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

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

Women Influencers
Podcast Episodes
Arleen Garza’s Journey to Real Estate Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Arleen Garza, co-founder of REEP Equity, a multi-family investment firm based in San Antonio, Texas. Arleen grew up in a large family in West Texas, where she learned…
Mia-Belle Berrios: Coach, Mentor, Trailblazer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:24
In this episode of Women Influencers, I sit down with Mia-Belle Berrios, the head coach of the girls' wrestling team at Tohopekaliga High School in Kissimmee, Florida. Mia's journey into the male-dominated world of wrest…
Answering My Guests' Questions Part 9 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24
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…
Sandy Tush: Building Leaders Worth Following [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:24
In this episode of Women Influencers, I speak with Sandy Tush, Executive in Residence at Milestone Leadership, about her journey in leadership development. Sandy grew up on a Kansas farm and initially pursued engineering…
Jenny Fielding: Investing in Global Innovation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:16
In this week’s phenomenal episode of Women Influencers, I speak with Jenny Fielding, founder and investor at Everywhere Ventures and author of Venture Everywhere. Jenny shares her unconventional journey from law school a…
Siew Ting Foo: Leading with Purpose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:49
In this episode of Women Influencers, I had the pleasure of interviewing Siew Ting Foo, Asia's most influential and purposeful CMO. Siew Ting is a global Fortune 100 executive and a leader in human-centric transformation…
From Journalist to Entrepreneur: Ioana Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:22
In this episode of Women Influencers, I interview Ioana Good, a journalist-turned-entrepreneur who co-founded Find a Rainmaker and Promova, a PR and branding agency. Ioana shares her incredible journey from immigrating t…
Answering My Guests' Questions Part 8 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:18
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…
Danita Cummins: Navigating Faith, Leadership, and Purpose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:21
In this episode of Women Influencers, I interview Danita Cummins, a business strategist for faith-driven leaders and the author of Promise Over Purpose. Danita shares her inspiring journey, from growing up in Oklahoma in…