The Take on Commercial Real Estate

Adam Newman, Executive Vice President | Landmark Credit Union
Eteri Zaslavsky, Managing Director | Next Realty
Kevin Schmoldt, Managing Director | Newmark
On this episode of The Take, host Tracy Johnson brings experts to the table to discuss the investment market, and getting deals done in Wisconsin. The conversation is wide-ranging and focuses on several retail-specific deals. Tracy is joined by Adam Newman from Landmark Credit Union, Eteri Zaslavsky from Next Realty, and Kevin Schmoldt from Newmark. This episode covers why Wisconsin is a great place to invest, how market conditions are impacting real estate investments, and advice on how to “get deals done”. Make sure to follow us for more Wisconsin commercial real estate content!

In this episode, we speak with Andy Hunt, Director of the Vieth Institute for Real Estate Leadership at Marquette University. He shares many insights including his perspective on the following:

• How the ACRE Program is driving meaningful commercial real estate development in Wisconsin;
• What’s motivating today’s students and how education is evolving to meet market demands;
• Best practices from real estate programs across the country—and how they’re being implemented in Wisconsin;
• The power of collaboration and partnership in shaping the industry’s future.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in commercial real estate, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on talent, trends, and the future of the industry—plus ways you can be part of its continued success.

Get to know Jenna Maguire, Chair of CARW for 2024/25. A seasoned leader in commercial real estate since 2008, Jenna has navigated the evolving office market, leasing some of Milwaukee’s most notable projects like Schlitz Park and The Avenue. She is a Senior Vice President with Colliers International in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Recognized as a CoStar Power Broker and a Milwaukee Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree, Jenna brings unmatched expertise and dedication. In this episode, we discuss the state of the industry, CARW’s role as a resource, leadership, and the next generation of talent.

Jim Paetsch, Vice President | Milwaukee 7

Wade Goodsell, COO | Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce

On this episode of The Take, host Tracy Johnson sits down with Jim Paetsch from Milwaukee 7 and Wade Goodsell from the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). They discuss Wisconsin’s economic development environment and the issues driving business in the State. They cover the state of the Wisconsin economy, advantages of doing business in Wisconsin, how Wisconsin competes for business with other states, and so much more. Be sure to follow us for more Wisconsin commercial real estate content!

In this episode we share the full program from the Commercial Association of REALTORS September 17, 2024, membership meeting at the historic Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This event was a deep dive into one of today’s hottest topics: adaptive reuse and the conversion of office spaces into multifamily and mixed-use developments.

The keynote presenter, Steven Paynter of Gensler, brought insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding these transformations. Steven, a leader in architectural design and urban planning, shared key trends, success stories, and strategies for adapting office spaces to meet changing market demands. He has led the development of a tool for rapid assessment of existing office building stock for ESG performance. Steven was recognized by Business Insider as one of the Top 100 People Transforming Business in 2022, and his work and leadership have been featured in PBS, BBC News, CNBC, Daily Mail UK, Canadian Press, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, RTE, and Architectural Record.

Following Steven’s keynote, CARW hosted a powerhouse panel featuring some of the most respected names in the industry:

• S.R. Mills, CEO of Bear Development, known for leading impactful and transformative projects.
• Johnny Vassallo, founder of Mo's, who brings a unique perspective as an innovator and investor.
• Rob Oldenburg of Irgens, whose expertise in commercial development is unmatched.
• John Searlas from WHEDA, offering valuable insights into the financing and policy frameworks critical to these projects.

Together, they tackled pressing questions about housing shortages, suburban redevelopment, feasibility factors, and best practices drawn from cities across the country.

Whether you're a developer, investor, or simply curious about the future of our built environment, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. So, sit back, tune in, and join us for this engaging conversation on adaptive reuse and the next evolution of commercial real estate.