GreyCast

Welcome back to Greycast! Our guest today is Karim A. Hutson, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Genesis Companies, a renowned real estate development firm. With over two decades of experience, Karim shares valuable insights on self-reflection, aligning passions with careers, and creating opportunities. We'll also explore his dedication to community upliftment and addressing housing affordability.
Takeaways

• Advice for success and personal fulfillment
• The role of real estate development in building communities
• Challenges and opportunities in the real estate industry
• Importance of interpersonal skills and graduate education in business
• Stakeholder relationships and collaborations in real estate development

Quotes
"Connect the lines between who you are, what you excel at, and what brings you fulfillment."-Karim A Hutson
"Rethink underwriting and services provision, intertwining departments to address people's needs and issues effectively."-Karim A Hutson
Featured in this Episode
Karim H. Hutson
President & CEO, Genesis Companies
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-hutson-9334a/
Personal Website: http://www.genesiscompanies.com/
Romain Sinclar
Co Host, Licensed Real Estate SalesPerson
Profile: https://greysteel.com/team/romain-sinclair/
Damani Strasner
Associate, Investment Sales, Greysteel
Profile:https://greysteel.com/team/damani-strasner
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
04:43 - Growing Real Estate Wealth for Black Families
11:16 - Family Sacrifices and Commitment to Giving Back
16:33 - Delivering Quality Products and Services to Tenants
24:09 - Affordable Housing Advocacy: The Need for Subsidies and Tax Credits
29:37 - Aligning Business Plans with Long-Term Goals
32:54 - Housing Issues and Policy Debates
39:00 - Prioritizing Sustainability and Communication
44:31 - The Value of Interpersonal Skills: Highly Esteemed by CEOs
48:27 - Collaborating with Nonprofits and Housing Authorities: The Genesis Approach
56:04 - Addressing Housing Segregation: Confronting Ongoing Societal Issues
01:01:26 - Achieving Goals through Introspection, Focus, and Dedication
01:04:05 - Conclusion
Produced by http://www.heartcastmedia.com

Welcome back to GreyCast! In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, the renowned entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and political activist, Don Peebles. We dive into a fascinating conversation with Don about his incredible real estate journey and groundbreaking achievements in the industry. From his transformative projects in major cities across the country to his advocacy for diversity and inclusion, Don has truly made his mark. Join us as we explore his inspiring story, the challenges he's faced, and his vision for a more equitable future in real estate.
Takeaways

• Breaking Barriers in NYC Real Estate
• Influence of Diverse Mentors
• Tackling Capital Access for Black Entrepreneurs
• Exploring Don Peebles' Multifaceted Career
• Marion Barry's Minority Contracting Legacy
• From Political Passion to Real Estate Pioneer
• Launching a Fund for Office Buildings and Access to Capital

Quotes
"Real estate is not just about buildings and developments, it's about transforming communities and creating economic opportunities for all." - Don Peebles
"We need to shift the conversation around diversity from philanthropy to economic opportunity. It's not just the right thing to do, it's also a smart business move." - Don Peebles
Featured in this Episode
Don Peebles
Chairman & CEO of The Peebles Company
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-peebles-0767769/
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
05:31 - Shaping Don Peebles' Path to Entrepreneurship
08:48 - Marion Barry's Campaign: A Youthful Bet on Radical Change
11:30 - Thriving in the Real Estate Market During the 1980s
34:51 - Mayoral Visions: Atlanta & DC Entrepreneurship
39:10 - Beyond Basketball to Real Estate Ventures
49:45 - Scaling Success in Real Estate
57:29 - Real Estate Essentials: Supply and Demand
01:04:20 - Guided by Values: Family, Mentors, & Business
01:12:20 - Equity in Capital for Black Entrepreneurs
01:20:01 - Outro
Produced by Heartcast Media
www.heartcastmedia.com
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5649061/advertisement

