In this eye-opening episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere welcomes Andrew Farah, the CEO and co-founder of Density, a company revolutionizing how we measure and understand physical space usage in office environments.

Together, they explore the hidden inefficiencies of commercial office spaces, the myths around return-to-office mandates, and how anonymous, real-time space data can fundamentally reshape how organizations use their buildings, without infringing on privacy.

🔍 Key Topics Covered:

- Why “butts in seats” is a broken metric for workplace effectiveness

- How Density’s radar-based sensors provide real-time data while ensuring complete privacy

- Why camera-based systems pose legal, ethical, and cybersecurity risks

- “Ghost meetings,” unclaimed desks, and the vast wasteland of unused office space

- How high-trust, in-person collaboration builds stronger products and teams

- What federal government real estate downsizing means for office investors and REITs

- Creative solutions for return-to-office success: including in-building childcare

- The real impact of flexible work on young professionals, mentorship, and workplace training

- How future workspaces will blend AI, self-driving tech, and radically smaller, higher-output teams

📈 Whether you're a commercial real estate investor, a corporate occupier, or simply navigating hybrid work policies, this episode will change the way you think about space, people, and productivity.

📚 Books Recommended by Andrew Farah:

The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli – A poetic exploration of time by a physicist who writes like a philosopher.

Endurance by Alfred Lansing – The true survival story of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition (with a shoutout to navigator Frank Worsley).

Contact by Carl Sagan – A science fiction classic about our place in the universe, later adapted into a film starring Jodie Foster.

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara – Behind the scenes of Eleven Madison Park and the art of going above and beyond for customers.

Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant – A concise but profound meditation on human history, civilization, and recurring patterns.

Andrew also shares powerful advice for young professionals: read what you love until you love to read, and let curiosity, not competition, guide your growth.

📬 Want to connect with Andrew Farah or learn more about Density?

Website: https://www.density.io

Email: andrew@density.io

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewfarah/

🎧 Subscribe to The Real Finds Podcast for raw, data-backed conversations with the operators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries redefining real estate and the built world.

📍 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your audio content.

👍 Like. Comment. Share. Subscribe. Your feedback fuels these important conversations.

What happens when geopolitical uncertainty meets supply chain complexity? In this eye-opening episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere welcomes Kristian O'Meara, known as “KO”, a seasoned global supply chain leader and Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at JAGGAER. Together, they unpack the ripple effects of major trade policy shifts, most notably the U.S.-China tariffs, and how those disruptions have permanently reshaped the landscape for procurement teams, industrial space users, and commercial real estate strategists.

This is more than just a conversation about global logistics, it’s a breakdown on how to survive and thrive in a fractured global economy. Whether you’re a business owner trying to adapt sourcing strategies, a procurement executive navigating compliance challenges, or a commercial real estate agent watching industrial demand surge across inland markets, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the strategies that matter now.

🔍 Key Topics Covered:

✅ Tariffs and Trade Tensions: Gordon and KO explore the long tail of the Trump-era tariffs, how they disrupted legacy procurement pipelines, and why many companies were caught off-guard by the fragility of their global sourcing networks. You’ll hear how tariffs forced executive teams to rethink risk in a more tangible and location-dependent way, sparking major shifts in demand for U.S.-based industrial real estate and logistics assets.

✅ Supply Chain Resilience: KO lays out the new playbook for supply chain resiliency, including the critical role of digital procurement platforms, supplier diversification, and end-to-end visibility. Resilience today is not just about building inventory buffers—it’s about having the real-time data to make smart, fast decisions.

✅ The Nearshoring Boom: One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is the structural movement toward nearshoring. Companies are no longer treating it as a theoretical future; it’s happening right now. KO explains why this shift is creating ripple effects across Mexico, the U.S. Southeast, and the Midwest, making “industrial space” more important than ever for procurement and operations leaders.

✅ Technology Meets Policy: As procurement becomes more central to enterprise strategy, regulatory compliance, trade reporting, and ESG mandates are colliding with digital transformation efforts. KO discusses how platforms like JAGGAER are helping organizations not only comply but also compete.

