People and Places and How We Use Spaces

Everyone needs a place to live, work and play. Join business owner/broker/investor, Lisa Christianson, as she has conversations with successful people who share their inspiring stories and how their interactions with commercial real estate have impacted their lives, businesses, clients, and the world. You will find insights into strategies for selecting, acquiring, leasing, financing, and investing in commercial real estate.

People and Places and How We Use Spaces is a business podcast hosted by Lisa Christianson, with 96 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Lisa Christianson hosts People and Places and How We Use Spaces, a business show with 96 episodes published.

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  People and Places and How We Use Spaces

  Episode 96: From World Cup to Changing the World with Tony Sanneh

  Sep 22, 202647 min

  From the World Cup stage to transforming communities, Tony Sanneh has built a life around purpose, people, and impact. The former U.S. Men’s National Team player shares how soccer shaped his discipline and resilience—and how a life-changing trip to Haiti inspired his transition from professional athlete to nonprofit leader. Today, Tony is creating opportunities for thousands through youth programs, mentorship, education, food distribution, and workforce development. He shares powerful lessons on leadership, accountability, community, and why some of life’s greatest wins happen long after the final whistle. The Sanneh Foundation Tony Sanneh Tony Sanneh LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail

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  People and Places and How We Use Spaces

  Episode 95 - Ragstock Reimagined: Building on a Family Legacy with Libby Finn

  Sep 8, 202647 min

  Libby Finn, co-owner of Ragstock, shares the story behind the iconic Minnesota retailer and her own unexpected path into the family business. After beginning her career in New York—Libby eventually moved to Minnesota, worked at Target, and later joined Ragstock. She reflects on balancing career and motherhood, stepping into a multigenerational business, and the responsibility that comes with carrying forward a family legacy. Libby also discusses how Ragstock has stayed relevant by constantly adapting to changing trends, customers, and retail environments. From vintage clothing and e-commerce to college campuses, malls, and creative leasing strategies, she explains why flexibility and a willingness to keep learning are essential in retail. Ragstock Website Libby Finn LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail

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  People and Places and How We Use Spaces

  Episode 94: Creating Places that Last with Carl Runck

  Aug 25, 202646 min

  In this episode, Carl Runck, the Co-Founder of Monarch Development Partners, takes us on his journey from growing up in rural Minnesota to helping shape some of the Twin Cities’ most recognizable developments. Carl shares how an early interest in architecture evolved into a passion for development, the mentor who helped him discover his career path, and the hard lessons he learned entering the industry just before the Great Recession. Carl takes us behind the scenes of pivotal projects, what changing market cycles taught him about timing, and knowing when even a strong vision needs to adapt. Carl Runck LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail

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  People and Places and How We Use Spaces

  Episode 92: Beyond the Business Card; Robert Fulford's Story of Struggle, Forgiveness & Second Chances

  Jul 28, 202646 min

  Behind a successful career in commercial real estate, Robert Fulford carries a story few would ever expect. In this deeply personal conversation, Robert shares the experiences that shaped his memoir, Normal Human Beings —from a turbulent and abusive childhood to professional success, addiction, devastating family conflict, and ultimately a journey toward healing and forgiveness. Along the way, he reflects on the people who stepped into his life at critical moments, including a mentor whose simple offer to pray with him became a turning point that helped change the direction of his life. Robert also opens up about rebuilding after hitting rock bottom, finding strength through faith, returning to the fundamentals of hard work, and learning that forgiveness isn't about excusing what happened—it's about freeing yourself from carrying it forward. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, redemption, relationships, and the choice we all have to create a different future from the one our past might predict. Buy the book! Normal Human Beings Normal Human Beings website Robert's LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail

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  People and Places and How We Use Spaces

  Episode 91: Leading with Heart; The Story Behind WomenVenture with LeeAnn Rasachak

  Jul 14, 202646 min

  LeeAnn Rasachak's story is one of resilience, purpose, and paying opportunity forward. Raised by parents who fled Laos after the Vietnam War and rebuilt their lives from nothing in Minnesota, LeeAnn learned early that hard work, community, and perseverance can transform generations. Those lessons shaped a successful corporate career before ultimately leading her to WomenVenture. LeeAnn shares how a failed entrepreneurial venture became one of her greatest teachers, why she believes no business owner should have to build alone, and how WomenVenture is helping thousands of entrepreneurs across Minnesota turn ideas into sustainable businesses through coaching, education, mentorship, and access to capital. LeeAnn's LinkedIn WomenVenture Send us Fan Mail

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