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Fried on Business Episode 84 – Best Of Fried on Business

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• Penny Shaffer – Market President for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. She is responsible for the company’s operations in an 8-county region from the Keys north to the Treasure Coast. Prior to joining Blue Cross, Penny spent 26-years as an executive with AT&T, holding positions in sales, service, quality management and global operations. She has lived and worked around the world. She serves on the boards of more than a dozen area community and professional organizations. She is currently First Vice Chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Executive Committee of the Beacon Council, on the Governor’s Council of Broward Alliance, and Chair of the Board of the Miami-Dade College Foundation. Ms. Shaffer holds a Bachelors degree in Political Science from Frostburg University, an International Executive MBA from Fordham University and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in International Business Administration from Kennedy-Western University.
• Mark Trowbridge – the President and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. He is the chief executive responsible for the day-to-day success of the 1500-plus member organization, working with volunteers engaged in the Chamber’s long-term economic development strategies and numerous community initiatives. Mark also serves on the board of the Beacon Council and the Coral Gables Community Foundation. His community involvement includes serving as President of the University of Florida National Alumni Association, the largest alumni group in the SEC, representing more than 350,000 members of the Gator Nation.
• Dr. David R. Williams, President of Florida Economics Consulting Group, Inc. Dr. Williams focuses on economic consulting related to forensic/litigation and to economic impact analyses. He worked for 5 years in Tallahassee as the Acting Chief Economist in the Governor’s Office in the Graham and Martinez administrations in charge of forecasting Florida’s population, macro economics and sales tax revenues. He has been on the FLORIDA TREND magazine Board of Economists and has taught in the Executive MBA program at the University of Miami. His economics training: Bachelors University of Wales, Masters University of North Carolina, Doctorate University of Florida. He discusses The Economy – the stock market, economic growth and the recession. Dr Williams predicts the stock market reaching 11,500 – a month ago…
• Dr. Victor Franks, Ph.D. has spent the last 13 years on Fisher Island as a massage therapist, trainer and wellness consultant for the captains of industry and finance. Author of AquaBliss: the Zero-Gravity Solution, Dr. Francs is a knowledgeable and clear voice in the jungle of conflicting information regarding your personal health and well-being. He is a Ph.D. in Naturopathic medicine. He will discuss detoxing and oxygen deprivation.

• Dr. Paula – Licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Dallas, Texas. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Division of Psychology at UT Southwestern Medical School of Dallas– we discuss intergenerational issues in the workplace and other topics.

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In Episode 827 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried is joined by capital markets expert Michael Cohen, founding partner of Brighton Capital Advisors, to talk about where the money is—and how to get it—in today’s evolving real estate environment.

With interest rates elevated and banks pulling back on commercial lending, many investors and developers are facing a new challenge: how to secure capital for deals in a shifting, risk-conscious market. Michael offers real-time insights into how Brighton Capital Advisors helps clients bridge that gap with creative financing strategies, tailored debt solutions, and targeted equity partnerships.

The conversation covers:

How capital markets are reacting to rate pressure

The role of private credit and alternative lenders

Which asset classes are getting funded—and which are stalled

How to position deals to attract institutional interest

Trends in debt restructuring, refinancing, and construction lending

Michael also shares lessons from working across market cycles, emphasizing transparency, speed, and strategic alignment as the new pillars of deal-making.

Whether you're a developer, investor, broker, or family office executive, this episode will give you clear insights on navigating capital markets in 2025 and beyond.

🎧 Tune in and discover how smart capital strategy is still possible—even in a tight financial environment.

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

In Episode 827 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried is joined by capital markets expert Michael Cohen, founding partner of Brighton Capital Advisors, to talk about where the money is—and how to get it—in today’s evolving real estate environment.

With interest rates elevated and banks pulling back on commercial lending, many investors and developers are facing a new challenge: how to secure capital for deals in a shifting, risk-conscious market. Michael offers real-time insights into how Brighton Capital Advisors helps clients bridge that gap with creative financing strategies, tailored debt solutions, and targeted equity partnerships.

The conversation covers:

How capital markets are reacting to rate pressure

The role of private credit and alternative lenders

Which asset classes are getting funded—and which are stalled

How to position deals to attract institutional interest

Trends in debt restructuring, refinancing, and construction lending

Michael also shares lessons from working across market cycles, emphasizing transparency, speed, and strategic alignment as the new pillars of deal-making.

Whether you're a developer, investor, broker, or family office executive, this episode will give you clear insights on navigating capital markets in 2025 and beyond.

🎧 Tune in and discover how smart capital strategy is still possible—even in a tight financial environment.

