Broker Brunch

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

Jed Garfield has spent decades at the center of New York City’s townhouse market, leading family firm Leslie J. Garfield & Co and helping shape how townhouses and brownstones are bought and sold across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

In this episode of Broker Brunch, hosts Michael Flaherty and Brian Whelan sit down with Jed to uncover how a boutique, townhouse only brokerage became a go to name for high end sellers, why specialization beats being a generalist, and how door knocking, storytelling, and long term relationships can turn one listing into a hundred million dollars of business. You will learn how life events really drive townhouse sales, why Jed has turned down offers to sell the firm, how partnerships in London and Brooklyn fit into his strategy, and what today’s townhouse market means for brokers, owners, and investors who want to win in New York real estate

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/ 

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

Francis Greenburger has seen it all - from the 1970s housing crash to the 2008 financial crisis. 

In this episode, the Time Equities CEO reveals how he survived and thrived in every downturn by diversifying globally, buying below market value, and never over-leveraging.

Hear his timeless lessons on resilience, creativity, and risk management that every real estate investor should know.

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) Intro

(01:08) Lessons from Early Years

(04:58) The $150 Deal That Started It All  

(06:16) Becoming the Co-op King of New York  

(08:20) Why NYC Is Tough for Owners Today  

(10:02) When 2,000 Banks Failed  

(11:40) First Brooklyn Buy Below Market  

(13:44) Finding Value Where Others See Risk  

(19:41) Why Credibility Beats Price in Deals  

(21:43) Diversifying Beyond New York  

(24:04) The Holland Story

(28:20) Currency Doesn’t Matter If the Deal Is Right  

(32:57) Why Europe Converts Offices Better Than the U.S.  

(35:42) The Pivot That Saved a $400M Project  

(41:24) ‘Autobiography of a Skyscraper’  

(46:34) Saving 50 West Street After the GFC  

(52:44) My Motto: Expect the Unexpected  

(55:16) Rebuilding Boynton Beach  

(01:01:10) Why I Put Art in Every Building  

(01:04:25) The Sculpture Tenants Hated  

(01:07:50) The Vision Behind Art Omi Pavilions

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


In this episode of Broker Brunch, Brandon Polakoff (Head of NYC Investment Sales at Avison Young) and David Shorenstein (Principal at Hildreth Advisors) join Brian Whelan to discuss what it takes to thrive in a tough New York City real estate market.

They share lessons on discipline, long-term strategy, creative deal-making, and leadership in challenging cycles.

Discover how top brokers adapt, build relationships, and find opportunity even when the market slows.


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) Preview and Intro
(00:58) How Brandon & David Got Started in NYC Real Estate  
(03:42) Lessons from the First Years in Brokerage  
(07:31) Adapting to New York Real Estate Market  
(10:55) Leadership Lessons from Managing a Top Brokerage Team  
(14:18) David’s Journey into Property Investment  
(18:47) Balancing Work, Family, and the Real Estate Lifestyle  
(22:19) 2025 Market Outlook: What Smart Investors Should Expect  
(26:36) Finding Opportunities When the Market Slows Down  
(30:02) How Technology and AI Are Changing Brokerage Forever  
(33:48) Relationship-Driven Growth: The Secret to Long-Term Success  
(38:15) What Separates Top Performers from Average Brokers

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

In this episode of Broker Brunch, Brandon Polakoff (Head of NYC Investment Sales at Avison Young) and David Shorenstein (Principal at Hildreth Advisors) join Brian Whelan to discuss what it takes to thrive in a tough New York City real estate market. 

They share lessons on discipline, long-term strategy, creative deal-making, and leadership in challenging cycles. 

Discover how top brokers adapt, build relationships, and find opportunity even when the market slows.

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) Preview and Intro

(00:58) How Brandon & David Got Started in NYC Real Estate  

(03:42) Lessons from the First Years in Brokerage  

(07:31) Adapting to New York Real Estate Market  

(10:55) Leadership Lessons from Managing a Top Brokerage Team  

(14:18) David’s Journey into Property Investment  

(18:47) Balancing Work, Family, and the Real Estate Lifestyle  

(22:19) 2025 Market Outlook: What Smart Investors Should Expect  

(26:36) Finding Opportunities When the Market Slows Down  

(30:02) How Technology and AI Are Changing Brokerage Forever  

(33:48) Relationship-Driven Growth: The Secret to Long-Term Success  

(38:15) What Separates Top Performers from Average Brokers  

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

Success in real estate is not about doing everything. It is about mastering one thing.

On this episode of the Broker Brunch Podcast, Michael Rudder, founder of Rudder Property Group, shares how deep specialization in New York’s office condo market built his career and turned a niche into a multi-million dollar business.

Michael breaks down what it takes to dominate a market through focus, data, and consistency, from launching his firm during the 2010 financial crisis to leading New York’s top office-to-condo conversions. He also explains why ownership often beats leasing, how to find value in downturns, and why 2025 feels like another rare moment of opportunity for disciplined investors.

This episode is a masterclass in niche strategy, long-term thinking, and building wealth through focus and specialization.

