Building Excellence, A CRE Podcast

Building Excellence, A CRE Podcast

por BOMA International

9. Behind the Numbers of BOMA's 2026 Market Study

What does the BOMA 2026 Market Study reveal about the economic impact of commercial real estate? In this episode, we sit down with Brian Lewandowski, Executive Director, and Adam Illig, Senior Data Scientist from the Business Research Division at the University of Colorado Boulder, to unpack the findings from BOMA's newly released 2026 Market Study. Together, they break down the research behind the report, explore how building operations contribute to local and national economies, and discuss the key metrics shaping the conversation around commercial real estate’s economic value. From the study's methodology and market-level analysis to the significance of its national findings, hear about what the data is telling us about the value of commercial real estate. This episode is brought to you by Kimberly-Clark Professional. -- Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Introducing BOMA's 2026 Market Study 02:29 The Researchers Behind the Numbers 03:40 The Often-Overlooked Impact of Building Operations 05:14 Why the Study Matters 05:49 How the Study Was Built Across 79 Markets 07:15 Measuring Markets Big and Small 09:06 Turning Property Data into Economic Insights 10:34 Validating the Findings 11:02 Sponsored Message 11:40 One Membership. Limitless Benefits. 12:02 What $609.9 Billion Really Means 13:45 The Multiplier Effect Explained 14:54 Why Operations Matter in Any Market Cycle 16:47 A Durable Economic Engine 17:40 The Ripple Effects of Building Operations 18:10 Final Thoughts & Accessing the Full Study

8. Before the Call Happens: Emergency Communications in CRE Today

Is your building’s emergency communication system ready for what’s next? In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Weldon, Director of Strategic Accounts at Kings III Emergency Communications for a practical conversation on the POTS line transition, evolving code requirements, and why emergency communication systems deserve a closer look from today’s property teams. You’ll hear what can go wrong when systems are overlooked, how small testing habits can uncover big risks, and what proactive planning looks like as life safety communications continue to evolve. This episode is brought to you by Kings III Emergency Communications. -- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Rapid-Fire Qs 02:55 Tom Weldon’s Background 04:23 What Kings III does for Commercial Buildings 06:21 Why Emergency Communications Matter and the Importance of Testing 08:35 The Regulatory Shift Behind POTS Line Decommissioning 10:20 Real-World Liability from Failed Emergency Communications 11:59 Sponsored Message 12:26 One Membership, Limitless Benefits 12:48 Core Operations Requirements for Emergency Communication Setup 15:21 Video and Text Requirements in Newer Code Standards 16:47 Recommended Action: Test Systems and Build a Transition Plan 17:54 Key Takeaway

7. What Great Property Managers Understand about Ownership

Success in property management goes far beyond building operations. In this episode of Building Excellence, Cary Fronstin of Foundry Commercial shares his perspective on what today's CRE owners, asset managers, and investors expect from their property teams. Learn how top-performing property managers protect NOI, retain tenants, adapt to new technology, and communicate like trusted advisors in an increasingly complex CRE landscape. From tenant retention to owner communication, gain practical advice for delivering value and standing out in today's CRE market. -- This episode is brought to you by Kings III Emergency Communications. -- Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:26 Cary’s Background 03:24 Understanding Ownership in CRE 05:03 What Keeps Decision-Makers Up at Night 07:02 Protecting NOI Through Tenant Retention 08:41 Importance of Tenant Experience and Post-pandemic Changes 12:00 Doing More with Less 14:18 How to Stay Ahead with Education and Involvement 17:16 Sponsored Message 17:34 One Membership, Limitless Benefits 18:07 Role of Date and AI in Property Management 20:02 Meeting Owners Where They Are 23:07 How Communication Builds or Breaks Trust 26:15 Proactivity and Transparency 28:28 Key Advice for Property Managers to Succeed 29:45 Conclusion

