Empowered Returns

Discover the pivotal role of brand identity in real estate on this episode of Empowered Returns. We delve into the process of crafting a resonant brand, from historical research shaping community connections, to ongoing brand refinement driving leasing and marketing success. We are joined by Chris Arnold and Bryant Hughes from Authentic. Learn about the art of controlling your online narrative efficiently, without the need for a full-time team. While branding is often viewed as an expense, we unpack how it's an investment that fuels results—drawing residents, elevating rents, and enhancing property performance. Explore the streamlined tool, "Amplify," designed to enhance branding and leasing experiences seamlessly. We also discuss the value of creating a brand playbook, a compass steering your brand through the dynamic real estate landscape. Tune in to grasp how a strong brand identity isn't just integral—it's transformative, turning properties into thriving communities that underscore the prowess of strategic branding. Hosted by Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

Discover the Future of Property Access Control! Join an eye-opening podcast interview with Cyrus Claffey, the visionary founder of Butterfly MX, a revolutionary PropTech company. Delve into the dynamic world of PropTech and its game-changing impact on the real estate industry. Uncover the secrets behind Butterfly MX's cutting-edge solution, a smart intercom and access control system that's redefining property management. Witness how PropTech solutions like Butterfly MX offer a lifeline during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, providing unbeatable advantages in property management and resident satisfaction. Tune in and unlock the secrets of the PropTech revolution with Cyrus Claffey and Butterfly MX! Hosted by PT Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Rob Barresi, Senior Vice President at Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage. Rob joins us to delve into the fascinating world of insurance coverage for large-scale development projects. In this captivating conversation, we'll explore the myriad challenges and strategies involved in securing insurance for these ambitious ventures. Rob emphasizes the vital importance of integrating insurance discussions right from the project's inception, alongside key players such as architects, subcontractors, legal teams, and lenders. We'll discover why this collaborative approach is more crucial than ever, as insurance not only impacts the project's initial stages but also plays a significant role throughout its stabilization phase. Tune in to this enlightening episode as we explore the fascinating world of insurance coverage for large-scale development projects with our esteemed guest, Rob Barresi. Hosted by Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

Join P.T. Vineburgh, founding partner at CHARLESGATE, as he sits down with Shant Banosian, the Executive Vice President at Guaranteed Rate, in this captivating episode. Together, they dive into the ever-evolving landscape for investors, exploring the intriguing differences in interest rates between primary and investment properties. Banosian, a seasoned expert, also reveals valuable strategies for delivering exceptional products that enhance affordability in projects, all while harnessing the power of technology to revolutionize service within the mortgage industry. Prepare to gain valuable insights that can shape your investment journey. Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

Join P.T. Vineburgh, founding partner at CHARLESGATE, for an exciting interview with Troy Crema, co-founder, and CEO of Grata. Grata's smart technology app for multi-residential and condo buildings offers comprehensive solutions from sale to customer support, including implementation and adoption of the technology. With features such as access control, work orders, payment processing, rent payment, marketplace payments, booking of amenities, and parking management, Grata truly revolutionizes resident living. Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

Join P.T. Vineburgh, founding partner at CHARLESGATE as he interviews Jay Hirsh, the managing partner of Jumbo Capital Incorporated. In their conversation, they delve into the current challenges facing the real estate industry, examining the pandemic's impact on assets and the necessity for government intervention to bail out those in need. They touch upon Jumbo's mixed-use development projects, with a particular focus on Ham Shipyard's challenging transaction. Finally, they look to the future, discussing Jay's thoughts on the importance of effective design and development in order to create value for the end user. This promises to be an informative and inspiring conversation about how professionals are managing during these times of uncertainty. Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

Learn about the power of home staging! Melissa Morrissey, Founder and Design Director at Boston Modern Staging & Design joins us for a conversation on Empowered Returns. In this episode, we discuss the significance of real estate staging in home sales, balancing renderings against reality, and the future growth of Boston Modern Staging as a top-tier stager in the Boston real estate market. Melissa also shares her top tips for making your home stand out in a crowded market during any time of year. Tune in to get all the details on how staging can make a big difference in enhancing your return on investment! Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

