Summer topics abound at Fried On Business

Episode 890 of Fried On Business comes from the University of Florida’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies, where Jim Fried sits down with longtime friend and professor Dr. David Ling to talk about the program that helped shape Jim’s career—and continues shaping the next generation of real estate leaders.

Jim and Dr. Ling look back at the center’s early days, when a small advisory group met almost informally, and compare that to today’s nationally and internationally recognized program with a 160-member advisory board, a highly competitive Master of Science in Real Estate program, and hundreds of undergraduates pursuing the real estate minor.

They discuss what makes the students stand out: strong academics, meaningful internship experience, communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to turn data into useful information and better decisions. Dr. Ling also explains the center’s mentorship model, where industry professionals help students think through career paths, build relationships, and connect with employers.

For Jim, the episode becomes deeply personal. He tells the story of how Kelly Bergstrom helped him land his first real estate internship, how that opportunity started a chain of relationships that shaped his career, and why he now feels responsible for paying that opportunity forward to younger professionals.

Jim also reflects on a promise he made to his mother, a Realtor and single mom, that one day he would make her proud by working on major commercial real estate transactions. The University of Florida gave him the foundation to pursue that goal.

The bottom line is gratitude: gratitude for Dr. Ling, Kelly Bergstrom, Nathan Collier, the UF Foundation, the students, alumni, mentors, and the network that has grown around the program.

It is a conversation about education, mentorship, relationships, opportunity, and what happens when one generation deliberately helps the next one succeed.

It is also a reminder that careers rarely happen alone. They are built through teachers, mentors, friendships, generosity, and people willing to open doors.



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What exactly is Yom Kippur, why do Jews fast, and what makes it the holiest day on the Jewish calendar?

In Episode 889 of Fried On Business, Rabbi Mendel Potash returns for the second of two special High Holiday conversations with Jim Fried. After explaining Rosh Hashanah in Episode 888, Rabbi Potash now walks listeners through the history, meaning, prayers, and traditions of Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement.

The conversation begins with the biblical origins of the holiday. Rabbi Potash explains the story of Moses, the Golden Calf, the second set of tablets, and how Yom Kippur became associated with forgiveness and the restoration of a relationship with God.

Jim and Rabbi Potash then explore the major moments of the holiday. They discuss Kol Nidrei and its emphasis on approaching the day together as one people, regardless of background or level of observance.

They also address the question nearly everyone asks: Why fast?

Rabbi Potash explains that the approximately 26-hour fast is intended to temporarily move attention away from physical needs so that people can focus on the spiritual side of themselves and reconnect with what matters most.

The conversation also examines Neilah, the final prayer service, which Jim describes through his own powerful image of passing through the closing gates at the end of Yom Kippur.

For those who have lost parents or close family members, they discuss Yizkor—the memorial prayer and the importance of remembering and elevating the souls of those who came before us.

Finally, they talk about breaking the fast and the joy that follows a day devoted to reflection, forgiveness, and renewal.

The goal of the episode is simple: to help Jewish and non-Jewish listeners alike better understand Yom Kippur—and, in doing so, help bring the community closer together.

Fried On Business is proudly presented by Warren Henry Automotive.

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Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important dates on the Jewish calendar, but many people who work alongside Jewish colleagues, clients, friends, and business partners may not fully understand what the holiday means—or what is appropriate to say or do. In Episode 888 of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with Rabbi Mendel Potash for an accessible conversation: “Everything You Need to Know About Rosh Hashanah (But Were Afraid to Ask).”

Rosh Hashanah, literally “head of the year,” marks the Jewish New Year. In 2026, it begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, and ends after nightfall on Sunday, September 13. But Rabbi Potash explains why it is much more than a Jewish version of New Year’s Eve. It combines celebration with judgment, reflection, accountability, prayer, and renewal.

Jim and Rabbi Potash unpack familiar traditions including the sounding of the shofar, apples and honey, and round challah, while exploring the deeper meaning behind them. They discuss Rosh Hashanah as the beginning of the Days of Awe leading toward Yom Kippur, along with teshuvah—the idea of repentance, return, and course correction.

The conversation then moves into the business world. What can leaders learn from setting aside a dedicated time each year to examine their decisions, relationships, priorities, and conduct? Jim and Rabbi Potash discuss ethical leadership, personal accountability, and the value of giving yourself an annual reset.

They also offer practical guidance for anyone who wants to be respectful of Jewish employees, colleagues, partners, and clients: how to acknowledge the holiday, what “Shanah Tovah” means, how scheduling considerations matter, and why thoughtful inclusion can strengthen relationships.

Whether you are Jewish, work with Jewish colleagues, or simply want to understand one of Judaism’s most significant holidays, this episode offers an approachable introduction to the traditions, meaning, and universal lessons of Rosh Hashanah. It is timely, practical, welcoming, and designed for everyone.

