Inside the World of Luxury Spec Home Development with Pacific Luxury Partners - Roy Lhanie and Morry Sade

Today we have on the show two friends , Roy Lhanie and Morry Sade who together make Pacific Luxury Partners which is a premier real estate development firm specializing in high-end, design-driven spec homes across Southern California. 

Bios
Roy Lhanie
Roy is licensed REALTOR® since 2008, Roy is the driving force behind a top-producing team at Equity Union Real Estate. With deep roots in the San Fernando Valley and over $600 million in closed transactions. Roy leads a team of five agents out of Encino and Sherman Oaks, specializing in both the San Fernando Valley and Westside.
He earned his Bachelor’s in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Advertising from California State University, Northridge.  He is married with 2 children. 
Morry Sade
Morry Sade is a seasoned General Contractor with over a decade of experience in buying, selling, and remodeling real estate. 
In 2007, Morry joined a leading low-voltage construction company, working on multimillion-dollar homes. The following year, he became a licensed real estate agent, and by 2009, he was recruited by one of the largest real estate development firms in the region and became a Senior Project Manager overseeing the development and remodeling of more than 1,000 properties.

Main Interview Topics: 

1. Origins of the Partnership
• How did the two of you meet and decide to collaborate?
2. Vision & Philosophy of Pacific Luxury Partners
• What inspired you to launch a company focused on luxury spec homes?
3. Anatomy of a Luxury Spec Build
• What are the must-have features you include in every project?
• How do you decide on floor plans, finishes, and smart home integrations?
4. From Land to Luxury: The Full Process
• How do you identify the right lots or teardown opportunities?
• What’s your workflow from acquisition to final listing?
5. Understanding the Luxury Buyer
• What are some things high-end buyers care about that the average builder might miss?
• Do you build speculatively with a target buyer in mind, or do you let the product speak for itself?
6. Challenges & Learning Moments
• What has been the most challenging project you've worked on so far?
• Any stories of projects that didn’t go as planned and what you learned from them?
8. Building for Wellness & Longevity
• Are you integrating wellness-focused or sustainable elements in your builds?
• What are some healthy habits you both have to help you stay focused, healthy and functional?
9. Advice for Aspiring Developers & Agents
• What advice would you give someone who wants to break into luxury spec building?
11. Closing
• Where can listeners find you or learn more about your current listings and upcoming builds?

*How to contact our guests*
WEBSITE - https://pacificluxurypartners.com/  
Brad Umansky's LinkedIn Profile
Brad Umansky's Book - Value Added: Successful Strategies For Listing & Selling Investment Real Estate

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Episode Name: Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast – Ep. #38 – Mike Tohikian

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting about ICSC Western Conference in San Diego, CA.

1. Mike chats about Q4 slow down and how to push through to be ready for the holiday season. 
2. Mike discusses the ICSC Western Conference event in San Diego CA
3. Mike goes through the daily agenda at the ICSC Western Conference event in San Diego CA
4. Mike shares his thoughts and approach to having a successful show at ICSC Western Conference event in San Diego CA

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting with Justin Bird

Justin Bird is a Principal of The Bird Group, A design-build firm out of Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Topics Discussed

1. Justin gives us some background info about the Bird Group and his role at the company. 
2. Justin provides details on some of the challenges he is facing in the design build work right now.
3. Justin gives us insights about the benefits of hiring a design build firm as a one stop shop. 
4. Justin lists some tips on how to work with cities and help progress your project.
5. Justin lists some of current clients and his dream client list.

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show.

*How to contact our guests*

jbird@birdgrp.com – Justin Bird – Principal - Cell: (626) 862-1280

GZalamea@BirdgroupConstruction.com – Gretchen Zalamea – Business Development Manager

www.BirdgroupConstruction.com

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Episode Name: Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast – Ep. #36 – Andy Giti

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting with Andy Giti 

Andy Giti is Managing Partner at Slam Dunk Foods LLC a Big Chicken Franchise group

Topics Discussed

1. Andy gives us some background info about Big Chicken and how he became a franchisee of the concept. 
2. Andy provides details on Big Chickens expansion in the US.
3. Andy gives us insights about the brands growth plan in Southern California. 
4. Chat about Andy's efforts in creating a huge grand opening celebration.
5. Andy outlines site criteria and real estate requirements for a Big Chicken location.
6. Andy gives details about some of the challenges faced as a restaurant operator. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show.

