Creating Space for Success: Women Entrepreneurs Shaping Raleigh’s Retail Landscape

Creating Space for Success: Women Entrepreneurs Shaping Raleigh’s Retail Landscape

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Matters, SVN Raleigh Senior Advisor Liz Arcos hosts an insightful panel discussion featuring three inspiring women-owned retail businesses in Raleigh. Joining Liz are Megan Perry of Soak Haus Scalp, Kayla Albertson of Bear Hands Gifts, Workshops & Studio, and Courtney Barnes of Paws At Play and Red Dog Strong. The candid conversation explores the realities of launching and growing a brick-and-mortar business — from finding the right location and navigating lease negotiations to building community connections and creating a brand that stands out in a competitive retail market. This episode highlights the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship and commercial real estate, showcasing the women who are shaping Raleigh’s retail landscape through creativity, resilience, and a commitment to making a lasting local impact. SVN Raleigh: https://svnraleigh.com/ [https://svnraleigh.com/] Soak Haus Scalp Spa: https://www.soakhausnc.com/ [https://www.soakhausnc.com/] Bear Hands Gifts, Workshops & Studio: https://www.bearhandsgifts.com/ [https://www.bearhandsgifts.com/] Paws At Play: https://pawsatplay.com/ [https://pawsatplay.com/] Red Dog Strong: https://reddogstrong.com/ [https://reddogstrong.com/]

Welcoming SVN Raleigh: A Conversation with SVN CEO Lukas Krause

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Matters, Managing Director John Powell sits down with SVN leadership to discuss the firm’s alignment with the SVN brand and what this next chapter means for their clients, team, and future growth. Together, they reflect on the importance of relationships, consistency, and shared values in choosing the right platform—and why SVN stood out as a long-term fit. The conversation explores what it means to retain the same trusted advisors and client-first approach while gaining access to a broader network, deeper resources, and a collaborative national platform. From the leap of faith involved in rebranding to the importance of showing—not just telling—who you are, this episode offers an inside look at what thoughtful growth looks like in commercial real estate. Whether you’re an investor, occupier, or industry professional, this episode provides insight into how strategic alignment and culture-driven decisions can create greater impact and stronger outcomes in the years ahead. SVN | Raleigh Website: www.svnraleigh.com [http://www.svnraleigh.com/] SVN International Website : https://svn.com/ [https://svn.com/] Lukas Krause LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukaskrause/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukaskrause/]

Reporting on Retail & Beyond: Inside the Triangle’s CRE Stories

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Matters, host Liz Arcos sits down with Kate Tracy, retail, restaurant, and hospitality reporter for the Triangle Business Journal. Kate shares her journey into business journalism, why real estate is at the center of every story, and what it’s like covering the Triangle’s fast-changing retail scene. From digging through public records to networking with local business leaders, Kate offers an inside look at how she discovers some of the region’s most talked-about developments. She also discusses the balance between breaking news and long-form trend pieces, and why telling the stories behind new shops and restaurants is one of the most rewarding parts of her role. Whether you’re a broker, developer, or business owner, this episode gives you a journalist’s perspective on the people and trends shaping retail and hospitality in the Triangle. Kate Tracy's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kate-tracy-69bbb649/ [http://linkedin.com/in/kate-tracy-69bbb649/] Kate Tracy's email address: ktracy@bizjournals.com [ktracy@bizjournals.com]

AI in Commercial Real Estate: Practical Tools & Strategies

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Matters, host Kim Mills sits down with Scott Newcomb, founder of Zenvy AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the commercial real estate industry. From automating lead generation to streamlining marketing tasks, Scott shares how CRE professionals can start integrating AI tools to save time, stay competitive, and scale their business more effectively. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking for ways to implement it into your CRE practice, this episode offers practical insights and takeaways. Scott Newcomb's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottnewcomb/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottnewcomb/]

The Lending Relationship: What to Know About CRE Financing and Community Banks

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Matters, host Tommy Dalton sits down with Tara Lau of North State Bank to explore what truly defines a strong lending relationship in commercial real estate. With over three decades in banking, Tara shares how community banks differ from larger institutions, offering personalized service, in-house decision-making, and long-term relationship management. They talk through how commercial lending works behind the scenes, why it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, and what both brokers and business owners should understand when navigating financing for purchases, construction, or refinancing. Whether you're new to commercial lending or looking to deepen your knowledge, this conversation sheds light on what makes a financial partner truly valuable. Tara Lau's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lau-258bb417/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-lau-258bb417/] North State Bank Website: https://www.northstatebank.com/ [https://www.northstatebank.com/]