Join us for an engaging conversation with Chris Sower, Executive Managing Director at Cushman and Wakefield, as we delve into the profound impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market. Explore the contrasting experiences of properties navigating the new normal, some successfully adapting while others grapple with inherent structural limitations. Discover the crucial role of research and data in optimizing business operations, particularly within the multifamily sector. Chris and his team keenly examine the desires and needs of individuals, focusing on multifamily properties and even uncovering opportunities to repurpose offices into residential spaces. Nevertheless, economic and political influences can pose challenges, dissuading potential investors in certain regions. Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

Join us as P.T. Vineburgh, Founding Partner at CHARLESGATE, sits down with Caleb Manchester, President of Gansett Ventures, a dynamic real estate investment and development firm in Boston. In this captivating conversation, they dive into the crucial topic of investing in quality products for long-term ownership and why avoiding frequent replacements is key in the development industry. Discover the challenges they've faced while striking the delicate balance between working "in and on the business," and gain invaluable insights from their rich careers in the vibrant city of Boston. Don't miss out on this opportunity to uncover the secrets of navigating the real estate development industry and learn how to create successful projects in the dynamic landscape of Greater Boston. Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

Join us for the latest episode of Empowered Returns, where we chat with Brian Sheehan, Principal at Capital Stack Commercial Real Estate Finance. Get ready for a deep dive into the captivating realm of the lending market as we explore its current challenges and their profound impact on development clients both in and out of Boston. In this episode, we uncover key insights and notable developments shaping the lending market landscape. Join us as Brian shares his expertise and sheds light on the ever-changing dynamics of this unpredictable market. Discover why Boston offers a competitive advantage over other locations and gain valuable strategies to navigate the turbulent waters of the lending market. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation hosted by P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

Join us on the next episode of Empowered Returns as we sit down with Mike Procopio, CEO of the Procopio Companies. In this episode, we'll delve into Procopio's transition from single-family to multifamily development and institutional-sized deals in the Greater Boston real estate market. Discover the keys to their success and how they leveraged it to gain access to institutional capital and partners. Throughout our conversation, Procopio emphasizes the importance of aligning expectations, accountabilities, and goal setting within a framework, and shares how his company's success in the market has led to significant growth. While continuing to build boutique multi-family projects, we'll also explore their strategy for entering new markets, with a focus on Raleigh, North Carolina. Beyond his insights on the real estate market, Procopio candidly discusses the challenges of dealing with interest rate expansions that affect development programs, as well as the importance of fostering a positive company culture to align expectations and accountabilities. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion with host, P.T. Vineburgh. CHARLESGATE

Join us for an insightful discussion on real estate development in Boston with Joe Hanley, Partner, and Director at McDermott, Quilty & Miller, LLP. With a wealth of experience in mixed-use, residential, commercial hospitality, and biotechnical development ventures, Joe shares his unique perspective on the industry. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history of development in Boston, from the challenges faced by local neighborhoods to the fight against chain culture for commercial business. Joe also shares fascinating details on specific projects he's worked on, including exciting developments in Somerville and Boston Landing. One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of upfront investment in avoiding complications down the road. Joe also highlights the growing housing options available in different neighborhoods, particularly for young working professionals. Finally, we explore the trend towards mixed-use retail spaces, and the increasing number of restaurants and bars opening up in these areas. So, if you're a real estate developer looking to stay ahead of the curve in Boston's dynamic market, be sure to tune in to this episode of Empowered Returns! Hosted by Michael DiMella & P.T. Vineburgh CHARLESGATE

In this quick hit episode, we are joined by Jared Clement, Director of Leasing at CHARLESGATE to discuss early marketing strategies for preleasing multifamily buildings. Marketing and leasing a property much earlier than developers typically think yields significant benefits, including faster absorption, higher rents, and a better return on investment. Early marketing opens up multiple pre-leasing opportunities before the certificate of occupancy is granted, allowing the property to generate instant cash flow from the get-go. Tune in for a sneak peek at CHARLSGATE's playbook for lease-up marketing and how it is driving success in Boston's multifamily projects. Hosted by Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

In this quick hit episode, we are joined by Jared Clement, Director of Leasing at CHARLESGATE to discuss the importance of convenient and well-planned amenities in apartment buildings. “While flashy amenities like pools and gyms are important, it's equally crucial to invest in smaller amenities that make residents' lives easier.” - Jared Clement. These might include smart locks, a well-designed package room with built-in recycling, and thoughtful interior design. Adding to this, Jared emphasizes the importance of having a high-quality leasing team that can effectively communicate these amenities to potential residents. By focusing on these core amenities and smaller details, apartment buildings can create a more functional and appealing community that will attract and retain tenants. Hosted by Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