*How to contact our guests*

Contact mike@hotspotproperties.net for site submittals.

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast – Ep. #35 – Alexis Volen

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting with Alexis Volen

Alexis Volen is COO of CIRE Equity.

Topics Discussed

1. Alexis gives us some background on CIRE Equity and how she got her start in commercial real estate.  
2. Alexis tells the listeners the difference between a syndication and a REIT. 
3. Alexis gives us details about CIRE Equity’s purchase requirements. 
4. Alexis talks about CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) and her role as a member of the San Diego Chapter.

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show.

How to contact our guests:
Alexis Volen - avolen@cireequity.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-volen
www.cireequity.com

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Show Notes Episode #34 – Guest Name

Episode Name: Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast – Ep. #34 – Kien Tsoi

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting with Kien Tsoi.

Kien Tsoi is Director of Real Estate at the Dollar Tree/Family Dollar.

Topics Discussed

1. Kien discusses how he got his start in the Real Estate industry through his immigrant parents’ smart start. 
2. Kien provides some details about the transition from a broker to an in-house Director of Real Estate for a national brand. 
3. Kien gives us some details about the market area he controls for Dollar Tree/Family Dollar. 
4. Mike asks Kien about the challenges of keeping the work life balance in a good place in Commercial Real Estate. 
5. Kien gives us differences in doing deals in Southern California vs. the Midwest.
6. Kien details the Real Estate requirements for Dollar Tree/Family Dollar. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show.

*How to contact our guests*

Kien Tsoi – ktsoi@dollartree.com

www.dollartree.com

https://www.familydollar.com/

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting with Kristin McCann.

Kristin McCann is the Vice President at Elevate Retail Group.

Topics Discussed

1. Kristin shares her start in Commercial Real Estate and background on Elevate Retail Group. 
2. Kristin and Mike discuss the pace of working in the real estate industry in NYC versus working in Los Angeles
3. Kristin talks about steps she takes to make it through a recession. 
4. Discussion about Street Retail, Mixed use and how they differ.
5. Kristin discusses on brands going coast to coast with their concepts. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Kristin McCann – kristin@elevateretailgroup.com

LinkedIn Page – Elevate Retail Group

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting about ICSC in Las Vegas.

Topics Discussed

1. Mike gives some insight about ICSC, the annual Las Vegas convention, and what the show entails.

2. Mike talks about listener feedback about the show along with things that could potentially change for future ICSC shows.

3. Mike gives important feedback for new brokers on how to properly network.

4. Mike shares information on how to be prepared for any future pitches.

5. Mikes talks about positive feedback regarding ICSC. 

*How to contact Hot Spot Properties*

Mike Tohikian – mike@hotspotproperties.net

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

Today on the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we will be chatting with Motti Farag.

Motti Farag is a Commercial Real Estate Broker at Strategic Retail Advisors.

Topics Discussed

1. Motti shares how he got his start in commercial real estate and he got in front of the right people to get into the industry. 
2. Motti shares on why decided to make the switch from CBRE to SRA.
3. Motti discusses the challenges with low vacancy in retail commercial real estate and some forecasting insights.
4. Motti shares some of his inventory located in Orange County and the Inland Empire.
5. Motti shares information on ICSC Next Gen, a real estate event occurring in Newport Beach on June 15th.

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Motti Farag – motti@strategicretailadvisor.com

Motti Farag’s LinkedIn

Register for NextGen on June 15th

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Jay Fox.

Jay Fox is the Vice President & Business Developer at Menemsha.

