The FORT Podcast: Brandon Sedloff Interviews Chris: Reflections On My Career, Fort, Raising Capital, & Lessons Learned
Brandon Sedloff is Managing Director and Founding SVP of Sales at Juniper Square where he focuses on business development, and strategy and serves some of the world’s largest institutional investment managers. Juniper Square empowers GPs and LPs to focus on building enduring relationships and exceptional investment opportunities. Our partnership enablement solutions empower investment partners to connect and communicate seamlessly across every interaction, freeing teams from the disjointed and siloed systems, operations, and processes holding organizations back from realizing their full potential today.
On this episode Chris & Brandon discuss:
- Chris’ story and timeline of career
- Lessons learned and unique strategy at Fort
- Discussion on raising capital and why Fort is considering institutional capital
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Topics
(3:02) – Chris’ journey into commercial Real Estate and early career
(6:23) – Why do you think Real Estate was your calling?
(9:05) – Did your studies at TCU play into your eventual career?
(12:24) – When did Fort come into existence?
(20:08) – Who’s Jason Baxter and what’s his role?
(21:47) – How did you transition out of housing development and into industrial?
(26:02) – When you got into industrial, how did you find your niche within this asset class?
(34:54) – What are the headline stats on Fort today?
(37:05) – What is the process of finding a deal and the syndication model you pursue?
(45:20) – How have you become so skilled at raising capital?
(51:38) – The power of social media & Twitter
(59:43) – What do the next 5 years for FC look like?
(1:06:00) – How do you think about transitioning from building trust with non institutional capital to raising from institutional capital?
(1:09:42) – How has technology played a role in the success of Fort?
(1:20:54) – What are 3 reasons investors should care about Class B Industrial in the Sun Belt?
Episode Summary
In an enlightening episode of Brandon Sedloff’s podcast, listeners were granted a unique opportunity to dive into the mind of Chris Powers, a luminary in the realm of real estate and investments. Known for his astute understanding of market dynamics and a penchant for fostering trust in business relationships, Powers’ insights stand as invaluable for both budding and seasoned professionals.
The discourse commenced with Chris Powers shedding light on the significance of relationships, especially when financial transactions are at the forefront. He emphasized the essence of trust, elucidating how it serves as the bedrock of fruitful partnerships, especially in the investment sphere. Trust, as Powers highlighted, transcends mere transactional interactions, shaping the very fabric of long-term business associations.
Transitioning seamlessly, Powers navigated the complexities of the real estate sector. He underscored the importance of understanding market dynamics, both past and present, and its impact on investment strategies. Drawing from his extensive experiences, Powers revealed the nuances of property management, touching upon its inherent challenges and the strategies he’s employed to surmount them. His candid revelations provided listeners with a pragmatic perspective on managing properties, emphasizing adaptability and foresight.
Investments emerged as a pivotal theme in the conversation. Powers delved deep into the intricacies, highlighting the significance of transparency and understanding market dynamics. His insights, peppered with personal anecdotes, painted a vivid picture of the investment landscape within the real estate sphere. He underscored the need for investors to be nimble, adapting to market shifts, and leveraging insights to drive informed decision-making.
Another captivating facet of the conversation was Powers’ reflection on his personal journey. From his initial forays into the industry to the challenges and triumphs that marked his path, Powers’ narrative was both inspiring and enlightening. For budding entrepreneurs and real estate enthusiasts, his journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to one’s vision.
In conclusion, this episode with Chris Powers, guided by Brandon Sedloff’s astute questioning, stands as a beacon for those keen on navigating the multifaceted world of real estate and investments. Powers’ insights into trust, investments, property management, and market dynamics offer a refined lens through which listeners can view the industry. His personal journey adds a layer of depth to the discourse, making it both relatable and instructional. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of real estate dynamics, bolstered by firsthand experiences and pragmatic insights, this podcast episode is an indispensable resource.