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Greycast! Today, we sat down with Cedric Bobo, the co-founder and CEO of Project Destined. Learn about his journey from growing up on a farm in Mississippi to making a mark in the real estate industry. Cedric's story is a powerful example of how believing in someone and providing them with opportunities can change lives. Stay tuned as we explore his story and the valuable lessons he has to share. Let's dive in!
Takeaways
-Achieving Greatness: Scaling the Inspirational Journey
-Creating a Worldwide Real Estate Product
-Venturing into Asia: Promising Plans Unveiled
-Pioneering Education: Dominating the Real Estate Industry
-From Humble Beginnings to Triumph: An Inspiring Background
-Empowering Students: Mitigating Risks for Lasting Impact
-Safety Nets and Support: Fostering Courageous Ventures
-Optimizing Growth: Effective Scaling Strategies
-Unveiling Success: Key Qualities that Unlock Opportunities
Quotes
“Our ultimate goal is to instill the seed of entrepreneurship through repetition and equip students with a solid framework for success." -Cedric Bobo
"Our approach involves building a strong foundation in each market and strategically adding other relevant products."-Cedric Bobo
Featured in this Episode
Cedric Bobo
CEO & Co-Founder of Project Destined
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cedric-bobo-187188/
Chapters
​​00:00 - Introduction
07:39 - Fostering Ownership Mindset
11:07 - Mitigating Risks in Entrepreneurship
14:19 - From Layoff Fears to Teaching Kids
17:11 - Steph Curry's Safety Net
20:01 - Sponsorship & Curiosity: Six-Week Program
25:14 - Hiring Challenges in Real Estate
27:35 - Building Confidence through Jobs
34:16 - Scaling Dynamics: Learn, Apply, & Bet
37:24 - Hiring Alumni & Project-Based Labor
42:28 - Inspiring Literature & Motivating Podcasts
46:48 - Selfless Men Making Impact
49:00 - Transformative Support: Michael Conley's Influence
53:12 - Drawing Inspiration from George Washington's Wisdom
54:24 - Outro
Produced by Heartcast media
https://www.heartcastmedia.com
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5649061/advertisement

Tune in to Greysteel's GreyCast podcast! CEO of Avanath Capital Management, Daryl Carter, joins us to share his experience in the debt and equity businesses. Listen as he discusses the challenges of starting a business in 1991 and 2008, and how the financial services industry has evolved. Discover how Avanath focuses on acquiring, rehabilitating, and preserving affordable housing, and even pursues ground-up development opportunities. Carter emphasizes the importance of building strong communities and debunking misconceptions about evictions in the multifamily business industry.
Don't miss this valuable conversation about entrepreneurship and long-term thinking.
Takeaways
-Starting a Business in Different Economic Landscapes
-Transforming the Financial Services Industry
-Revitalizing and Preserving Affordable Housing
-Avanath's Approach to Ground-Up Development
-Building Strong Communities: Avanath Capital's Key Focus
-Dispelling Myths: Evictions in Multifamily Business
Quotes
"Building communities is more important than just making profits. If you focus on building communities, the profits will come." - Daryl Carter
"The multifamily industry needs to improve its public perception and tell its story better. We need to focus on the good things we are doing in terms of housing safety instead of emphasizing the supply angle." - Daryl Carter
Featured in this Episode
Dayrl Carter
Chairman and CEO of Avanath Capital Management
https://www.avanath.com/team/daryl-j-carter/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-j-carter-b18941116
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
06:41 Banking: Unconventional Path to Success
10:48 Pioneering Affordable Housing: Journey and Triumph
15:54 Evolution of Real Estate Business: Then and Now
31:12 Darryl Davis' Strategy for Affordable Housing Expansion
36:48 Addressing the Affordability Crisis: Role of Private Capital
39:36 Tackling High Turnover Rates in Real Estate
44:05 Innovative Solutions for Affordable Housing Crisis
49:38 Shifting Industry Messaging for Resident Prioritization
52:11 Housing Concerns Unite Congress Members
Produced by Heartcast media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5649061/advertisement