Michael Ruder's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rudder-4a75925/

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) Intro 
(00:55) Starting Rudder Property Group 
(04:07) The Origins of Office Condos in New York  
(08:41) The Collapse of Office Values in NYC  
(11:17) Inside the Brill Building Conversion Story  
(14:52) Why Buy Office Space Instead of Leasing?  
(19:29) Who Buys Office Condos and Why It Matters  
(25:30) The Soloviev Site and Strategic Real Estate Positioning  
(27:41) When Buying Makes More Sense Than Renting  
(29:32) The Office Condo Market Beyond New York  
(31:26) Expanding Into Retail Condominiums  
(35:57) The Challenges of Selling to Owner-Users  
(37:37) The Power of Specialization in Brokerage  
(38:40) How Clients Spot True Market Expertise

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

This Broker Brunch episode dives into the real challenges of developing in New York City today.

We're sitting down with Sergey Rybak of Rybak Development and Eli Weiss of Joy Construction to discuss rising construction costs, policy confusion, and how developers are adapting to one of the toughest markets in the world.

From navigating 421A and 485X to staying optimistic about the city’s future, this conversation reveals what it truly takes to build in New York in 2025.

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) Preview 
(00:35) Growing Up in the Upper West Side  
(05:24) Lessons from Affordable Housing 
(07:27) Founding Savanna
(11:35) Scaling Through Partnerships and Institutional Capital  
(14:01) The Art of Raising Money and Building Trust with Investors  
(18:28) Adapting to Economic Shocks
(21:57) Why Local Expertise Wins  
(23:50) The Office Market Rebound and Midtown’s Transformation  
(28:29) Expanding to West Palm Beach and Beyond  
(28:49) Finding Opportunity Amid Distress
(31:20) The Future of Office-to-Residential Conversions

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

In this episode of Broker Brunch, Mitchel Flaherty sits down with Christopher Schlank, Co-Founder and President of Savanna, one of New York’s most respected real estate investment firms. With over 30 years in the industry and billions in assets managed, Chris reveals how he built Savanna from the ground up, the lessons learned through multiple market cycles, and why New York City remains the world’s most resilient real estate market.

From his early days managing affordable housing on the Upper West Side to raising institutional capital and leading landmark redevelopments, Chris shares a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and conviction. He explains how Savanna navigated the 2008 financial crisis, COVID-19, and today’s high interest rate environment, and what it really takes to thrive in commercial real estate today.

Whether you’re a developer, investor, or broker, this episode offers insider insights on value-add investing, fundraising strategy, and the future of the New York office market.

Chris Schlank's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-schlank-10b43130

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) Preview 

(00:35) Growing Up in the Upper West Side  

(05:24) Lessons from Affordable Housing 

(07:27) Founding Savanna

(11:35) Scaling Through Partnerships and Institutional Capital  

(14:01) The Art of Raising Money and Building Trust with Investors  

(18:28) Adapting to Economic Shocks

(21:57) Why Local Expertise Wins  

(23:50) The Office Market Rebound and Midtown’s Transformation  

(28:29) Finding Opportunity Amid Distress

(31:20) The Future of Office-to-Residential Conversions 

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  

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

Bronx real estate is no longer the “forgotten borough”.

It’s becoming one of NYC’s hottest markets for investors, developers, and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Broker Brunch, Mitchel Flaherty sits down with Rob Walsh, President of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC), to unpack the biggest projects reshaping the Bronx - from four new Metro North stations and major rezoning efforts to waterfront redevelopment and thousands of new housing units.

Whether you’re an investor looking for your next deal, a developer exploring emerging neighborhoods, or just curious about the Bronx comeback story — this episode will give you the full picture of where the Bronx is heading and why now might be the best time to get involved.

Subscribe for more conversations with NYC’s top brokers, developers, and dealmakers.


Connect with Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-walsh-a1481a89/

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) The Bronx Comeback: From Decline to Growth  

(01:03) How BXEDC is Driving the Bronx Revival  

(07:35) Public–Private Partnerships Powering Small Business Success  

(10:09) Leveraging Universities & Institutions for Economic Growth  

(13:55) Transit-Oriented Development

(17:02) Redevelopment Opportunities  

(20:29) Education & Community Investment Shaping the Future  

(21:26) Major Bronx  Development Projects 

(24:00) Lessons from Bloomberg

(27:06) Nonprofits & Stakeholder Collaboration  

(32:45) Balancing Development with Community Needs  

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


New York City’s multifamily market is under pressure. But is it also presenting the best buying opportunity in years?

In this episode of Broker Brunch, Brian Whelan sits down with Peter Hungerford (PH Realty Capital) and legendary broker Bob Knakal (BKREA) for a hard-hitting discussion on the future of NYC real estate.

Peter and Bob break down why landlords are so unhappy right now, from soaring property taxes and insurance costs to the impact of the 2019 rent laws and the expiration of 421a. They explain how political decisions have created an unsustainable housing system, why banks are reluctant to foreclose, and why “the boxes of paperwork” now matter more than the building itself.

If you’re a multifamily investor, broker, or real estate professional navigating today’s market, this is a must-watch conversation packed with insights on policy, deal-making, and long-term opportunities.


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/


(01:07) NYC Housing Crisis
(03:37) Why Landlords Are So Unhappy in NYC
(09:03) Can NYC Be Saved? The Political Pendulum
(13:38) The Narrative Against Developers & Capitalism
(17:00) Lessons from 9/11 Recovery
(20:15) Bob’s 41 Years & Top 5 Memorable Deals
(25:38) The Role of Banks in Driving Transactions
(28:24) Why Banks Need Collateral Beyond the Building
(30:49) Broker Strategies: Pre-Screening Rents & Paperwork
(33:37) How Peter Chooses Deals in Today’s Market
(36:07) Product Sectors Moving in Different Directions
(39:09) The Mayoral Election & What It Means for NYC Housing