• Pivoted from Cushman and Wakefield regional presidency to found LNSS Advisors focusing on data center advisory
• Positioned data centers as critical infrastructure underpinning the AI revolution and digital economy
• Launched firm immediately after C&W departure, targeting high-growth sector with specialized expertise
• Combines commercial real estate advisory with highest and best use evaluations and data center focus

• Atlantic City upbringing provided firsthand exposure to real estate valuation principles
• Father's FAA Tech Center background fostered interest in technical systems and early computer modeling
• Mother's artistic influence balanced technical perspective with creative problem-solving
• Observed demolition of historic Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, demonstrating highest/best use concepts
• Atlantic City's casino redevelopment provided early lessons in market transformation dynamics

• Penn State Architectural Engineering provided technical foundation for complex asset evaluation
• Initial interest in architecture evolved toward technical engineering applications

BIO

Owen Billman is the President of Blake Real Estate, managing a 2.5 million sq ft portfolio and eight companies. He previously facilitated over $1 billion in CRE transactions and is a speaker at universities and corporations. Awarded CREBA's 2014 Leasing Transaction of the Year and BISNOW's Top 35 under 35. He chairs the American Heart Association's Greater Washington Region, is a board member of the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation, and co-founded the Junior Council supporting Children's National Health System.

REVISED SHOW NOTES

[0:00-1:38] Introduction and Guest: John Coe introduces the "Icons of DC Area Real Estate" podcast and its partnership with Iconic Journey in CRE. Owen Billman, President of Blake Real Estate and Chair of the Golden Triangle BID, is welcomed. His career, Blake’s strategies, and DC's future are discussed.

[1:38-5:11] Owen's Role at Blake: Owen describes his role, focusing on portfolio performance and managing leasing, property management, and construction. He mentions growing third-party management while emphasizing the core portfolio.

[5:11-9:42] Background: Owen shares his upbringing in rural Southern Maryland and working at his father's hardware store, learning customer service and work ethic.

[9:42-14:28] University: Owen recounts his time at the University of Maryland, including the impact of 9/11, and deciding to stay in the DC area.

[14:28-22:14] Starting at Co-Star: Owen details his entry-level job at Co-Star, learning about CRE data collection and analysis.

[22:14-27:02] Market and Blake: Owen reflects on market trends during the Global Financial Crisis and joining Blake in 2010.

[27:02-36:53] Blake's Evolution and Lease Structure: Owen describes learning Blake's unique cash flow model and lease structure. He explains the pros and cons vs. market standards.

[36:53-44:06] Leadership and Rollup Strategy: Owen discusses his leadership transition and Blake's recent rollup strategy to consolidate ownership and flexibility.

[44:06-52:24] Market Adaptability: Owen reflects on Blake’s adaptability during the pandemic, distressed assets, and retailer impact. He shares Blake’s occupancy rate and return to the office.

[52:24-61:44] GSA and Golden Triangle BID: Owen discusses Blake’s GSA leasing experience and his role as Chair of the Golden Triangle BID, advocating for downtown revitalization.

[61:44-78:21] DC's Future: Owen addresses "why DC?" in the context of remote work and strategies to attract new industries, create a 24/7 city, and potential projects.

[78:21-93:23] Change Catalysts: Owen highlights past catalysts for DC's development and the need for a catalyst employer, a new pitch beyond government, and expresses optimism.

[93:23-102:56] John Coe and Community: John Coe discusses Iconic Journey in CRE. Owen shares advice for young professionals and talks about Blake's culture and tech adoption.

[102:56-111:22] Heart Association and Initiatives: Owen discusses the American Heart Association and Blake's initiatives, including collaborative space and flexible work.

Moiz Doriwala is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning real estate finance, investment, and entrepreneurship .... Growing up in Naperville, Illinois, his interest in real estate was sparked by his father's career as a general contractor and developer.

He pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Chicago and an MBA in Finance and Management and Strategy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. His early career began in the finance sector with a unique rotational program at Bank One (later JP Morgan Chase), where he gained experience in asset-backed securities trading, commercial loan workouts, leveraged leasing, and even worked in a strategic group under Jamie Dimon. He further honed his investment banking skills in the Financial Sponsor Group of J.P. Morgan Securities in New York, focusing on M&A transactions and various financing activities.

In 2005, Mr. Doriwala transitioned to the real estate industry, joining S&R Land Development, LLC in Reston, VA, where he was involved in the development of residential and commercial land. Leveraging his financial acumen and real estate exposure, he later became Vice President of Perseus Realty Capital, LLC, specializing in joint venture equity, preferred equity, and mezzanine financings.

In 2008, Mr. Doriwala formed his own umbrella company, Stirling Realty Advisors, LLC, a boutique real estate investment bank that provides financial advisory services, primarily focusing on raising debt and equity capital for real estate developers and operators nationwide. While initially focused on capital raising, Stirling has evolved into a vehicle for his various investment activities.

Under the Stirling umbrella, Mr. Doriwala manages and invests in several businesses, including:

• Bookhill Park: An entity that manages a series of small funds and operates as a finance company, providing opportunistic lending across various industries and geographies
• Investments in mental health and behavioral health businesses
• Investments in one off LPs in apartment projects
• His role as President of Superior Living Foundation Inc., a 501c3 non-profit focused on owning businesses in the healthcare region, such as senior housing and behavioral health facilities1 ....

Mr. Doriwala also has experience in the senior housing sector, having served as Treasurer for Meridian Senior Living .... Additionally, he was involved in the mobile home park business for a number of years through BHP, building and eventually exiting a portfolio of parks.

Throughout his career, Mr. Doriwala has demonstrated an opportunistic and entrepreneurial approach, building strong relationships and a reputation for his ability to navigate complex transactions and provide creative financial solutions. He values strong partnerships, thorough due diligence, and trusting his instincts in his investment decisions.

• [6:30] Introduction to Moiz Doriwala and his diverse business background. He manages or participates in managing at least three businesses.
• [7:00] Overview of Sterling Realty Advisors. Formed in 2008 as an umbrella company for advising real estate operators and developers on capital raising (joint venture equity, mezz, preferred equity, debt financing). Now primarily a vehicle for personal and business investment activities.
• [7:50] Discussion of Sterling as an investor. Investing in individual real estate projects and companies, often as a passive investor or advisor.
• [8:20] Introduction to Bookhill Park. An entity managed by Moiz, functioning as a finance company p...