities of current economic indicators, such as the prolonged inverted yield curve and the Federal Reserve’s delicate balancing act to foster growth amid volatile government spending. Beardall also offers an insightful forecast on the most promising regions for real estate investments from a banker’s viewpoint, and we conclude the episode with major news updates from WaFd Bank. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
9 May 2024
Build-for-Rent Boom: Navigating The Rise of Purpose-Built Single-Family Rentals
With the U.S. in the grips of a significant housing shortage and a societal shift toward rental living, build-for-rent [BFR], also known as build-to-rent [BTR], is the fastest-growing sector in commercial real estate. In this week's podcast episode, David Bourne, Director of Investments at PEG Companies, sheds light on this emerging asset class and how it's set to redefine the residential landscape. Pointing out intriguing economic underpinnings of the BFR segment, Bourne discusses how performance metrics of single-family rental markets align with traditional multifamily properties, with rental appreciation rates and operating costs debunking initial assumptions. Moreover, financing in the BFR sphere has witnessed a paradigm shift, with major banks and investors growing as comfortable with BFR as they are with conventional multifamily lending. The conversation evolves to point out some of the leading brands in the BFR space including Christopher Todd Communities and Alante Homes. From the completes of financing these properties to how to manage them, this week's episode stands as a testament to the CRE industry's ability to adapt and meet the demands of the modern 'renter by choice.'
25 Apr 2024
Workspace to Homeplace: The Rise of Office Conversions and How to Pull Them Off
In a real estate market grappling with high office vacancy rates and a dire need for housing, this episode highlights a groundbreaking algorithm that could shift almost a third of office buildings toward much-needed residential housing. As we uncover the complexities of office-to-residential conversions, Gensler Principal Steven Paynter shares the secret to assessing a building's convertibility, from its location and age to its architectural quirks. The conversation navigates the economics of space optimization in a post-pandemic era and extends personal reflections on tackling these projects across differing market sizes, such as the unique challenges faced in Salt Lake City. Wrapping up a journey through the adaptive reuse landscape, we touch on the broader implications of this real estate revolution. Deliberation on the economic underpinnings, including cost efficiency, incentives for affordable housing, and policy impacts, offer a 360-degree view of how these projects are reshaping places we live, work, and play.
18 Apr 2024
A Guide to JVing the Right Way
With a passion for real estate investing, specifically in the multifamily space, the CEO of GoBundance Women Mandy McAllister left her successful career in medical sales to achieve financial independence and ultimately help others to do the same. This week's episode shines a light on McAllister's joint-venture partnerships strategy—the driving force behind her success. McAllister reflects on the importance of having aligned visions with partners and how she utilized her reputation to secure her first significant multifamily property amid a global pandemic. Rounding off our conversation, Mandy looks ahead, contemplating the evolving real estate market and sharing her disciplined approach to investment. She offers predictions on upcoming economic shifts and how they might unveil fresh opportunities for savvy investors. McAllister's story is not only an investment roadmap but a heartfelt narrative of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship.
11 Apr 2024
Decoding the Debt Markets: Lessons Learned from Financial Crises of the Past
Learn to leverage debt strategically in any market cycle with Devin Jolley, esteemed debt markets expert and President of Davidson Companies / Davidson Family Office. With a wealth of experience adapting to the seismic shifts in real estate banking through the years, Jolley walks us through the intricacies of navigating several financial upheavals through the lens of a commercial banker, starting with The Great Financial Crisis all the way through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discover how various crises of the past have reshaped risk management in the banking sector, shifting the focus from deal-making to a more cautious approach. This episode illuminates the need for professionals to recalibrate their strategies for risk assessment and deal structuring in today's landscape, marked by heightened scrutiny and prudence.
Today, as we unpack the recovery journey of financial institutions post-pandemic, our expert sheds light on the resurgence of community banks in lending and the resultant shifts in the regulatory landscape. Finally, we wrap up with real estate market trends and predictions, offering commercial real estate investors expert insights into securing favorable loans in today's ever-evolving debt landscape.
4 Apr 2024
The State of the Economy: Insights and Predictions with CBRE's Global Chief Economist
Featuring the renowned CBRE Global Chief Economist/Head of Global Research Richard Barkham, this episode of Peaks & Portfolios: Presented by PEG Companies offers a panoramic view into the unexpected economic strength of 2023 and what it means for 2024. Barkham discusses the surprising GDP growth in the fourth quarter, fueled by government interventions and stimulus measures that mitigated a banking crisis and supported construction activity. These actions helped to dodge a potential economic downturn and provided a boost to the economy, demonstrating the resilient nature of the market. Looking ahead through 2024 and beyond, Barkham analyzes domestic migration and demographic trends across the United States and offers predictions around the economic outlook and upcoming opportunities for commercial real estate investors.
4 Mar 2024
When Will the Fed Pivot?
Joined by esteemed guest James Bohnaker, Senior Economist at Cushman & Wakefield, this episode dissects the anticipated Federal Reserve announcements set to shake up 2024. Bohnaker shares insights on the anticipated drop in rates and discusses the critical question: 'When and how will this pivotal shift play out in the market?' In a landscape riddled with interest rate highs and inflation concerns, we explore whether relief is on the horizon or if this is the new norm. Most importantly, when can investors expect rates to come down?
With $500 billion in debt coming due annually in the CRE sector, our expert sheds light on where savvy investors can uncover hidden opportunities amidst uncertainty. Discover the CRE sectors poised to outperform and those likely to struggle over the next several years.
Finally, Bohnaker unveils his bold prediction: the month he forecasts the Fed's first rate cut of the year. Don't miss this exclusive forecast that could shape your investment decisions in the months to come. Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of the commercial real estate market and uncover the insights you need to thrive in today's ever-evolving landscape.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
17,986
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
20 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
58
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
71
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