Meet Kristi Kandel
I help people turn underutilized property into meaningful places with fewer delays, less red tape, and a lot more clarity.
I’m a real estate developer and founder of I&D Consulting, Dev-OS, and Local Real Estate Developers. Over the last 20 years, I’ve led over $450 million in industrial, mixed-use, adaptive-reuse, affordable housing, and clean-energy projects across the U.S.
Whether I’m helping a broker de-risk a zoning challenge, guiding a tenant through a complex roll-out, or mentoring someone taking on their first infill project—I’m here to make sure the right people have the tools, confidence, and power to build.
What I Do Today
I&D Consulting
Your behind-the-scenes development partner.
We support brokers, owners, tenants, and public agencies in navigating entitlements, dry utility coordination, permitting, and early-stage execution—so projects move forward with clarity, not guesswork.
➝ Visit I&D Consulting
Local Real Estate Developers (LRED)
Mentorship, media, and a movement to put development back in local hands.
LRED equips aspiring developers with real-world tools, education, and community so they can take the lead on projects in their own neighborhoods without needing permission or a pedigree.
➝ Explore LRED
Current Projects – Elevate SWFL + St. Pete
We’re developing Florida’s first community-owned sports, wellness, and entertainment destinations. With volleyball and pickleball courts, wellness and recovery spaces, local food, and a lazy river. Each location is locally funded and operated, putting ownership and opportunity back in the hands of the community.
Why I Do This—and Who I Do It For
I grew up in a small town in Ohio, surrounded by people who deeply cared about their community but were often left out of the decisions shaping it. After working for a national developer early in my career, I saw firsthand how disconnected the real estate process can be from the people and places it impacts most.
In 2015, I started I&D Consulting to change that.
Today, I work with:
➝ Boutique brokerage teams that want to offer full-cycle development support
➝ National tenants managing aggressive timelines across multiple jurisdictions
➝ Mission-driven owners, including churches and faith-based organizations, looking to activate their land for housing, income, or long-term community benefit
➝ Cities and public agencies working on high-impact sites with multiple stakeholders
➝ First-time developers ready to step into their first project with guidance
My goal is simple: remove the friction that keeps good people from building great things so more projects get built by the people who care most about the outcome.
What People Are Saying
In the short year that I have known Kristi, she has completely changed my perspective on real estate investing! Her energy, vitality, and expertise in so many areas of real estate are unmatched.
She has a deep knowledge of real estate construction and development which shows in her interactions with clients and other investors alike.
Her commitment to honesty and integrity are apparent and shines through her. I wholeheartedly recommend working with Kristi!
Joette L. Trinh, Esq.
Attorney
Trinh Law
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Kristi for 3 years, and I can confidently say that she is incredibly knowledgeable and talented in the Real Estate Development space.
The difference between Kristi and others is that she practices what she preaches. Kristi has facilitated multiple developments across the country, has taken the leap of faith, is the Founder and CEO of a successful company, and is an owner and investor whose work surrounds real estate.
Her honesty and integrity shine through in everything she does, making her a trusted mentor and advisor. Coming from someone with no formal Real Estate background and a demanding W2 role, I highly recommend Kristi as a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn about Real Estate Development.
Michael Sgandurra
I’ve had the great fortune of knowing Kristi for the past year and a half and I can say without a doubt that she is incredibly knowledgeable and talented in not only real estate development, but in teaching and mentoring as well.
Her honesty and willingness to help in any way she can has inspired me tremendously and has made me all the more thankful that I have had the privilege of having her as a mentor.
For any entrepreneur, I highly recommend Kristi as a mentor and advisor.
Eric Lewandowski
Kristi Kandel 