From Fort Building to CRE Powerhouse w/ Jana Truman :: Ep 78 The Lyndsay Stafford Show

In this episode of The Lyndsay Stafford Show, Lyndsay talks with Jana Truman, owner of SVN Excel Commercial Real Estate in Greater Nashville and a leading woman in commercial brokerage. Jana shares her journey from artist and community builder to franchise owner, and breaks down what investors and business owners really need to know before stepping into commercial real estate.

They dig into the key differences between residential and commercial, the biggest mistakes new investors make, and how to align deals with your goals and risk tolerance. Jana also explains how AI is reshaping commercial real estate—from underwriting to marketing—and why guardrails, ethics, and strong advisors matter more than ever.

Episode Highlights

Jana’s path: from creative professional to commercial real estate franchise owner

Residential vs. commercial: what truly sets them apart

Why trying to DIY commercial deals is so risky

Common investing mistakes: chasing “perfect deals,” buying on pro forma, and weak partnerships

How Jana acts as a real estate success coach, not just a broker

Location, timing, and data: how to think about each when investing

How AI is changing underwriting, marketing, and operations in commercial real estate

A real-life AI fraud story and why every family needs a safe word

Where to learn more: Jana’s SVN Accelerate to Generational Wealth series and local investor meetups