Experienced Businessman and Entrepreneur
The Perpetual Student: Why Leaders Must Never Stop Learning
During the twenty-five years of building businesses, I've learned one crucial truth: the moment you think you know everything is when you become irrelevant. I call myself a lifelong learner, not out of false modesty, but because it's the only way I know how to lead....
Terra Quest: Charting Untapped Potential – A Quarterly Series – Volume 1
Most CEOs conduct market research from boardrooms and spreadsheets. I believe you can only truly understand a market by driving its streets, walking its sidewalks, and experiencing its communities firsthand. My Colleague Victor and I have logged thousands of miles...
Leading with Purpose: How San Francisco’s Daniel Lurie Is Bringing a Fresh Approach to City Hall
San Francisco has a new mayor, and his story is quite remarkable in today's political landscape. Daniel Lurie, who took office in January 2025, isn't following the usual path to public office. He's a problem-solver who spent nearly twenty years developing solutions...
The Joy of Being a Commercial Real Estate Developer in California: Riding the Golden State’s Real Estate Waves
There's something uniquely thrilling about being a commercial real estate developer in California. Every morning, I wake up knowing that I'm working in one of the world's most dynamic and demanding markets where innovation meets opportunity, and where the next project...
Renting vs. Buying: Rethinking the American Dream
The American dream has long been synonymous with homeownership, the white picket fence, the mortgage payments that build equity, and the pride of owning your slice of the pie. Yet today, 36% of American households rent their home, representing millions of people...
The Psychology of Hospitality: Lessons from Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
By Akki Patel As a real estate developer and investor with a strong presence in hospitality, I’ve always believed that success in our industry is about more than just location, design, and amenities. It’s about how we make people feel. Danny Meyer’s Setting the Table...
The Privilege of a Place to Call Home
By Akki Patel I recently returned from a trip that reminded me how powerful it is to feel welcomed—offered a place to stay, a warm meal, good conversation. I experienced generosity at every turn, and it struck me just how deeply tied our sense of well-being is to...
Akki Patel Q&A: Inspiration, driving philosophy and more
What orginally inspired you to get into commercial real estate?My fascination started young. My father was involved in real estate, so I was surrounded by it early on. I remember being a kid, barely tall enough to hand out brochures, talking to people about projects...
Akki Patel Q&A: The ‘Secret Sauce’ to LRE & Company’s Success
LRE & Company's CEO/President sat down with us to reflect on his company's first 25 years. Q: Reflecting on the past 25 years, what have been some of the most significant milestones and achievements for LRE & Co. in Marin County and the broader region? A: Over...
California Dreamin’: A Conversation with Akki Patel
In the dynamic arena of California's commercial real estate, where dreams collide with daunting realities, Akki Patel emerges as a beacon of resilience and hope for agents, developers, and community members alike. Amidst the high stakes and bureaucratic mazes, Patel,...