6. Building Resilience and Innovation in Commercial Real Estate

In this episode of BOMA's Building Excellence, host Alan Stein chats with Mary Lue Peck, President and COO of BOMA International, and Bill Collar, Enterprise Account Executive at Trane, about the pivotal shifts reshaping commercial real estate. They discuss how data-driven decision making, operational efficiency, and workforce development are transforming building management and investment strategies. This episode is brought to you by Trane. 00:00 - Introduction to Building Excellence podcast and episode overview 00:24 - Rapid fire: last book read and favorite emoji 01:03 - Bill’s background in commercial real estate and partnership with Train 02:22 - Key takeaways from the recent BOMA conference addressing market shifts 04:02 - The focus on energy efficiency and real-time data for building operations 05:04 - How industry collaboration with data partners enhances real-time insights 06:23 - The shift away from the five-day office week and its implications 07:52 - The importance of measuring to optimize building operations 08:47 - Innovations in sensor technology for trash and restroom management 10:11 - HVAC systems adapting through sensor data and future AI integration 11:45 - The significance of data-driven decisions in operational efficiency 12:39 - Sponsor message and the importance of clear communications in podcasts 13:27 - The return of capital to prime, amenity-rich properties and operational metrics for investors 14:12 - How modernization and performance measurement are influencing market value for B and C assets 15:43 - The effect of AI on property management roles and workforce skills 16:38 - Train’s initiatives to develop workforce readiness amidst retiring professionals 20:15 - The ongoing balance between AI implementation and workforce support 21:21 - Final thoughts: industry collaboration, data use, and operational excellence as drivers of success 22:14 - Closing remarks from Mary Lou Peck on the value of working closely with suppliers and focusing on performanceThis episode offers insights into how the commercial real estate industry is leveraging data, technology, and collaboration to adapt to changing markets and tenant expectations. A must-listen for industry professionals committed to operational excellence and strategic investment.

5. From Static Assets to Living Portfolios: Where CRE Is Headed

Commercial real estate is evolving from static assets to living, performance-driven portfolios—but what does that shift mean for owners and operators? In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Lue Peck, President and COO of BOMA International, for a practical conversation on how operational excellence, data, and emerging technology are reshaping building performance and asset value. Learn how benchmarking, measurable outcomes, and workforce readiness can help CRE professionals stay competitive as market expectations continue to evolve. Tune in for insights on the trends, risks, and opportunities shaping the next chapter of commercial real estate. - This episode is brought to you by Trane. - Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:12 BOMA’s Biggest Wins 03:59 Transition from Static to Living Portfolios 05:11 Performance is the New Value 06:37 Research Outlook 08:42 Reality of Hybrid Work and Dynamic Planning 10:23 Essential Upgrade to Stay Competitive 13:35 The Value of Benchmarking and Certification Programs 15:43 Sponsored Message 16:22 BOMI’s Summer Sale 16:51 Gap Between AI Awareness and Deployment 18:57 Blending Tech with Personnel for Resilient Operations 21:20 5 Year Outlook: Opportunities and Risks 24:41 Final Takeaway: Operational Discipline as Competitive Advantage

4. From Hype to Real Impact: How to Successfully Adopt AI in Commercial Real Estate

AI is moving quickly from industry buzzword to business necessity—but what does successful adoption actually look? In this episode, we’re joined by Aliza Carpio, Senior Director of Technology and Product Manager at Building Engines, for a practical conversation on how CRE organizations can move beyond the hype and implement AI in ways that drive measurable impact. Learn why clean, standardized data is the foundation for effective AI, what it takes to build an AI Center of Excellence that supports teams across the organization, and more. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking to scale existing initiatives, this episode offers actionable guidance for turning emerging technology into operational value. - This episode is brought to you by Building Engines. - Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:08 Aliza’s Career Journey 05:46 Hype vs. Actual Progress for AI in CRE 07:13 Adoption Trends in the Industry 08:38 AI’s Challenges in Measurable ROI and Impact 09:51 Frequently Asked Questions 10:33 Why AI Will Be Considered Table Stakes in Modern Property Operations 11:07 Missed Opportunities in Property Management Workflow 12:00 How Automation can Revolutionize Invoice Processing & Operational Tasks 14:08 Advice for Property Managers Overwhelmed by AI adoption 15:44 Training and Organization Support for AI Success 17:19 Sponsored Message 18:13 2026 BOMA International Conference & Expo 18:38 Critical Role of Clean Data& Standardization 21:53 How Inconsistent Data Naming Conventions Impact AI Insights 23:14 Shadow AI & Evaluating Vendors 24:55 Starting Within: Real Need 26:14 Building an AI Center of Excellence (COE) 27:13 COE: Key Roles & Responsibilities 29:17 Moving from Strategy to Measurable Execution 30:15 The “Love” Metric 31:10 Conclusion

