Family Office Real Estate Institute Podcast

Ep. 136 - The Art of the Family Office: Building Structure, Strategy & Legacy

Guest: Justin Bakewell – Head of Client Strategy

 

In this episode of the Family Office Real Estate Institute Podcast, DJ Van Keuren welcomes Justin Bakewell, Managing Director, Strategy & Head of Mid-Atlantic at Pitcairn (formerly Brightside Partners). Justin shares how Pitcairn guides families through the complexities of multi-generational wealth—aligning purpose, values, and financial strategy. The conversation explores how family offices can strengthen communication, formalize governance, and create enduring investment frameworks that preserve both capital and legacy. From investment policy statements to succession planning, Justin offers rare insights into how families can move from reactive financial management to intentional, principle-based decision-making. This episode provides clear, actionable wisdom for advisors and family office leaders seeking to build resilience and long-term impact.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Libsyn
🌐 Learn more at www.fore.institute

Ep. 135 - Sports Meets Real Estate: Opportunities for Family Offices with United Soccer League (USL)

Guest: Justin Papadakis - Deputy CEO & Chief Real Estate Officer at USL

In this episode of the Family Office Real Estate Institute Podcast, host DJ Van Keuren sits down with Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer at the United Soccer League (USL).

Justin shares how real estate development has become a cornerstone of USL’s growth strategy, from building state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadiums to creating mixed-use districts that serve as anchors for community development. He discusses the intersection of sports, real estate, and city planning, and how leagues like USL are leveraging real estate to fuel expansion, attract investors, and deliver long-term value.

This conversation covers the challenges and opportunities of stadium development, the economics of professional sports real estate, and what family offices can learn from the USL’s innovative approach to growth.

From the economics of stadium finance to lessons family offices can apply in their own portfolios, this conversation goes deep into the powerful intersection of sports and real estate.

Learn more at www.fore.institute

Ep. 134 - Real Estate Finance Strategy, Reporting, and Risk for Family Offices

Guest: Cory Bultinck – Partner, Wipfli LLP

In this episode of the Family Office Real Estate Institute Podcast, DJ Van Keuren speaks with Cory Bultinck, Partner at Wipfli LLP, about the vital role that accounting, reporting, and financial structure play in real estate investing for family offices. Cory shares insights gained from decades of working with ultra-high-net-worth families, uncovering how many offices unintentionally expose themselves to risk by underestimating the importance of proper financial systems.

The conversation explores common mistakes made in real estate accounting, why entity structuring is often neglected, and how families can better prepare for future transitions of wealth and asset ownership. Cory explains why internal controls and regular reporting are essential not just for compliance, but for protecting long-term legacy and maximizing returns. This episode offers practical advice for both newly formed and well-established family offices looking to bring more financial clarity and discipline to their real estate portfolios.

Learn more at www.fore.institute

Ep. 133 - From Passive Losses to 1031s: Tax Strategy Deep Dive

In this episode of the Family Office Real Estate Institute Podcast, host DJ Van Keuren sits down with Scott Snow, CPA, Partner at ProVision, to explore the often-overlooked world of real estate tax strategy. Scott brings decades of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and family offices on maximizing deductions, managing passive losses, leveraging cost segregation, and structuring 1031 exchanges.

Together, they break down:

• The most common tax mistakes real estate investors make
• Passive vs. active income and how it affects deductions
• The truth about depreciation, cost segregation, and real estate professional status
• When to use 1031 or 721 exchanges—and why timing matters
• Why hiring the right CPA can be the difference between stagnation and scalable wealth

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a family office executive, this episode offers actionable tax insights that can significantly impact your bottom line.

 

🎧 Available on Youtube Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

📍 Learn more at www.fore.institute

Ep. 132 - Creative Campuses: A New Approach to Real Estate Investment

Guest: Stuart & Daren Laureano - Southern California Equity, Inc.

In this fascinating episode of Family Office Real Estate Institute Insights, Darren Laureano and Stu Laureano from Southern California Equity unveil their groundbreaking approach to real estate investment. Specializing in creative office spaces and entertainment production campuses, they reveal how they're transforming industrial buildings into vibrant hubs for digital media, tech, and content creators. Dive deep into their unique investment strategy that focuses on adaptive reuse, sustainability, and serving the innovation economy. Learn how they identify and develop properties in key markets like Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville, and Miami, creating flexible spaces that attract premium tenants in the tech and media industries. Discover the secrets behind their successful approach, including their proprietary acquisition targeting system, their focus on urban infill locations, and how they're meeting the evolving needs of modern content creators. From sound stages to AI development spaces, this episode provides an insider's look at the future of commercial real estate. Whether you're an investor, real estate professional, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and commercial spaces, this conversation offers unprecedented insights into a rapidly evolving market segment.

