In this episode of The Lyndsay Stafford Show, Lyndsay talks with Jana Truman, owner of SVN Excel Commercial Real Estate in Greater Nashville and a leading woman in commercial brokerage. Jana shares her journey from artist and community builder to franchise owner, and breaks down what investors and business owners really need to know before stepping into commercial real estate.
They dig into the key differences between residential and commercial, the biggest mistakes new investors make, and how to align deals with your goals and risk tolerance. Jana also explains how AI is reshaping commercial real estate—from underwriting to marketing—and why guardrails, ethics, and strong advisors matter more than ever.
Episode Highlights
Jana’s path: from creative professional to commercial real estate franchise owner
Residential vs. commercial: what truly sets them apart
Why trying to DIY commercial deals is so risky
Common investing mistakes: chasing “perfect deals,” buying on pro forma, and weak partnerships
How Jana acts as a real estate success coach, not just a broker
Location, timing, and data: how to think about each when investing
How AI is changing underwriting, marketing, and operations in commercial real estate
A real-life AI fraud story and why every family needs a safe word
Where to learn more: Jana’s SVN Accelerate to Generational Wealth series and local investor meetups
Whether you’re exploring your first commercial investment, looking for the right space for your business, or simply wanting to make smarter, more informed decisions, this conversation with Jana will give you practical clarity and the right questions to ask before you move forward. Tune in, take notes, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur or investor who’s ready to level up how they think about real estate, risk, and the future of business.
Follow Jana:
https://accelcre.com/
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