In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Michael Koch, an expert in insurance, payroll, and payment processing, to discuss his innovative approach to lowering business expenses.

Michael shares his journey from working in payroll and HR to disrupting the insurance industry. He explains how traditional insurance brokers often neglect their clients for most of the year, only reappearing at renewal time. To challenge this system, Michael created The Pickle Program—a proactive loss control strategy that helps businesses track their safety improvements throughout the year, ultimately lowering their insurance premiums.

We also explore how Michael collaborates with his wife’s company, AAA Merchant Services, to help businesses offset rising insurance costs through strategic payment processing savings. By combining these financial solutions, Michael and his team provide businesses with a holistic approach to cost reduction.

Tune in to learn:

• How insurance brokers operate and why many fail to serve their clients year-round
• How The Pickle Program is changing the insurance game
• Why transparency with underwriters can help businesses save money
• How payment processing strategies can offset rising insurance costs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we welcome Michael Chidambaram, a seasoned real estate broker specializing in retail and food & beverage spaces. Michael’s journey is anything but ordinary—starting in TV production in Bombay (now Mumbai) before making his way into San Francisco’s commercial real estate market.

We discuss:

• Michael’s transition from media to real estate and how he found his niche in food and beverage brokerage.
• The state of San Francisco’s retail and restaurant scene post-pandemic—what’s thriving, what’s struggling, and where the opportunities lie.
• The impact of remote work on commercial foot traffic and how it’s reshaping the city’s real estate market.
• Opportunities for restaurateurs—why now might be the perfect time to launch a food venture in SF.

Michael shares insider knowledge on market trends, investment opportunities, and the future of San Francisco’s retail landscape. If you’re a business owner, investor, or just curious about the state of SF’s commercial real estate, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest

In this episode of SF Commercial Property Conversations with Bruce Bean, we sit down with Jack Kaminer and Tyler from Vertical Markets to explore their unconventional path in real estate investing. From Section 8 housing to flipping boats and incorporating tiny homes into rental properties, Jack and Tyler share their dynamic approach to growing wealth and seizing unexpected opportunities.

We dive into:

• How they transitioned from brewing beer to investing in real estate
• Their experiences with Section 8 housing and why they moved on
• The unexpected opportunity they found flipping boats after hurricanes
• How they’re maximizing rental income with tiny homes and multi-unit conversions
• Their passion for surfing and how Vertical Markets has even funded surf trips

Jack and Tyler bring a refreshingly flexible and creative mindset to real estate investing. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great business story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re excited to feature your voice in the conversation about building wealth and legacies through commercial real estate. Join us to share your journey and insights with our growing audience! Learn more and apply at https://sfcommercialconversations.com/guest