In this episode, Taylor Baker hosts a conversation with Dan Conaway, President of THK Associates, about how objective, data-driven real estate consulting helps organizations make smarter decisions on land use, valuation, and development feasibility. Dan shares lessons from decades in the industry, including how market dynamics, entitlement complexity, and new technology (including AI) are reshaping what it takes to bring projects from idea to reality.
What You’ll Learn
- How “highest and best use” analysis clarifies the most profitable and practical direction for a property before major money is spent.
- Why independent, third-party feasibility and valuation work can de-risk decisions for owners, investors, and public stakeholders.
- What the entitlement process looks like today, and why time, cost, and uncertainty have increased so dramatically in many markets.
- How to think about real estate opportunities through the lens of market demand, financial feasibility, and long-term positioning, not just instinct.
- The importance of organizing and interpreting data (not just collecting it) to avoid “information overload” and make decisions faster.
- Where technology has changed consulting workflows the most, and why judgment and experience still matter alongside modern tools.
- How AI can accelerate research and access to information, and what responsible use looks like in feasibility and valuation work.
- A practical perspective on why investing in expertise early can save significant time and money later in the development process.
Across the episode, Dan emphasizes that real estate success increasingly depends on disciplined analysis and clear-eyed execution, especially as approvals become more complex and data becomes more abundant. By combining rigorous feasibility work with practical experience, leaders can move from uncertainty to confident action—choosing uses that align with market realities, community constraints, and financial outcomes.
To learn more about Dan Conaway and their work.