In this episode of Developing Now, we sit down with John Fiorito, an Army veteran turned real estate developer and owner’s representative.

John shares his journey from military service to managing complex development projects, and how he got his start doing small multifamily condo conversions in Hoboken and Jersey City. Along the way, he talks about learning construction the hard way — even self-performing work when banks wouldn’t fund a general contractor — and the lessons that shaped how he approaches development today.

We also dive into stories from the early days of Jersey City development, including buying buildings from old-school landlords, renovating 1880s housing stock, and navigating projects during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. John also explains why making investors money first is the key to building long-term partnerships — and why success in development often takes far longer than people expect.

This episode is full of real-world insights on execution, risk, and the operational side of real estate development.

The U.S. is facing a housing shortage of in excess of 4 million homes — and most people don’t understand why.

In this episode of Developing Now, Ben LoPiccolo sits down with Wendy Paul, Executive Director of a leading apartment owners association, to break down what’s really happening at the intersection of real estate, housing policy, and community impact.

Wendy shares her path from public service into real estate advocacy, explains how development decisions actually get made, and why access to clear, accurate information is one of the biggest challenges facing property owners and builders today.

Together with Ben, they dive into housing supply, policies that sound good on paper but create unintended consequences, and why building all types of housing matters more than most people realize. They also discuss how outdated regulations, rising costs, and public perception continue to slow new development — even as demand keeps climbing.

Whether you’re a real estate investor, developer, or simply trying to understand why housing costs keep rising, this conversation offers a real-world look at what’s holding housing back — and what it will take to move forward.

U.S. Chamber article: https://www.uschamber.com/economy/the...

👋 Hi, I’m Ben, a real estate developer with over 30 years of experience. I started out as a painter in NYC, gradually learning all the trades before flipping houses in 1998. As I grew in the industry, I transitioned to ground-up construction, taking on unique projects like converting a derelict church into luxury condos and transforming an old gymnasium into a state-of-the-art entertainment venue. Today, my development company is focused on mid-rise buildings, with projects featuring 70 and 80 units. Now, I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you navigate your own real estate development journey.

Feel free to check out what we are up to.

www.bldgup.com

Why do people get angry about real estate development — and what can we actually do about it? In this episode of Developing Now, we unpack the tension between communities, developers, and city leaders in urban growth. We explore how collaboration—not conflict—can build stronger cities and better neighborhoods.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

Developing Now is a podcast that goes beyond the numbers and blueprints to uncover the people shaping the real estate world. Hosted by veteran developer Ben LoPiccolo, who brings over 30 years of experience to the mic, the show features candid conversations with industry insiders — from house flippers and brokers to established developers and those just getting started.

Each episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of real estate, exploring not just deals and projects, but the human stories, challenges, and lessons behind them. Listeners walk away with practical insights, inspiration, and hard-earned wisdom they can use in their own careers — whether they’re aspiring developers, active investors, or simply curious about how the built environment comes to life.