Betting on Yourself: Benji Miller's Journey from Institutional Real Estate to Entrepreneurship

Betting on Yourself: Benji Miller's Journey from Institutional Real Estate to Entrepreneurship

On this episode of The Kirsh Connection, I sit down withBenji Miller, Founder of Negresco Property Group, to discuss the realities of making that leap while still in your 30s. Benji shares the lessons he learned transitioning from the institutional real estate world at Hackman Capital to entrepreneurship—what gave him the confidence to take the risk, the challenges of building a company from the ground up, and the advice he would give to others considering the same path. We also dive into the industrial outdoor storage (IOS) sector,why Negresco has focused exclusively on IOS opportunities throughout Southern California, and how the market has evolved since the frenzied investment environment of 2021–2023. Benji explains why transaction activity has slowed, where he sees opportunities today, and what investors should be watching as the market continues to mature. Finally, Benji shares an incredible personal story about how heplayed a role in helping launch the college coaching career of Dan Hurley, who would go on to become a two-time NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion at University of Connecticut. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an institutional realestate professional contemplating your next move, or simply interested in the evolution of today's commercial real estate market, this episode offers practical insights from someone who recently made the leap—and hasn't looked back.   Learn more about Benji Miller: Connect with Benji on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-miller-133aa519/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-miller-133aa519/]Negresco Property Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/negresco-property-group/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/negresco-property-group/]   *******************************************   In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn  their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM [https://apple.co/3GT1hoM] • Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j [https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j] • Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh]... • Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU [https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU]   Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation.   • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/] • Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh [https://x.com/atkirsh] • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession [https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession]... • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp] • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en]   The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays

The Walking Dead Blueprint: How Skybound Rewrote the Rules of Hollywood, My Conversation with David Alpert, CEO and Co-Founder of Skybound Entertainment

The Walking Dead Blueprint: How Skybound Rewrote the Rules of Hollywood, My Conversation with David Alpert, CEO and Co-Founder of Skybound Entertainment.  We discuss: * From comic book startup to worldwide phenomenon:the inside story of The Walking Dead. * How Skybound built a global entertainment empirewhile rewriting the rules of Hollywood. * Why Hollywood's old business model is broken—and what comes next. * The shocking lack of government support for one of Los Angeles’ signature industries.   Learn more about David Alpert: Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-alpert-skybound/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-alpert-skybound/] Skybound Entertainment: https://www.skybound.com/ [https://www.skybound.com/]   *******************************************   In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM [https://apple.co/3GT1hoM] • Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j [https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j] • Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh]... • Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU [https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU]   Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/] • Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh [https://x.com/atkirsh] • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession [https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession]... • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp] • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en]   The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays

Building a National Branded Condo Platform with Meg Epstein, Founder of CA South Development

Building a National Branded Condo Platform with Meg Epstein, Founder of CA South Development. We discuss: * The Airbnb side hustle that helped Meg pay her rent and ultimately sparked the vision for CA South * The unique condo model that allows owners to live in their unit or monetize it through short-term rentals * Why condo development is attracting more capital than multifamily in today's market   Learn more about Meg Epstein:      Connect with Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megepstein/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/megepstein/]CA South Development: https://www.casouthdevelopment.com/team/megan-epstein/ [https://www.casouthdevelopment.com/team/megan-epstein/]   *******************************************   In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM [https://apple.co/3GT1hoM] • Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j [https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j] • Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh]... • Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU [https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU]   Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation.   • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/] • Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh [https://x.com/atkirsh] • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession [https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession]... • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp] • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en]   The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays

Celebrating 100 Episodes with David Schwartzman, Founder of Harridge Development

Celebrating 100 Episodes with David Schwartzman, Founder of Harridge Development. We discuss: * What the U.S. should do about Iran—and its impact on the real estate market * Why the booming AI economy doesn't reflect whatmost Americans are experiencing right now * California says it wants more housing. David explains why new housing still isn't getting built * Why City Council elections matter more than the Mayor—and how DSA policies are reshaping Los Angeles * Why David never chased Sunbelt yield despite theboom in markets like Phoenix and Vegas * Why Miami and New York may be overvalued—and whyDavid is betting on Los Angeles County * David opens up about filing personal bankruptcy in 2009—and the lessons that fueled his comeback Learn more about David Schwartzman: Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schwartzman-8034784/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schwartzman-8034784/] Harridge Development Group: https://harridgedevelopment.com/about/ [https://harridgedevelopment.com/about/]   *******************************************   In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry.   Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM [https://apple.co/3GT1hoM] • Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j [https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j] • Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh]... • Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU [https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU] Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation.   • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/] • Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh [https://x.com/atkirsh] • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession [https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession]... • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp] • Follow Sklar KirshLLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en]

Forum’s Playbook for Winning in Any Market Cycle. My Conversation with Lee Beck, President of Forum Investment Group

Forum’s Playbook for Winning in Any Market Cycle. My Conversation with Lee Beck, President of Forum Investment Group. We discuss: * Forum’s “secret sauce” for sourcing off-market deals through the “Forum Funnel” * Why diversification across the capital stack is critical in volatile markets * The massive opportunities emerging from today’s value-add “dumpster fire” * Why political uncertainty in coastal markets concerns Lee more than Sunbelt oversupply Learn more about Lee Beck: Connect with Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leebeck2020/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leebeck2020/] Forum Investment Group: https://forumig.com/team-member/lee-beck/ [https://forumig.com/team-member/lee-beck/] ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry.   Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM [https://apple.co/3GT1hoM] • Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j [https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j] • Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh]... • Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU [https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU] Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/] • Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh [https://x.com/atkirsh] • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession [https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession]... • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp] • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en]   The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays