All Things Real Estate with Ari Wintraub

Bill Witte: Projects That Stand the Test of Time

A pointed conversation with Bill Witte of Related, reflecting on nearly four decades of leading California development for one of the nation’s most influential real estate firms. Related has built some of the country’s most luxurious residential projects while also becoming the largest owner of affordable housing units in the United States. In this episode, Bill shares insights on real estate development, affordable housing, Downtown LA, and what it takes to build projects that stand the test of time. We discuss his transition from public sector urban planning into private development, navigating California housing policy, balancing Frank Gehry’s creative vision with commercial realities at The Grand, and the long-term risks developers face around entitlement, politics, and market timing. You’ll learn:• How Bill Witte transitioned from government urban planning into major real estate development• Why Related California focuses on projects designed for long-term impact• How public-private partnerships influence large-scale development strategy• What it was like working with Frank Gehry on The Grand in Downtown LA• Why Downtown LA has struggled post-COVID and what it needs to recover• How affordable housing strengthened Related’s business and reputation• Why California housing policy is slowly shifting against NIMBY resistance• How developers evaluate entitlement risk, politics, and market cycles• What Bill would — and would not — do differently after decades in the industry Follow me on my Social media: 💟Website: ⁠⁠https://www.ariwintraub.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.ariwintraub.com/] 💟Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub] 💟Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties ⁠⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties ] 💟Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546] You might also like: ✅ ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY⁠⁠ [https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY] ✅ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk] ✅ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I] 🔰 My playlist: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0IVJkkBL0GRnTsR2uLElHCba1tfvgnSf⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0IVJkkBL0GRnTsR2uLElHCba1tfvgnSf] #AriWintraub #BillWitte #AllThingsRealEstate #RelatedCalifornia #CaliforniaRealEstate #RealEstateDevelopment #AffordableHousing #DowntownLA #DTLA #LosAngelesRealEstate #TheGrandLA #FrankGehry #UrbanPlanning #HousingCrisis #MultifamilyDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting

Xander Tertychny: Architecture, Development, and Investing with Intent

In this episode, Xander, an architect, investor, and developer, explains how the purpose of a home should drive its design. Working across California and Florida, Xander shares insights on how architecture informs real estate investing — and how confines in development sharpen architectural thinking. We dive into the realities of building in Los Angeles — bureaucracy, shifting regulations, and hedging against the known unknowns that every developer must navigate. He compares that to opportunities in Florida’s fast-growing Gulf Coast communities that were shaped by “New Urbanism”. Reminders to "fail fast", and "do more with less”, are just a couple of lessons you will go away with. This episode is about more than architecture. It’s about thinking holistically — about land, materials, systems, and legacy. You’ll Learn: * How Xander’s work as both architect and developer informs one another * Why architecture is ultimately about problem-solving * The difference between designing for clients and building your own projects * The “known unknowns” vs. “unknown unknowns” in development * Why LA development has become increasingly complex * How Florida’s Gulf Coast differs builds * The three-legged stool of budget, timeline, and quality Find Xander on IG: https://www.instagram.com/alisarchitecture/ Follow me on my Social media:💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/ [https://www.ariwintraub.com/] 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub [https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub] 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties [https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties ] 💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546] You might also like: ✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY [https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY] ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk] ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I] 🔰 My playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0IVJkkBL0GRnTsR2uLElHCba1tfvgnSf [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0IVJkkBL0GRnTsR2uLElHCba1tfvgnSf] #AriWintraub #XanderTertychny #AllThingsRealEstate #ArchitecturePodcast #RealEstateDevelopment #LosAngelesRealEstate #FloridaRealEstate #EntrepreneurialArchitect #DesignAndBuild #LegacyBuilding