✅ Why Real Estate is Now a Supply Chain Issue: Gordon and KO touch on a compelling trend: the convergence of physical logistics, real estate, and digital strategy. As warehouses, ports, and even energy access points become critical nodes in corporate strategy, the ability to secure the right space in the right place is becoming a competitive advantage.

📈 Related Resources: Need a strategic real estate plan to match your evolving logistics footprint?

📥 Download our Industrial Space Action Plans for:

Occupiers: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-space-occupiers-action-plan/

Property Sellers: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-property-sellers-action-plan/

Investors: https://www.vvco.com/commercial-real-estate-investors-action-plan/

Explore more at: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-space-in-chicago-buy-sell-lease/

Power Planning Is Now Real Estate Planning: Why Data Centers Are Redefining Site Value

In this episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Pete DiSanto, a marine engineer turned microgrid and energy infrastructure expert, to unpack one of the most pressing challenges in commercial real estate today: how power access, not just location, is becoming the ultimate driver of site value.

As data centers evolve into the physical engine rooms of the global digital economy, the development process has flipped. It’s no longer just about zoning, broadband, or fiber—it’s about securing scalable, resilient energy access. In today’s grid-constrained environment, interconnection delays of 3–7 years are not uncommon. Pete explains why traditional assumptions about utility hookups no longer apply and why “just adding a transformer” is a naïve myth.

👉 Whether you're a real estate developer, private equity investor, or infrastructure fund evaluating potential data center sites, this episode is packed with essential insights on the future of behind-the-meter power, natural gas infrastructure, and microgrid design.

From gas turbines and fuel cells to LNG bridging, small modular nuclear reactors, and evolving redundancy standards, Pete outlines why microgrids like those from Enchanted Rock are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re becoming the gating factor for feasibility, financing, and speed-to-market.

🔋 Key themes covered:

• How interconnection queues have ballooned and what to do about it
• Why utility-grade infrastructure is no longer enough
• Creative solutions for powering sites ahead of grid upgrades
• The new role of natural gas pipelines in real estate underwriting
• What modular nuclear means for the future of clean power

Why the smartest investors are solving for “speed-to-power” before they ever break ground

💡 Power Planning is Now Real Estate Planning. In the race to build scalable data infrastructure, developers can’t afford to ignore the power side of the deal. No energy = no asset. Resilient power isn’t just about uptime, it’s about making land bankable.

As Pete puts it: “You don’t get to take a day off. You either solve the problem or you don’t get home.”

Relevant Resources:

Learn more about industrial real estate development at Van Vlissingen: https://www.vvco.com/industrial-space-in-chicago-buy-sell-lease/

Read our latest market insights on the Van Vlissingen blog: https://www.vvco.com/news/

Work with a Van Vlissingen commercial real estate broker: https://www.vvco.com/contact/

Discover how Enchanted Rock is powering data center resilience with natural gas microgrids: https://enchantedrock.com/

Enchanted Rock microgrids offer flexible, on-site, dispatchable power that meets peak loads without compromising reliability or waiting on grid upgrades. Even better, they’re built to evolve, with dispatchable, on-site power that meets demand today and can later transition into grid support—helping data centers become assets to the grid, not liabilities.

In today’s episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Jimmie Brennan, founder of Love Mondays Office Space, for a deep and heartfelt dive into what makes the modern office truly work for businesses and people alike.

Forget gray carpets and soulless cubes. The office isn't dead, but the uninspired one is. Together, Gordon and Jimmie break down why the future of office space is personal, flexible, and built around joyful utility. If you’ve ever wondered how to design an office that inspires people to actually look forward to Monday morning, this conversation is your blueprint.

🧠 Why You’ll Want to Listen

This isn’t just another chat about workplace design—it’s a masterclass in rethinking how real estate shapes company culture, productivity, and even mental health. Jimmie shares stories from his time in the leisure industry, explains how his company helps businesses create inspiring work environments, and outlines the rising expectations of today’s workforce, whether it’s the demand for hybrid flexibility, breakout spaces, or pet-friendly policies.

The takeaway? Great offices don’t just attract talent—they retain it, empower it, and even heal it.

