Beyond the Resume

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/PkVVUsrA_Rs [https://youtu.be/PkVVUsrA_Rs] • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Lisa Flicker and Chris Papa sit down with Sydne Garchik, Founder and President of MRK Partners, for an honest, fast-paced, and often hilarious conversation about building a national affordable housing company while raising a family and disrupting industry norms. Sydne shares how she transitioned from her first job as an admin at Standard Communities to launching MRK Partners with a preservation-first strategy, a belief in people, and a commitment to financing the complex deals no one else wants to touch. From partnering with faith-based groups to launching a nonprofit with her husband, Sydne shows how MRK is not only building quality housing — but building community, connection, and measurable outcomes that matter. Chapters (01:38) – Launching MRK: Why Culture Comes First Sydne explains why being a mom and a woman shaped her approach to founding a mission-driven firm. (04:30) – Admin to Entrepreneur: A Nonlinear Leap The early days of her career, her time with Standard, and the leap into starting something bold. (07:47) – Why She Prioritizes Impact Over Profit Sydne talks about the role of empathy, her instincts, and the deep-rooted desire to help others. (10:05) – How Her First Deal Started with Family The creative and personal story behind her very first affordable housing project. (12:34) – Doing Hard Things: Conversions, Construction & Complexity Office-to-housing conversions, faith-based land deals, and the joy of solving messy problems. (14:16) – What Policy Could Actually Make a Difference Sydne’s take on tax exemptions, bond reform, and where housing policy really needs to go. (16:27) – Hiring with Heart, Leading with Mission Why MRK only hires people aligned with its vision — and what she looks for in every interview. (19:27) – Resident Services, Real Results How MRK and its nonprofit Bloom support financial literacy, connection, and holistic wellness. (25:52) – Scholarships, Support, and Sydne’s Favorite Calls to Make From seniors to students, Sydne shares what it’s like to call residents and say, “You got it.” Top 5 Quotes from the Episode: “I don’t wake up thinking about profitability — I wake up thinking about impact.” – Sydne Garchik “We just push forward. Because getting to the result is more important than being right.” “We’re really good at complicated financing — that’s what sets us apart.” “If you’re not aligned with our mission, you shouldn’t be at MRK.” “Affordable housing is for nurses, teachers, baristas. It’s for everyone in your community.” --- Links YouTube: https://youtu.be/PkVVUsrA_Rs [https://youtu.be/PkVVUsrA_Rs] Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9 [https://apple.co/3I3nkG9] Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sydne-garchik [https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sydne-garchik]

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/V5eLHRtk-Fw [https://youtu.be/V5eLHRtk-Fw] • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Ty Barnes, Head of Investments at Comunidad Partners, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, career pivots, and how mission-driven investing is reshaping the future of real estate. Ty shares his unconventional journey — from political science major to Wall Street analyst to leading community-focused investments across the country. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned running his family’s business in his 20s, the importance of understanding operations before underwriting, and how personal responsibility sharpened his business instincts. With refreshing candor, Ty breaks down the hard and soft skills that have guided his growth: humility, hustle, people management, and modeling — both in Excel and in life. Whether you’re early in your career or rethinking your next move, this episode offers sharp takeaways and grounded wisdom for anyone in real estate or impact work. ⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps (00:00) – What is Comunidad Partners? Ty breaks down the company’s mission and how social impact is built into every deal. (01:45) – The Market Right Now: Where Deals Are Happening Insights on Carolina growth, rate locks, and why underwriting discipline still matters. (03:58) – From Political Science to Real Estate Visionary Ty shares how a liberal arts degree and Wall Street job turned into a calling. (06:22) – Running the Family Business in His 20s The responsibility, the grind — and the education no MBA could match. (09:50) – Why Operations Make You a Stronger Investor A masterclass on bridging asset management and acquisitions to de-risk deals. (12:34) – Excel Skills and the Value of Learning the Hard Way Why modeling is a language — and why everyone should take the next course. (14:57) – Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders Ty reflects on what makes a great team member and how he supports their growth. (17:29) – Real Talk: Giving Back with Intentionality From college students to junior team members, why helping others is part of the job. (20:31) – Favorite Podcast, Favorite Deal, Favorite Lessons Ty opens up about media, memories, and the deal that almost went up in smoke. (23:00) – Hiring Advice & Lessons from His Father Ty on interview green flags, mentorship, and the life-changing example set by his dad. 💬 Top 5 Quotes from the Episode: “The best way to be great at acquisitions is to understand operations.” – Ty Barnes “I ran a company in my 20s where people’s lives depended on me. That taught me more than any MBA.” “Do your homework before the interview. Don’t just want a job — want this job.” “You can overcomplicate modeling. You should still be able to underwrite a deal with paper and a calculator.” “My father was the coolest person I ever met. He taught me everything I know about leadership.” --- Links YouTube: https://youtu.be/V5eLHRtk-Fw [https://youtu.be/V5eLHRtk-Fw] Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9 [https://apple.co/3I3nkG9] Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/ty-barnes [https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/ty-barnes]

