The Bottom Line Podcast Episode #35 with Nicole Cruz of Build Pro Construction & Captiva Development

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Nicole Cruz, a forward-thinking professional in the construction and real estate industry, shares her experiences and insights on navigating a post-COVID world. She discusses the future of remote work, migration trends, and the changing landscape of real estate, emphasizing innovation, adaptability, and intentionality. Nicole also reflects on her personal philosophy, advocating for kindness, open dialogue, and resilience in the face of challenges. Her perspective on leadership, community, and overcoming adversity provides a fresh and inspiring outlook on the future of work and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nicole emphasizes the importance of intentionality in business and personal connections, highlighting the need to do research before reaching out to someone.
• 😀 She believes that common courtesy, such as reviewing someone's profile before messaging them, is crucial for establishing a professional relationship.
• 😀 Nicole stresses the impact of working from home on the real estate market, predicting that people will move from inner cities to more spacious suburban areas due to post-pandemic shifts.
• 😀 She points out that new technology and infrastructure, like Hyperloop and Uber Air, will significantly influence the way cities and businesses are structured in the future.
• 😀 The rise of remote work has made companies rethink office spaces, and suburban developments are likely to benefit from this shift in the next 3-5 years.
• 😀 Nicole predicts that the hospitality industry will evolve with more interactive and recreational spaces in residential buildings, to cater to people working from home and seeking more social engagement.
• 😀 She advises that real estate professionals must innovate and think creatively in a downturn, as market conditions will eventually improve, but only for those who plan ahead.
• 😀 Nicole is confident that development in regions like Texas and the South will grow due to lower regulatory barriers and lower costs compared to areas like New Jersey.
• 😀 She believes the real estate industry will evolve as people prioritize larger living spaces and value human interaction, shaping future residential developments.
• 😀 Nicole advocates for treating people with kindness and respect, regardless of political differences, and stresses the importance of unity during times of division.
• 😀 She strongly believes in personal accountability, encouraging individuals to not use past experiences or upbringing as excuses for not succeeding.

Q & A

What advice does Nicole give about how to approach business development?

Nicole emphasizes the importance of doing thorough research before reaching out to potential clients or partners. She suggests looking into their company, what they do, and finding the right contact details before initiating any communication. This shows intentionality and respect for the person you're trying to connect with, instead of sending a generic, unthoughtful message.

How does Nicole view the future of the real estate industry in the next three to five years?

Nicole predicts that the real estate industry will undergo significant changes. She foresees more people working remotely, which will lead to a shift from inner-city living to suburban areas. As a result, there will be a growing demand for larger living spaces and more recreational areas in residential developments. Development in cities like Texas will also rise due to lower costs and easier approval processes.

How does Nicole feel about working in New Jersey and the challenges of development in the state?

Nicole expresses concern about the challenges of developing in New Jersey due to high costs, long approval processes, and expensive living conditions. While she acknowledges that development in the state may be slower for now, she believes that there will still be opportunities when the market rebounds. Innovation and creative thinking will be crucial for success in this environment.

What does Nicole believe is the most important aspect of leadership and success in business?

Nicole emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself and acting with intentionality. She believes that you should never use past experiences or your upbringing as an excuse for not succeeding. Taking personal responsibility and staying authentic are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

What are Nicole's thoughts on working from home and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workplace?

Nicole believes that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven that working from home is a viable option for many businesses, reducing the need for expensive office space. She sees this trend continuing in the future, as more companies realize the benefits of remote work. This shift will also lead to changes in how people live, as they seek larger homes with dedicated workspaces.

What is Nicole's perspective on living in the city versus suburban areas?

Nicole sees a shift away from city living, particularly in places like Jersey City, where vacancies are rising and new developments are increasing. She believes that people are leaving inner cities for more spacious and less crowded suburban areas, driven by both lifestyle preferences and the high costs of living in urban centers.

What role does innovation play in the future of the real estate and development industries according to Nicole?

Innovation will play a critical role in navigating the future of real estate and development. Nicole points out that the industry will require creative and forward-thinking strategies to overcome challenges, such as finding ways to invest during market lows and anticipating future trends, like more demand for larger living spaces and recreational areas.

How does Nicole feel about the growing trend of 'experiential' spaces in real estate?

Nicole sees the rise of experiential spaces as a natural progression in the real estate market. She predicts that people will seek more interactive and engaging spaces in residential and commercial buildings, such as beer gardens, recreational areas, and entertainment spaces. This trend will reflect a shift toward prioritizing human interaction and well-being in both home and work environments.

What is Nicole's stance on the role of political leaders in shaping communities?

Nicole believes that individuals, not politicians, shape communities. She advocates for kindness, respect, and mutual support, regardless of political differences. She stresses that open conversations and understanding one another's perspectives can create stronger, more cohesive communities.

What is Nicole's bottom-line philosophy that she lives by?

Nicole's bottom-line philosophy is to never use past experiences or upbringing as an excuse for not succeeding. She believes in personal accountability and authenticity, encouraging others to always be true to themselves, act with intentionality, and avoid falling into a cycle of self-pity or blame.