🏢 Who This Episode is For

- Commercial real estate professionals

- Landlords and asset managers

- Office tenants and HR leaders

- Workplace strategists

- Founders navigating hybrid models

- Anyone sick of dreading Mondays

Whether you’re planning your next office move, designing a flex space, or trying to convince your team to come back into the building, this episode offers clear, practical, and human-centric advice on how to make your workspace a true asset.

📲 Want to connect with Jimmie Brennan?

Website: www.lovemondaysofficespace.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmie-brennan-office-space-expert-coworking-flexible-private-office-space/

📲 Want to connect with Gordon Lamphere?

Website: www.vvco.com

Try his Dream Office Quiz under the "Resources" tab on his site – it takes 60 seconds and could change the way you think about your office.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe.

💬 Drop your biggest workplace design takeaway in the comments below!

📩 Have questions about your own office? Reach out to Gordon or Jimmie anytime.

In this timely episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Richard Barnett, Chief Marketing Officer at Supplyframe and a globally recognized expert in supply chain strategy, manufacturing trends, and trade policy.

As shifting tariff policies continue to reshape global commerce, Barnett explains how businesses are adapting by rethinking globalization entirely. What once was a world optimized for lean, far-reaching supply chains is now facing a new paradigm, marked by regionalization, reshoring, and a growing urgency to build resilience into operational models.

This episode examines how tariff disruptions, similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, are prompting companies to reassess their strategies, including inventory buffers, supplier diversification, and even their real estate footprint. Barnett also evaluates how legislation, such as the CHIPS Act, is impacting domestic manufacturing and foreign investment decisions.

Whether you're an executive, investor, supply chain operator, or commercial real estate professional, this discussion delivers a fresh perspective on the future of industrial strategy, logistics infrastructure, and trade-driven site selection.

📌 Timestamps & Highlights

00:00 – Tariff shocks: How sudden policy changes are disrupting industries globally

00:31 – Welcome from host Gordon Lamphere and the Real Finds mission

00:46 – Guest intro: Richard Barnett, CMO at Supplyframe and supply chain thought leader

02:54 – From globalization to regionalization: Why companies are rethinking footprints

07:21 – Supply chain lessons from the pandemic: Fragility and over-optimization

11:18 – The return of inventory: Why buffers and flexibility are key

15:44 – Which sectors are most exposed to tariff volatility

22:38 – The CHIPS Act: Rebuilding U.S. semiconductor capacity

25:25 – The cascading effects of trade delays on global investment

30:00 – Final take: Navigating logistics bottlenecks and the uncertain future of trade

🧠 Key Themes Covered:

• Global trade policy shifts

• U.S. industrial strategy and restoring

• Regionalization vs globalization

• Supply chain resilience and risk

• Manufacturing trends and sector-specific disruptions

• Tariffs' impact on commercial real estate and site selection

📈 Stay ahead of the curve—subscribe to The Real Finds Podcast for sharp conversations with leaders who are shaping the built environment, industrial economy, and future of global business.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to join thousands of industry pros tuning into each episode. New content drops regularly.

The construction industry is facing a labor crisis, with over half a million unfilled jobs and rising. Without enough workers to build the future, everything from infrastructure to industrial development is at risk. In this episode of the Real Finds Podcast, Gordon Lamphere sits down with George Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council, to discuss what’s causing the workforce collapse and how to fix it.

Carrillo, a former public official turned industry leader, delivers a powerful message: construction powers our economy, and without people to build, the entire real estate industry grinds to a halt. From affordable housing to industrial supply chains, the ripple effects of the labor shortage are already here—and will only worsen without systemic change.

In this solution-focused conversation, we cover:

🔨 The state of the labor shortage and why it’s worse than you think

🧱 How construction is the foundation of the commercial real estate industry

🌎 Why smart, comprehensive immigration reform must be part of the solution

🎓 The urgent need for education reform and early exposure to the trades

🧰 Creative ways to inspire the next generation and yes, even children’s picture books

💼 Real pathways for young people and underserved communities to get into the trades

Carrillo doesn’t just point out the problem. He brings blueprints for change. The future of real estate starts with the people who build it, and we need more of them right now.

Subscribe to the Real Finds Podcast to hear bold solutions and candid conversations from the people shaping the built world.

