James Barlia is Executive Director of Station DC a private members club for Frontier Tech innovators, investors, and policy makers dedicated to advancing American national interest. Its mission is to help shape a future where American technological leadership endures and where DC is at the forefront of frontier innovation. They are aiming at economic development outcomes like attracting and retaining business in DC, creating economic resilience and opportunity, diversifying the economy from the federal government, and creating jobs of the future

Barlia's prior positiion was VP of Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund led by Steve Case, Founder of AOL and this fund. He was involved in investing in startups located outside traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley, focusing on secondary markets. Prior to that he worked as an associate at Greenspring Associates investing in a fund of funds primarily in seed and impact focused venture capital.

Barlia attended Tulane University after growing up in the Washington DC area and attending Bullis Academy.

• Introduction of James Barlia, Executive Director of Station DC, an incubator for tech talent in the DC area. He sees his role as inspiring confidence in founders solving important problems in the national interest and making their lives easier [7:00].
• Station DC is a private members club for Frontier Tech innovators, investors, and policy makers advancing American national interest [8:30].
• It offers a physical space in Union Market (13,000 sq ft) for work, meetings, and events (summits, policy dinners). They also provide education, mentorship, and policy intelligence [8:45].
• Station DC's high-level mission is to help shape a future where American technological leadership endures and where DC is at the forefront of frontier innovation [9:15].
• Success is expected to drive economic development, attracting/retaining business, creating economic resilience, opportunity, and diversification away from the federal government [9:30].
• James Barlia discusses his previous role as Vice President at Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund [10:00].
• This fund was started by Steve Case to invest in companies outside traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley [10:30].

• Pivoted from Cushman and Wakefield regional presidency to found LNSS Advisors focusing on data center advisory
• Positioned data centers as critical infrastructure underpinning the AI revolution and digital economy
• Launched firm immediately after C&W departure, targeting high-growth sector with specialized expertise
• Combines commercial real estate advisory with highest and best use evaluations and data center focus

• Atlantic City upbringing provided firsthand exposure to real estate valuation principles
• Father's FAA Tech Center background fostered interest in technical systems and early computer modeling
• Mother's artistic influence balanced technical perspective with creative problem-solving
• Observed demolition of historic Marlborough-Blenheim Hotel, demonstrating highest/best use concepts
• Atlantic City's casino redevelopment provided early lessons in market transformation dynamics

• Penn State Architectural Engineering provided technical foundation for complex asset evaluation
• Initial interest in architecture evolved toward technical engineering applications

BIO

Owen Billman is the President of Blake Real Estate, managing a 2.5 million sq ft portfolio and eight companies. He previously facilitated over $1 billion in CRE transactions and is a speaker at universities and corporations. Awarded CREBA's 2014 Leasing Transaction of the Year and BISNOW's Top 35 under 35. He chairs the American Heart Association's Greater Washington Region, is a board member of the KCNT1 Epilepsy Foundation, and co-founded the Junior Council supporting Children's National Health System.

REVISED SHOW NOTES

[0:00-1:38] Introduction and Guest: John Coe introduces the "Icons of DC Area Real Estate" podcast and its partnership with Iconic Journey in CRE. Owen Billman, President of Blake Real Estate and Chair of the Golden Triangle BID, is welcomed. His career, Blake’s strategies, and DC's future are discussed.

[1:38-5:11] Owen's Role at Blake: Owen describes his role, focusing on portfolio performance and managing leasing, property management, and construction. He mentions growing third-party management while emphasizing the core portfolio.

[5:11-9:42] Background: Owen shares his upbringing in rural Southern Maryland and working at his father's hardware store, learning customer service and work ethic.

[9:42-14:28] University: Owen recounts his time at the University of Maryland, including the impact of 9/11, and deciding to stay in the DC area.

[14:28-22:14] Starting at Co-Star: Owen details his entry-level job at Co-Star, learning about CRE data collection and analysis.

[22:14-27:02] Market and Blake: Owen reflects on market trends during the Global Financial Crisis and joining Blake in 2010.

[27:02-36:53] Blake's Evolution and Lease Structure: Owen describes learning Blake's unique cash flow model and lease structure. He explains the pros and cons vs. market standards.

[36:53-44:06] Leadership and Rollup Strategy: Owen discusses his leadership transition and Blake's recent rollup strategy to consolidate ownership and flexibility.

[44:06-52:24] Market Adaptability: Owen reflects on Blake’s adaptability during the pandemic, distressed assets, and retailer impact. He shares Blake’s occupancy rate and return to the office.

[52:24-61:44] GSA and Golden Triangle BID: Owen discusses Blake’s GSA leasing experience and his role as Chair of the Golden Triangle BID, advocating for downtown revitalization.

[61:44-78:21] DC's Future: Owen addresses "why DC?" in the context of remote work and strategies to attract new industries, create a 24/7 city, and potential projects.

[78:21-93:23] Change Catalysts: Owen highlights past catalysts for DC's development and the need for a catalyst employer, a new pitch beyond government, and expresses optimism.

[93:23-102:56] John Coe and Community: John Coe discusses Iconic Journey in CRE. Owen shares advice for young professionals and talks about Blake's culture and tech adoption.

[102:56-111:22] Heart Association and Initiatives: Owen discusses the American Heart Association and Blake's initiatives, including collaborative space and flexible work.