Betting on Yourself: Benji Miller's Journey from Institutional Real Estate to Entrepreneurship

102 views

Video added by The Kirsh Connection | Date Uploaded: August 20, 2026 | Date Created: July 02, 2026

Description

On this episode of The Kirsh Connection, I sit down with Benji Miller, Founder of Negresco Property Group, to discuss the realities of making that leap while still in your 30s. Benji shares the lessons he learned transitioning from the institutional real estate world at Hackman Capital to entrepreneurship—what gave him the confidence to take the risk, the challenges of building a company from the ground up, and the advice he would give to others considering the same path. We also dive into the industrial outdoor storage (IOS) sector, why Negresco has focused exclusively on IOS opportunities throughout Southern California, and how the market has evolved since the frenzied investment environment of 2021–2023. Benji explains why transaction activity has slowed, where he sees opportunities today, and what investors should be watching as the market continues to mature. Finally, Benji shares an incredible personal story about how he played a role in helping launch the college coaching career of Dan Hurley, who would go on to become a two-time NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion at University of Connecticut. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an institutional real estate professional contemplating your next move, or simply interested in the evolution of today's commercial real estate market, this episode offers practical insights from someone who recently made the leap—and hasn't looked back. Learn more about Benji Miller: • Connect with Benji on LinkedIn: / benji-miller-133aa519 • Negresco Property Group: / negresco-property-group ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirsh interviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM • Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j • Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... • Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and is the Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: / andrewkirsh • Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession... • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: / sklar-kirsh-llp • Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/... The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays


Categories:
Interviews / Podcasts / Speeches, Investment Funds / Family Offices, Personal Stories
Property Types:
Industrial
States:
ALL


Suggested Videos

Flexible Co-GP Structures Build Better Deals with Adrian Berger of Cypress Equity Investment
Commercial Real Estate veteran and founder of Way Capital, Malcolm Davies, speaks with Adrian Berger, Managing Director of Acquisitions at Cypress Equity Investments (CEI), to discuss creative deal flows and capitalizing on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). Adrian highlights the value of relationship equity and why networking remains the most valuable asset in a developer’s portfolio. He describes CEI’s creative Co-GP deal-making opportunities and how they are navigating LIHTC in the
HUD Advantage: Maximizing Proceeds, Rates, Refinancing Strategies with Aaron Krawitz, Bravo Capital
Commercial Real Estate veteran and founder of Way Capital, Malcolm Davies, sits down with Aaron Krawitz, Founder & CEO of Bravo Capital and Bravo Property Trust, to discuss how HUD outpaces the market with higher proceeds and better interest rates than other lending options. Aaron provides a realistic look at HUD timelines and best practices to refinance existing HUD debt to capture favorable terms. He highlights the collaboration of BRAVO and HUD to provide financing and guidance for the Ski
The Trammell Crow Blueprint: Cultivating Talent, Strategy, and Vision in CRE with Greg Ames
Malcolm Davies, founder of Way Capital, sits down with Greg Ames, Southern California Market Leader at Trammell Crow, to explore the company’s unique development and investment strategies. Greg shares insights into Trammell Crow’s rigorous interview process and the specific traits that drive success in the commercial real estate industry. He outlines actionable lessons for aspiring professionals and describes how his passion for the field and confidence in the future of capital markets fuel h