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Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson

Ozzie Nelson

The Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson podcast provides listeners with a peek inside some of the brightest minds shaping the future of design, commercial real estate, and capital development. Hosted by John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr., a trailblazing entrepreneur and the driving force behind NELSON Worldwide's evolution into a design powerhouse, this podcast dives into how thoughtful and intentional design can unlock value for commercial and institutional real estate owners, developers, brands, and investors.

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14 episodes
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Avg 25 min
English

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#13
September 28 · 26 min
Relationships, Risk, and ROI: What Really Moves Projects Forward
Speed has become an expectation across real estate and project delivery. Owners and occupiers are under pressure to control costs, shorten schedules, and make confident decisions faster, while AI and other emerging tools promise to make information more accessible than ever. But faster access to information does not automatically translate into better decisions. The people interpreting that information, challenging assumptions, and taking accountability for the outcome still matter. In this episode of Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson, Ozzie is joined by Romel Ragasa, Head of North America at Athena Blue Global, and NELSON New York Market Leader and Regional Practice Leader Joseph Schirripa. Drawing on Romel’s experience across architecture, construction management, owner’s representation, and project management, the conversation explores how experienced teams can use technology without losing the human relationships and judgment that keep complex projects moving. Together, Romel and Joseph share lessons from their work together on the Empire State Building. They examine where AI has the most impact in improving project delivery, why trusted design partners accelerate approvals, and how institutional knowledge can help reduce unnecessary cost and schedule risk. Topics discussed in this episode: AI, human judgment, and faster decision-making Trust, accountability, and relationships in project delivery Institutional knowledge as a cost and schedule advantage Testing, measuring, and managing risk before scaling Operational facility design Capital discipline and investing where it creates measurable value View Asset Strategy | View all Podcasts Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
#12
August 24 · 25 min
Before the Blueprint: How Early Clarity Shaped Trilith LIVE for Long-Term Value
When mixed-use destinations bring multiple venues, operators, and audiences under one roof, the earliest design decisions determine how well the entire ecosystem can perform. In this Before the Blueprint conversation, NELSON leaders Nathan Scheidt, Teresa O’Leary, and Tonya Koerner explore the strategy behind Trilith LIVE, a 530,000-square-foot entertainment venue created without an existing model to follow. From mapping user journeys and monetizing flexible spaces to coordinating complex acoustics, a compressed timeline, and a fixed budget, the discussion reveals how the team designed each part of the building to support simultaneous uses and ongoing activation. For developers and owners, Trilith LIVE demonstrates the value of aligning vision, operations, and financial priorities early. When flexibility and performance inform design from the beginning, complex destinations can adapt to changing needs, create more opportunities for programming, and deliver long-term value. Topics discussed in this episode: Mixed-use development Entertainment venue design Experience-driven destinations Operational flexibility Revenue activation Multi-purpose venues Acoustic separation Speed to market View Mixed-Use | View all Podcasts Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us, and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you’ll be notified when new episodes come out.
