Broker Brunch

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

Discover what makes Ariel Property Advisors one of NYC’s most research-driven commercial real estate brokerages.

In this episode of Broker Brunch, Mitchel Flaherty sits down with Shimon Shkury, Founder & President of Ariel, to reveal how a research-first strategy, block-by-block data, and a one-team culture have helped them dominate New York City’s CRE market.

Shimon breaks down how Ariel integrates investment sales, capital services, and proprietary research to deliver institutional-quality service with local expertise. You’ll hear how this approach helps clients win deals in a challenging market, adapt to NYC’s evolving housing policies, and unlock long-term value.

If you’re a broker, investor, or developer looking to understand how data and culture can transform a real estate business, this episode is packed with insights you can use right now.

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
(01:02) Shimon’s Journey: From Israel to NYC CRE  
(04:51) Founding Ariel Property Advisors
(07:01) Creating a One-Team Culture with Salesforce  
(09:26) Ariel’s Mission, Core Values & Advisory-First Mindset  
(12:34) Affordable Housing Expertise & Winning Competitive Mandates  
(14:24) Growing Capital Services & Expanding Nationally with GREA  
(16:49) Closing the $280M Two Bridges Deal  
(20:32) NYC Housing Supply Crisis, City of Yes & 485x Limitations  
(22:29) Impact of HSTPA 2019, Value Declines & Regulatory Shifts  
(25:16) Policy Fixes, Vacant Units & Who’s Buying Today  
(28:16) How the Multifamily Playbook Changed Since 2019  
(32:06) Practicing Servant Leadership as the “Second Voice”  
(33:06) Retaining Talent with Salaried Associates & Clear Progression  
(36:48) Building High-Performing Teams by Playing to Strengths  
(39:10) Scaling Ariel & Leveraging the GREA Partnership  
(41:45) Shimon’s Life Outside Work

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

On today’s episode we’re joined by RIPCO leaders Gene Spiegelman, Stephen Preuss, and Adam Hakim to unpack what’s next for New York City commercial real estate heading into H2 2025. 

From Queens investment sales and SoHo rent recovery to where capital is actually flowing in today’s market, the trio share on-the-ground insights every broker, developer, and investor needs right now.

We cover the H2 2025 NYC outlook across leasing, investment sales, and debt, exploring how interest rates, dry powder, and policy risks are shaping deals, why Manhattan is regaining momentum, and how brokers can position themselves for opportunities in the second half of the year.

If you want a clear roadmap for NYC commercial real estate in 2025, this episode breaks down the strategies, trends, and opportunities that will define the next cycle.

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

(01:09) NYC Investment Sales Outlook for H2 2025  

(03:30) Manhattan vs Outer Borough Opportunities  

(05:01) Retail Leasing Trends & Rent Recovery  

(07:00) Capital Discipline and Lending Conditions  

(10:09) Closing the Bid-Ask Gap in Today’s Market  

(12:43) Who’s Really Lending: Banks vs Funds  

(13:58) Policy Risks and Developer Appetite  

(16:26) Capital Flight vs NYC’s Staying Power  

(24:56) Distress, Foreclosures & Market Resets  

(27:11) RIPCO’s Growth Story & Expansion Strategy  

(29:09) Why Brokers Join RIPCO & Culture of Collaboration  

(36:09) One-Roof Advantage: Leasing, Sales & Debt Under One Platform  

(41:56) National Expansion & Tech-Driven Brokerage  

(44:39) H2 2025 Goals and Market Predictions 

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

Brooklyn’s real estate market is one of the most competitive in the world, and few people understand it better than Dan Marks, CEO of TerraCRG. 

From the realities of building a career on commission, to the secrets behind TerraCRG’s “Only Brooklyn” strategy, to the trends shaping a $6B market, this conversation is packed with insights every broker and investor should hear.

If you want to understand what it really takes to win in New York City real estate, this episode is a must-watch.

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
(00:54) Dan’s Start in Colorado Real Estate
(04:23) Early Challenges and Building Grit in Sales
(06:50) Dan’s Journey at TerraCRG 
(11:50) TerraCRG’s Evolution and Vision
(14:58) Recruiting and Training New Brokers
(17:01) Culture, Coaching, and Long-Term Relationship Building
(20:32) Landmark $120M ExxonMobil Deal
(24:52) Competing with Big Firms as a Brooklyn Boutique
(26:45) Expectations for Young Brokers
(31:43) Who Thrives at TerraCRG and Who Doesn’t
(35:01) Brooklyn Market Update
(39:03) Best Opportunities in Today’s Market
(40:21) Policy and the Future of NYC Development
(41:43) Outlook for Brooklyn Real Estate and the Next Cycle
(45:20) Mentorship, Media, and Becoming TerraCRG’s Face

What does it take to rise to the top of the multifamily real estate game?

In this episode, we sit down with Newmark’s Henry Stimler, one of the top multifamily capital markets brokers in the country, to explore the mindset, strategy and work ethic behind his $15 billion in closed transactions.

Stimler shares how he went from cold calling to becoming the go-to broker for institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals looking to place capital in large-scale multifamily assets.