Ep. 101 (Repost) - Using Consultants To Make Family Office Investments

USING CONSULTANTS TO MAKE FAMILY OFFICE INVESTMENTS

Larry Wolf – CEO of Red Diamond, Ltd.

Discover the benefits and strategies of utilizing consultants for family office investments with Larry Wolf, CEO of Red Diamond, Ltd. With his extensive experience as Chief Executive Officer of a Single Family Office, Larry brings valuable insights on leveraging consultants in the financial services industry. Explore the role of consultants in business and financial planning, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and start-ups. Gain expert advice from this seasoned professional, who holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration and Management, General from Miami University. Enhance your investment approach and unlock new opportunities with the guidance of this esteemed industry leader.

Ep. 131 - Entrepreneurial Grit and Determination: How Sal Lupoli Transformed a Pizza Business into a Real Estate Powerhouse

Guest: Sal Lupoli - CEO Lupoli Companies

Join us as we sit down with Sal Lupoli, a true entrepreneurial trailblazer, to hear the remarkable story of his journey from humble beginnings to building a real estate empire spanning millions of square feet across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Sal shares how he started with a single pizza shop while still in college, leveraging that business to eventually acquire and transform dilapidated properties into thriving mixed-use developments. Learn about the bold moves, tough decisions, and unwavering determination that fueled his success, as well as the lessons he learned along the way. Beyond just business acumen, Sal's deep commitment to his local communities shines through. Hear how he has created thousands of jobs, invested in education and healthcare initiatives, and given back to the very neighborhoods that helped shape his entrepreneurial journey. This is a must-watch for anyone aspiring to build a lasting legacy, whether in real estate, entrepreneurship, or simply making a positive impact. Sal's story is a testament to the power of vision, grit, and a relentless drive to succeed against all odds.

Ep. 130 - Family Office Real Estate Investing: Tapping into Dubai's Growth Story

Guest: Nav Takhar - Off Plan & Investment Consultant - Haus & haus

In this episode of the Family Office Real Estate Institute Podcast, host TJ van Kieren sits down with investment consultant Nav, who is based in Dubai. Nav provides a comprehensive overview of the booming real estate market in Dubai and the unique opportunities it presents for family offices and high-net-worth investors. Dubai has experienced remarkable growth and development over the past few decades, with only 25% of the city currently built out.

 

The government has ambitious 2040 and 2072 master plans that guide all new construction, ensuring a cohesive and forward-thinking approach to urban planning. Nav explains the dynamics of Dubai's population, which is 90% expats, and the recent changes that have allowed non-residents to own freehold properties. He delves into the influential role of the five royal families that drive much of the real estate and other key industries in the UAE. The discussion covers the legal and investment frameworks in Dubai, including the application of Sharia law and the unique payment structures for off-plan properties. 

 

Nav also highlights the tax benefits, such as 0% income tax and capital gains tax, that make Dubai an attractive destination for international investors. Listeners will gain insights into the flow of funds in and out of Dubai, as well as strategies for setting up trusts, entities, and obtaining residency visas to capitalize on the real estate opportunities. Nav provides guidance on how family offices and investors from the US can effectively enter the Dubai market. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in diversifying their real estate portfolio or exploring the rapidly evolving real estate landscape in Dubai.

Ep. 129 - Public and Private REITS. so what is the difference?

Guest: Mark Allen | President & Chief Development Officer | Royal Oak Realty Trust

This podcast episode provides an in-depth discussion and comparison of private REITs versus public REITs. Mark Allen from Royal Oak REIT explains their private REIT structure, acquisition strategy, and operations. Key topics covered include the differences in liquidity, valuation methodology, return profiles and investment horizons between private and public real estate investment trusts. Royal Oak focuses on acquiring high-quality, net leased industrial properties occupied by investment-grade tenants across secondary and tertiary U.S. markets.

 

The interview discusses Royal Oak's buy-and-hold investment approach, low property turnover, and historically consistent returns around 10% annually delivered through reliable dividend income. Royal Oak determines share price on a quarterly basis using multiple valuation reports and metrics to arrive at a determined share value. Listeners learn about Royal Oak's limited redemption policies for investors, quarterly reporting, and organic growth having raised over $450M with over 1,100 investors. The podcast provides useful context on private REIT structures, net lease real estate, investment strategy, risk management, and performance.

Ep. 128 - The Future of Opportunity Zones Insights from an Industry Expert

Guest: Jimmy Atkinson - Founder of OpportunityZones.com

In this episode of the Family Office Real Estate Institute podcast, host DJ Van Keuren sits down with Jimmy Atkinson, the founder of Opportunity Zones.com, to discuss the current state and future of the Opportunity Zones program. They explore the bipartisan origins of the initiative, the political dynamics surrounding it, and the potential implications of the upcoming election on the program's trajectory. Atkinson provides valuable insights into the nuances of Opportunity Zone investments, the challenges faced by investors, and the potential impact on local communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and opportunities within the Opportunity Zones landscape.