Ben Lapidus

Ben Lapidus, a real estate innovator and CEO of Playground, shares insights into the transformative world of garage condos—flexible spaces designed for luxury storage and personal use. Lapidus discusses the booming market catering to affluent buyers who prefer ownership over rental, and why selling units can yield better returns. He delves into zoning challenges, community-building through clubhouse amenities, and the demand from owners of 'big toys' like RVs. His vision includes scaling nationwide, focusing on outdoor-loving metros.

Ben Lapidus, a commercial real estate investor and host of the Best Ever Conference, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of CRE. He discusses the shift from survival to selective investor strategies, emphasizing the rise of niche property types like industrial and retail. Lapidus highlights the trend of LPs consolidating capital with trusted operators post-losses and explains why he favors tangible real estate over equities. He reveals how unique investment theses and adaptability can outperform generic strategies as the market resets.

Ben Lapidus, coordinator of the Best Ever Conference and a commercial real estate investor, shares how a Skillshare class led to his partnership with Joe Fairless. He discusses the conference's growth from 175 attendees in Denver to a premier networking event focused on capital-raising and syndication. They reveal exciting updates for the 2026 agenda, including dynamic formats like Pitch Slam and keynote speaker insights. Ben emphasizes the value of intentional networking and memorable connections formed at the conference, showcasing its impact on the industry.