Chris Ahrenkiel and Tim Wright Discuss Leadership and Market Cycles on Sunbelt Developers Podcast

ACBR Past President Chris Ahrenkiel recently joined Tim Wright, ACBR Communications Committee Chair, for an in-depth conversation on Sunbelt Developers Podcast, offering valuable perspective on leadership, market cycles, and the evolution of Atlanta’s commercial real estate landscape.

In the episode, Chris reflects on his early career and his time at Tishman Speyer, including navigating the 2008 financial crisis and helping guide major office developments such as Two and Three Alliance during a period of extreme market uncertainty. He shares firsthand insight into leasing strategy, tenant confidence, and decision-making when conditions are anything but stable.

The conversation also explores how those experiences shaped Chris’s long-term approach to development and leadership, particularly when delivering large-scale office projects amid shifting demand and changing workplace trends. Now serving as Managing Principal at Cushman & Wakefield, Chris continues to play an active role in Atlanta’s commercial real estate market.

Beyond individual projects, the episode highlights Atlanta’s continued growth, the impact of transformative developments like the Google Tower, and the importance of civic involvement as a consistent thread throughout Chris’s career.

ACBR is pleased to share this episode with members as part of our ongoing effort to highlight thoughtful conversations led by our membership and provide insight from leaders who have helped shape Atlanta’s commercial real estate community.