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

0 1

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3LnVmanpmTGRXZ3Uw

Special Servicing expert describes commercial loan market at crossroads

Jim Fried 8 views July 3, 2025 4:26 am

Lessons We Can All Learn from the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup Winning Formula

Jim Fried 10 views June 25, 2025 4:22 pm

In Episode 824 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried welcomes Ed Cairo, founder and principal of American Home Finance Group, for a timely and strategic conversation about the state of the mortgage market in 2025.

As homebuyers, investors, and real estate professionals navigate the uncertainty of rising interest rates, tighter lending conditions, and shifting credit strategies, Ed brings clarity and practical advice from the front lines of financing.

Drawing on decades of experience in residential and investment property lending, Ed shares:

What interest rate movements mean for first-time buyers and investors

How banks are changing their underwriting in today’s market

The biggest mortgage mistakes buyers are making right now

When refinancing makes sense—and when it doesn’t

How brokers can better educate and guide their clients

Whether you're trying to secure a home loan, advising clients, or investing in income property, this episode delivers the financial insights you need to make smart, confident decisions.

Ed also discusses how private lenders and smaller firms are stepping up as big banks tighten credit, and why personalized service is more important than ever in today’s lending landscape.

🎧 Tune in now for a real-world look at what’s happening behind the mortgage curtain—and how to use it to your advantage.



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

In Episode 824 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried welcomes Ed Cairo, founder and principal of American Home Finance Group, for a timely and strategic conversation about the state of the mortgage market in 2025.

As homebuyers, investors, and real estate professionals navigate the uncertainty of rising interest rates, tighter lending conditions, and shifting credit strategies, Ed brings clarity and practical advice from the front lines of financing.

Drawing on decades of experience in residential and investment property lending, Ed shares:

What interest rate movements mean for first-time buyers and investors

How banks are changing their underwriting in today’s market

The biggest mortgage mistakes buyers are making right now

When refinancing makes sense—and when it doesn’t

How brokers can better educate and guide their clients

Whether you're trying to secure a home loan, advising clients, or investing in income property, this episode delivers the financial insights you need to make smart, confident decisions.

Ed also discusses how private lenders and smaller firms are stepping up as big banks tighten credit, and why personalized service is more important than ever in today’s lending landscape.

🎧 Tune in now for a real-world look at what’s happening behind the mortgage curtain—and how to use it to your advantage.



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

0 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3LnFBMHRobVlweWNr

Mortgage Market Update - Is now the Time to Get Your Loan?

Jim Fried 5 views June 11, 2025 4:16 pm

In Episode 823 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried welcomes back real estate analyst and journalist Peter Zalewski, founder of MiamiCondo.club, to deliver a data-driven breakdown of the Miami condo market in 2025.

With inventory rising and interest rate pressures reshaping buyer behavior, Peter gives a candid and research-backed look into what’s really happening in South Florida’s most dynamic property segment. The conversation explores pricing correction signals, stalled absorption rates, and how developers and brokers are reacting—or not reacting—to shifting conditions.

Peter also examines the psychology of buyers in today’s uncertain climate and challenges some of the “boom” narratives dominating mainstream real estate chatter. His message is clear: The market is at an inflection point, and only those with accurate information and a long-term mindset will make smart moves.

Listeners will learn:

Which neighborhoods are oversupplied or overheated

Why cash buyers are hesitating despite opportunity

The real impact of interest rates on resale inventory

Strategic insights for brokers, investors, and buyers

Whether you’re considering a purchase, managing client portfolios, or trying to understand Miami’s evolving condo landscape, this episode offers the clarity you need.

🎧 Tune in to hear the truth behind the trends—only on Fried on Business.

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

In Episode 823 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried welcomes back real estate analyst and journalist Peter Zalewski, founder of MiamiCondo.club, to deliver a data-driven breakdown of the Miami condo market in 2025.

With inventory rising and interest rate pressures reshaping buyer behavior, Peter gives a candid and research-backed look into what’s really happening in South Florida’s most dynamic property segment. The conversation explores pricing correction signals, stalled absorption rates, and how developers and brokers are reacting—or not reacting—to shifting conditions.

Peter also examines the psychology of buyers in today’s uncertain climate and challenges some of the “boom” narratives dominating mainstream real estate chatter. His message is clear: The market is at an inflection point, and only those with accurate information and a long-term mindset will make smart moves.

Listeners will learn:

Which neighborhoods are oversupplied or overheated

Why cash buyers are hesitating despite opportunity

The real impact of interest rates on resale inventory

Strategic insights for brokers, investors, and buyers

Whether you’re considering a purchase, managing client portfolios, or trying to understand Miami’s evolving condo landscape, this episode offers the clarity you need.

