Meet Kristi Kandel
I help turn underutilized property into places that actually matter, with fewer delays, less red tape, and a lot more clarity.
I’m a real estate developer and founder of I&D Consulting, Local Real Estate Developers, and Elevate. Over the last 20 years, I’ve led more than $450M in projects across industrial, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, affordable housing, and clean energy.
Whether I’m helping a broker navigate a zoning challenge, guiding a tenant through a rollout, or working with someone on their first development deal, my focus is the same, making sure the right people have the tools, confidence, and clarity to build.
What I Do Today
I&D Consulting
Your behind-the-scenes development partner.
We help brokers, owners, tenants, and public agencies move projects forward through entitlements, utilities, permitting, and early-stage execution with clarity.
➝ Get Consulting Services
Local Real Estate Developers (LRED)
We help locals become developers. Real tools, real education, and a community built around getting your first and next deals done.
➝ Join The Movement
Current Projects – Elevate SWFL + St. Pete
We’re building sports and wellness community destinations designed for how people actually want to live, connect, and show up. Each location is locally funded and operated putting ownership 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 where people cared deeply about their community, but rarely had a say in what got built. Early in my career working for a national developer, I saw how disconnected the process can be from the people it impacts most.
So I built a different path.
In 2015, I started I&D Consulting to help bring clarity, structure, and execution to real estate development. Since then, I’ve worked across projects ranging from national retail rollouts to housing, clean energy, and community-driven developments.
Today, I work with:
→ Boutique brokerage teams expanding into development
→ Mission-driven owners activating land for long-term community impact
→ Cities and public agencies coordinating high-stakes projects
→ First-time developers stepping into their first deal
My goal is simple. Make development more accessible so the people who care most about a place are the ones shaping what gets built.
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 