📲 Connect with Us:

Website: https://www.vvco.com/real-finds-podcast/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6259PC9dz1qFdptPUtpKoU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-finds-podcast/id1664564660

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcPo4ApnUONGj2PHX5wtMPw

Twitter: @realfindspod

In today's episode of The Real Finds, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Hunter Hopcroft, an investor and blogger specializing in REITs and alternative investments. They explore the shifting landscape of real estate investing, breaking down the distinctions between public vs. private markets and the challenges and opportunities in industrial, logistics, and data center investments. Ultimately, the two discuss key investment strategies to navigate today's challenging markets.

From cash flow analysis to risk assessment and capital allocation, this episode is packed with valuable insights for investors looking to deepen their understanding of alternative investments and market trends.

-Find Hunter Here-

Substack: https://www.lewisenterprises.blog/

Twitter: https://x.com/rhunterh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-hopcroft-12204129a/

🔎 Episode Highlights:

00:00 - The importance of curiosity and unique perspectives in investing

00:39 - Introduction of Hunter Hopcroft and his extensive asset management experience

01:24 - Breaking down alternative investments and their evaluation

02:19 - Comparing public vs. private real estate investments (risks & rewards)

10:24 - Analyzing the industrial market and key leasing factors

15:30 - Challenges in the logistics sector (union negotiations & shipping shifts)

19:20 - The financial health of small-bay industrial properties and tenant dynamics

26:52 - The explosive growth of data centers, AI impact, and market volatility

30:41 - Examining REITs’ structural issues in capital allocation & return mandates

31:45 - Cash flow structures in data centers and their reinvestment implications

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT with your thoughts!

🔔 Turn on notifications to never miss an episode!

In this episode of The Real Finds Podcast, host Gordon Lamphere sits down with Scott Robinson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Plymouth Industrial REIT and Director & Professor at NYU's Schack Institute, to discuss the rapidly evolving industrial real estate market and how investors can strategically position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.

After a historic slowdown in total transaction volume, industrial real estate is now seeing a resurgence in acquisitions. However, while investor interest is returning, liquidity challenges, rising energy costs, and shifting logistics trends mean buyers, sellers, and investors must rethink their approach.

🏗️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The Industrial Real Estate Rebound – The past two and a half years saw a significant drop in total transaction volume as market uncertainty and rising interest rates stalled deals. Now, with more clarity and appetite for acquisitions, industrial real estate is finally seeing a comeback.

✅ Liquidity Crunch & The Buyer-Seller Gap – Why are sellers stuck in 2022 pricing while buyers recognize that today’s liquidity market has changed? Is the gap starting to close, or will capital constraints continue to slow transactions?

✅ E-Commerce & Logistics Growth – With Amazon, Walmart, and Target expanding their last-mile operations, how will continued e-commerce demand affect industrial leasing and investment strategies? Will smaller, more flexible spaces see the biggest demand?

✅ Tariffs & Trade Policy – With potential tariff increases and reshoring initiatives, could U.S. industrial real estate benefit from global supply chain shifts? How are manufacturing trends influencing warehouse demand, and which markets stand to gain the most?

✅ Energy Costs & Property Resilience – Rising energy costs are becoming an overlooked but major factor for industrial property owners. How can investors mitigate risk and future-proof properties against rising operational expenses?

✅ The Shift to Smaller Industrial Spaces – Investors are moving away from mega-warehouses and focusing on smaller, multi-tenant industrial buildings (sub-100,000 sq. ft.). Why is this trend gaining traction, and what opportunities does it create?

✅ Technology & Robotics in Industrial Real Estate – Automation and AI are transforming logistics operations. How can industrial property owners ensure their buildings remain competitive in a tech-driven future?

✅ Technology & Robotics in Industrial Real Estate – Automation and AI are transforming logistics operations. How can industrial property owners ensure their buildings remain competitive in a tech-driven future?

📚 Scott’s Book Recommendation: Watch That Rat Hole by Ken Campbell – A deep dive into the history of REITs and how they have shaped the commercial real estate industry over the past several decades.

📩 Want to connect with Scott Robinson?

📌 Find him on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) or reach out via NYU

🔥 If you're serious about industrial real estate investing, this episode is a must-listen! Subscribe for more insights from top real estate experts, investors, and market analysts.

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe for More Real Estate Insights!