Join host Keith Andrews as he sits down with John Letourneau, Director of Commercial Operations at eXp Commercial, for an eye-opening conversation about how commercial real estate drives economic development at every level.

Key Topics Covered: - The massive economic impact difference between residential and commercial real estate transactions - Why commercial brokers must engage with municipalities and economic development officials early in the process - Building relationships that matter: It's not who you know, it's who knows you - The importance of being involved in zoning and land use decisions 2+ years before development - Lessons learned from market downturns and the power of relational vs. transactional business - Tax advantages and investment diversification opportunities in commercial real estate - Career advice for professionals considering entering the commercial real estate field

Episode Highlights: "If you sell a million dollar factory, forty workers now need a place to go every day. Those suppliers need to bring product in and out of there... So they're bringing in community resources to two hundred ten, twenty, thirty times the fiscal impact a single million dollar home would sell." - John Letourneau

This episode was recorded live at the Commercial Mastermind Summit in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, just blocks from the Cumberland River and across from the Titans stadium.

Perfect for economic developers, commercial real estate professionals, contractors, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding how commercial real estate shapes our communities and drives local economic growth.

Learn more at BuildForwardNow.com

#BuildForwardNow #EconomicDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #CRE #Nashville #EconomicGrowth #RealEstate #BusinessDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #Investment #Zoning #LandUse #eXpCommercial #Podcast #EconomicDevelopmentPodcast

Join Keith Andrews as he sits down with Tommy Thompson from Fortitude Investment Group at the Commercial Mastermind Summit in Nashville to explore how 1031 exchanges are reshaping America's commercial real estate landscape. In this compelling conversation, Tommy breaks down the "Silver Tsunami" - the massive generational transfer of wealth as 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day - and how it's creating unprecedented opportunities for economic development.

Key Topics Covered: - The role of 1031 exchanges in "recycling the economy" and revitalizing aging properties - How Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) enable passive investment in institutional-grade assets - The perfect storm of baby boomers exiting and millennials entering the commercial real estate market - 1033 exchanges and eminent domain opportunities for infrastructure development - Estate planning strategies for multi-generational property portfolios - Building the right team of specialists for commercial real estate success

Guest Spotlight: Tommy Thompson runs a division of Fortitude Investment Group, specializing in helping commercial real estate owners transition from active management through 1031 exchanges and DST investments. With expertise spanning fractional ownership of $100M+ institutional assets, Tommy provides insights into how property owners can diversify while supporting local economic development. This episode is essential listening for economic development professionals, commercial real estate investors, brokers, and anyone interested in understanding how tax-advantaged exchanges drive community revitalization and infrastructure improvement.

Website: BuildForwardNow.com Follow us for more economic development insights and commercial real estate strategies

#EconomicDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #1031Exchange #BuildForwardNow #SilverTsunami #PropertyInvestment #DST #TaxStrategy #MillennialInvestors #BabyBoomers #RealEstateRecycling #CommunityDevelopment #InfrastructureDevelopment #PropertyManagement #WealthTransfer #PassiveInvestment #RealEstatePodcast #Eminent Domain #1033Exchange #CommercialInvestment

Join host Keith Andrews for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Bart Basie, retired university professor, IRS subcontractor, and business advisor, recorded live from Nashville. Dr. Basie reveals how federal tax laws aren't just about collecting revenue—they're powerful economic development tools designed to encourage business investment and succession planning.

Key Topics Discussed:

• C-Corporation Tax Advantages: New 21% flat tax rate with escalating tax-free sale benefits
  • 50% tax-free profits after 3 years of ownership
  • 75% tax-free profits after 4 years of ownership
  • 100% tax-free profits after 5+ years of ownership
• Business Succession Planning: How proper estate planning keeps local businesses operating instead of closing when owners retire
• Estate Tax Strategy: The critical importance of filing estate tax returns to maximize basis step-up benefits
• Municipal Incentives: Real-world examples of state and local tax incentive programs that attract development projects
• Economic Development Impact: How tax policy drives business investment decisions and community economic growth

Perfect for economic development professionals, business owners planning exit strategies, commercial real estate developers, municipal leaders, and anyone involved in business succession planning or community development finance.

Guest Bio: Dr. Bart Basie is a retired university professor who now serves as an IRS subcontractor, helping write certification exams for enrolled agents and tax preparers. As a licensed CPA and attorney in multiple states, he advises companies nationwide on mergers, acquisitions, and tax optimization strategies. Dr. Basie teaches continuing education courses for tax professionals and helps businesses navigate complex federal tax regulations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Congress designs tax laws to encourage specific economic activities, not just collect revenue
2. Proper business structure matters: C-Corporations offer significant advantages over LLCs for long-term business owners
3. Succession planning saves businesses: Without proper planning, retiring business owners may close rather than sell
4. Estate tax returns benefit everyone: Filing creates basis step-up that eliminates capital gains taxes for heirs
5. Tax laws change frequently: Business owners need current, professional tax advice to maximize benefits