Land Development Focus
Land Development Focus is a podcast hosted by Paul Seitz exploring the business and realities of real estate development and home building. Featuring conversations with builders, developers, and industry leaders, the show examines zoning, housing affordability, infrastructure, regulation, and risk management. Designed for professionals shaping the built environment, each episode delivers practical insight into how projects move from concept to community.
All Episodes
Challenges of a Single-Family Lot Developer and Builder | Ep. 2 Mike Kaerek of Kaerek Homes, Inc.
<p>In addition to the weather and increasing building material costs there are piles of fees and delays at the local level that land developers and builders face which add significant cost and challenge to creating the end product. Join us for this interview with Mike Kaerek of Kaerek Homes, Inc. for insights into the challenges of a single-family lot developer and builder.</p>Inside the Fight for Housing Affordability in Wisconsin
<p>In this episode of Land Development Focus, host Paul Sites from R&R Insurance Services sits down with David Belman, second-generation builder and owner of Belman Homes, to unpack the challenges shaping housing across Wisconsin.</p>Why This Developer's Approach is Changing Wisconsin Communities | Cornerstone's John Wahlen
<p>In this episode of Land Development Focus, R&R Insurance's Paul Seitz sits down with John Wahlen, founder of Cornerstone Development, one of Southeast Wisconsin’s most successful condominium developers. With nearly 1,000 homes built across 19 communities, John shares how collaboration—not confrontation—has fueled his company’s growth, even during the 2008 financial crash.From navigating NIMBY opposition to turning city-owned land into thriving neighborhoods, this interview offers real insight into how smart, people-first land development can benefit everyone—from municipalities to empty nesters. Discover how cities like Cedarburg and River Hills embraced Cornerstone’s vision, and what other communities can learn from it.Whether you're a developer, city planner, or simply fascinated by how neighborhoods come to life, this is a must-watch conversation on the future of housing in Wisconsin.🎯 Topics covered:The challenges of land development approvalsHow collaboration with municipalities creates win-win resultsWhy uniform engineering standards could lower housing costsThe rise of luxury ranch-style condominiums for downsizersHow a purpose-driven team culture fuels Cornerstone’s success</p>The Costs of Regulatory Compliance | Ep. 1 with John Siepmann of Siepmann Realty Corporation
<p>In this episode we meet with John Siepmann, the owner of Siepmann Realty Corporation based in Waukesha Wisconsin. John has a lifetime of experience in the industry and a fascinating family business story. Did you know, about 25% of the cost of a lot is regulatory compliance? Developers have to navigate a dynamic market while pricing for Municiple impact fees and find themselves concerned about regulatory caveats on land developments near roadways. Yet there are more challenges modern developers have to face such as developing in tougher soils now that the easiest land has been used up already. The costs add up for a lots and in this episode we will get a good idea of why.</p>