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
Insights for high performers in business, leadership, and real estate.
The Performance Mindset Show is where high achievers come to grow. Hosted by commercial real estate advisor, entrepreneur, and author Amy Calandrino, each episode dives into the habits, strategies, and stories that help leaders think bigger, perform better, and build meaningful success in business and life.

Amy sits down with trailblazers across commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, investing, health, and personal development to uncover how they overcame obstacles, scaled their impact, and created lives built on intention. These conversations are honest, inspiring, and filled with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Whether you're a business owner, creator, investor, or someone who wants to operate at a higher level, this show will help you strengthen your mindset, sharpen your skills, and stay focused on what matters most.

If you want to grow, you’re in the right place.

About your host

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Amy Calandrino

Amy Calandrino, SIOR, CCIM, is a Director at Cushman & Wakefield with deep experience representing small and mid-sized businesses, family enterprises, and private investors throughout Central Florida and beyond. She is known for being a thoughtful listener, a creative problem-solver, and a strategic advisor who helps clients make informed decisions that support both their business goals and long-term wealth creation.

With a career rooted in guiding entrepreneurs and families through pivotal real estate moments, Amy brings clarity, structure, and actionable strategy to every assignment. She has completed hundreds of transactions across office, flex, and retail properties, and clients rely on her strong command of market trends, valuations, and space needs particularly within Winter Park and Greater Orlando. Her experience is backed by the SIOR and CCIM designations, reflecting her commitment to expertise and excellence in the industry.

In addition to her advisory work, Amy is the author of From Perfect to Real: Ditch Perfection, Shift Your Mindset, and Thrive on Your Terms, where she shares her SPORT Success System® for high performance. She is also the host of The Performance Mindset Show, a podcast featuring candid conversations with leaders in business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Committed to strengthening her community, Amy co-founded the Calandrino Foundation with her husband, Phil, to equip youth with the skills and mindset needed for entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. She also serves on the Park Avenue District Board in Winter Park.

Amy lives in Central Florida with her family. Outside of work, she enjoys golf, running, and staying active with her two children. Her faith, family, and dedication to helping others grow continue to guide her both personally and professionally.