Bill Douglas doesn't sugarcoat it: most CRE owners are sitting on a goldmine of data they don't control, don't understand, and can't monetize while vendors quietly profit from it.

In this episode, the CEO of OpticWise and co-author of Peak Property Performance pulls back the curtain on the messy reality of digital strategy in commercial real estate. From buildings running 17 systems on 13 networks with zero integration, to property management firms recommending tech they've invested in without disclosure, Bill breaks down the conflicts of interest and missed opportunities that are costing owners millions.

Bill also opens up about his near-death skiing experience, his wife's cancer battle, and why he lives by the motto: "Life is a gift. Work to live, don't live to work."

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by vendor pitches, suspicious of PropTech promises, or unsure how to turn building data into actual NOI, this conversation will give you the framework to take control.

Show Notes:

0:10: Introducing Bill Douglas

1:39: Skiing and fatherhood - the "truth serum" of ski lifts

4:17: Why the CRE industry is at a critical crossroads

8:23: Status quo bias and why owners wait for fines to act

12:05: Case Study - 17 systems, $50K+ wasted, hidden savings

15:47: The 5C method for digital strategy

20:25: Dreamers on stage vs. doers in the audience

24:50: The AI bubble and 12 critical questions for vendors

37:08: Who should be the digital champion inside your firm?

40:38: Why do firms ghost vendors then scramble last minute?

47:31: How Bill unplugs and the gift of life

52:07: "Busy doesn't mean successful" - rethinking work-life balance

57:33: Ryan's takeaways

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This episode is sponsored by our awesome partner, ⁠HILO⁠, making connectivity and engagement a breeze in commercial real estate.