Topics Discussed

1. Jay shares how he got his start at Menemsha Solutions and the projects that they focus on in the retail real estate industry.
2. Jay and Mike discuss the importance of relationship building in order to secure deals within the real estate industry.
3. Jay gives insight on the current corporate structure with development projects and what they outsource versus keep in-house.
4. Mike asks Jay on his process with a client when it comes to proper communication and fluidity in order to have a successful outcome of a project. 
5. Mike and Jay share their thoughts on the future of drive thrus and mobile ordering within the restaurant industry. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Jay Fox – jfox@menemshasolutions.com

Jay Fox’s LinkedIn

Menemsha Solutions Website

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Steve Selcer.

Steve Selcer is the President of Selcer Group & Selcer Realty Inc.

Topics Discussed

1. Steve shares the beginning of his commercial real estate industry journey and how it led to where he is today. 
2. Mike and Steve discuss what it takes to make the shift from a broker to a developer in the industry.
3. Steve talks about his personal insights on commercial real estate and development. 
4. Steve shares his advice based on his professional experience in regard to becoming a developer.
5. Mike and Steve chat about e projects that Steve is currently involved in. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Steve Selcer – steve@theselcergroup.com

Steve Selcer’s LinkedIn

The Selcer Group Website

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Jillian Sabaugh

Jillian Sabaugh is the President & Founder of Ukropina Sabaugh Inc.

Topics Discussed

1. Jillian shares with Mike how she got her start in retail real estate.
2. Jillian and Mike discuss what makes someone successful within the industry.
3. Jillian shares her thoughts on the growing health and wellness space.
4. Jillian talks about the landlord side and tenant side of the business. 
5. Jillian and Mike share their thoughts on how broker’s can be a strong client advocate. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Jillian Sabaugh – jillian@ukropinasabaugh.com

Ukropina Sabaugh Inc.  – 949.293.2888

Ukropina Sabaugh Inc. Website

Ukropina Sabaugh Inc. LinkedIn

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Shauna Mattis.

Shauna Mattis is the Southern California Agency Business Lead at JLL.

Topics Discussed

1. Shauna shares her story on how she got into commercial real estate and her journey throughout her career.
2. Shauna and Mike discuss the hurdles that occur in the real estate industry related to inflation.
3. Shauna talks about how some landlords invest in certain concepts and how that affects tenancy. 
4. Shauna mentions her keys to success in the industry.
5. Shauna shares helpful advice for junior brokers/agents just starting in the commercial real estate industry. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Guest name – shauna.mattis@jll.com

JLL Website

Shauna Mattis’s LinkedIn

For poor quality zoom recording Add: *Disclaimer, due to COVID-19 this recording was done remotely via Zoom. Audio may have some slight static, but the content is great quality. Enjoy! 

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Hide Iwagami.

Hide Iwagami is the CEO and co-founder of Hestia Atelier. 

Topics Discussed

1. A dive into the background of how Hide started his design firm, Hestia Atelier and how the company name came to fruition. 
2. Hide shares a few architectural projects that he has designed, including a mention of a few cannabis clients. 
3. Mike and Hide discuss the challenges that come with designing for clients in their space.
4. Hide gives insight on the complexities and timeline about approvals with the city.
5. Hide breaks down his process on how he creates the design based on the knowledge of the client’s business plan. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Guest email – hide.iwagami@hestiaatelier.com

Hestia Atelier’s Website

Hestia Atelier’s Instagram

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Bridget Zamora.

Bridget Zamora is the Director of Real Estate at Philz Coffee.

Topics Discussed

1. Bridget shares the warm story of how Philz coffee started as a company.
2. Bridget and Mike dive into the challenges of finding sites in an extremely competitive industry.
3. Bridget talks about the mobile component of Philz Coffee and how it has impacted their business model with COVID-19 and beyond.
4. Mike and Bridget discuss the importance of being a customer of the brand that you work with.

