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Drawing the Blueprint brings you raw access to the movers and shakers in healthcare real estate and beyond.

Hosted by Blueprint CEO & Co-Founder, Ben Firestone, the show features industry pros, Blueprint insiders, and legends from completely different arenas. Each episode explores career origin stories and dives deep into the guests’ journey, uncovering how dynamic people grow, lead, and build.

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Winning Strategies: Navigating a Hyper-Competitive Senior Housing Market
Recorded live at Blueprint's 2026 Summer Summit on July 30th, this episode brings together Tim Sanders, SVP at Ventas, and Philip Kayden, CIO at Health Wave Partners, for a candid look at how capital is being deployed in today's senior housing market. Tim shares how Ventas, a $60 billion enterprise with roughly 800 senior housing assets across the U.S. and Canada, completed more than $8 billion in acquisitions since January 2024. Phil explains how Health Wave's tightly defined buy box allows his team to make deal decisions within days, with more than $250 million closed so far this year. Together, they break down how to win by owning your channel rather than competing in an overcrowded market, why strong operator relationships matter more than ever, and what to do when projected rate growth doesn't materialize. They also touch on how supply dynamics factor into underwriting. Whether you're an investor, operator, or capital partner, this conversation offers practical insights into competing and succeeding in one of commercial real estate's most active sectors.
Meet the Next Generation of Blueprinters
What does it look like to grow your career at Blueprint? In this episode of Drawing the Blueprint, host Ben Firestone sits down with three of Blueprint’s rising leaders - Katie Hinzey, Dylan DeMuth, and Xander Allison to hear how they found their way to the firm, what has shaped their careers, and what keeps them motivated along the way. From unexpected career paths and cold outreach to navigating the job market during COVID, each story is different... but all three share a common thread: the people, relationships, and culture that have made Blueprint feel like home. Katie, Dylan, Xander also reflect on how Blueprint has evolved, the opportunities that have helped them grow, and what makes the firm’s culture unique. Take work seriously. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Tune in for a conversation about career growth, leadership, and the people behind Blueprint.
Learning From the Masters: Commercial Real Estate Advisory
What does it really take to build a successful career in real estate? For Brad Serot, Maxx Carney, and Mark Stern, it comes down to one thing: relationships. In this episode, three seasoned brokers with decades of industry experience share the lessons, strategies, and experiences that have shaped their careers. From building trust long before a pitch to turning everyday lunches and coffee meetings into meaningful connections, they discuss why strong relationships remain at the heart of successful real estate. Brad, Maxx, and Mark also share how their unique career paths and expertise have helped them understand their clients, build lasting partnerships, and stand out in a competitive market. Tune in for insights on networking, trust, client relationships, and what it takes to build a career that goes beyond the transaction. Brad Serot: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-serot-18ba271/ Maxx Carney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxxcarney/ Mark Stern: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-stern-86ba06159/
Equitage Ventures: Investing in the Future of Senior Care
As the senior population continues to grow, the need for innovative solutions that improve care and quality of life has never been greater. In this episode of Drawing the Blueprint, we sit down with Danny Kaplan, co-founder of Equitage Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on investing in companies transforming the aging and senior care industry. Danny shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of age tech, what Equitage looks for when evaluating emerging companies, and why passionate, adaptable teams are critical to building successful businesses. He discusses the importance of honest communication between founders and investors, the role of technology-enabled solutions in improving care delivery, and what makes a company’s business model truly scalable. From identifying the next generation of senior care innovators to navigating the challenges and opportunities within venture capital, Danny provides valuable insight into the future of an industry on the brink of transformation. Tune in for a conversation about investment, innovation, and the people working to create better outcomes for older adults. This episode is proudly sponsored by DAPS Pickleball Shoes. Whether you’re on the court or staying active, DAPS combines performance, comfort, and style built for movement. Use code BLUEPRINT for 25% off your next pair. https://equitagevc.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkaplan19/ https://daps.fit/collections/best-pickleball-shoes?tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=23523683690&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24015896838&gbraid=0AAAAA_xwbK2yczDAziMZ1bGrZwc28z98h&gclid=Cj0KCQjw39zSBhDhARIsANammDtZ0ju9FvtkrfH-9Epp3QmimE80JaZ_75uB4fVfxz3_1EkLPfKWbTUaAijYEA
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Ben Firestone is a master at empowering people, leveraging his expertise in behavioral economics and psychology to help them succeed. He's known for his charismatic approach, effortlessly blending professional insight with engaging storytelling.

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He is a proud Wolverine, as he holds an economics degree from the University of Michigan.

 

When he isn’t busy with CEO duties, you can find Ben in Chicago or Boca Raton—on the tennis court, coaching soccer, or spending time with his family.

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