The Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition

Retail Real Estate Is Stronger Than You Think: Brad Hutensky on Market Cycles, Leadership, and Leasing Fundamentals with John Crossman. (S4E21)

Brad Hutensky, Founder & CEO of Hutensky Capital Partners and former ICSC Worldwide Chairman, joins John Crossman to discuss why retail real estate remains resilient, how constrained supply is shaping investment opportunities, and what young professionals must learn to succeed in the industry. Brad shares lessons on honesty, relationships, leasing fundamentals, time management, and navigating market disruptions from COVID to e-commerce transformation.

Tony D’Ambrosio on Retail Real Estate Strategy, Playing the Long Game & Institutional Capital Partnerships | John Crossman Crossman Conversation. (S4E20)

In this episode of Crossman Conversations CEO Edition, John Crossman interviews Tony D’Ambrosio, Vice President of Acquisitions & Dispositions at Big V Property Group. Tony shares insights from more than two decades in retail investment real estate, including how institutional partnerships are reshaping open-air shopping center strategy across the Sunbelt, Midwest, and Mountain States. He explains why today’s retail market is both competitive and opportunity-rich—and why success in commercial real estate requires patience, persistence, and subject-matter expertise. Tony also offers practical advice for young professionals: play the long game, keep learning, and take consistent “laps” that compound into long-term career momentum.

Tom McGee on the Retail Renaissance, Leadership Through Disruption, and the Future of Retail Real Estate with John Crossman. (S4E19)

ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee joins John Crossman to discuss why retail real estate is stronger than ever, the myth of the “retail apocalypse,” and how physical stores power today’s omnichannel economy. Drawing on decades of leadership experience at Deloitte and ICSC, McGee shares insights on data-driven decision-making, navigating industry disruption, and what young professionals need to succeed in commercial real estate. Learn why occupancy rates remain high, demand continues to outpace supply, and how the “retail renaissance” is reshaping communities nationwide.

Finding Opportunity in Real Estate Chaos: Brian Seidensticker & John Crossman on Capital Partnerships, Commercial Conversions & CEO Mindset | Crossman Conversation CEO Edition. (S4E18)

In this episode of Crossman Conversation: CEO Edition, John Crossman sits down with Brian Seidensticker, founder of Last Best Partners, to explore how today’s uncertainty in commercial real estate is creating new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. Brian explains why “chaos creates opportunity” in shifting markets. He shares how his firm partners with real estate operators who have strong ideas but need alternative capital solutions beyond traditional bank financing. He also discusses the key traits young professionals need to become effective founders and CEOs, including curiosity, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous learning. If you’re a real estate entrepreneur, investor, or emerging leader looking to grow beyond your current ceiling, this episode delivers practical insight on scaling ideas into impactful ventures.

John Crossman and Dr. Joshua Harris Preview the ICSC Conference: Networking, Deal-Making, and Career Opportunities in Commercial Real Estate. (S4E17)

In this episode, John Crossman and Dr. Joshua Harris explain why the ICSC Conference is the “center of the universe” for commercial real estate each year. They share strategies for students, young professionals, and executives to maximize networking, schedule high-value meetings, and move stalled deals forward. Crossman emphasizes the importance of setting clear conference goals and executing a follow-up plan after the event. Harris highlights how ICSC offers a rare chance to take the pulse of the entire real estate market in just two days. As they note, careers can start—or stall—based on how intentionally you show up at ICSC.