#11
June 25 · 28 min
The Forces Reshaping Retail and the Built Environment
Retail is changing faster than ever, but the value of physical space has not disappeared. It has evolved. As AI reshapes how customers discover, compare, and make decisions, stores are no longer just points of transaction. They are becoming places of confirmation, trust-building, brand differentiation, and real-time learning. In this episode of Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson, Ozzie is joined by Kate Ancketill, CEO and Founder of GDR Creative Intelligence, and Ray Ehscheid, NELSON Principal, Retail, for a conversation on the forces reshaping retail and the built environment. Drawing from global trend intelligence, design strategy, and business perspective, the discussion explores what recent industry shifts from NRF to EuroShop reveal about the future of customer experience. Together, they examine how physical retail must respond to pre-informed, AI-assisted customers, the rise of resale and recommerce, evolving workforce needs, and the increasing pressure for stores to perform beyond sales alone. The conversation reframes the store as a strategic environment that validates choice, accelerates confidence, and creates continuous feedback for brands investing in the future of retail. Topics discussed in this episode: Cold storage development Industrial real estate strategy Cold chain logistics Operational facility design Industrial asset optimization Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
#10
June 5 · 29 min
Reducing Costs and Raising Efficiency in Cold Storage Facilities
Profitable cold storage development starts long before a shovel hits the dirt; it begins with understanding that temperature-controlled facilities are highly complex operational ecosystems, not just standard industrial boxes. Dave Aschenbrand, Strategic Services Advisory Lead for the Cold Chain Practice at Newmark, shares how developers can navigate shifting market vacancies and avoid the costly trap of building speculative "vanilla" facilities. Drawing on over 25 years of logistics experience, he explains the danger of selecting sites strictly through a financial spreadsheet lens, emphasizing that a failure to analyze specific regional population pockets and infrastructure limits will drive supply chain costs sky-high. The discussion highlights the unforgiving nature of cold chain infrastructure, where tight construction tolerances, vapor barriers, and specialized slab design leave zero margin for error. Together with Adam Bortz, they explore how minor site constraints, like narrow dock doors that disrupt USDA inspections or inadequate turning radii, create domino-effect bottlenecks that quietly erode tenant profitability and asset value. The conversation also looks ahead to how early collaboration with subject matter experts can balance flexible building adaptation with specialized automation to stop the bleeding of inefficient vacancy and unlock true real estate value. Topics discussed in this episode: Cold storage development Industrial real estate strategy Cold chain logistics Operational facility design Industrial asset optimization Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
February 24 · 28 min
Designing Spaces Where Children Heal with KIDZ Medical Services’ Wayne Brackin
Great pediatric care starts long before a clinician enters the room; it begins with the environment families walk into during some of their most stressful moments. Wayne Brackin, President and CEO of Kidz Medical Services, shares how thoughtful design can calm anxious parents and support clinicians by moving beyond clinical appearances to create warmer, home-like spaces. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains the danger of over-stimulating environments that mimic amusement centers, emphasizing that children in serious situations need a sense of calm rather than a "Disney" type of experience. The discussion also highlights the critical need for infrastructure redundancy and emergency power in outpatient facilities to ensure that life-altering storms do not interrupt essential pediatric treatments. Together with Rolando Essa, they explore how strategic choices in wayfinding, natural light, and floor-plate efficiency quietly improve medical outcomes and reduce stress for everyone in the building. The conversation also looks ahead to mixed-use healthcare developments, workforce housing, and how early design decisions create long-term value for communities, care teams, and the children they serve. Topics discussed in this episode: pediatric healthcare design healthcare facility design healthcare resilience planning mixed-use healthcare development pediatric patient experience Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
February 5 · 29 min
Building Communities Where People Want to Stay, with Mark Toro
Mixed-use communities thrive when people want to stay, wander, and return without needing a destination. This conversation explores how intentional mixed-use development creates long-term value by prioritizing walkability, public realm experience, and community alignment. Drawing from real-world examples like Avalon and Colony Square, the discussion highlights how experiential retail, activated plazas, and pedestrian-first design shape not only real estate performance but how people choose to live, work, and gather. When friction is removed from daily life, and places are designed for connection rather than convenience alone, mixed-use districts become living ecosystems that evolve, adapt, and endure. Topics discussed in this episode: Mixed-use development Experiential retail Real estate strategy Live-work-play Community engagement Avalon development Public-private partnership Office leasing Walkable communities Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
