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

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