What Great Leadership and Succession Look Like in Today’s Real Estate Industry with Matt Slepin | Durable Value Ep. 89

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In Episode 89 of Durable Value, host Ryan Swehla sits down with Matt Slepin, Co-Head of Real Estate at ZRG Partners, to unpack what great leadership and succession really look like in today’s real estate industry. Matt shares his fascinating 25-year journey in executive search, from lobbying for low-income housing to building and selling his own firm. We dive into the real succession challenges facing today’s real estate leaders, the institutional rise of multifamily, and how AI and technology are rewriting the playbook for talent and decision-making in the industry.

00:00 - Introduction

02:30 - From Lobbying to Real Estate Development

05:45 - Career Interruptions & Finding the Right Fit

13:20 - How Multifamily Became Institutional

18:30 - The Rise of Specialty Asset Classes & REITs

24:00 - Entrepreneurship & Starting Terrace Search Partners

29:45 - Succession Planning Challenges in Real Estate

34:15 - The Sale to ZRG Partners

38:30 - Benefits of Joining a Larger Firm

42:00 - Semi-Retirement & What's Next

45:15 - AI, Technology & The Future of Real Estate

51:30 - Advice for Real Estate Careers Beyond Deal-Making

56:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing