John Carlson is the CEO of Mark Taylor Companies and one of the most influential leaders in Arizona multifamily. He shares his unconventional path from electrical engineering to leasing apartments after 9/11 reshaped his career, and how that pivot became a 20 plus year rise through every level of the organization.

We discuss the mentorship moments that shaped his leadership style, why saying “I don’t know” builds credibility, and how culture must be lived daily, not framed on a wall. John explains Mark Taylor’s people first operating model, the five principles that guide behavior, and how that foundation drives retention, performance, and service.

We also dive into the Phoenix market. John breaks down supply and demand dynamics, why 2026 remains competitive, and where recovery will begin by submarket. We cover centralization, prop tech fatigue, and how Mark Taylor is using AI and integrated operations to increase efficiency without losing the human touch.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Wendy Riddell, founding and managing partner of Berry Riddell, to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of land use and zoning in Arizona. Wendy shares how entitlement strategy works in practice, why approvals take longer than ever, and how developers can navigate municipal politics, staff resistance, and community opposition without derailing projects.

From major redevelopments like Fiesta Mall to the growing influence of social media, Wendy offers a candid look at how great projects move forward, why certainty matters more than speed, and what cities and developers must change to fix a broken process. This is a must-listen for anyone working in real estate development, entitlements, or placemaking.

In this episode of Breaking Ground, Ryan sits down with Steve LaTerra, CEO of TerraLane Communities, a Scottsdale-based developer of low-density rental housing communities across the Western US and Texas. With more than three decades of experience spanning real estate analytics, capital markets, and development, Steve shares how his career evolved from analyst to operator and why built-to-rent must be treated as a long-term operating business rather than a single transaction.

The conversation explores the evolution of the built-to-rent model, lessons learned navigating market cycles, cost volatility, and capital shifts, and why staying disciplined matters more than perfect timing. Steve also discusses how technology and data are reshaping development and property management, leadership lessons drawn from experience, and the importance of mentorship, community building, and giving back as part of a lasting real estate career.