Akerman’s Annual Real Estate Summit

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Great cities are shaped by people who see what others miss—and have the discipline to bring that vision to life. In this special episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried pays tribute to Jeff Berkowitz, a Miami urban innovator whose leadership and insight helped influence the city’s growth and transformation.

Jim reflects on Jeff’s approach to development, leadership, and long-term thinking. Rather than focusing solely on transactions, Jeff understood the importance of place—how real estate, community, and infrastructure come together to create lasting value. His work was not just about buildings, but about shaping environments where people live, work, and connect.

Throughout the episode, Jim shares personal experiences and professional observations that highlight Jeff’s impact. He discusses the qualities that set Jeff apart: clarity of vision, consistency in execution, and a commitment to doing things the right way. These traits allowed him to navigate complex projects while maintaining trust with partners, stakeholders, and the broader community.

The conversation also emphasizes the broader lessons Jeff’s career provides. Leadership in urban development requires more than technical expertise—it demands patience, resilience, and the ability to think beyond immediate results. Jeff’s legacy demonstrates how thoughtful decision-making and long-term perspective can influence a city for generations.

Listeners will hear how one individual’s contributions can ripple outward, affecting not only projects, but people and communities. Jim reminds us that behind every skyline are individuals whose ideas and actions helped shape it.

This episode is both a reflection and a reminder: the true measure of success is not just what you build, but the impact you leave behind.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

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Family offices have become one of the most influential sources of capital in today’s investment landscape—but their decision-making process often remains misunderstood. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried breaks down the key issues that drive how family offices evaluate opportunities, structure investments, and ultimately decide where to deploy capital.

Jim explains that family offices think differently than institutional investors. While returns matter, they are rarely the only priority. Capital preservation, long-term stability, and alignment of interests often outweigh aggressive growth strategies. Family offices are typically investing generational wealth, which means their decisions are shaped by a broader perspective that includes legacy, reputation, and continuity.

Throughout the episode, Jim highlights the importance of trust. Relationships play a central role in family office investing. Sponsors who demonstrate transparency, consistency, and credibility over time are far more likely to earn capital than those who simply present strong numbers. Jim discusses how due diligence extends beyond financials to include character, communication style, and the ability to manage adversity.

The conversation also explores governance and control. Family offices often seek clarity on decision-making authority, downside protection, and how risks are shared among partners. Flexible structuring can be a key differentiator, but only when it aligns incentives rather than creating confusion or conflict.

Listeners will learn how to approach family offices more effectively by understanding their priorities. Jim emphasizes that successful capital raising in this space requires patience, preparation, and a relationship-first mindset. It is not about pitching deals—it is about building partnerships.

If you are raising capital, investing alongside family offices, or simply trying to understand how private wealth operates, this episode provides a clear framework for navigating one of the most important capital sources in today’s market.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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Zoning has always been one of the most powerful—and most underutilized—tools in real estate investing. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Olivia Ramos, founder of DeepBlocks, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way investors understand and leverage zoning data.

Disclosure: Jim Fried owns stock in DeepBlocks

Olivia explains how DeepBlocks was built to solve a fundamental problem: zoning information is complex, fragmented, and often difficult to interpret at scale. Traditionally, investors relied on manual research, local expertise, and time-consuming analysis to uncover development potential. DeepBlocks changes that by using AI to process large amounts of zoning data quickly, identifying opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The conversation highlights how technology is shifting the competitive landscape. Investors who can analyze zoning faster and more accurately gain a significant advantage in sourcing deals, evaluating sites, and optimizing land use. Olivia shares how the platform helps users understand what can be built, where density can be increased, and how regulatory constraints impact value.

Jim and Olivia also discuss the broader implications of AI in commercial real estate. As tools like DeepBlocks become more sophisticated, they are not replacing human judgment—they are enhancing it. By providing better information, faster insights, and clearer scenarios, AI allows developers, investors, and planners to make more informed decisions.

Listeners will learn how zoning intelligence can uncover hidden value, reduce risk, and improve deal execution. Olivia also shares her perspective on where the industry is heading and how professionals can adapt to a more data-driven environment.

If you want to understand how technology is reshaping real estate from the ground up—literally—this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of AI, zoning, and investment strategy.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.



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For years, retail real estate was written off as the weakest sector in commercial real estate. E-commerce growth, changing consumer habits, and shifting tenant demand led many to believe that brick-and-mortar retail was in permanent decline. In this episode of Fried On Business, Jim Fried explains why that narrative has changed—and why retail has suddenly become one of the hottest sectors in today’s market.

Jim breaks down the key drivers behind retail’s resurgence. One of the most important factors is supply. Over the past decade, very little new retail space was developed, which has created a shortage in many markets. At the same time, demand has remained steady or even grown, particularly for well-located, experience-driven retail environments.

The episode also explores how retail has evolved. It is no longer just about selling products—it is about creating experiences. Restaurants, fitness centers, service providers, and entertainment concepts are now critical components of successful retail centers. These tenants bring consistent foot traffic and are less vulnerable to online competition.

Jim discusses how the shift in tenant mix has strengthened the sector. Landlords are more selective, focusing on quality tenants that complement one another and create a destination. This curated approach leads to stronger occupancy, better rent growth, and more resilient assets.

Listeners will also learn why capital is flowing back into retail. Compared to other sectors facing uncertainty, retail offers relative stability when properly managed. Jim explains how investors are reevaluating the space and why disciplined underwriting remains essential.

If you’ve been ignoring retail based on outdated assumptions, this episode offers a fresh perspective on why the sector is thriving—and how strategic thinking is driving its success.

This episode of Fried on Business is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Warren Henry Auto Group.

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/6126418013716480

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