Aug 15, 2025 · 21 min
How Industrious is Redefining Workplace Strategy with Design and Speed
The team at Industrious threw out the traditional design playbook and built something better from scratch. Host Ozzie Nelson from NELSON Worldwide sits down with Michael Garcia and Rebecca Dale from Industrious, along with Sarah Gates, Associate Principal at NELSON Worldwide, to explore how they abandoned conventional delivery phases like schematic design and design development in favor of a collaborative approach that brings construction, engineering, and design teams together from day one. Their revolutionary process treats space types as products, uses iterative pricing to avoid costly redesigns, and prioritizes member experience while maintaining brand consistency across markets. By focusing on speed, quality, and cost as their guiding principles, they've created a delivery model that gets spaces to market faster and generates revenue sooner. This strategic shift demonstrates how throwing out outdated processes can lead to breakthrough innovation. The result is a more responsive, efficient approach that's transforming how flexible workspace development works. Topics discussed in this episode: workplace strategy flexible office design space types design and delivery speed to market iterative pricing member experience stakeholder collaboration scaling design acoustic quality daylight in offices real estate optimization team alignment post-pandemic workplace trends Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
S1 · E6
Jul 10, 2025 · 30 min
Future Proofing Industrial Real Estate with Reshoring and Power Strategy featuring Tim Elam
Reshoring, rising power demands, and sustainable design are transforming the industrial real estate. Tim Elam, Managing Director of Scannell Properties, joins Host Ozzie Nelson and Practice Strategy leader, Adam Bortz, to explore how developers are staying competitive through future-proofing, site versatility, and energy strategies. From shifting regulations and power availability to the rise of cold storage and manufacturing tenants, this conversation unpacks how to design adaptable buildings that meet evolving market needs. Tim explains how developments like obtaining land approvals, utilizing new types of energy, and constructing data centers are transforming industrial buildings and how to prepare for the future. Topics discussed in this episode: Industrial real estate future proofing speculative development manufacturing facilities on-site power generation cold storage reshoring entitlement strategy data centers Foreign trade zones bonded warehouses adaptive reuse sustainability Find out more about NELSON Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
S1 · E5
Jun 12, 2025 · 24 min
The Smart Way To Convert Rentals With RXR's Eric Schlameuss
Success comes from making smart moves, forming tight collaborations, and keeping tenants front and center. In today’s episode, Eric Schlameuss and Joseph Schirripa join Ozzie Nelson to talk about how top office spaces can transition toward hotel-style vibes and flexible design. They unpack the hurdles of office-to-housing conversions and the hidden potential in underused “zombie buildings.” Tune in to find out how you can decide whether to upgrade, repurpose, or walk away from aging office properties. Topics discussed in this episode: office conversions aging properties residential transformation zombie buildings tenant experience market demand portfolio diversification marketing strategy amenity-rich assets building compliance tenant demand hospitality-style amenities Find out more about Nelson Worldwide: https://nelsonworldwide.com/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
S1 · E4
May 14, 2025 · 29 min
Flexible Design, Better Care: The Future of Healthcare
What if healthcare spaces could seamlessly evolve to meet the needs of both patients and staff? Ozzie Nelson sits down with Haroula Norden, COO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and Cheryl Lauren Spigler, Senior Interior Designer at Nelson Worldwide, to explore how intentional design is shaping the future of healthcare. They discuss the growing demand for flexible, patient-centered spaces that enhance efficiency while maintaining a welcoming environment. From balancing innovation with budget constraints to incorporating sustainability and adaptability into healthcare facilities, this conversation uncovers the key strategies that drive smarter, more effective design solutions. With real-world examples, they highlight how thoughtful planning creates long-term value for healthcare systems and the communities they serve. The discussion makes one thing clear—when healthcare spaces are designed with flexibility, efficiency, and patient experience in mind, they don’t just serve today’s needs, they prepare for the future. 🎙️✨ Topics discussed in this episode: Flexibility in healthcare design Future-proofing facilities Balancing innovation with budget constraints Community-centered design Operational efficiency Staff and patient experience Green building initiatives Trends in outpatient and freestanding clinics Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