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Bridget Zamora – bridgetzamora@philzcoffee.com

Philz Coffee Website

Bridget Zamora’s LinkedIn

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Beth Azor.

Beth Azor is the Founder and CEO of Azor Advisory Services (AAS).

Topics Discussed

1. Mike and Beth begin the episode by talking about Beth’s background in commercial real estate and how she started Azor Advisory Services.
2. Mike and Beth go into the story of how Beth got her name “The Canvassing Queen”.
3. Beth dives into the first syndication deal she competed which catapulted her career.
4. Beth gives personal advice on what it takes to become a fantastic leasing agent
5. Beth shares details of a conference event that she founded and how you can be a part of it. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Beth Azor – beth@azoradvisoryservices.com
Beth Azor’s LinkedIn
Azor Advisory Services Website

Check out the Women’s Real Estate Investment Summit

Books by Beth Azor:
Don’t Say No for the Prospect
The Retail Leasing Playbook

Disclaimer: This recording was done remotely via Riverside. Audio may have some slight static, but the content is great quality. Enjoy! 

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Blake Kaplan.

Blake Kaplan is the Executive Vice President of JONES LANG LASALLE IP, INC.

Topics Discussed

1. Mike and Blake talk about how Blake got his foot into the industry, with a twist on how it ultimately started.
2. Blake dives into his thought process on his self branding in the real estate industry.
3. Blake gives reflection and advice on how he grew in the industry and developed the relationships that excelled his career.
4. Make and Blake point out some struggles with developers and things that developers can improve on with the commercial side of the real estate industry.
5. Blake shares a few amazing concepts that are currently on his roster and how he assisted in the development process. 

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Blake Kaplan – blake.kaplan@jll.com

Blake Kaplan’s LinkedIn Profile

JLL Website

Representative clients -

Developers/Owners
Balboa Retail Partners
CIM
Clarion Partners
Covenant Real Estate Group
GPI Companies
Shapell Properties
Shea Properties

Tenants
Target
 Living Spaces
 Café Rio
 Cava Grill
 Dave’s Hot Chicken
 Pie Hole
 Randy’s Donuts
 Roll Em Up Taquitos
 

For poor quality zoom recording Add: *Disclaimer, due to COVID-19 this recording was done remotely via Zoom. Audio may have some slight static, but the content is great quality. Enjoy! 

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's episode of the Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Brad Umansky.

Brad Umansky is President of Progressive Real Estate Partners, leading retail focused brokerage firm based in Rancho Cucamonga.

Topics Discussed

1. Brad dives into the challenges in his early days with commercial real estate.
2. Brad and Mike discuss boutique real estate firms and how to navigate the industry.
3. Brad shares how he started writing his book, Value Added: Successful Strategies For Listing & Selling Investment Real Estate and what led to the completion of it.
4. Brad further elaborates on essential advice for junior brokers and newcomers to the retail real estate industry including key take aways from his book.
5. Brad and Mike go over the process of an agent picking a real estate firm to work for and start their career with.

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Brad Umansky – brad@progressiverep.com

www.progressiverep.com

Brad Umansky's LinkedIn Profile

Brad Umansky's Book - Value Added: Successful Strategies For Listing & Selling Investment Real Estate

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Aaron Aszkenazy.

Aaron Aszkenazy is the Director of Investments and Leasing at Aszkenazy Development.

Topics Discussed

1. Aarons provides some background on his education and how he got started in Commercial Real Estate.
2. Aaron speaks about the backbone of Aszkenazy Development and his specific role in the industry including his geographical advantage strategy.
3. Discussion about the difficulties about development projects pre and post pandemic and how to maneuver around them. 
4. Mike and Aaron talk about the San Fernando “business/consumer bubble”.
5. Aaron talks about a new brewery development with repurposed shipping containers.

 "Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Aaron Aszkenazy – Aaron@Aszkenazy.com 

Aszkenazy Development Website 

Aaron Aszkenazy’s Linkedin
 

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with our host, Mike Tohikian! Mike will be sharing some highlights on season one of Hot Spotting Real Estate podcast.

