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

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