PODCAST 060

How to Know When Your Business Should Lease, Buy, or Move

SUMMARY

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Eric O’Brien of Commercial Realty Solutions to talk about commercial real estate strategy for business owners. Eric shares how his background in banking and SBA lending shaped his approach to helping clients navigate leasing, buying, development, and business brokerage. The conversation explores how commercial real estate affects growth, branding, cash flow, and long-term planning.

They also discuss how business owners can decide whether to lease or buy, why commercial real estate follows a different cycle than residential, and how the post-2020 market has changed the way companies think about office and operational space. Eric explains why planning ahead matters, especially for owners considering expansion, relocation, or selling their business in the future.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to Behind the Brand
01:00 Meet Eric O’Brien
02:15 From Banking to Real Estate
04:10 Finance Meets Real Estate
06:00 Becoming a Partner
07:10 Market Changes After 2020
08:45 Commercial vs. Residential
09:50 What Agents Actually Do
11:15 Lease vs. Buy Basics
12:50 Planning for Growth
14:00 Leasing vs. Owning Example
16:00 The Cost of Ownership
17:30 Why Leasing Works
19:30 Real Estate and Exit Strategy
21:00 Understanding Value
22:15 Deals in Real Life
24:00 Why Your Plan Matters
26:00 Final Advice

Takeaways

  • Commercial real estate decisions should support your business plan, not just your current space needs.

  • Leasing can be a smart strategy for preserving capital and maintaining flexibility as your business evolves.

  • Business owners should think ahead about growth, transitions, and exit planning before making major property decisions.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Eric O’Brien’s career path from banking to commercial real estate

  • How commercial real estate supports business growth and operational strategy

  • Leasing vs. buying commercial property

  • Why business owners should revisit their 5-year and 10-year plans

  • How market shifts changed office and commercial space needs

  • The realities of owning a building versus leasing space

  • Business brokerage and what owners should know about exit planning

  • Why strong business planning leads to better real estate decisions