The Deal Makers - An Agora production podcast

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, host Asaf Raz sits down with Mark Goldfinger, General Manager and Head of North America at Mindspace, to talk about the evolution of coworking and the future of office real estate. Mark shares his journey from joining WeWork as one of its first 300 employees to leading international expansion across Europe and Asia, before eventually returning to the U.S. to spearhead Mindspace’s growth. He explains how the pandemic accelerated the demand for agile, boutique office solutions and why member experience is now the defining factor for success. The conversation dives into expansion strategy, lessons from WeWork, and how Mindspace is reshaping what office life can look like in New York, Miami, DC, Philadelphia, and beyond.

Chapters:

00:01 – Introduction to Mark Goldfinger and Mindspace

01:06 – Overseeing six U.S. locations and expansion plans

02:47 – From Tel Aviv roots to a global coworking competitor

03:14 – How Mark got his start in shared office real estate

05:09 – Meeting Adam Neumann and joining WeWork early

06:44 – Driving WeWork’s global expansion in Europe and Asia

09:38 – Transition to Unibrands and a return to real estate

10:37 – Why coworking demand accelerated after COVID

12:59 – Mindspace’s positioning: boutique, agile office solutions

13:46 – Lessons learned from WeWork’s story

14:40 – Member growth journeys and long-term retention

16:17 – The evolution of coworking beyond beer taps and parties

18:29 – How Mindspace selects new markets and locations

22:00 – Smart, disciplined growth vs. hyper-growth strategies

23:31 – Why member experience is the ultimate differentiator

25:26 – Shameless Plug: Offices, day passes, and meeting spaces across the U.S.

Get in touch with Mark:

LinkedIn: Mark Goldfinger
Websites: https://www.mindspace.me/ 

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, host Asaf Raz talks with David Auerbach, Chief Investment Officer at Hoya Capital and publisher of the Daily REIT Beat, about the staying power of real estate investment trusts (REITs). David breaks down how REITs generate income from everyday activity—Zoom calls, Amazon orders, even Starbucks visits—and why macro noise like interest rates and tariffs doesn’t shake the fundamentals. He shares what REIT insiders are really saying about the market, the role of dividend stability, and how REITs have historically weathered major crises. The conversation also covers how transparency, resilience, and long-term strategy make REITs a compelling hold for decades to come.

Chapters:

00:01 – The REITs powering Zoom, Amazon, and your daily life
04:05 – David’s background and his many hats in the REIT industry
08:03 – What tariffs and headlines really mean for REIT fundamentals
10:28 – Why REIT CEOs say “our business didn’t change, just our stock price”
13:10 – Learning from cycles: debt, downturns, and long-term leadership
16:18 – Public vs. private real estate reactions to market volatility
19:02 – The COVID playbook: rent collections, recovery, and REIT resilience
23:37 – Case study: SL Green and One Vanderbilt’s unexpected COVID success
25:57 – Sector-specific ripple effects of tariffs and Doge on REITs
27:35 – Shameless Plug: Daily REIT Beat, off-market REIT deals, and networking opportunities

Get in touch with David:

LinkedIn

Website

Newsletter

Jobs

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, host Asaf Raz speaks with Jonathan Buckelew, Vice President of Asset Management at Peak, about challenging legacy thinking in real estate. Jonathan shares how launching a fintech company during COVID reshaped his mindset and gave him an operator's perspective. He explains how questioning third-party vendors, centralizing operations, and leveraging automation helped him cut costs and improve performance. The conversation also dives into the strategic use of LinkedIn to build a personal brand, how that visibility led to new career opportunities, and practical ways to start integrating AI into asset management workflows.

Chapters:
00:01 – Introduction to Jonathan Buckelew and his real estate background
00:56 – From CPA to fintech founder: how entrepreneurship changed his approach
03:19 – Rethinking property management and building a new playbook
05:31 – Why operations now matter more than ever—and how to cut costs creatively
07:51 – Joining Peak and managing NYC multifamily with efficiency and design in mind
10:25 – Using LinkedIn to grow a personal brand and attract new opportunities
13:56 – Advice for real estate pros: how to make time for social media and start networking
19:03 – Overcoming fear of AI and applying it to operations, reporting, and workflows
23:09 – Building custom GPTs, automation hacks, and AI as your professional companion
28:32 – Shameless Plug: Peak’s NYC portfolio

Get in touch with Jonathan:
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, host Asaf Raz chats with Sam Morris, Partner at Lone Star Capital, about navigating today’s multifamily market with discipline and long-term focus. Sam shares his journey from banking and underwriting to raising capital and leading large-scale workforce housing investments in Texas. He offers candid insights into investor sentiment, shifting competition dynamics, and why focusing on resident experience remains the key to success—regardless of market noise. Sam also discusses why Lone Star hasn’t closed a deal since December, how competition is heating back up, and why this moment in real estate reminds him of 2010.