🎧 Tune in to hear the truth behind the trends—only on Fried on Business.

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

1 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3LjdwOUNfaVozX2xN

Peter Zalewski Reveals What’s Really Happening in the Miami Condo Market

Jim Fried 157 views June 5, 2025 4:24 am

In Episode 821 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried is joined by Tim Becker, Director of the UF Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies, and Max Wolfman, a student whose recent competition win is launching him into a promising real estate career in Miami.

This episode shines a light on how higher education—when paired with mentorship and real-world experience—can create powerful professional outcomes. Tim shares how the Bergstrom Center’s forward-thinking approach connects students with industry leaders and hands-on experiences that translate directly into job offers and career clarity.

Max discusses his personal journey through UF’s real estate program, including how participating in national competitions helped him develop the leadership, communication, and strategic skills needed to stand out in a competitive market. Now, Max is bringing that momentum to Miami, where he’s set to begin his first job in the field.

Whether you’re an aspiring professional, a current student, or someone looking to mentor the next generation of talent, this episode offers a front-row seat to how academic institutions can shape the future of industries through opportunity, community, and education.

🎧 Listen now to hear how real estate careers are being built today—from the inside out.

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

In Episode 821 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried is joined by Tim Becker, Director of the UF Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies, and Max Wolfman, a student whose recent competition win is launching him into a promising real estate career in Miami.

This episode shines a light on how higher education—when paired with mentorship and real-world experience—can create powerful professional outcomes. Tim shares how the Bergstrom Center’s forward-thinking approach connects students with industry leaders and hands-on experiences that translate directly into job offers and career clarity.

Max discusses his personal journey through UF’s real estate program, including how participating in national competitions helped him develop the leadership, communication, and strategic skills needed to stand out in a competitive market. Now, Max is bringing that momentum to Miami, where he’s set to begin his first job in the field.

Whether you’re an aspiring professional, a current student, or someone looking to mentor the next generation of talent, this episode offers a front-row seat to how academic institutions can shape the future of industries through opportunity, community, and education.

🎧 Listen now to hear how real estate careers are being built today—from the inside out.

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

1 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3Lmg1Y3BaUFhTMFJn

Training Tomorrow’s Talent: UF’s Bergstrom Center and the Future of Real Estate Education

Jim Fried 11 views May 21, 2025 4:20 pm

In Episode 820 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried welcomes Larry Zinn, Executive General Manager of Warren Henry Automotive, to talk about the company’s groundbreaking automotive vocational training program—a paid, two-year opportunity aimed at helping high school students launch careers in the auto industry.

Warren Henry Automotive is a sponsor of Fried on Business. This episode features a discussion of their training program as part of that ongoing relationship.

As the automotive world continues to evolve with technology and electrification, the demand for skilled technicians and service advisors is growing rapidly. Zinn shares how Warren Henry is addressing that gap by reaching out to students who want more than a classroom education. Through this program, participants gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a real paycheck—all while developing valuable skills that can lead to full-time roles in one of Florida’s most respected dealership networks.

This episode covers how the initiative works, what students can expect to learn, and why supporting workforce development in trades is not just good business—it’s a smart investment in the future.

Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or someone curious about alternative career paths beyond college, this episode delivers real insight into how local businesses can drive impact and opportunity from the ground up.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how Warren Henry is putting young talent in the driver’s seat of their futures.

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

In Episode 820 of Fried on Business, host Jim Fried welcomes Larry Zinn, Executive General Manager of Warren Henry Automotive, to talk about the company’s groundbreaking automotive vocational training program—a paid, two-year opportunity aimed at helping high school students launch careers in the auto industry.

Warren Henry Automotive is a sponsor of Fried on Business. This episode features a discussion of their training program as part of that ongoing relationship.

As the automotive world continues to evolve with technology and electrification, the demand for skilled technicians and service advisors is growing rapidly. Zinn shares how Warren Henry is addressing that gap by reaching out to students who want more than a classroom education. Through this program, participants gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a real paycheck—all while developing valuable skills that can lead to full-time roles in one of Florida’s most respected dealership networks.

This episode covers how the initiative works, what students can expect to learn, and why supporting workforce development in trades is not just good business—it’s a smart investment in the future.

Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or someone curious about alternative career paths beyond college, this episode delivers real insight into how local businesses can drive impact and opportunity from the ground up.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how Warren Henry is putting young talent in the driver’s seat of their futures.

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

3 0

YouTube Video VVU4aS1uUXJ0T1VrQmVOeGNhODFzaHV3LlN2NUdnM1NTSVVr

From Classroom to Garage: Larry Zinn on Career Paths in the Auto Industry

Jim Fried 35 views May 15, 2025 4:26 am