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/uqwoJ0Rdq7U [https://youtu.be/uqwoJ0Rdq7U] • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] In this episode of Beyond the Resume, hosts Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Janea Jackson, CEO of HomeRise, for a candid and deeply insightful conversation about leadership, legacy, and the urgent work of supportive housing in San Francisco. With roots in sociology and urban planning, Janea shares how her early experiences—from working in public schools to redeveloping military bases in Japan—shaped her bold, people-first approach to community development. She breaks down the realities of housing formerly unhoused residents, the growing crisis among elders, and how her team is building operational resilience in uncertain times. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to lead a mission-driven organization in a moment of political backlash, economic pressure, and social fragmentation — this conversation is your blueprint. Chapters (01:03) – Inside HomeRise: More Than Housing Janea introduces the scale and services of one of SF’s largest permanent supportive housing nonprofits. (03:55) – A Teacher’s Perspective on Systemic Barriers From Pasadena classrooms to geographic segregation — and the awakening that changed everything. (06:40) – Housing the Unseen: Elders on the Edge Why seniors are the fastest-growing unhoused group — and how HomeRise is stepping in. (09:44) – From L.A. to Penn to Oahu: A Nonlinear Path Janea reflects on the winding journey that prepared her to lead with clarity and conviction. (13:00) – Policy, Resistance, and the Fight for PSH Navigating the political attacks on supportive housing — and what resilience looks like. (15:25) – Training for ICE Raids and Mental Health Crises How HomeRise is proactively preparing staff and residents for social and legal threats. (19:00) – Changing NIMBYism One Relationship at a Time Why community connection is the antidote to judgment — and how storytelling can shift narratives. (22:35) – The Treasure Island Vision: Design, Dignity, and Hope From SRO renovations to biophilic towers — a reimagined future for supportive housing in SF. (26:45) – Hiring, Mentors, and Building a Mission-Driven Board What Janea looks for in people — and how her leadership reshaped HomeRise’s future. “We’re building community. Full stop. That takes all kinds of people, from all kinds of paths.” – Janea Jackson “Our systems are failing elders. We’re seeing seniors come straight from homes to cars to the street.” “You can’t run a mission without a margin. I treat this nonprofit like the business it is.” “If you do this work without therapy, you’re crazy. You need space to carry this weight.” “We want people to see our residents as people. That’s not branding — that’s humanity.” --- Links YouTube: https://youtu.be/uqwoJ0Rdq7U [https://youtu.be/uqwoJ0Rdq7U] Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9 [https://apple.co/3I3nkG9] Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/janea-jackson [https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/janea-jackson] affordable housing, Janea Jackson, HomeRise, permanent supportive housing, San Francisco homelessness, nonprofit leadership, urban planning, housing for seniors, mission-driven leadership, real estate social impact

