### Connect Orange County 2025: Uncertainty Takes Center Stage
There was no mistaking the prevailing mood among attendees and panelists at Connect Orange County 2025. As with much of the nation, “uncertainty” was the word of the day. Celebrating Connect’s 10-year anniversary as a company and a leader in the commercial real estate (CRE) conference space, the one-day event took place at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine before a standing-room-only crowd, all eager to find answers and hope for what Q1 and 2025 will bring.
The event featured five panels covering key topics such as local and national market trends, the direction of CRE, insurance challenges, talent attraction and retention, the impact of artificial intelligence, transaction strategies, and political engagement—particularly in navigating Sacramento’s policies.
### Market Uncertainty Replaces Interest Rate Worries
Last year, the primary concern among the CRE community was the Federal Reserve’s hesitancy to lower interest rates. However, this year, that concern has been overshadowed by broader market uncertainty. Discussions reflected growing fears of a recession, the impact of tariffs, and global instability, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Some panelists advocated a “wait and see” approach, while others described the market as being in a state of limbo.
Additional panels tackled pressing topics such as soaring insurance rates, the impact of the recent LA fires, and the ongoing debate over remote work.
### Insights on Orange County’s CRE Market
The first panel, moderated by Kurt Strasmann of CBRE, featured industry leaders Greg Ames of Trammell Crow Company, Timothy Ballard of Buchanan Street Partners, and Eric Paulsen of Kidder Mathews. Discussion topics included Orange County’s office market, the role of the U.S. Treasury, returning to in-office work, and tariffs—all viewed through the lens of economic uncertainty.
Ames offered a bold perspective on Orange County’s office space challenges, arguing that the issue is not an oversupply, but rather a lack of demolition. “The single best way to reposition an office building is with a bulldozer,” he remarked.
### Political Advocacy in CRE
Eric Paulsen highlighted the necessity of political engagement for CRE professionals, especially given the current legislative landscape in Sacramento. “There are more bills right now than ever before—2,500 bills have been submitted. Of those, we oppose 40 and enthusiastically support 20,” he stated. He emphasized that policymakers need to understand the CRE industry’s stance, and that such advocacy must come directly from industry leaders.
### Honoring a CRE Trailblazer
The event concluded with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Guy Johnson of Johnson Capital Advisors.
With over three decades in commercial real estate finance, asset management, and private equity investing, Johnson is the founder and CEO of Johnson Capital. Under his leadership, Johnson Capital has facilitated billions in financing transactions, with several operational entities acquired by NYSE-listed companies such as Prudential Insurance, CBRE, and Walker & Dunlop.
Joining the award presentation were Val Achtemeier of CBRE, Gary Bechtel of Red Oak Capital Holdings, and Cliff Carnes of Matthews Real Estate Investment Services.
### Looking Ahead
The second half of Connect Orange County 2025 coverage will be published on Tuesday.
**Pictured:** The “Getting Deals Done in Today’s Market & Beyond” panel.