S1 · E3
Apr 15, 2025 · 30 min
Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Courthouse Design
From leaking skylights to cutting-edge technology, courthouse design is changing in surprising new ways. In this episode of Unlocking Value, host Ozzie chats with Judge Patti-Worthington and Brad Ewing about the challenges of courthouse architecture and the complexities of modernizing historic buildings. They discuss how renovating the Monroe Courthouse meant finding the right balance between enhanced security and creating a more inviting space. Tune in to hear why the future of justice is about more than just courtrooms and case files. Topics discussed in this episode: courthouse design public spaces new technology building for the future historic buildings public access public sector spacious design back to the office modernizing courthouses funding authority security and safety Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
S1 · E2
Feb 19, 2025 · 26 min
Trends in Multifamily and Student Housing with John D. Roberson
Smart design changes how we live, work, and connect while creating spaces that are not only practical but improve daily life. In this episode, Ozzie sits down with John Lewis of Nelson Worldwide and John Robertson of Greystar Development to talk about what makes a truly livable home. They explore how trends like urban growth, changing tenant expectations, and smart design—think pet-friendly spaces, co-working areas, and tech upgrades—are the key to drawing in residents. You’ll want to listen to this lively and insightful conversation that highlights why great design isn’t just nice to have—it’s vital. Topics discussed in this episode: multifamily market family homes pet friendly rentals must-have amenities real estate trends housing industry livable spaces sustainability in housing future proofing natural light fresh air renovation Pitch a Podcast Idea to Ozzie: https://nelsonworldwide.com/podcast/ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts: We hope you’re Unlocking Value in this podcast with Ozzie Nelson. Your feedback is important to us and we’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can help. Scroll to the bottom, rate our podcast with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let us know what you found most helpful from this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, give the podcast a follow, and you'll be notified when new episodes come out.
Jan 17, 2025 · 3 min
Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson Coming Soon
The Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson podcast provides listeners with a peek inside some of the brightest minds shaping the future of design, commercial real estate, and capital development. Hosted by John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr., a trailblazing entrepreneur and the driving force behind NELSON Worldwide's evolution into a design powerhouse, this podcast dives into how thoughtful and intentional design can unlock value for commercial and institutional real estate owners, developers, brands, and investors. Each episode dives deep into how strategic design choices can help unlock added value, enhance brand impact, improve operational performance, and create spaces that foster connection and productivity. Whether you own, develop, or manage a large real estate portfolio or are responsible for planning, designing, and building capital projects, "Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson" is your go-to resource for thinking strategically about how design choices can unlock better social and financial returns. Each episode features forward-thinking conversations that challenge the status quo, offering valuable insights into making smarter decisions that unlock long-term value for both businesses and communities.
S1 · E1
Jan 17, 2025 · 27 min
Atlanta Braves’ Strategic Move; The Design, Development, and Community Impact
Ever wondered how a baseball team’s move reshaped an entire community? 🎙️. In the first episode of Unlocking Value with Ozzie Nelson, we dive into the game-changing move of the Atlanta Braves from Turner Field to Truist Park. Ozzie Nelson, CEO of Nelson Worldwide, teams up with Lamar Wakefield, mixed-use development guru, and Mike Plante, president of Braves Development Company, to unpack the strategy and vision behind this transformative project. From Lamar’s expert tips on mixed-use development to Mike’s insider perspective on creating The Battery Atlanta, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, challenges, and innovations. Learn how public-private partnerships and intentional design turned Truist Park into a model for success, drawing millions of fans and fostering community growth. Whether you're a business leader, sports fan, or design enthusiast, this episode will inspire you to think big, plan smart, and unlock value in your projects. Don’t miss the kick-off to a series full of game-changing insights! ⚾✨ Topics discussed in this episode: Business strategy Large scale developments Truist Park Cobb County Atlanta Braves Turner Field Mixed use development Fan experience Construction challenges We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. We are dedicated to uncovering the many ways design and strategy can drive success. Tune in now to the Unlocking Value podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback.

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