Beyond the Resume Podcast with Sheri Thompson (Stumbling into Real Estate Executive) 👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/v5gg2VJx_9A [https://youtu.be/v5gg2VJx_9A] • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sheri Thompson, Executive Vice President and Head of Affordable Housing at Walker & Dunlop, to talk about navigating the complex world of affordable housing finance, taking risks in your career, and the power of mentorship and sponsorship. From managing equity funding challenges to reflecting on leadership lessons learned through decades in the commercial real estate industry, Sheri shares real talk and actionable advice for anyone looking to grow in the multifamily housing or real estate finance sector. ⏱️ Chapters (0:00) – Welcome + ULI Denver Recap Chris opens the episode with guest Sheri Thompson and they reflect on their recent time at ULI in Denver. (1:06) – What is Walker & Dunlop? Sheri explains the scope of services at Walker & Dunlop, including their roles in debt, equity, capital advisory, and LIHTC syndication. (3:43) – Affordable Housing Investment Strategy An in-depth look at how W&D is innovating around affordable housing with joint ventures, bridge products, and regulatory workaround strategies. (6:47) – Market Trends: Institutional Capital in Affordable Housing Sheri discusses how institutional investors are increasingly moving into the affordable housing space, and the education gap that still exists. (10:28) – Career Journey: From Analyst to EVP A personal look at how Sheri stumbled into affordable housing—from early jobs in leasing to underwriting and eventually executive leadership. (16:32) – Key Skills for Real Estate Careers Sheri outlines essential skills for breaking into and succeeding in real estate today, including credit knowledge, people management, and operations. (20:54) – Training & Internships at Walker & Dunlop An inside look at how W&D trains new hires, supports interns, and nurtures talent through lunch-and-learns, mentorship, and hands-on learning. (24:02) – Hot Seat: Favorite Podcasts & Books Sheri shares her favorite listens like How I Built This and Acquired, and recommends a surprising read: Lonesome Dove. (25:46) – Most Memorable Deal Ever Sheri tells the story of a complex, multi-year deal in Washington D.C. that involved splitting ownership and resolving HUD and Fannie Mae hurdles. (27:06) – What Sheri Looks for in New Hires A passionate breakdown of why hunger and intentionality matter more than pedigree in affordable housing hiring. (29:01) – Mentorship vs. Sponsorship Sheri shares how a key sponsor, Jim Klingbeil, changed the course of her career—and why sponsorship, not just mentorship, is essential. ✅ Subscribe for more real estate leadership stories, insights into affordable housing development, and expert career guidance. 📩 Have questions or want to get into the industry? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you. --- Links YouTube: Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9 [https://apple.co/3I3nkG9] Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sheri-thompson [https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/sheri-thompson] 🔑 Keywords: Affordable housing, Walker & Dunlop, real estate careers, multifamily finance, LIHTC, mentorship vs sponsorship, women in leadership, commercial real estate jobs, Sheri Thompson, housing equity

👀 YouTube: https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE [https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE] • 👂 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] In this episode, Chris Papa and Lisa Flicker sit down with Jeffrey Jaeger, co-founder of Standard Communities, to trace his journey from a philosophy major at Berkeley to building one of the most innovative affordable housing platforms in the U.S. Jaeger discusses the importance of urgency, detail, and kindness in real estate, the influence of his upbringing, and how failing upward shaped his values. He also shares how Standard Communities scaled to over 30,000 units, how private capital can be mobilized for public good, and why mentorship and grit matter more than credentials. This candid, wide-ranging conversation covers workforce housing, LIHTC strategy, student outreach, philanthropic leadership, and the deep emotional roots behind his work. Chapters (00:00) – The Pitch That Sparked a Movement How a casual conversation turned into the launch of Standard Communities — now 30,000 units strong. (02:18) – The Philosophy Degree That Built an Empire Why Jeffrey’s liberal arts education shaped his business instincts more than an MBA ever could. (04:55) – Breaking In Without a Business Degree Jeffrey shares how he hustled his way into real estate — Excel book in hand, unpaid but undeterred. (07:36) – Why “Act with Kindness” Is a Business Strategy The origin of Standard’s core values — and why culture matters more than credentials. (09:10) – Fire vs. Favor: What Gets You Hired What Jeffrey looks for in interviews, and why hunger still beats pedigree. (11:25) – The Three Pillars of Scaling Affordable Housing Standard’s strategic model — from LIHTC to workforce to essential housing investments. (14:52) – How Private Equity Is Fueling Local Jobs A bold initiative connects housing with employment — and fills a gap left by banks. (16:22) – A Mission-Driven Nonprofit Born From a Statistic Why solving for 75 homeless female veterans launched a 10-year philanthropic journey. (17:52) – Art, Architecture, and Awe in Affordable Housing From Skid Row to design-forward developments, how beauty shapes better communities. (20:08) – The Small Details That Reveal Big Talent Jeffrey’s unique hiring rituals, favorite failure questions, and what actually signals leadership potential. --- Links YouTube: https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE [https://youtu.be/cw1JGKM9blE] Spotify: https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT [https://spoti.fi/35ZJGLT] Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3I3nkG9 [https://apple.co/3I3nkG9] Web: https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jeffrey-jaeger [https://www.jacksonlucas.com/podcast/jeffrey-jaeger]