3. How to Maximize & Leverage Your BOMA Conference Experience

What makes the BOMA International Conference & Expo a must-attend event for CRE professionals? In this episode of Building Excellence, we’re joined by BOMA Fellows Rich McClure and Missy Quinn to share insider insights on how to make the most of your conference experience—from navigating the expo floor to their can’t-miss sessions. Plus, they offer practical strategies for demonstrating conference ROI, maximizing on-site value, and bringing actionable insights back to your team. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned professional, this episode is your guide to learning more, connecting deeper, and getting the most out of the BOMA Conference. - This episode is brought to you by Building Engines. - Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:47 Memorable BOMA Conferences 05:40 Value of Attending BOMA Conference 06:44 Real World Application of Value 08:37 Sessions You Can’t Miss 11:24 Justifying Conference Attendance 14:20 Sponsored Message 15:11 2026 BOMA International Conference & Expo 15:35 Tech Walks on the Expo Floor 14:41 New Initiatives: Tech Walks 17:43 Top Issues Facing CRE in 2026 19:40 A Story of J. Michael Coleman 22:33 The J. Michael Coleman Scholarship 25:07 Key Takeaways

2. The AI-Driven Future Is Already Here—What CRE Needs to Know

​AI is changing how commercial real estate operates, so what should you know before making your next technology discussion? In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Sutherland, Vice President of Commercial at Yardi, for a candid conversation on how AI is already transforming the industry. Learn how Yardi is integrating AI and large language models to drive operational efficiency, automate routine tasks, and elevate customer service. Explore why data readiness is critical, what CRE leaders should be doing now to prepare for an AI-driven future, and how trusted technology partnerships can help organizations navigate rapid change. A must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead as innovation accelerates. - This episode is brought to you by Yardi. - Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Yardi’s and Its Role in Real Estate 02:50 Brian’s Journey in the Industry 04:25 The Shift in AI Conversations 05:50 C-Suite Perspectives on AI Integration 07:13 People Affected by AI 08:48 Data Security and AI Compliance 10:06 Model Context Protocol Connectors Explained 11:42 Use Cases for AI 12:43 Sponsored Message 13:18 BOMA 2026 Conference 13:40 Agents and Daily Workflows 15:18 Example of Future Agents at Scale 18:04 Property Managers Use Case 19:30 3 Pillars for AI Rollout 20:32 Most Common Misconception 21:41 Advice on Preparing for a Data Driven Future 23:00 The Future of AI and CRE 24:24 Conclusion

1. Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Industrial Real Estate: Insights from Luci Smith

The industrial real estate sector is undergoing significant changes, driven by evolving tenant expectations and technological advancements. In the inaugural episode of Building Excellence, a CRE podcast, Luci Smith (BOMA International Chair & CEO, Director of Property Management at Link Logistics) joins us and shares her insights on the current state of the industrial logistics market and how property managers can adapt. Discover strategies for leveraging partnerships, the impact of AI, and how to navigate industry challenges to maintain in this dynamic environment. - This episode is brought to you by Yardi. - Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:08 Luci's Career Journey in Industrial Real Estate 06:16 Current State of the Industrial Logistics Market 08:38 Leveraging Partnerships in Property Management 11:19 Impact of AI and Data Centers on Industrial Real Estate 13:46 Permitting Reform Advocacy 14:20 Sponsored Message 14:55 BOMA 2026 Conference 15:18 Luci Learning Moment 17:20 A Top Concern in CRE: Workforce 19:52 Bridging Generational Divides with Knowledge Transfer 21:53 Reflections on Her Leadership and Future Advice 24:35 Takeaway: Reinvention in the Industry