Chapters:

00:01 – Introduction to Sam Morris and Lone Star Capital

01:03 – Lone Star’s portfolio and focus on workforce housing

02:05 – The firm’s niche, growth strategy, and entry into new markets

04:27 – Sam’s background: Banking, underwriting, and capital raising

06:22 – Transitioning from underwriting to fundraising

09:10 – How Lone Star filters out macro noise to stay resident-focused

13:00 – LP sentiment in volatile markets

15:00 – Fundraising strategy and current deal pipeline

17:02 – Competition, market activity, and what’s changing in Texas

20:17 – The return of bidding wars and positive leverage

23:20 – Why today reminds Sam of 2010

24:58 – Shameless Plug: Co-GPs, LPs, and equity partners welcome

Get in touch with Sam:

LinkedIn: Sam Morris

Website: Lone Star Capital

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, host Asaf Raz speaks with Josh Sason, Principal and Managing Partner at Sason Organization, a real estate investment firm with offices in Miami and New York. Josh shares his journey from hedge funds to real estate, detailing how his company prioritizes experience-driven design to create unique and high-value properties. He explains why sensory details—like lighting, scent, and layout—are crucial in real estate and how his firm transformed a Class B office in Tampa into a premium workplace environment. Josh also discusses the shifting real estate market, the importance of intentional design, and Sason Organization’s expansion into construction and property management.

Chapters:
00:01 - Introduction to Josh Sason and Sason Organization
01:08 - Josh’s background: from hedge funds to real estate
03:09 - The philosophy behind experience-driven real estate
04:39 - Why most real estate development lacks intentionality
06:15 - How sensory details shape tenant experience
07:16 - Extending intentionality to property management and operations
08:27 - How the real estate market is shifting in 2025
10:21 - Why spreadsheet-driven investing is outdated
12:34 - Case study: transforming a Class B office into a high-end workplace
14:36 - Practical steps for designing with intention
17:57 - Shameless Plug: Sason Organization’s latest projects
19:28 - Investment and partnership opportunities
22:28 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Josh

Get in touch with Josh:
LinkedIn 
Website 

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, host Asaf Raz chats with Tyler Jordan, Managing Partner at Nova Haus, about the intricacies of investing in international real estate markets. Tyler discusses why his company avoids markets like the U.S. and Australia, focusing instead on developments in Costa Rica. He highlights the role of a local team and explains how self-directed IRAs can be used for international investments. Tyler offers insights into demystifying cross-border investment fears and emphasizes the consistency of real estate fundamentals across borders.

Chapters: 

00:01 - Introduction to Tyler Jordan and Nova Haus

00:51 - Tyler's background and Nova Haus's international efforts

01:40 - Focus on developments in Costa Rica, Bali, and Thailand

02:11 - Understanding the global real estate market and economic trends

13:11 - The appeal of exotic locations for retreats and conferences

13:34 - Debunking misconceptions about international real estate investing

17:46 - Using self-directed IRAs for international real estate

18:16 - Closing remarks and future insights on real estate

Keep in touch with Tyler:

Linkedin

Website 

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, host Asaf Raz chats with Sean O'Dowd, Managing Partner at Scholastic Capital, about leveraging technology to transform single-family home investments. Sean shares insights on optimizing maintenance and financial forecasting, making operations more efficient. He highlights the shift towards a build-to-rent model in response to rising interest rates, emphasizing suitability for low-risk investors. Discover strategies for balancing financial forecasting with effective property management, and learn from Sean's industry insights that could reshape your investment strategies.

Chapters:
00:01 - Introduction to Tyler Jordan and Nova House
10:05 - Why avoid real estate deals in the U.S. and Australia?
10:50 - The significance of having a local team in Costa Rica
14:57 - Debunking myths about international real estate investing
15:39 - The "Shameless Plug" segment: Current opportunities with Nova House
17:46 - How to invest using self-directed IRAs
18:16 - Closing remarks and listener engagement

Get in touch with Sean:
Linkedin
Website

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, Asaf Raz talks with George McCleary, Principal at McCleary Realty and Development and creator of Defender Networks. George shares how his viral video, "I Stole a House," inspired him to tackle the costly issues of squatting and title fraud that plague property owners. Learn how his solutions—Squatter Defender, a $199 online course, and Title Fraud Defender, a title monitoring service starting at just $2.25/month—are helping landlords and homeowners protect their investments. Use promo code DEALMAKERS for 20% off both products.