Architecture Without Ego: Lessons from Sonny Ward

As the principal architect and founder of June Street Architecture, Sonny’s journey is rooted in sharpening his instincts so clients can contain theirs —and do less. A bold thinker, his boutique firm - known for preservation work - has created some of L.A.'s coolest homes. Currently wrapping up a ten-year restoration of a Richard Neutra apartment complex, we learn from Sonny what constitutes a good living space. He shares how they started working out of a garage with a handful of employees and have grown to a medium-sized office of 20. Always entertaining and to the point, we touch on the history of some of L.A.'s most iconic neighborhoods and how Hancock Park may not be as authentic as you would think. A recurring theme in my own work, we also discuss the importance of building trust with clients so that the process can unfold more smoothly. Relevant to any service-based business, we explore JSA’s first project that led to a career of referrals, the benefits of "finding your lane," and the value of removing your ego. Sonny's ambitions extend beyond serving clients; he is also focused on identifying his own real estate investment opportunities. We hear about those, including the 40-acre farm and house he and his partner took on, and the fruits of his never-ending curiosity. I left this conversation with a better understanding not only of rehab work but also of myself—and I had a ball the whole way through! You’ll learn: - Sonny Ward’s Start: evolving from into a 20 person firm, and the importance of a solid foundation. - Experience Shapes Decisions and Trust: Experience refines decision-making, enhancing client’s and your ability to do what you do. - Pressure and Growth: Sonny discusses how pressure—and sports—play a significant role in both personal and professional growth - Lessons for Newcomers: Sonny a forever teacher, shares valuable lessons for those starting today, highlighting the importance of finding your niche, and embracing a curiosity-driven mindset. - Consistency and Uniqueness: Underrated and often misunderstood; it is vital for success. Sonny's commitment to his ongoing search for unique opportunities demonstrates this. Follow me on my Social media: 💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/ 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub 💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties 💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546 You might also like: ✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I 🔰 My playlist : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0IVJkkBL0GRnTsR2uLElHCba1tfvgnSf #AriWintraub #ATRE #SonnyWard @jsa.la @clw3sonny #ArchitecturePodcast #design #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #ResidentialArchitecture #LosAngelesRealEstate #DesignProcess #LongTermThinking #BuiltEnvironment

From Bank-Owned Agent to Billionaire’s Agent - Dusty Baker on Selling Luxury

Never before have I spent so much time in the following week reflecting on an interview and constant reminders of the conversation with a guest. Dusty Baker, who started at a young age selling foreclosed and bank-owned properties in Santa Barbara, did something very distinct. After a few years in the business, he changed everything he was doing, reinventing himself to become one of the top luxury agents, and now selling nearly $200 million of real estate per year. How does one achieve this? The mindset to stay the course, makes this episode with Dusty packed with strategy, stories, and inspiring ways to reach one's goals. Dusty shares how he got started, the countless broker price opinions he completed, the skills he learned, and what helped him transition from selling $600,000 properties to those with a couple of extra zeros. We discuss where the opportunities come from, the ethos behind building trust, and how to remain hands-on while growing. In this episode, we hear fascinating facts about Santa Barbara and how its population has shifted. We compare Montecito to the Palisades, both of which have experienced devastation from natural disasters, examining how rebuilding in those communities will differ. Whether you’re new to being an agent, or engaged in any entrepreneurial pursuit, this episode offers a sobering look at what it really takes to grow and reposition oneself. It’s Dusty’s discipline, habits, and attitude that I know you will learn from most, setting him apart from the pack and placing him regularly among the top 100 agents globally at Sotheby’s International Realty. You’ll learn: - How Dusty Baker entered the real estate business selling foreclosures & REOs. - Where the opportunities come from, - The ethos behind building trust, and how to remain hands-on while growing. - Who lives and buys in Santa Barbara today—including Rick Caruso - Why relationships matter when in a small city - Advice for new investors and agents Follow me on my Social media: 💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/ 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub 💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties 💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546 You might also like: ✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I 🔰 My playlist : / @ariwintraub #AriWintraub #DustyBaker #RealEstatePodcast #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInvesting #InvestorMindset #RealEstateJourney #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #HousingMarket

Career Change at 50: Michael Abraham on Year One as a Realtor

Nearing mid-life, and after selling his ad agency, Michael took a leap of faith and reinvented himself by becoming a residential realtor in Los Angeles. In this competitive industry, where most don’t make it past year one, Michael’s story is different. In this episode, we learn how he did it, including where his prospects come from, the benefits of a partnership, and how he landed at his brokerage. Michael’s mindset of having no fear and trying it all has resulted in success. We break down the numbers on what year one income looked like, what deals they have done, and what it takes to close. Hear how Michael’s own investments have informed him when guiding clients and how he turned a small happy hour get-together into Haps LA, now one of LA’s coolest nights out. You’ll learn: How to Transition Your Career: Michael's background before entering residential real estate and why he decided to make the shift despite early struggles. - Building a Brand: Discover the importance of social media in growing his brand and how consistent posting has enhanced his connection with clients. -Client Relationships: Understand how Michael connects with clients authentically and the emotional aspects of buying and selling homes that he navigates. - Differentiation in the Market: Gain insights into what separates good agents from average ones, including the significance of trust, honesty, and local knowledge. -Advice for Aspiring Agents: Receive practical advice for new real estate agents on staying focused, managing stress, and handling buyer expectations versus market realities. Follow me on my Social media: 💟Website: https://www.ariwintraub.com/ 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AriWintraub 💟Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AriWintraubProperties 💟Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-real-estate-with-ari-wintraub/id1799328546 You might also like: ✅ https://youtu.be/_mwVMmZavxY ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOIKN1HA0Sk ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw0Dq6lCB8I 🔰 My playlist : / @ariwintraub #AriWintraub #michaelabraham.realtor #RealEstatePodcast #ResidentialRealEstate #RealEstateAgentLife #NewAgentTips #HomeBuying #ListingAgent #RealEstateStories #AgentMindset