M&As, Retail Insights, and a Global CRE Perspective

The Crexi Podcast: Conversations in All Things Commercial Real Estate

This episode explores the commercial real estate industry on a global level with Gene Spiegelman, Partner at RIPCO Real Estate.

The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with some of the top CRE professionals in the space. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate.

Sitting with Crexi’s Ashley Kobovitch, Gene shares his experience in the retail real estate industry over the past 27 years, highlighting his growth from a newcomer to a leading expert. He explains how the industry has shifted over the years, including the need to enhance business development mindsets with the use of new technologies. From valuable advice to young broker to navigating the turbulent tides of changing interest rates, investor sentiment, and transaction behaviors, Gene and Ashley’s wide-ranging conversation includes:

• Introduction and Guest Background
• Gene Spiegelman's Career Journey
• Lessons Learned and Favorite Mistakes Made
• The Importance of Fundamentals in Real Estate
• Climbing the Ranks in Commercial Real Estate
• Building and Training Successful Teams
• The Importance of Networking in Real Estate
• The Intersection of Personal Life and Real Estate
• The Role of Intuition and Networking in Building a Brand
• The Value of Community Contribution in Professional Growth
• The Impact of New Technologies on Business Development
• The Journey of Team Growth at RIPCO
• The Current Market Overview and Predictions
• The Role of Consumer Spending in the Economy
• Advice for Young Brokers and Investors
• Closing Remarks and Sign-offs

About Gene Spiegelman:

Gene Spiegelman has been a prominent leader in the retail real estate industry for the past 27 years and is regarded as a foremost industry expert. His passionate commitment to his clients and acumen in negotiating complex retail transactions have distinguished him in the field. With extensive experience in retailer and landlord representation on a global scale, Gene possesses a unique perspective with a specific emphasis on the urban, luxury, and specialty retail sectors.

In June 2018, Gene joined RIPCO Real Estate LLC as Vice Chairman & Principal. Moving into an entrepreneurial role, Gene has focused on growing the New York metro region's largest independent retail services firm and providing clients with the expertise and guidance required to navigate the complexities of today’s retail environment.

Before joining RIPCO, Gene enjoyed a distinguished 18-year career at Cushman & Wakefield. He was widely credited with launching Retail Services in the United States and is highly regarded for his passionate commitment to its growth to become an industry leader. He was also recognized as a five-time Cushman & Wakefield leading retail producer and consistently ranked among the firm’s top-producing real estate professionals.

In 2014, Gene was named Head of North America Retail Services, providing leadership for the United States, Canada, and Mexico and coordinating C&W’s global cross-border retail initiatives. He drove Cushman & Wakefield’s client-only mandate across the Retail Platform and prepared Retail Services for future growth following the 2015 merger with DTZ.

In 2015, Gene negotiated the most significant retail deal in modern-day Boston history with his representation of Millennium Tower Boston in the lease of 142,000 square feet to Primark in the city’s renowned Downtown Crossing. He is also a two-time winner of the Real Estate Board of New York’s Retail Deal of the Year Award for representing Crate & Barrel in a 48,000 square-foot lease at 611 Broadway in 2001 and Gucci in its lease to Diesel at 685 Fifth Avenue in 2008.

He frequently contributes to important news publications and broadcast outlets, providing commentary and insight on retail industry trends and events. Gene received a Master’s degree in Real Estate Investment and Development from New York University and is a graduate of the University of Maryland. He is a member of the Real Estate Board of New York, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Young Men’s/Women’s Real Estate Association of New York.

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