Episode 1: Markets, Money, and CRE

Welcome to Behind the Building, a commercial real estate series where we uncover the strategy, the people, and the decisions that shape our built environment.

In this episode, I’m joined by Devon Hawkins, Assistant Professor at Elon University and Founder of Elite Economic Advisors. Devon brings her sharp economic insight to the table, offering a clear and practical breakdown of how key economic indicators are influencing commercial real estate decisions—from inflation and interest rates to tariffs and the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

In this conversation, we explore:

  • How rising interest rates and monetary policy are reshaping lending and investment decisions

  • The ripple effects of tariffs on materials, development costs, and the CRE supply chain

  • What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” means for infrastructure, tax strategy, and long-term development

  • Why North Carolina—especially the I-85/40 corridor—is uniquely positioned for manufacturing and logistics growth

  • The role of shovel-ready land, infrastructure investment, and vacancy rates in choosing development sites

  • Economic strategy through the lens of opportunity cost, regional development, and policy priorities

  • Advice for CRE owners and brokers on how to cut through economic noise and plan smarter

Whether you’re a property owner, investor, developer, or CRE professional, this episode delivers actionable insight into how macroeconomic trends intersect with your commercial real estate decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Inflation control via interest rate hikes = tighter lending

  • Tariffs may spike material costs with few domestic substitutes

  • Tertiary markets like Alamance County & Burlington are poised for growth

  • CRE success today hinges on strategic site selection & forward-looking development planning

Connect with Us:
*Host: Emilee Collins, CCIM – Commercial Real Estate Broker in NC / https://www.linkedin.com/in/emileecollins/
*Guest: Devon Hawkins – Elite Economic Advisors / https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-isaacs-hawkins/

Episode 2: CRE, Policy and Professional Leadership

August 1, 2025

In this episode of Behind the Building, Emilee Collins, CCIM sits down with longtime commercial real estate broker and CCIM designee Sledd Thomas of Sineath Real Estate Solutions. With decades of experience in both brokerage and legislative advocacy, Sledd shares powerful insight on why involvement in public policy matters deeply to every commercial real estate practitioner—and how it’s shaping our industry at every level.