Why I Focus on Developing Accessory Dwelling Units, with Gina Wieczorek, Co-founder, Casitas

Welcome back to the She’s Wild the Podcast for Women In Land & Development. Today’s guest is Gina Wieczorek. Gina is the Co-founder of Casitas, a full-service ADU development and consulting firm involved in all phases of the design, permitting and development process within the single family, multifamily and affordable housing sector. As an Orange County native, Gina grew up with a true passion for Southern California residential design and always design and develops projects with the final user in mind, providing housing that renters and homeowners are proud to call their home in the communities in which she builds. Thoughtful and architecturally significant design, from the facade to the interiors, is always a key component to all projects Gina undertakes.

In today's episode, Gina and I discuss ADU’s and how they play such a big role in her niche business model. She offers a wide variety of advice throughout today’s episode that is sure to inspire you to chase after the next goal you are working toward. 

Memorable Moments: 

13:33- It's very hard to start something without having a tremendous access to capital. And, you know, a lot of women in this industry don't have that.

15:41- Everyone kept coming to us is like the resource or guru for how do we add this? What do we have? What is the legislation allow for? And then it became the go-to? And I'm like, No, we could start a business out of this. Right?

17:03- I think also COVID taught us a lot of lessons. There are opportunities that have existed. Because of that, I think a lot of people had a hard time and trying to figure out how to navigate what would happen next if they lost their job or if they did lose their job.

18:55- I think that one lesson learned is you'll always be able to figure it out. We're resourceful, and we'll be able to figure things out, right? And don't not do something because you're scared. I also think time is too precious and too short not go after and do something that you're passionate about and what you love. And if that means pivoting into a completely different career, or within the sector doing something else, like, do it, you know, don't stay stuck in something, right? Just because, yes, you're getting a check at the end of the day.

20:21- I think there's nothing like being able to look at something and saying, hey, I built this, like, this is mine; I still go by that project that's on Melrose cry in Hollywood, you know, and I really proud, like, when I drive by it, like, the role that I had to play in that. And so that is one of the most exciting parts about my job.

25:44- One thing I do think is that sometimes women don't like to ask, and if you don't ask you never will receive.

35:04- I don't even think being persistent is obnoxious, I think shows you that you're passionate about something and you want the opportunity.

Connect with Nancy:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/nancysurak

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancysurak/

Website: www.nancysurak.com

Connect with Gina:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginawieczorek/

Website: https://casitas.la/

Gina’s Podcast Recommendation’s: 

1. Leading Voices in Real Estate with Matt Slepin
   1. https://www.terrasearchpartners.com/voices/
2. The Competent Collective

Nancy's Hype Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0caHUGjUv8vfWiJxFOE61B?si=qSyjXD_gRmW9oSlNDMIuKg

Nancy's Fast Driving Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00YC8ND05duS0uU6VBXxRv?si=MoSGR_KITLCFdXfpgyy_Ow