Check out our current listings here: https://www.ripcony.com/property-listings/?broker=Brian%20Whelan%2C%20Mitchel%20Flaherty


In this episode of Broker Brunch, Brian Whelan is joined by two of New York City’s top dealmakers - David Schechtman, Senior Executive Managing Director at Meridian Capital Group, and James Murad, Managing Director of Debt & Structured Finance at RIPCO Real Estate.

Schechtman has closed over 1,000 investment sales deals, with expertise in distressed assets, note sales, and complex transactions. Murad, formerly of Meridian and Eastern Consolidated, now leads RIPCO’s capital markets platform, specializing in construction loans, debt financing, and transitional assets.

Together, they break down how brokers are navigating NYC’s evolving real estate market in 2025 - from office challenges and conversions to the rise of note sales, foreclosures, and debt fund opportunities. They also share hard-won lessons on winning business, building client trust, and why collaboration with competitors is essential for long-term success.

If you want to understand how top brokers adapt and thrive in today’s market, this episode is for you.


David Schechtman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schechtman-501541b/
James Murad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-murad-03800127/

Connect with us on LinkedIn
Brian Whelan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-whelan-43155850/
Mitchel Flaherty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchel-flaherty-7b4b1064/

(00:00) Why Buying in NYC Still Pays Off in 2025  
(01:08) Post-COVID Deals: Why Every Transaction Feels Harder  
(03:46) How Smart Borrowers Are Winning with Lenders Today  
(05:14) The Office Divide: Class A Thrives, Class B/C Struggles  
(10:13) Lessons From Eastern Consolidated: What Shaped Top Brokers  
(16:21) Tech & Data: How Brokerage Has Transformed Forever  
(20:09) Collaboration Over Competition: Turning Rivals into Referrals  
(30:10) The Broker’s Discipline: Calls, Calendars & Client Trust  
(35:23) Building Lasting Relationships: The Real Key to Winning Business  
(42:17) Note Sales & Debt Funds: Where the Next Opportunities Are  
(48:58) Politics, Construction Lending & The Future of NYC Real Estate