Tangent 💚 Proptech

Brian Turner is the CEO of OTI, a master systems integrator that connects HVAC, lighting, and building systems into unified platforms to drive operational and energy efficiency, and ESG performance across the built environment. With over 30 years of experience in building automation, Brian has worked closely with major property owners to advance system integration and building data strategies. Prior to OTI, he led Controlco and later BuildingsIOT, where he helped shape the evolution of smart building infrastructure and IoT-driven operations.  At OTI, Brian is focused on transforming how buildings operate by bringing together fragmented systems into a single, intelligent layer—making buildings smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage.

(01:40) - What's OTI
(02:32) - 30 Years of Building Technology
(04:13) - The Retrofit Opportunity
(05:55) - Why LEED Performance Slips
(07:03) - Investing in Energy Technology
(11:17) - A Unified Brain for Buildings
(14:48) - How OTI Engages Clients
(16:08) - Product Roadmap
(18:55) - Regulation vs Real Market Drivers
(19:59) - Comfort Across Asset Classes
(25:27) - Feature: Blueprint: The Future of Real Estate 2026 in Vegas on Sep. 22-24
(26:19) - Local Law 97
(27:49) - When Owners Take Action on Energy
(34:33) - Split Incentives in Leases
(38:12) - Passive House Needs Operational Technology
(40:20) - Wireless & Lower Retrofit Costs
(44:49) - Where AI Adds Value
(48:20) - Collaboration Superpower: Albert Einstein and Claude Shannon

💚 Learn more:
➡️ Visit OTI
➡️ Brian Turner on LinkedIn

💚 Feature:
➡️ Blueprint - The Future of Real Estate - Register for 2026: The Premier Event for Industry Executives, Real Estate & Construction Tech Startups and VC's, at The Venetian, Las Vegas on September 22nd-24th, 2026. As a friend of Tangent, you can save $300 on your All-Access pass.

💚 Connect with Tangent:
➡️ Edward Cohen on LinkedIn
➡️ Zach Aarons on LinkedIn
➡️ Tangent on LinkedIn

Disclaimer: Tangent podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advise. Nothing contained on our program constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Tangent, Camber Creek, MetaProp, or any third party guest to buy or sell any securities, public or private, other financial instruments or funds.

Creators and Guests

Host
Edward Cohen
Host & Executive Producer at Tangent
Host
Zach Aarons
Co-Founder & GP at MetaProp
Guest
Brian Turner
CEO of OTI

What is Tangent 💚 Proptech?

A podcast community for Proptech and Real Estate leaders, investors, operators and innovators.

A new era is upon us. Tangent💚Proptech unites Proptech founders💡, Real Estate investors and operators🏢, Venture Capital investors, urban leaders🏙 and passionate creators🌎 who are improving our communities and cities. Join us to learn how we can solve present day challenges with innovative technology and greater collaboration.

Join VC investor Zach Aarons and Proptech entrepreneur Edward Cohen, to learn about housing innovation, the future of work and climate tech. We examine these themes through interviews and conversations with Proptech CEO's, real estate owners and operators, and venture investors, and how we can leverage tech and collaboration to help solve the housing crisis, figure out the future of work and how to decarbonize the built environment.

If you would like to get your company’s or organization’s mission featured on Tangent, email us at community@tangentproptech.com.

Stay curious and always be learning! 🤓