Topics Discussed

1. Detailed discussion on why Mike started Hot Spotting Real Estate podcast
2. Mike shares how he balances his time of being a broker and a podcast host
3. Shares which guest he would like to have on the show
4. Mike shares his favorite episode of season one
5. Insight on what’s to come for season two

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Mike Tohikian – mike@hotspotproperties.net

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Greg Giacopuzzi.

Greg Giacopuzzi is Vice President of Leasing & Development at NewMark Merrill Companies.

Topics Discussed

1. Greg shares how he started his journey in commercial real estate
2. We get a run down on what NewMark Merrill Companies does Greg’s role at the company
3. Conversation on being a good deal maker from the Landlord’s perspective
4. Detailed discussion on what stage of the deal making process challenges
5. Insight on some of the new projects at NewMark Merrill

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Greg Giacopuzzi – ggiacopuzzi@newmarkmerrill.com 

Greg Giacopuzzi's LinkedIn Profile

www.newmarkmerrill.com

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Lucy Gan.

Lucy Gan is Senior Real Estate Manager with Panda Express.

Topics Discussed

1. Lucy shares her journey on how she got into the commercial real estate industry
2. Discussion on the challenges faced when transitioning from a broker to a corp tenant
3. Lucy gives us some background on Panda Express and current growth goals 
4. Shares her thoughts on the hardest part of site selections today
5. Detailed discussion on the timeline of getting a store open from site selection to serving food

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Lucy Gan – Lucy.Gan@PandaRG.com

Panda Express Real Estate Website

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Mark Zimmerman & Amanda Zimmerman.

Mark Zimmerman is the Managing Member at KZ Companies, LLC and Amanda Zimmerman is the Senior Associate at KZ Companies, LLC.

Topics Discussed

1. Mark provides background about KZ Companies and how they got into development
2. Detailed discussion on how Amanda decided to get into the family business
3. Conversation on the type of development projects they are most attracted to and why
4. Rundown of KZ Companies current development projects
5. Share their thoughts on what it takes to become a successful developer
6. Advice for other family offices/family businesses when working with parents or siblings

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

How to contact our guests

Mark Zimmerman – mz@kzcompanies.com 

Amanda Zimmerman – az@kzcompanies.com

KZ Companies website

Mark Zimmerman’s LinkedIn

Amanda Zimmerman’s LinkedIn

KZ Companies’ LinkedIn

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Rich Tait and Trevor Tait.

Rich is President of TAIT & Associates, Inc. Trevor is Managing Director at TAIT & Associates, Inc.

Topics Discussed

1. Rich and Trevor give us some background about Tait & Associates 
2. We get a run down on what Rich and Trevor’s roles entail
3. Both share details regarding some of the hurdles they run into when it comes to real estate development and environmental issues 
4. Detailed discussion on the variety of jobs Tait & Associates takes on related to civil engineering
5. Share how the architectural division is kept busy during the current market cycle
6. Each share their favorite completed project and/or the current project they are working on

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Rich Tait – richtait@tait.com

Trevor Tait – trevortait@tait.com

TAIT & Associates, Inc. website

TAIT & Associates LinkedIn

Rich Tait’s LinkedIn

Trevor Tait’s LinkedIn

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.

In today's Hot Spotting Real Estate Podcast we'll be chatting with Rhiana Lindsey.

Rhiana Lindsey is a Senior Real Estate Manager at Primestor Development.

Topics Discussed

1. Rhiana shares how she got started in commercial real estate
2. Provides details about Primestor Development
3.  Discussion about some of the challenges they face when it comes to deal making 
4.  Shares her favorite development project done
5.  Details on current development projects Primestor Development is working on in SoCal

"Alessandra Wants to Know" segment of the show

*How to contact our guests*

Rhiana Lindsey – rlindsey@primestor.com 

Primestor Website

Rhiana’s LinkedIn

Please take the time to leave a review and subscribe to our Podcast! Thank you for Listening.