More Than Markets: Building Connection Through Conversation

Coldwell Banker Commercial is a network full of rich stories, diverse markets, and passionate professionals—and the Market Tales podcast has brought those elements to life over the past year. Launched and hosted by Ashley Wilson, the podcast was created to offer something many in commercial real estate crave but rarely find: a space to hear from peers across the country about what their markets look like, how they got into the industry, and what keeps them inspired.

As we mark the one-year anniversary of Market Tales, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ashley and reflect on the impact of the show—not just for her as a host, but for the broader community it continues to bring together. On behalf of the Women of Coldwell Banker Commercial, we’re proud to celebrate this milestone alongside Ashley, not just because she’s a dedicated professional and thoughtful host—but because she exemplifies the kind of leadership we aim to spotlight: creative, community-minded, and committed to amplifying others.

The Story Behind the Stories

Ashley first had the idea for the podcast when people in the network started asking her the same question: What’s the market like in other areas? That sparked the idea to build a platform where Coldwell Banker Commercial professionals could share market insights, challenges, and wins from their regions. But it wasn’t until she met fellow affiliate George Warmer at the 2024 Global Conference in Denver that the concept expanded.

“George has such a unique life story,” she said. “And it made me think—how many people across our network have incredible journeys we never hear about because we’re always focused on the deal, the numbers, the market? What if we just asked, ‘How did you get here?’”

That question became the backbone of Market Tales. And what started as a four-episode experiment in 2024 turned into a seven-episode series that earned a top 15 spot on CREi’s list of the Top 50 Commercial Real Estate Podcasts of the Year.

From Plans to Conversations

Ashley admits she approached the first episode with a detailed plan—and maybe a little nerves. “I love structure,” she laughs. “But over time, I realized the best episodes were the ones that felt like a conversation. I still ask each guest the same set of questions, but I leave room for surprise, for laughter, and for a little unexpected magic.”

She recalls a standout moment when Mike Donnelly from Chico, CA, reached out to ask if he could be on the show. “I thought I’d be begging people to join me,” she said. “But by the third episode, people were asking me. That was such a turning point.”

Each episode gives listeners a window into a different market—and more importantly, a different perspective. Whether it’s the energy of a brokerage team in Ohio or the personal backstory of someone who came to CRE via an unexpected path, there’s always something to learn.

What It Takes to Build an Episode

The process behind each episode is simple but deliberate: identify a guest, schedule a pre-session to break the ice, then record (ideally in one take). Our internal podcast production team supports editing, graphics, and promotion—but Ashley keeps her finger on the pulse of what makes each story resonate.

“I wanted it to be short and sweet,” she said. “Most of us don’t have time to listen to hour-long interviews. So my goal was to make each episode something you could listen to over a coffee break—but still feel like you learned something meaningful.”

Looking Ahead: Going Global

So, what’s next for Market Tales? Ashley is excited to take the show international this year, expanding beyond U.S. markets to explore global perspectives in commercial real estate. She’s also experimenting with new formats—like hosting two guests from the same office or pairing professionals from different regions to explore how their markets intersect.

“One of my favorite moments at this year’s Global Conference was watching two guests from very different markets discover common ground mid-conversation. That’s what this podcast is about—connection.”

Personal Growth and a Bit of Advice

When asked what she’s learned most from hosting Market Tales, Ashley doesn’t hesitate: “Podcasting is harder than it looks. I’ve never been so aware of silence! But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Seeing someone open up and share their story—it’s a privilege.”

Her advice for others considering starting a podcast, especially in CRE? “You’ll cringe at the sound of your own voice. You’ll make mistakes. That’s okay. Go back, listen to your first episode, and be proud of how far you’ve come.”

A Platform—and a Purpose

Ashley’s work with Market Tales is a reflection of what’s possible when someone uses their voice to elevate others. It’s also a reminder that storytelling is a powerful tool—not just for brand building, but for building relationships, deepening understanding, and creating a more connected community.

The Women of Coldwell Banker Commercial group is proud to support and celebrate initiatives like this—where authenticity meets action, and leadership looks like listening. As Ashley continues into year two of Market Tales, we can’t wait to hear the stories still to come.

You can listen to the anniversary special episode of Market Tales here, and we encourage you to share it with colleagues, clients, or anyone curious about the people behind the properties.

Reflecting on the Past Year:

• What inspired you to start the CBC Market Tales Podcast?

