SF Commercial Property Conversations

From Early Mistakes to Expert Management: Daisy Borbaugh’s Real Estate Evolution

What does it take to build a successful real estate business from scratch? In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce sits down with Daisy Borba, a longtime East Bay property management expert, to hear the remarkable story behind her 25-year career. Daisy shares how she transitioned from a successful career in the semiconductor industry after 9/11 changed the business landscape. Drawing on her own experiences as a real estate investor—including expensive early mistakes—she built a property management company focused on helping landlords protect their investments and maximize long-term success. The conversation explores the realities of residential property management, from finding quality tenants and navigating California's changing rental laws to handling difficult evictions and even an unbelievable encounter with an international human trafficking operation that tested every bit of Daisy's experience and determination. Bruce and Daisy also discuss how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape the real estate industry, why human relationships remain irreplaceable, and what today's rental market statistics reveal about investment opportunities throughout the Bay Area. Whether you're an investor, landlord, property manager, or simply interested in real estate, this episode is filled with practical lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and unforgettable stories.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

Oakwell Beer Spa: Jessica & Damien Zuwawi on Wellness, Hospitality, and Franchising

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce sits down with Jessica and Damien Zouaoui, the husband-and-wife founders of Oakwell Beer Spa. Their journey began in New York City, where they left successful corporate careers, sold nearly everything they owned, and spent 14 months traveling the world in search of a unique business idea. Their search led them to a beer spa in Poland, where they discovered a concept that inspired them to create a new kind of wellness experience for the U.S. market. Today, Oakwell Beer Spa operates two successful locations in the Denver area and is expanding through franchising across the country. During the conversation, Jessica and Damien share how international spa traditions influenced their business, why hospitality is at the center of everything they do, and what they're looking for as they grow into new markets.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

Cherif Medawar: Turning Vacant Buildings into High-Value Assets

What if a vacant building could become a highly valuable asset in just a few months? In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with commercial real estate investor and educator Cherif Medawar to discuss the strategies he has used to transform empty properties into profitable investments. These show notes follow podcast best practices for creating engaging episode descriptions and highlighting key takeaways. Cherif shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Egypt and studying hotel management in Switzerland to earning an MBA from UCLA and working with billionaire investor Edmond B. Safra. Over eight years as Safra's right-hand man, Cherif learned how to structure complex real estate deals and think strategically. During the conversation, Cherif explains how he transitioned into investing on his own, building a successful education company and eventually creating real estate investment funds. He also discusses his extensive portfolio of historic mixed-use properties in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bruce and Cherif take a deep dive into one of Cherif's favorite strategies: acquiring vacant buildings and increasing their value by securing long-term leases with national tenants. He explains how the right structure can dramatically increase a property's worth while creating long-term cash flow.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

Making It in Real Estate: John McNalis on Starting Out, Scaling Up, and Selling Smart

What does it take to build a successful real estate career over five decades? In this episode, Bruce Bean sits down with veteran developer and author John McNellis to discuss how a journalism major unexpectedly became one of Northern California's most respected shopping center developers. Along the way, John shares lessons on raising capital, knowing when to sell, building wealth, and why success means more than just accumulating properties. John takes listeners through his journey from practicing law in San Francisco to buying his first duplex and eventually developing shopping centers throughout Northern California. He explains how his legal background helped him shortcut the learning process and how a single project in Healdsburg launched a 40-year career in retail development. The conversation explores John's belief that many investors hold properties too long. He shares the analysis that led him to conclude that, in some cases, selling stabilized assets and investing elsewhere may create greater long-term wealth. The discussion also covers 1031 exchanges, today's development challenges, and why he has shifted toward smaller projects and acting as a venture capital partner for younger developers. Beyond real estate, John talks about his passion for philanthropy, supporting local organizations, and his deep involvement with Outward Bound. He explains how the program taught him compassion and became one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

Brian Veit: Building the Future with Fireproof, Eco-Friendly Insulation

What if a building material could help protect homes from wildfire while also reducing environmental impact? In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, Bruce talks with engineer, developer, and entrepreneur Brian Veit about his newest venture, Clim-A-Vault, an innovative insulation product designed to improve fire resistance and sustainability. The show notes follow podcast best practices for creating an engaging overview and highlighting key takeaways. Brian shares his journey from studying structural engineering at Stanford and UC Berkeley to working in real estate development, hotel investments, and housing projects throughout California. Along the way, he discusses lessons learned from building affordable housing and navigating San Francisco's development process. The transcript provided the basis for these highlights.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest