The Land Development Podcast

Master planned communities aren’t set in stone. Nick Arenson explains how projects that take 10–20 years to build have to adjust along the way, from changing design trends to updating parks and amenities like pickleball courts and low-water landscaping. What works today won’t always work in the future. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-ma…

You can have the deal and the capital, but without the right people, it falls apart. Nick Arenson talks about why team structure and strong relationships are critical in land development. He shares how the right group can make complex projects work, and how the wrong one can sink them. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-ma…

Most people think land prices drive everything, but it actually works the other way around. Nick Arenson explains how land value is based on what homes sell for after factoring in costs, fees, and profit. He also breaks down why builders move to outer areas and how financing plays a role in land strategy. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-ma…

False optimism can make or break a deal. In this clip, Nick Arenson explains how developers often overestimate opportunities or miss key risks when going after land. He shares why having the highest price or chasing off-market deals isn’t always a win, and how understanding real risk is what separates good developers from the rest. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-ma…

Nick Arenson joins the show to talk through how large master planned communities are built and how they evolve over time. He shares insights on managing risk, planning infrastructure, and balancing lot sales with homebuilding. The conversation also covers how market shifts and capital impact development decisions. It’s a practical look at what it really takes to execute projects at scale. Check out the episode at the link below or on your favorite podcasting platform. landdevpodcast.com/podcast/how-ma…

Building trust with clients starts by bringing them into the process. Russ Seamon shares why understanding what really drives a project, and aligning on it early, leads to stronger relationships and better results. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/buildi…

If you want to grow faster in land development, focus on communication. Russ Seamon explains why picking up the phone, building relationships, and staying connected with your team can make a big difference early in your career. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/buildi…

Great projects start with strong leadership. Russ Seamon explains how the best developers create real partnerships, communicate clearly, and treat the whole team with respect. That’s what leads to better outcomes and projects people actually want to be part of. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/buildi…

Ryan sits down with Russ Seamon, president of SeamonWhiteside, to talk about his career in land development and his approach to leadership. They discuss how the company has grown over time, why culture matters, and what it takes to build strong teams. Russ also shares his thoughts on communication, working with developers, and setting projects up for success. Check out the episode at the link below or on your favorite podcasting platform. landdevpodcast.com/podcast/buildi…

Chuck Marohn explains what a “stroad” is. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/strong…

Chuck Marohn explains why the math doesn’t work for many cities. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/strong…

When everyone benefits from saying yes, it’s hard to say no. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/strong…

Chuck Marohn explains how a simple porch turned into a zoning issue in a rural area. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/strong…

Chuck Marohn joins the show to break down the Strong Towns approach to growth, explaining why many cities struggle financially and how better decisions around infrastructure, housing, and development can lead to stronger communities. Check out the episode at the link below or on your favorite podcasting platform. landdevpodcast.com/podcast/strong…

Lara Diettrich joins the show to talk about her path into planning, what developers often get wrong, and how to approach projects the right way from day one. She shares her lessons from working across public, private, and military projects. Check out the episode at the link below or on your favorite podcasting platform. landdevpodcast.com/podcast/lesson…

Eric Bakey explains why leadership starts with personal discipline and accountability. If you’re not holding yourself to a high standard, you can’t expect your team to do the same. Eric Bakey shares how lessons from his time in the Army still shape how he leads projects today. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-la…

There’s a big difference between flipping land and actually developing it. Eric Bakey talks about what it feels like to take a deal from start to finish, through all the setbacks, risk, and uncertainty, and finally see something get built that wouldn’t exist without you. Eric Bakey shares why building a neighborhood brings a level of pride you just don’t get from quick flips. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-la…

Eric Bakey breaks down how sellers can get paid fast for less money or wait and potentially double their land value. It all comes down to expectations, timing, and giving developers room to create value. Eric Bakey explains how spending money on due diligence and giving a deal time can completely change what a property is worth. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-la…

Eric Bakey explains why trying to force a project through without talking to the community first almost always backfires. The better approach is simple, have the hard conversations early, listen to concerns, and adjust before it turns into a fight. Eric Bakey shares how those early meetings, even when people are upset, can make the difference between getting a deal approved or watching it fall apart. Check out the full episode at the link below: landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-la…

Eric Bakey joins the show to talk about getting started in land development and what it takes to move a deal all the way through. We cover his first major project, working with cities, and dealing with community pushback. Check out the episode at the link below or on your favorite podcasting platform. landdevpodcast.com/podcast/why-la…