E54: Laith Hermiz – Building Relationships for Real Estate Success

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, hosted by Kyle Matthews, we dive deep into the world of real estate investments and development with Laith Hermiz, founder and CEO of Ironside Realty. Laith shares his journey from being the COO and Executive Vice President at Agree Realty Corporation to founding his own firm. With a rich career spanning both public REITs and private real estate, Laith discusses his critical role in acquiring and developing over $2 billion in assets, and the importance of strategic growth, value creation, and cultivating industry relationships. They explore current market trends, particularly the net lease space, and Laith offers insights on strategies and opportunities during disruptive times. The conversation also touches on the personal anecdotes, lessons learned from navigating the commercial real estate industry, and the importance of continuous learning, networking, and mentorship. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:29 Guest Introduction: Laith Hermiz00:57 Early Career and Achievements01:58 Net Lease Market Insights06:44 Personal Anecdotes and Stories13:57 Laith's Background and Family History14:03 Education and Early Career Path32:01 Discovering the Value of Networking32:41 Transitioning from Law to Real Estate33:41 Early Career in Real Estate Development34:34 Major Projects and Career Milestones34:58 Navigating the REIT Space35:38 Balancing Career and Family37:37 Motivations and Wealth Creation39:10 Key Career Achievements40:45 The Importance of Relationships45:00 Challenges and Lessons from the GFC51:44 Building a Successful Acquisition Platform58:56 Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate01:00:53 Founding a New Venture01:06:06 Navigating Market Shifts and Opportunities01:06:55 The Appeal of STNL Retail Space01:08:24 Challenges and Surprises as a Founder01:10:11 Balancing Passion and Hard Work01:11:25 The Art of the Deal and Building Relationships01:14:39 Advice for Aspiring Professionals01:24:10 Networking and Professional Growth01:35:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections