Episode 113

The Insider's Edge in Real Estate with James Nelson

Published on: 22nd October, 2025

On today’s Performance Mindset show, Amy sits down with James Nelson, Principal and Head of U.S. Investment Sales at Avison Young, leading the most significant investment sales team in the country over his 25+ year career. James has been involved in over 500 transactions valued at more than $5 billion, representing clients ranging from J.P. Morgan to the Carlyle Group. He is a top global performer, commercial observer, Power 100 honoree, and a recipient of the REBNY Deal of the Year Award.

In addition to his real estate career, James is also a bestselling author of the book, “The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing.” He is also the host of The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing podcast. James is also deeply involved in philanthropic causes, mentorship, and education, serving on boards including REBNY and SparkYouth NYC. He is also a guest lecturer. When James isn’t working, he’s spending time with his wife, Allison, and their three sons.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  1. James Nelson’s background and what he and Amy did at their last CREi Summit.
  2. The importance of reputation and placing yourself in your client’s shoes.
  3. The chapter James wishes he’d added to his book.
  4. What creates an insider edge, and why it can apply to more than just real estate.
  5. Why having a team behind you can help you scale faster.
  6. Remaining grounded despite the constant shifting of the real estate market.
  7. His decision to move into a national role and how his clients influenced that decision.
  8. Who James believes you should know about in the #ReTwit communities that fly under the radar.
  9. Building meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding through long-form content outside of social media.
  10. The deal James is most proud of and his favorite failure.
  11. Where he’d put $1 million if he couldn’t put it into real estate.

Connect with Amy Calandrino here:

Beyond Commercial - beyondcommercial.com/amy-calandrino-ccim

Amy Calandrino - linktr.ee/amycalandrino

Connect with James Nelson:

Website - jamesnelson.com

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnelsonnyc

“The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing” - www.amazon.com/dp/1264865996

The Insider’s Edge to Real Estate Investing podcast - jamesnelson.com/podcast

SparkYouth NYC - www.sparkyouthnyc.org

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About the Podcast

The Performance Mindset Show - Helping you level up in entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, leadership and life
The Performance Mindset Show - Helping you level up in entrepreneurship, commercial real estate, leadership and life
Success isn’t just about the deals you close or the investments you make - it’s about how you think, grow, and lead.

Hosted by Amy Calandrino, founder of Beyond Commercial, The Performance Mindset Show explores the habits, strategies, and mindset shifts that drive peak performance in business, real estate, health, and life.

Based in sunny Orlando, Amy and her guests dive into leadership strategies, decision-making frameworks, mental resilience, and personal growth. From cutting-edge commercial real estate insights to biohacking, neuroscience, entrepreneurship, and spiritual well-being—this podcast is for the endlessly curious who want to level up in all aspects of life.

Each episode features inspiring conversations with top-performing business leaders, investors, mindset experts, and high achievers across various industries. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, optimize your brain and body, or simply gain insights from some of the most driven individuals out there, you’re in the right place.

Ready to expand your mindset and unlock your full potential?

📍 Connect with Amy Calandrino:
🔗 BeyondCommercial.com
🔗 AmyCalandrino.com

Let’s build, grow, and thrive—together. 🚀

About your host

Profile picture for Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino

I thrive on meeting clients face-to-face, shaking hands, and helping them achieve their short and long-term goals. For me, it's all about the personal touch combined with a strategic lens. I get great satisfaction from finding the best space and maximizing returns for my clients. But BEYOND the transaction, what truly drives me is developing personalized strategies to help them build wealth.

My clients and colleagues describe me as having both head and heart. I’ve earned CCIM and SIOR designations, and Beyond Commercial is a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB). I’m recognized as a key influencer in the industry.

Developing ongoing relationships and seeing my clients thrive is what truly drives me. Business owners and investors benefit from my extensive knowledge of inventories, trends, and space. While I have a hyper-local focus in Winter Park and Greater Orlando, I have global reach through alliances with other boutique brokerages and the Commercial Real Estate Supplier Diversity Alliance (CRESDA).

While Central Florida is home, I developed an affinity for Winter Park while earning my degree at Rollins College. Its charm reminds me of my New England roots. Today, I feel blessed to serve many of the area’s businesses and property owners. I also contribute to the community as a Park Avenue District Board member, part of the Main Street America program.

Beyond my work at Beyond Commercial, I'm involved in initiatives that align with my professional and personal aspirations. Alongside my husband Phil, I co-founded the Calandrino Foundation to inspire entrepreneurship, starting with our youth. I’m also passionate about sharing insights through my Performance Mindset podcast, where I engage in thought-provoking conversations with fellow business leaders.

My upcoming book, From Perfect to Real: Embracing Authenticity for Peak Performance, will chronicle my personal struggles, professional journey, and the SPORT Success System® I developed for achieving peak performance.

While providing above-and-beyond service is a priority, my greatest loves are my faith and family. Phil and I cherish raising our two lively children. In my downtime, I also enjoy a round of golf or running a 5k.

The team at Beyond Commerical and I are ready to serve you above and BEYOND. Connect with us today!