We explore how he built an empire of relationships, the calculated risks that paid off, and what it really takes to dominate in an industry where boldness beats perfection every time.

If you're serious about winning in multifamily real estate or want to understand how top brokers operate at the highest level, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.


Connect with Henry Stimler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrystimler/

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

(00:00) The Broker Mindset: Loyalty, Hustle, and Asking Big  
(00:40) From Nightlife Promoter to Real Estate Power Player  
(05:03) How Chutzpah and Teamwork Win Billion-Dollar Deals  
(05:39) Chasing the $1.85B Aragon Portfolio  
(07:13) The 2008 Crash: Losing It All and Starting Over  
(09:39) Breaking Into Finance with Anthony Orso at Cantor  
(10:50) Building London Green Capital and Early Deal Wins  
(13:18) Finding Mentors and Scaling Up at Newmark  
(16:07) Closing $800M in Year One and Going All-In on Multifamily  
(20:13) Surviving the Market Reset: Floating Debt, Pref Equity, and Refis  
(27:00) Why Miami Is Booming and America Remains the Land of Opportunity

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

New York real estate is in flux. Rising interest rates, political uncertainty, shifting financing from banks to debt funds, and new policies like City of Yes and 485x are reshaping how deals get done.

In this episode of Broker Brunch, Brian Whelan sits down with Andrew Dansker (Dansker Capital Group) and Derek Bestreich (IPRG) to break down the current state of the NYC market. From the contrasting investor appetite in Brooklyn vs. the Bronx, to the stress on rent-stabilized assets, to where the real opportunities lie today — nothing is off the table.

They also share what it’s really like to build and scale brokerages in this environment, including the challenges of hiring, culture, and leadership when the market is anything but predictable.

Tune in for an unfiltered look at what’s trading, what’s not, and where NYC real estate is headed next.

Our Panel

Derek Bestreich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-bestreich-8058722/

Andrew Dansker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewdansker/

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

(00:54) Introducing Andrew Dansker & Derek Bestreich  

(01:40) Defining the Broker’s Role  

(04:05) Market Pulse: Q2 Surge & Stock Market Impact  

(05:30) Expansion Beyond NYC: Florida & the Southeast  

(06:37) Political Uncertainty: Mayoral Race & Investor Sentiment  

(07:30) Rent-Stabilized Multifamily: Stress & Long-Term Plays  

(11:03) What’s Actually Trading in 2025  

(15:35) Bank Competition, Loan Extensions & Capital Constraints  

(18:42) Forced Selling & 1031 Exchange Traps  

(21:08) Brooklyn vs Bronx: Demand & Global Brand Value  

(23:49) Policy Tailwinds: City of Yes & 485x  

(26:32) Debt Funds Filling the Construction Gap  

(30:32) Time Kills Deals: Speed, Closes & Overseas Capital  

(33:10) Zooming Out: Time Horizons & Investor Outcomes  

(36:35) The Grind of Building a Brokerage  

(38:59) Leaving the “House” & Reinvesting in Growth  

(46:28) Underestimating the Leadership Load  

(50:40) Hiring & Culture: Beer Test vs Integrity Test  

(53:00) Why WFH Doesn’t Work for Brokerage Teams  

(58:32) Team Structures & Splits that Reward Origination  

(01:06:48) Looking Ahead: Scaling Brokerages Beyond NYC  

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


In this episode of the Broker Brunch Podcast, Shawn Singer reveals what it really takes to build long-term success in commercial real estate.

With over 30 years of experience owning and operating industrial and retail properties across the Bronx and beyond, Shawn breaks down the relationship-first, debt-free approach that has kept his portfolio fully occupied and highly profitable.

You’ll also hear how he navigates tenant buyouts, why he avoids overleveraging, and what most new investors get wrong when entering the market.

If you're looking for a sustainable, proven blueprint for long-term success in commercial real estate, without the hype or overcomplication, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Subscribe for more expert interviews on real estate investing, market trends, and the future of urban development.


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

(01:10) Why Shawn Prefers Commercial Over Residential

(04:11) Navigating Tenant Relationships

(06:15) The Family Legacy and How Shawn Took Over  

(08:44) Bronx Rezoning and the Impact on Local Businesses  

(11:07) Challenges of Operating in Older Industrial Buildings  

(13:00) Rising Demand for Industrial Space and Redevelopment  

(15:50) Population Growth and Retail Franchises in the Bronx  

(17:52) The Value of Discipline in Real Estate Strategy  

(20:25) Industrial > Office: Where He's Investing Now  

(22:07) Lease Structures and Buyouts in a Changing Market  

(26:20) The Power of Strong Partnerships in Real Estate  

(29:00) Advice for Young Investors: Start Small, Learn Fast  

(34:42) What Makes a Great Real Estate Broker  

(37:36) How Flooded Shopping Centers Became Big Opportunities  

(39:21) What Shawn Looks for in a Deal  

(41:31) NYC Market Predictions and the Future of Industrial Space  

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


What’s really happening in New York’s office real estate market?

