The Built World Podcast

Michael Comras, President & CEO of The Comras Company, shares the story of Miami’s retail history and future on The Built World Podcast. With Tequila Ocho in hand, Miami’s "Retail King" takes listeners on a journey from the 2000s to today, covering milestones like reinventing Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road and introducing brands like Gap to South Beach. He reflects on his career-defining moment in 2015, selling an entire block on Lincoln Road for a record-breaking $370 million and bringing in brands like Apple and Nike. His more recent ventures include revitalizing Coconut Grove with projects like CocoWalk and The Canopy Offices, and, in Downtown, curating a dynamic tenant mix at Miami Worldcenter. A passionate urbanist, Michael is dedicated to creating vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods that are walkable and community-focused. He's a strong advocate for placemaking, curating retail spaces that not only complement each other but also elevate the entire neighborhood. Listen on: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dXc7pkNd Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/dcUjPk7x #comrascompany #redefiningretail #commercialrealestate #retail #retailleasing #retaildevelopment #crepodcast #retailking #miamilegends

Don't miss our awesome conversation with Stephen Bittel!

Miami native Stephen Bittel, Founder and Chairman of Terranova Corporation joined us on the podcast, bringing not just his insights but a vintage 1996 bottle of Clos Lascombes to share. Stephen’s story begins with his roots in South Florida, graduating from Palmetto High before heading north to Bowdoin College in Maine. Post-graduation, he explored Europe on a Thomas Watson Fellowship, but his return to Miami marked the start of a remarkable career. While attending the University of Miami School of Law, Stephen worked full-time at a commercial real estate firm to make ends meet. What began as a job to pay the bills quickly evolved into a passion for business. By his second year, a pivotal moment arrived when his firm offered to switch him from a salary to commission-based pay. Instead of taking the offer, Stephen bet on himself — leaving the firm to launch Terranova from his house in Coral Gables. Fast forward to today: Stephen has grown Terranova into a powerhouse, becoming the largest property owner on both Miracle Mile and Lincoln Road. Beyond his own success, the company has served as a launching pad for many alumni who’ve made significant waves in South Florida’s real estate scene. Tune in to hear Stephen’s journey — from his first deal to shaping two of the 305's most iconic streets. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/emwu9Ut6 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ea2itShB Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e96bRUtq #terranovacorpration #stevenbittel #CREpodcast #thebuiltworldpodcast #realestatepodcast

In this episode, we're joined by the one and only Lyle Stern, co-founder of Vertical Real Estate. Lyle is a true gentleman and an absolute legend in the Miami Beach retail scene. For over 40 years, he has been the driving force behind transforming Miami Beach into a shopping mecca, bringing iconic brands like H&M, Brandy Melville, J.Crew, Banana Republic, Ted Baker, and Victoria’s Secret to its vibrant streets. But his journey wasn’t always glamorous. Tune in as Lyle takes us from his humble beginnings in real estate to becoming one of the most respected retail brokers and investors in Miami Beach. It's a story of vision, grit, and the art of deal-making you won’t want to miss! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/emwu9Ut6 or check out The Built World on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Iris Escarra, Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Land Use Practice, is the featured guest on the latest episode of The Built World Podcast, a show featuring in-depth conversations with Miami's top real estate leaders, developers, and entrepreneurs. ??? On the Oct. 28 episode, Iris discusses her roots as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, her rise to become one of the leading land use attorneys in Miami, and her outlook for South Florida’s ever-evolving real estate market. ?? Click here to listen to the episode: https://buff.ly/4eravFD. #MiamiRealEstate #GTFlorida #GTMiami #GTLawWomen

Iris Escarra, Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Land Use Practice, is the featured guest on the latest episode of The Built World Podcast, a show featuring in-depth conversations with Miami's top real estate leaders, developers, and entrepreneurs. ??? On the Oct. 28 episode, Iris discusses her roots as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, her rise to become one of the leading land use attorneys in Miami, and her outlook for South Florida’s ever-evolving real estate market. ?? Click here to listen to the episode: https://buff.ly/4eravFD. #MiamiRealEstate #GTFlorida #GTMiami #GTLawWomen

We've been on a roll lately with some truly amazing guests on The Built World Podcast! ??? Cue the drumroll... ? Lyle Stern, Co-Founder & Principal at Vertical Real Estate Miami ? Stephen Bittel, Co-Founder & Chairman at Terranova Corporation ? Sydne Garchik Garlick, Co-Founder & Principal at MRK Partners These industry leaders brought their A-Game, and we can't wait for you to hear their insights. ?? Tune in every Tuesday for fresh episodes that dive deep into the world of real estate. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/emwu9Ut6

When it comes to Miami real estate legends, Don Soffer is in a league of his own. Don is the Founder and Chairman of Turnberry, and at a lively 93 years old, he joined us for a vodka on the rocks and a journey through his epic career. From building shopping malls in Pittsburgh to snapping up 786 acres of swamp in 1967, Don and his father transformed that patch of Florida wilderness into what we now know as Aventura. Together, they drained, rezoned, and mapped out a city with 23,900 condo units, a golf course, and the iconic Aventura Mall. And that’s just the start! We dig into the tales of Don’s time at the Playboy Mansion, his bold moves in real estate, and his company’s 2005 purchase of the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. Pour yourself a drink and join us for a legendary episode packed with laughs, wild stories, and a masterclass in vision from the man who built Aventura! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/emwu9Ut6 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eabDaYNz Spotify: https://lnkd.in/edPFEu5r

We've had an incredible lineup on The Built World Podcast in October, where real estate’s finest joined us for cocktails and candid conversations! From a luxury residential giant to behind-the-scenes PR master, a Wynwood bakery icon, a land use jedi, and an industrial innovator—each guest brought their A-game (and a few good stories). Meet Our October All-Stars: Nelson Gonzalez – Sr. VP, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty Marcia Martinez Laas – Founder & Principal, Power Collective PR Zak Stern – Founder & CEO, Zak The Baker Edward Easton – Founder & Chairman, The Easton Group Iris Escarra – Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP Traurig Stay Tuned—More Legends Ahead: Donald Soffer?– Founder & Chairman, Turnberry Lyle Stern?– Co-Founder, Vertical Real Estate Stephen Bittel?– Founder & Chairman, Terranova Corporation Russell Galbut, Founder, Crescent Heights Sydne Garchik?– Founder & President, MRK Partners Gopal Rajegowda?– EVP & Partner, Related Ross Don Peebles?– Founder & CEO, The Peebles Corporation

Iris Escarra, shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, joined us on the podcast, and she didn’t come empty-handed—she brought a bottle of Elijah Craig Bourbon! As we sipped, Iris took us on a journey through Miami's evolving landscape, blending her passion for bourbon with her expertise in land use and the Miami 21 zoning code. A true 305 native, Iris shared her story, from her roots in South Miami to becoming the co-chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Land Use Practice, where she’s shaped projects for some of the city’s most prominent developers. Tune in for a mix of laughs, insights, and inspiration with one of Miami real estate’s coolest leaders! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/emwu9Ut6 Or find us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. #landuse #greenbergtraurig #zoning #miami21 #miami