From Vision to Village: Charlotte Ustler’s Urban Legacy

From Vision to Village: Charlotte Ustler’s Urban Legacy

Author: Veronica Malolos, CCIM July 4, 2025 Duration: 23:22

In this episode, I spoke with Charlotte Ustler, Principal at Ustler Development, whose passion for thoughtful city-building is rooted in her upbringing. Raised by a father who was a regional urban planner and a mother who led grantmaking for the Dr. Phillips Foundation, Charlotte was immersed in conversations about responsible development and community impact from a young age. That foundation led her to pursue a career in commercial real estate, beginning at just 18 years old. Her journey included 14 years at Kimco Realty, the nation’s largest owner of neighborhood shopping centers, where she managed multi-state portfolios and honed her skills in community-focused development.

Charlotte shares her bold decision to leave a corporate role to join her husband at Ustler Development, where they now lead transformative urban projects in Orlando. She opens up about the challenges of being underestimated early in her career and how she used that to her advantage at the negotiation table. One of her proudest achievements is Creative Village—a 68-acre public-private redevelopment in Downtown Orlando that combines education, workforce development, affordable housing, and innovative community programs that uplift the historically underserved Parramore neighborhood.

“Don’t be afraid to do the work.” - Charlotte Ustler

Connect with Veronica:

https://www.capstackcommercial.com/veronica-malolos-ccim

https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-malolos-ccim-401649218/


Connect with Charlotte:

https://www.instagram.com/citylovecam/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-ustler-36908410


#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #commercialbroker #entrepreneur #CCIM


Hosted by Veronica Malolos, CCIM-Founder and CEO of Capital Stack Real Estate Group-the Women Influencers podcast moves beyond surface-level success stories to explore the nuanced realities of leadership, ambition, and personal philosophy. Each conversation delves into the practical strategies and formative experiences of women who have shaped their fields, with a particular lens on business and commercial real estate. These are not just interviews; they are deep dives into the decisions, setbacks, and pivotal moments that define a career. Veronica’s background as an operator in the Greater Orlando market informs a grounded, insightful dialogue that resonates whether you’re building a company, navigating a corporate ladder, or redefining your own path. The discussions naturally span categories from concrete business tactics to broader cultural and societal themes, reflecting the multifaceted lives these influencers lead. This podcast serves as a resource for anyone seeking authentic perspective, emphasizing that influence is cultivated through resilience and insight as much as through achievement. Listen for candid reflections on balancing ambition with life’s other demands, the philosophical underpinnings of a leadership style, and the often-unspoken challenges of carving out space in competitive industries. It’s a series dedicated to amplifying voices that not only succeed but also thoughtfully pave the way for others.
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