Smaller real estate developers typically benefit by being more nimble, able to move more quickly to identify opportunities and execute on deals. They can take on projects that require faster decision-making and more unique and creative real estate solutions. At the same time their smaller size can mean they have fewer operational resources to draw upon, and less occasion for reflective consideration. The result can be a continual chase for the next deal without careful assessment of its fit with the firm’s expertise, capital and project resources, or risk appetite. A lack of strategic focus can also mean firms fail to adequately plan for cyclical downturns.

Through instructive lectures, case studies, panel discussions, and leadership exercises, this program will help your company to think, plan, and operate more deliberately and thoughtfully. The program will introduce attendees to the tools and frameworks of strategic planning that will help them develop a more effective, efficient, and stable organization.

As part of the ULI Real Estate Entrepreneur Program, this unique course will also afford attendees exceptional networking opportunities including luncheons, a cocktail reception, and dinner where attendees will have the opportunity to get to know other attendees and panelists in an informal atmosphere while you build your long term network of resources.

Program Leader

Martin McDermott
Principal
Avison Young
Los Angeles, CA

Martin McDermott is a principal of Avison Young, where he ranked number one in his region in 2012.

Founded in 1978, Avison Young is Canada’s largest independently owned commercial real estate services company. Headquartered in Toronto, Avison Young is also the largest Canadian-owned, principal-managed commercial real estate brokerage firm in North America. Comprising more than 1,200 real estate professionals in 46 offices across Canada and the United States, the full-service commercial real estate company provides value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial and multi-residential properties.

Mr. McDermott has focused his career on collaboratively solving the real estate challenges and achieving the investment goals of his clients. Focused on investment sales for occupiers and value-add investors, Mr. McDermott provides his clients with a broad understanding of real estate, creativity in deal making and specialized financial skills.

Mr. McDermott sold or negotiated the purchase of commercial properties for users and investors in downtown Los Angeles, Burbank, Pasadena, Hollywood, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Culver City, and Venice. Mr. McDermott assists occupiers of office, flex, and industrial space to acquire and dispose as is fitting with their business model. For value-add investors, Mr. McDermott focuses on the repositioning of office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use property, as well as ground-up development. Mr. McDermott has also served as a real estate adviser for the U.S. Postal Service, One West Bank and Opus Bank.

Prior to Avison Young, Mr. McDermott focused on tenant representation, agency work and sales at the Grubb and Ellis Company starting in 2002. While at Grubb and Ellis, Mr. McDermott ranked in the top 10 from 2006 to 2011, earning the No. 1 rank in 2009 and 2011.

Preceding real estate, Mr. McDermott was a dot-com entrepreneur, co-founding two companies between 1998 and 2002. He was also an executive in global executive development from 1993 to 2000, first at the Ameritech Institute and later at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

Mr. McDermott holds an A.B. in diplomacy and world affairs and an emphasis in international environmental policy from Occidental College. Mr. McDermott also completed executive education courses in sales, marketing, strategy, and leadership at the Ross School of Business. Mr. McDermott is an affiliate member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member.

Guest Speakers

Margaret L. Cafarelli
Founder and Principal
Urban Developments, LLC
Santa Barbara, CA

Rick Dishnica
President
The Dishnica Company, LLC
Point Richmond, CA

David Greensfelder
Managing Principal
Greensfelder Commercial Real Estate LLC
San Francisco, CA

Michael Johnson
President
UrbanCore Development, LLC
Oakland, CA

Patrick Kennedy
Owner
Panoramic Interests
San Francisco, CA

Michael Lander
CEO
Lander Group | Urban Development
San Francisco, CA

Ben Maslan
Principal, Director of Consulting
RCLCO
Los Angeles, CA

Lou Vasquez
Founder and Principal
Build, Inc.
San Francisco, CA

Registration

ULI Members: $850
Nonmembers: $1,130

Registration fee includes continental breakfast, reception/dinner, luncheon, and refreshments.

Cancellations, which must be made in writing or email to ULI Customer Service, will be subject to a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations must be received at least seven days prior to the start of the workshop to be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be granted thereafter. You may, however, transfer your registration, without penalty, to another member of your organization.