Our network. In conversations, folks would ask me what the market is like in other areas of the US and I thought, wouldn’t it be nice to give them a platform to share their experiences and find solidarity in similar challenges.

That was the original purpose of the podcast but then I had the pleasure of getting to know George Warmer at 2024 GC in Denver, Colorado. He has such an unique life story that led him to commercial real estate and its one worth sharing with our network. I don’t want to say too much because he’ll definitely be a guest this year.

That conversation sparked a curiosity to find out the journey of everyone in our network. We automatically find ourselves talking about the CRE industry with each other but rarely do we stop to ask “how did you get here” – the answer to that question can uncover connections far beyond our careers in CRE.

Highlighting Achievements:

• What are some of the key milestones or accomplishments you've achieved with the podcast?

We were ranked #13 in the top 50 CRE podcasts of 2024 by CREi and that’s pretty remarkable. The original goal was to release 4 episodes in 2024 and see how it goes.  but it was such a hit and fun to do, that we closed out the year with seven.

• How has the podcast evolved since its launch?

I remember prepping for the first episode and making sure there was structure – I love a good plan! But now, it’s a conversation. I still stick to the same questions but if it takes a different direction, then that’s okay too! In the last couple episodes I wanted there to be an element of surprise so in the pre-session meetings I asks the guests not to tell me their answers in detail. I like the authenticity of being capitvated by their stories for the first time while recording.

• Are there any particular episodes or guests that stand out to you?

Everyone was a blast! Not only did I learn something new about our network  and their perspective markets but each guest taught me a new aspect of commercial real estate. I will say that Mike Donnelly from Chico, CA will always stand out to me because he was the first person that asked to be a guest. I thought for sure that I was going to have to start bribing people to be on the show so this was a such a compliment.I Mike comes from a broadcasting background so the episode was also a breeze to produce.

Behind the Scenes:

• What goes into preparing for each episode?

Its pretty simple…find a guest, schedule the pre-session meeting, then the recording and hope you can do it in one take! We have an incredible support team that handles then editing, graphics and promo. Id say the trickiest part of preparing for each episode is finding a time to record that works for everyone, especially when its across time zones.

• Can you describe the process of selecting topics and guests?

I wanted this to be a short and sweet concept. I listen to a lot of podcasts, mostly true crime, but I have a short attention span so I find myself skipping to the actual stories. I didn’t want our listeners to experience that. I want them to WANT to listen from beginning to end and almost leave them wanting more, ideally so they will reach out to the guest and make a connection. When planning the initial concept, I knew I wanted consistency and ask each guest the same 3 questions/ideas. When choosing guests for the first year of episodes, I wanted the markets to be diverse and represent different areas of the United States.

For the first episode, I pretty much voluntold Brandon Schutte he had to be my guinea pig, then I chose folks who I had a strong relationship with so the episodes would feel like a chat between friends instead of an interview. After the 3rd recording, I had network members asking to me to please be on the show. Never thought that would happened so quickly!

Looking Ahead:

• What are your goals for the podcast in the coming year?

Increase listens and engagement. I have heard from several folks in our network about how much they enjoy the episodes and always remind them to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share it on social..send links to your clients and friends.

• Are there any new formats or ideas you plan to introduce?

In August’s episode, I chatted with Anthony Maronits and Chris Howard, owner/brokers of CBC Aspire in Columbus, OH. I’d like to do more episodes like that where I have two guests from the same company and they can feed off each others answers and energy.

At GC this year, we took it a step further and brought together two commercial professionals from very different markets with unique stories. Watching them make connections with each other in the moment was priceless. I’m currently working on some ideas to have a cross-market episode at least once a year.

                  The most exciting news for Market Tales is we are going international this year! Stay tuned for details.

Personal Insights:

• What have you learned personally from hosting the podcast?

Podcasting is harder than it looks…well sounds. I’ve never been so hyper aware of silence. Think about it…when you are chatting with a friend, collegue or client, there’s typically some background noise – a busy restaurant, other conversations, nature. Recording a podcast, you need silence except for the host and guests and that was, funny enough, distracting for me.

I have found that having your cameras on during recording helps tremendously and of course have engaging guests. I’m lucky, out network is full of personality and spirit so they truly make the process easier.

• Do you have any advice for aspiring podcasters in the commercial real estate space?

The sound of your voice will make you cringe at first – trust me, no one else thinks that. You will mess up, learn from it. Don’t forget to go back and listen to your first couple sessions – have a good laugh but most importantly BE PROUD of your growth.