In this podcast episode, Mike and Jared of CHARLESGATE discuss the concept of centralized leasing in the multifamily industry. They explain that their centralized leasing model involves three key parts: marketing, property management, and specialized on-demand leasing professionals who work in sync. They emphasize the importance of having a professional sales team for leasing rather than burdening assistant property managers with additional tasks. They also discuss the benefits of centralization, including cost savings and better revenue. The hosts share their experiences with implementing centralized leasing in their company and how it has led to remarkable results. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into how centralization can improve the leasing process in multifamily properties. Hosted By P.T. Vineburgh and Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

In this episode of Empowered Returns, we are joined by Eric DiNicola, Managing Principal at Winterspring Capital for a discussion on various aspects of real estate development in Boston. Eric shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of real estate development gained from his experience at Winterspring Capital. He sheds light on a range of issues such as the funding challenges associated with condo projects as well as the nuances in how lenders and contractors perceive larger versus smaller endeavors. His expertise provides a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the industry. Join hosts P.T. Vineburgh and Michael DiMella as they delve into the real estate market's evolution across diverse geographies. Candidly revealing their insights on effective deal-making and creating investment returns, the duo also shares their typical hold period for multi-family projects. In summary, the episode dispenses valuable knowledge on the present-day challenges and opportunities in real estate development. Hosted By P.T. Vineburgh and Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

We are joined by Ralph Parent, Managing Partner at Parent + Diamond for a discussion on minority inclusion in real estate development. Ralph works with established white construction and development companies to bridge gaps and build a better Boston. Throughout this episode, Ralph emphasizes his focus on creating wealth and investing in the community, rather than simply developing more buildings or units in Boston. He believes that investing in minority-owned businesses is crucial for the city's economic growth and prosperity. Towards the end of our discussion, we touch upon the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which has been a major focal point for Ralph and his company, Parent + Diamond. We dive into why DEI is so important, and how it can lead to a brighter future for everyone. Listeners will gain invaluable insight into the importance of investing in minority-owned businesses and the role they play in building stronger communities. CHARLESGATE Hosted by Michael DiMella & P.T. Vineburgh

In this episode, we’re joined by Christine Mulvey, Director of Marketing & Communications at CHARLESGATE, as she discusses the importance of developing a go-to-market strategy for marketing new developments in the real estate industry. During this insightful conversation with CHARLESGATE’s Founder Michael DiMella, Mulvey reveals some of the key differentiators in CHARLESGATE’s strategy when working with developers to bring new buildings to market in the competitive Boston real estate market. Mulvey emphasizes the need for strong content campaigns that target specific audiences, building a brand that truly resonates with prospective buyers and renters, consistency in branding and messaging, as well as the need for real-time marketing and iteration to be effective. If you're interested in the real estate industry, or looking to market your own property, you won't want to miss this thought-provoking episode with two of CHARLESGATE's leaders. Hosted by Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

We are excited to be joined by Patrick Callahan, President at Callahan Construction in Boston. Patrick brings with him a wealth of experience in the construction industry and will be sharing his insights on the challenges and opportunities in this constantly evolving field. As President of Callahan Construction, Patrick is no stranger to the difficulties that come with running a business in the construction industry. From the high cost and limited availability of labor to the challenge of finding qualified workers, navigating ever-changing regulations and laws, and the need to manage a tight budget, there are numerous hurdles to overcome. However, despite these challenges, Patrick sees plenty of opportunities for businesses in the construction industry to succeed. Tune in on March 22, 2023 for the full episode! Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh and Michael DiMella CHARLESGATE

The next Episode of Empowered Returns features special guest, Eric Shinrock, Executive Vice President at The Mount Vernon Company. Eric joins P.T. Vineburgh for an insightful conversation on Eric’s transition from the world of large institutional development to starting his own successful firm in Boston. Learn Eric’s current approach to finding and entitling great projects at The Mount Vernon Company and the importance of great design in real estate development. CHARLESGATE Hosted by P.T. Vineburgh