Get it on Google Play

Start Small: John McNellis on Building a Career in Real Estate Development

Start Small: John McNellis on Building a Career in Real Estate Development

Author: Veronica Malolos, CCIM August 3, 2026 Duration: 20:55
Women Influencers
BusinessCareersCulturePhilosophySocietySociety & Culture

In this episode, I sit down with John McNellis, longtime real estate developer, columnist, and author of Making It in Real Estate, Third Edition, whose career began in law before he discovered that he was far more interested in making deals than advising on them.

John shares how growing up with a mother who built a successful all-female real estate brokerage shaped his perspective on women in business. He reflects on watching her overcome the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry while supporting her family and putting four children through college.

He also explains how he transitioned from practicing real estate law into shopping center development, eventually building a career spanning more than 40 years. Along the way, John continued writing, first as a columnist for the San Francisco Business Times and later as the author of Making It in Real Estate, which has now grown into its third edition with 34 new chapters.

We discuss the realities of development, the level of risk involved, and why more women should have access to mentorship, professional networks, and opportunities within the industry. John also shares how he has helped women advance through organizations such as the Urban Land Institute and offered guidance to aspiring developers throughout their careers.

For anyone interested in entering development, John recommends beginning with a smaller project that provides experience with purchasing, financing, contractors, renovations, and sales before taking on something larger.

His advice is a reminder that you do not need to begin with a massive development to start building your experience:

“Start small.” — John McNellis

Connect with Veronica:

https://capstrata.com/

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

Connect with John:

https://www.johnmcnellis.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcnellis-b6a1674/

Buy his book:

https://a.co/d/0guzJVfd

#womeninbusiness #CRE #commercialrealestate #businesspodcast #realestatepodcast #realestatedevelopment #commercialdeveloper #entrepreneur #CCIM #womeninCRE


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Official website RSS
youtube
Women Influencers
Podcast Episodes
Liz Landry: From Operator to Owner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:17
In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Liz Landry, a leadership coach, motivational speaker, and longtime Keller Williams leader who has helped thousands of entrepreneurs and real estate professionals buil…
Choose Yourself: Whitney Voisin on Finding Your Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:03
In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Voisin—better known as Coach Whit—a self-leadership coach and speaker who helps women reclaim their identities, find their voices, and lead their lives with purpose. Whitney share…
Raising an Entrepreneur: Margo Machol Bisnow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:39
In this episode, I sit down with Margot Machol Bisnow, bestselling author of Raising an Entrepreneur and former commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission. Margot shares what she learned from interviewing successful en…
Michele Richman: Finding the Courage to Tell Your Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:39
In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Michele Richman, Chief People Officer and Lead Coach at Lawline, an online continuing legal education company that began as a television program created by her parent…
Reclaiming Power, Peace, and Happiness with Teri Chilcoat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:19
In this episode, I sit down with Teri Chilcoat, keynote speaker, author of Surviving the Toxic Workplace: From an HR Insider, and founder of Inner Authority Co., whose story begins in Minnesota, where she grew up with a…
Unapologetic: Cassy Williamson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:25
In this episode, I sit down with Cassy Williamson, keynote speaker, author, founder of Unapologetic Women, and strategic performance coach at Impact Eighty-Eight, whose story begins as a military kid learning the value o…
Marriage, Money, and Mindset: Julia & Gino Barbaro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:12
In this episode, I sit down with Julia and Gino Barbaro, life coaches, multifamily real estate investors, and partners in both business and life, whose journey is rooted in faith, family, and a shared commitment to helpi…
Answering My Guests' Questions Part 17 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:02
This week on Women Influencers, we compiled three of the great questions my guests have asked me. I am honored to have the opportunity to chat with amazing, influential women on the podcast and it is always an honor to c…
From Chaos to Control with Lisa Woodruff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, Founder and CEO of Organized 365 and author of the upcoming book Escaping Quicksand, whose work focuses on helping women organize their homes and lives so they have more ti…

12345»