In this episode of Broker Brunch, we sit down with Gabe Marans, Vice Chairman at Savills, to unpack the truth behind NYC’s $205 billion office sector. With over 20 years of experience and millions of square feet leased, Gabe brings a rare, insider perspective on how office space isn’t just a physical asset — it’s a direct reflection of company culture, leadership, and long-term strategy.

We dive deep into the evolution of Manhattan’s 500 million square feet of office space, explore the shift from flashy trophy towers to mission-driven design, and reveal why top CEOs are ditching the data and leading with intuition.

From office-to-resi conversions to the real dynamics of pricing (from $40 to $200/sqft), this is the episode every real estate operator, broker, and investor needs to hear.


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
(01:49) Why Office Design Matters
(07:33) Industry Trends in Office Space Preferences
(09:31) Balancing Productivity and Collaboration in Office Design
(15:00) Gabe’s Journey at Savills and the Evolution of the Firm
(17:01) Collaboration vs. Competition in Modern Brokerage
(19:06) The Power of Long-Term Client Relationships
(21:46) Building a High-Trust, High-Ethics CRE Team
(24:24) CEO Leadership Styles
(27:00) The Disconnect Between Leaders and Employees on Office Needs
(30:33) Comparing NYC Office Culture to Global Cities
(33:02) The Three Major Office Submarkets in Manhattan
(34:45) Debunking the “Office is Dead” Narrative
(35:16) Office Pricing Breakdown: $40 to $200 per SqFt
(38:34) The Truth About Office-to-Residential Conversions
(41:19) Why Office Space is a Strategic Business Tool

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


Jared Epstein started as a club promoter working the velvet ropes of Meatpacking and ended up transforming the entire neighborhood. 

Now the President of Aurora Capital Associates, Jared has shaped some of the city's most iconic blocks, bringing in high-end retail, restoring historic buildings, and saying no to short-term profits in favor of long-term value.

In this episode, we unpack how he built a retail empire from the ground up, why he still thinks like a hustler, and how emotional intelligence became his unfair advantage in real estate. Jared shares the highs and lows of balancing soul and strategy, the bold tenant decisions that defied market logic, and the deeply personal relationships that fuel his deals.

Like and subscribe for more episodes like this!


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
(01:18) Why Emotional Intelligence Wins in Real Estate
(03:09) Life as a Club Promoter
(06:14) Jared’s Connection to the Meatpacking District
(09:31) How Retail Rents Skyrocketed to $500/ft
(12:24) Turning Down Banks and Cannabis Shops
(14:06) Why Controlling 30-40% of a Neighborhood Changes Everything
(16:17) From First Deal to 30+ Joint Ventures with the Gottlieb Estate
(20:03) How Jared Turns Difficult Landlords into Partners
(26:56) Inside Jared’s Partnership with Bobby Cayre
(32:52) Is There Another Meatpacking? (Williamsburg to Greenpoint)
(34:21) Jared’s Love for Coach Prime and Mentorship
(36:03) The Impact of Jared’s Father and Family Values
(39:13) What Jared Would Tell His Younger Self

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


In this episode of Broker Brunch, we sit down with Shaun Riney, Partner & Managing Director at Marcus & Millichap and one of the top-performing brokers in NYC. 

With over $4 billion in closed deals, Shaun breaks down exactly how he built a real estate empire from scratch - without connections, without capital, and in one of the toughest markets in the world.

If you're a real estate broker, investor, or aspiring dealmaker, this is your playbook for building a lasting career in high-stakes markets.

Connect with Shaun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-riney-9a9b7711/

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 Introduction

(03:46) Early Lessons & First Taste of Deal-Making  

(05:11) Breaking Into Brokerage During the Financial Crisis  

(07:09) The “Danger Zone” Most Brokers Don’t Survive  

(11:51) Shaun’s Operating Philosophy  

(17:05) The Real Value of Buyer Relationships  

(20:39) What the Danger Zone Looks Like (And How to Beat It)  

(27:26) The Power of Self-Reflection & Better Cold Calling  

(30:10) How to Become an Indispensable Broker

(33:56) How Investing Made Shaun a Better Broker  

(37:59) Why Credibility Matters More Than Price  

(38:15) Why 2025 Could Be a Buyer’s Market in NYC  

(45:16) Rent Stabilization Debate

(50:59) The Opportunity in Rent-Stabilized Assets  

(54:46) How Human Touch Can Unlock Hidden Value  

(58:01) The Case for Core Plus & Tax-Abated Deal

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


NYC’s real estate market is in a standstill and brokers are feeling the pressure.

We're kicking off Season 3 with a raw, behind-the-scenes breakdown of what’s actually happening in the market right now. 

From frozen multifamily sales to rising rates and regulatory headaches, they unpack why 70% of the market isn’t moving and what’s still working for brokers who know how to pivot.

You’ll hear reflections on top guests like David Schwartz and Peter Fine, the reality of building a $10M pipeline from scratch, and hard-won lessons about leadership, curiosity, and staying in the game when everyone else is sidelined.

Like and subscribe for more!