Podcast

In this episode of the Pre-Con Recon Podcast, Justin Frenette speaks with Tim Ng, founder and CEO of Blackline and ADHOC Studio. Tim shares how his early exposure to real estate inspired a lifelong mission to bring technology and innovation to the industry.

Together, Justin and Tim explore the lessons learned from scaling two companies, breaking into new markets like Miami, and navigating the differences between condo sales and purpose-built rentals. Tim also highlights what’s working in today’s sales and marketing playbooks, how AI is set to unlock predictive insights, and why brand, reputation, and personalization have become essential for developers to succeed in today’s buyer-first market.

In this episode, Justin Frenette speaks with Darcy Rai, Founder and President of Real Property Data, about how unit-level data is reshaping pre-construction development. Darcy shares how his background as a development manager revealed the critical role of real-time data in acquisition, design, and marketing decisions.

He shares how Real Property Data goes beyond self-reported numbers, collecting real-time, unit-level data to give an unbiased view of the market. The conversation covers why unit mix and sizing now make or break projects, how incentives are becoming central to lease-ups, and why architects should shift from purely design efficiency to a business-driven lens.

Darcy also highlights how oversupply in urban rentals is putting pressure on leasing strategies, why curated amenities are the new differentiator, and how clean datasets will unlock the true potential of AI in real estate decision-making.

In this episode, Justin Frenette welcomes Rachel Rehkopf, Senior Manager of Sales & Marketing at Neatt Communities, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of pre-construction real estate. From her accidental start in the industry to launching Milton's transformative StationSide project, Rachel shares how she puts people at the heart of everything—from marketing strategy to site design.

She breaks down how Neatt is rethinking affordability, investing in long-term community value, and engaging brokers as a core part of their sales funnel. Her approach centers on devloping more than buildings—she’s creating communities people will still be proud to live in (and talk about) decades from now.

In this episode of the Pre-Con Recon podcast, Justin Frenette speaks with Theresa Dillon, the marketing director at Fabric Living. They discuss Theresa's journey in real estate, the importance of mentorship, and the unique approach Fabric Living takes in developing communities. The conversation covers innovative projects like Assembly, the significance of branding in a competitive market, and the challenges and opportunities faced in the current real estate landscape. They also explore the role of technology and AI in marketing, the importance of community engagement, and the value of networking for career success.

Justin Frenette speaks with Alan Klippenstein, Vice President of Real Estate Development at Schinkel Properties. They discuss Alan's journey into real estate development, the challenges of navigating city politics, and the importance of affordable housing. Alan shares insights on exciting projects, market dynamics in Manitoba, and the trends in secondary markets. The conversation also touches on the significance of branding and marketing in real estate, the need for less government involvement, and advice for aspiring developers.

In this episode of the Pre-Con Recon podcast, host Justin Frenette speaks with Carrie Curtis, Vice President of Ontario and Western Canada at Killam Apartment REIT. They chat about her path from engineering to real estate, Killam’s diverse portfolio, and key insights into Canada’s rental market—including regulations, amenity trends, and the rise of secondary markets.

Justin Frenette speaks with Kayleigh Johnson, the Director of Marketing at Peterson, about her journey in real estate marketing, the evolving landscape of the industry, and the importance of community and lifestyle in branding.

They discuss market trends, the shift towards purpose-built rentals, and the significance of building relationships and mentorship in the real estate sector. Kayleigh shares insights on how to differentiate products in a competitive market and the need for a holistic approach to marketing that focuses on the human experience.

Justin Frenette speaks with Loren Jackson about her journey in the real estate marketing industry, the importance of storytelling, and the evolving landscape of buyer behavior in the real estate market. They discuss the significance of the Precon Recon Report, which aims to provide insights into market trends and effective marketing strategies.

Loren shares her experiences working on various projects, emphasizing the need for creativity, collaboration, and data-driven marketing to engage buyers effectively and maintain brand consistency over time.

Justin Frenette speaks with Angela Walsh, Marketing Director at Sifton Properties. They discuss Angela's career journey in real estate, the importance of community building, and innovative marketing strategies that enhance customer experience.

Angela shares insights on Sifton's legacy, current projects, and the impact of technology on real estate marketing. The conversation also touches on market trends, product offerings, and the future opportunities for Sifton Properties.

Justin Frenette speaks with Jordan Taylor, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Deco Homes. They discuss Jordan's journey in real estate development, the importance of a broad skill set, and Deco's design-forward philosophy.

The conversation also covers branding and marketing strategies, the role of storytelling in real estate projects, and the exploration of large-scale projects like Lakeview Village and Base 31. They touch on the shift to secondary markets and the significance of purpose-built rentals, concluding with insights on future trends in real estate.

Justin Frenette speaks with Ryan Mounsey from Urban Insights about the intricacies of urban planning and real estate development. They discuss the importance of data in making informed decisions, the growing trend of purpose-built rentals, and the potential for office to residential conversions.