Fried On Business is proudly presented by Warren Henry Auto Group.

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Miami is transforming before our eyes, and few people have had a closer view of that transformation than architect Kobi Karp. In Episode 887 of Fried On Business, Jim Fried sits down with his longtime friend to discuss the evolution of South Florida, the future of development, and what makes Miami’s rapidly changing neighborhoods unique.

Karp sees Florida as exceptionally well positioned to continue attracting people from across the United States and around the world—not simply for sea, sun, and sand, but for living, education, research, business, and opportunity.

Jim and Kobi explore how South Florida is increasingly becoming a collection of what Jim calls “vertically integrated city states.” Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and other communities are developing increasingly distinct identities and amenities. At the same time, transportation infrastructure such as Brightline is creating new connections between them.

Kobi explains how architecture must respond to those individual communities. A mixed-use project in West Palm Beach’s Northwood District demands a completely different approach from an ultra-luxury oceanfront development in Surfside. Successful design considers not only what a developer or buyer wants, but what the surrounding community needs—from retail and public spaces to beach access and municipal infrastructure.

The conversation also turns toward Miami’s growing skyline. Kobi discusses the realities of designing taller buildings, FAA height restrictions, and why modern projects need connectivity on every side rather than traditional “front” and “back” orientations.

They also reflect on the extraordinary evolution of Downtown Miami, Brickell, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, and other neighborhoods that have fundamentally changed during their careers.

And when Jim finally asks Kobi to name his favorite projects, the architect gives an unexpected answer: his two sons.

It’s a conversation about architecture, family, community—and building the future of South Florida.

Fried On Business is proudly presented by Warren Henry Automotive.

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“The only constant in business is change” sounds great on an office wall. But how many businesses actually operate that way? In Episode 886 of Fried On Business, Jim Fried explains why accepting change is one of the most important skills in business—and why waiting until change has already happened can leave you permanently behind.

Jim starts with Rabbi Gopin and the remarkable evolution of Chabad in Midtown Miami. What began with a rabbi walking through Wynwood knocking on warehouse doors has grown into a major organization requiring not only spiritual leadership, but executive leadership, delegation, education, outreach, and an expanding team. For Jim, it is a powerful example of embracing change rather than resisting it.

The same principle applies throughout business. AI suddenly dominates conversations. Interest rates shift. Legislation changes. Capital moves. Retail real estate went from a distressed sector to one of the hottest areas in the market, while equity capital that once seemed plentiful has become difficult to raise.

Jim argues that businesses need “slack resources” to survive these transitions: cash reserves, strong relationships, flexible team members, and enough breathing room to respond when circumstances change. In real estate, cash can allow a developer to wait out a market cycle rather than make a desperate decision.

But resources alone are not enough. Change requires leadership.

Jim explains how his own competitive advantage has evolved. Information once came from reading more newspapers and magazines than everyone else. Today, information moves instantly. The new edge comes from face-to-face relationships, problem solving, natural intelligence, and using AI as a tool rather than a substitute for judgment.

Even Fried On Business has continually evolved—from terrestrial radio to Zoom during COVID and ultimately into today's shorter, digital podcast format.

Jim's bottom line: know who you are, recognize change early, build flexibility into your business, and begin evolving before circumstances force you to.

Fried On Business is proudly presented by Warren Henry Automotive.

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Inspiration rarely arrives on command. When work becomes repetitive, markets slow down, or the summer heat drains your energy, waiting for motivation can leave you stuck. In Episode 885 of Fried On Business, Jim Fried explains why professionals and entrepreneurs need to build their own “inspiration infrastructure”—a repeatable system that generates positive energy, focus, and forward momentum.

Jim begins by asking whether inspiration is merely nice to have or essential to long-term business success. His answer is clear: inspiration is a practical defense against burnout. It fuels the personal engine that helps people take action, connect with others, and continue moving when circumstances feel discouraging.

For Jim, inspiration often comes from helping other people advance. Mentoring younger professionals, introducing people to opportunities, participating in the community, and encouraging others all create energy that returns to him. He also emphasizes surrounding yourself with positive, interesting people who challenge, support, and reinvigorate you.

But inspiration should not depend entirely on chance encounters. Jim recommends creating concrete practices that work when your energy is low. Stay curious. Keep learning. Start somewhere when the task list feels overwhelming. Put one foot in front of the other. Reflect through journaling, recording, or another personal outlet. Maintain a record of your accomplishments so you can remember how many opportunities appeared before you even knew they existed.

Jim shares his own “positive energy file,” filled with letters, communications, awards, and reminders of meaningful accomplishments. When he needs encouragement, that file reconnects him with the value he has created.

He also follows a “no bad energy person” rule, regularly evaluating which relationships elevate him and which ones drain momentum.

The message is practical: do not wait to feel inspired. Build the people, habits, records, and routines that help you create inspiration whenever you need it and keep your best qualities in motion.

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

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