In this episode of Greysteel's GreyCast podcast, Our host Donahue Peebles III, a real estate entrepreneur and executive vice president of Peebles Corporation. Donahue Peebles III shares his experience growing up in a family of real estate entrepreneurs and how his father's teachings helped shape his career. They also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the real estate industry and what to expect in the post-pandemic future. Donahue Peebles III emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and desires of communities and the people when planning and building structures, as they are the ones who will ultimately benefit from them. The conversation also covers New York City's skyline and the significance it holds worldwide. Finally, Donahue Peebles III shares his insights and tips on motivation and success.
Takeaways
Donahue Peebles III story as a 2nd-generation real estate entrepreneur
The current status of the real estate market during pandemic and post-pandemic
Sustaining local market expertise and affordable housing allocation and promoting diversity in Washington D.C.
New York’s symbolism for real estate and its skyscrapersThe drive and motivation into achieving goals and success
Quotes
When we enter a market, we commit to acting ethically towards everyone involved, including the policy makers and our competitors. We aim to do our best for ourselves, our investors, and our community. - Donahue Peebles III
Developers should listen to communities about what they want and have a service mindset when working on projects, rather than thinking they should show people what they want. - Donahue Peebles III
Featured in this Episode
Donahue Peebles III
Executive Vice President, The Peebles Corporation
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donahue-peebles-73503b73
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:38 Donahue Peebles III background
09:54 Growing the business as 2nd generation entrepreneur
13:16 The status or real estate market nowadays
23:42 Sustaining local market expertise in Washington D.C.
30:48 Affordable Housing and promoting diversity in D.C.
40:05 The skyline of New York City
44:00 The drive and motivation
46:13 Wrap-up
48:12 How to invest with People Corporation
51:55 Conclusion
Produced by Heartcast media
www.heartcastmedia.com
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5649061/advertisement

Welcome back to Greysteel's GreyCast podcast. In today’s episode, Chris Mfume is our guest. Chris Mfume is the managing partner of CLD Partners. He is responsible for leading all development and investment activities and guiding the firm’s projects through inception to completion. He is also a member of the Urban Land Institute and Thread, a volunteer-driven mentor program. In the episode, Chris discusses his life background and how he started his real estate journey by job hunting for almost 7 months to founding his own business today. He also discusses the challenges as well as the benefits that he faced for being an African-American in the industry. Moreover, he talks about the things that make him and his company different from other developers as well as his system to be better with others. Lastly, he gives some advice to young aspiring entrepreneurs just like him who want to explore real estate and how to be successful in it.
Takeaways
How Chris Mfume started his real estate journey from humble beginnings
The benefits and the challenges that Chris experienced as an African-American developer
Things Chris is passionate about in life
The right time to on making deals and sells the real estate
The important elements to be successful in the real estate business
Advice and wisdom from our guest
Quotes
While I was trying to get a job for 7 months, I was sharpening my skill set. I look for ways that can add value to myself. - Chris
There has never been a better time to be a black entrepreneur in real estate than in 2022. - Chris
Featured in this Episode
TC Cosby
Capital Markets, Greysteel
https://greysteel.com/team/tc-cosby/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-cosby-90b7485/
Aaron Inman
Senior Investment Associate at Greysteel, Baltimore Multifamily
https://greysteel.com/team/aaron-inman/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-inman-9596a911a/
Chris Mfume
Managing Partner at CLD Partners
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-mfume-3269151b
https://www.cldre.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:06 Chris's background and how he started
07:09 Chris gives insights on how he become successful
10:50 Thoughts about the market today?
14:13 How to approach capital on the equity side?
16:09 The challenges and benefits faced by Chris
19:15 The neighborhood and areas that are being underserved
23:32 Are you having trouble as a black developer?
25:58 What separated Chris from other developers?
29:48 What are the things Chris is passionate about?
34:22 Chris’ advice to all aspiring young developers
39:49 Balancing between aggressively buying and conserving capital
42:12 Great and bad deals that Chris had
44:46 Chris's takeaways for young entrepreneurs to be successful
50:26 When is the right time to make a sell and trade
52:47 Adjusting the market value based on different factors
55:08 Important elements to be successful in business
59:55 What are the missing tidbits for African-Americans to enter the CRE
Produced by Heartcast media
www.heartcastmedia.com
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5649061/advertisement