This eye-opening episode sheds light on real estate’s hidden battles and offers practical tools for property owners to safeguard their assets. Don’t miss it!

Chapters: 

00:01 - Introduction to George McCleary and Defender Networks

01:01 - George’s real estate background and viral journey: “I Stole a House”

03:09 - The squatting epidemic: Stories of fraud and eviction nightmares

04:28 - Conventional vs. unconventional methods to deal with squatters

06:15 - The staggering cost of squatting: $50K to $100K per occurrence

08:24 - Title fraud: How scammers steal equity and sell homes illegally

10:55 - The numbers behind squatting and title fraud: A hidden epidemic

12:25 - Solutions for landlords: Squatter Defender and Title Fraud Defender

14:31 - How Title Fraud Defender protects your equity from theft

16:57 - The viral impact: Why squatting and title fraud are real estate taboos

18:17 - Shameless plug: George’s courses, software, and partnerships

Get in touch with George:

Instagram: instagram.com/mrd_portland

Facebook: facebook.com/MrdPortland

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/georgemccleary

YouTube: youtube.com/@georgemcclearyMRD

Tiktok: tiktok.com/@mrd_portland

X: x.com/mcclearyRE 

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, Asaf Raz speaks with Jonah Bamberger, Managing Partner and Founder of Aulder Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment management company. Jonah shares the company’s journey from its beginnings in New York’s multifamily sector to navigating a major geographical and asset-class shift into hospitality and development projects in Portugal. He delves into the challenges of pivoting during the uncertainty of COVID-19, building a team to tackle regulatory complexities, and creating impactful projects like the Jacob Rees Bathhouse in New York. Jonah also reflects on the principles that guide his decision-making, the importance of strong partnerships, and Aulder Capital’s vision for hospitality-focused, boutique ventures in high-foot-traffic locations.

Chapters:
00:01 - Introduction to Jonah Bamberger and Aulder Capital

01:16 - From consulting to launching Aulder Capital: A real estate journey

03:08 - Challenges of the last two years and pivoting to Portugal

04:27 - Why Portugal? Regulatory advantages and local partnerships

06:19 - Developing A-class housing in Porto: A market ripe for innovation

08:08 - Making the leap: The pivotal decision to enter a new country

10:27 - Expanding into hospitality: Shifting asset classes and operational strategies

12:52 - Iconic projects in New York: From Rockaway Beach to Jacob Rees Bathhouse

15:22 - Keeping passion balanced with profitability in landmark developments

18:11 - Principles for navigating new markets and sustaining long-term success

20:31 - Shameless plug: Aulder Capital’s hospitality opportunities and partnerships

Get in touch with Jonah:

Linkedin: Jonah Bamberger

Website: Aulder Capital

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, host Asaf Raz talks with Daniel Brereton, Head of Investor Relations at Equity Multiple, a platform focused on making commercial real estate investment opportunities available to a broader audience. Daniel explains how Equity Multiple combines real estate expertise with a tech-forward approach to simplify investing in diverse assets across the capital stack, including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and equity positions. He shares insights into the current market dynamics, Equity Multiple’s strategies for mitigating risk in uncertain times, and the company’s focus on partnerships with experienced sponsors. Daniel also discusses the growing interest in Equity Multiple’s Ascent Income Fund, which aims to provide attractive returns through carefully vetted real estate debt opportunities.

Chapters:
00:01 - Introduction to Daniel Brereton and Equity Multiple’s mission

02:24 - Daniel’s background in wealth management and transition to real estate

04:37 - The current market: navigating interest rates and emerging opportunities

06:28 - The story behind Equity Multiple’s Ascent Income Fund

08:21 - Risk management strategies in real estate debt investing

10:17 - Leveraging technology and market insights for smarter underwriting

11:55 - Building capital pipelines and fulfilling investor demand

14:09 - Predictions on the commercial real estate market’s future trajectory

17:46 - Shameless plug: Equity Multiple’s Ascent Income Fund and partnership opportunities

Get in touch with Daniel:
Linkedin: Daniel Brereton 

Website: Equity Multiple

This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.

Learn more about Agora