Welcome back to season two of Greysteel's GreyCast podcast. In this podcast, TC and Nigel invited Josh Wilson, a former-NFL player who switches into commercial real estate. Josh Wilson recounts his experiences, starting with his time in the NFL and moving on to CRE. He discussed the difficulties he encountered when starting out in real estates, such as obtaining funding and assets to support his business. He also discusses his aspirations for the near future as well as his goals for his business in the future. For fun, they also discussed several NFL-related things and explained how the audience could get involved with WC Investments.
Key Takeaways
How Josh Wilson, an NFL player, entered the commercial real estate industry
The experience working in commercial real estate as a former NFL player
The Challenges and victories Josh faced when he first entered the real estate business
Josh's future goals for his company and his dreams
Quotes
What I’ve learned is that the worst thing people will say is “No”, and you got to ask why they said “No”- Josh Wilson
One thing that I've learned is that real estate, through the test of time, always eventually gains value. - Josh Wilson
One of the things that keep me going with this is realizing that the more we grow, the more minorities we can support. - Josh Wilson
Featured in this Episode
Nigel Crayton
Investments Sales, Greysteel
https://greysteel.com/team/nigel-crayton/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelcrayton/
TC Cosby
Capital Markets, Greysteel
https://greysteel.com/team/tc-cosby/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-cosby-90b7485/
Josh Wilson
WC Investments, LLC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-wilson-58261094
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Introducing our guest
04:29 How Josh gets into commercial real estate
08:12 Finding the right direction after NFL
10:53 The things Josh had to overcome
15:05 Other ways to access capitals
17:36 What will be the next in the future years?
20:39 How does the current environment affect the business on a daily basis?
24:16 Things Josh wants to accomplish in the near future
26:28 How does Josh balance these things?
29:39 Segway questions Josh
36:49 Unforgettable deals
41:13 Talks about NFL
44:50 How to get involved with WC Investments
47:04 Conclusion
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5649061/advertisement

Welcome back to season two of Greysteel's GreyCast podcast. In this podcast, Mike introduced a new group in Greysteel which is the Greysteel Black Professional Network or GBPN. Mike introduced the people who are leading the group. First is TC Cosby who leads the structured finance group of Greysteel. Next, is Nigel Crayton, who works on the mid-Atlantic Multifamily team and is also the director of Greysteel. Lastly, Aaron Inman works on the Baltimore Multifamily and is also a Senior Investment Associate.
In the episode, They will be talking about the leaders of GBPN and share their background and also how they've come with Greysteel. They will also discuss the challenges and barriers they've come across and how to overcome them. They also talked about the core plan of the GPBN and what things they look into in the future.
Key Takeaways
Getting to know our guests and how they got to Greysteel
Our guest explains the group's charter and plans
Taking on the challenges and obstacles they've faced
Understanding how to form genuine connections, overcome obstacles, and appreciate the journey
The recruitment strategy, ideas, and plans
Quotes
Coming inside Greysteel, I was instantly approached by Nigel, TC, and Roman. - Aaron
I appreciated the growth of innovativeness, as well as the community of wonderful people we have here, which I believe distinguishes us from many other places I've seen, had, or experienced in the past. - Nigel
I've had a lot of wonderful years and a lot of bad years, especially in the beginning. There's no better motivator than being unable to pay your rent or credit card bills. - Mike
I think the one huge deliverable we're thrilled to achieve is if we can assist some of these groups to develop as our clients. - TC
Featured in this Episode
Mike Hehir
Vice President at Greysteel
https://greysteel.com/team/mike-hehir/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehehir/
TC Cosby
Director at The Greysteel Company, Structured Finance
https://greysteel.com/team/tc-cosby/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tc-cosby-90b7485/
Nigel Crayton
Director at Greysteel, Mid-Atlantic Multifamily
https://greysteel.com/team/nigel-crayton/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelcrayton/
Aaron Inman
Senior Investment Associate at Greysteel, Baltimore Multifamily
https://greysteel.com/team/aaron-inman/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-inman-9596a911a/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:12 Meet our guests
03:32 How Aaron started
05:29 Plans for the future
08:11 Barriers and challenges
10:49 Nigel shares the knowledge he learned from his previous company
17:02 TC's reason for coming to Greysteel
19:26 It's more than business and appreciating the journey
25:32 Overcoming challenges
31:29 Plans, ideas, and methods for recruitment
37:59 Takeaways from TC
This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5649061/advertisement