The Zelnik Exchange

Hosted by Cory Zelnik

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Zelnik Exchange with Cory Zelnik, a New York City based Real Estate executive. Listen in as Cory shares words and stories with various executives, business leaders, journalists, lawyers and other professionals. The purpose of this podcast is to have good and insightful conversations with thought leaders, discuss various satellite industries and topics surrounding real estate, and introduce our audience to the excellent people within the Zelnik & Co. sphere of influence. You never know what you could learn from this week's exchange. Welcome to The Zelnik Exchange. ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @Zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share, or leave us a review if you enjoyed the podcast.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 20, 202645 min

039: Dr. Dawn Jourdan, Dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland

Dr. Dawn Jourdan is Dean of the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland, where she leads an interdisciplinary community of architects, planners, preservationists, and real estate developers committed to shaping more just, vibrant, and sustainable places. Trained as both a lawyer and an urban planner, Dr. Jourdan holds a J.D. and a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning. This dual expertise uniquely positions her at the intersection of law, policy, and the built environment. Her scholarship and teaching have established her as a national thought leader in constitutional law and land use, with a distinctive specialization in the regulation of signs and wayfinding. She has written extensively on how the First Amendment informs local governments' ability to regulate signs, balancing free expression with community character, safety, and economic vitality. As dean, Dr. Jourdan champions a vision for the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation that leverages design, planning, preservation, and development to inspire positive change—preparing the next generation of professionals to design and steward places where people and communities thrive. ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

August 6, 202643 min

038: Nicole Mihalka, Senior Vice President at CBRE

Nicole Mihalka is a Senior Vice President at CBRE, where she specializes in leasing advisory and transaction services across creative office, entertainment, and studio space in Los Angeles. She brings extensive experience in the market, with a strong track record in Hollywood and deep relationships across the entertainment and music industries. Beyond her brokerage work, Nicole is also known for her civic leadership and commitment to mentoring women in commercial real estate. Find Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-mihalka-88b1982/ ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

July 23, 202632 min

037: Michael Mogerman, Partner at ForeFront Commercial

Michael Mogerman is a commercial real estate professional and Partner at ForeFront Commercial, where he specializes in retail tenant representation and strategic site selection across the Southeast. With more than a decade of experience in retail real estate and an MBA in Real Estate Development, Michael works with national, regional, and emerging brands—as well as developers and property owners—to identify high-performing locations and execute successful deals. His work focuses on helping clients expand through the right real estate strategy. From market analysis and site sourcing to lease negotiation and deal execution, Mogerman guides clients through every stage of the process while uncovering both on-market and off-market opportunities. Known for his strategic insight, strong industry relationships, and relentless drive, Mike is passionate about helping clients navigate complex markets and secure locations that support long-term growth and value. Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mogermancre/ ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

July 9, 202639 min

036: Shlomo Chopp, Managing Partner at Case Equity

Shlomo Chopp is a commercial real estate executive with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in distressed assets and complex loan/property situations. He is the managing partner of Case Equity, a CRE investment and advisory firm that focuses on distressed debt restructuring, CMBS workouts, and value-add acquisitions for family offices and institutional investors. The firm manages over $500 million in assets and brings decades of expertise in turning complicated, distressed situations into value. Chopp began his career in 2003 at a pioneering proptech company, where he quickly excelled in deal-making and acquisitions while using emerging technologies to identify undervalued opportunities. In 2010, following the Great Financial Crisis, he founded Case Property Services (CPS), mastering the restructuring and unwinding of distressed structured finance loans and commercial mortgage-backed securities. His innovative approach has consistently delivered recoveries well beyond initial forecasts, and across his career he has managed and advised on more than $4 billion in commercial real estate assets across the entire capital stack. Beyond finance, Chopp is a recognized innovator with four granted U.S. patents and additional patents pending for integrating e-commerce with retail environments, and he has been named a Top Retail Expert by Rethink Retail for four consecutive years. He also dedicates significant pro bono time to help borrowers with smaller loans navigate complex transactions. Based in the Hudson Valley with his family, he is a sought-after thought leader whose insights are regularly featured in top-tier publications and shared with leading institutions and investors. ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

June 25, 202630 min

035: Suzanne Schefcik, Vice President at Colliers

Suzanne Schefcik is a commercial real estate broker focused on investment sales of retail centers and automotive properties in the Minneapolis market. She works on deals ranging from $1 million to $20 million, helping clients navigate everything from single-tenant net lease investments to multi-tenant shopping centers. She's a CCIM designee and an active member of CREW, ICSC, the Retail Real Estate Network MN and also serves on a Metropolitan Council committee, staying closely connected to the growth and evolution of the region. Suzanne is known for her relationship-first approach and for bringing a practical, on-the-ground perspective to today's retail market. She's also built a strong presence on social media, connecting with other real estate professionals and sharing insights from the field—whether she's touring properties, attending industry events, or making deals happen. Outside of work, Suzanne is a busy mom of four who's balancing family life with a fast-paced career in commercial real estate. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-schefcik-ccim-65a959129/ Instagram: @crewannabe ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

June 11, 202639 min

034: Stephen Palmese, Co-Founder and Managing Principal at Integritas Capital

Stephen Palmese is Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Integritas Capital, a vertically integrated private equity firm with a broad range of investments with a focus on commercial real estate private equity and private credit strategies. Since 2004, Integritas Capital has been the direct developer of more than $1 billion in real estate transactions and lead investor in more than $1.5 billion in real estate projects across ground up development, direct investment and preferred equity investment, the acquiring of non-performing loans and the origination of whole loans and mezzanine financing. In 2010, Palmese started Legacy Equity Ventures, an early-stage venture investment vehicle which has made over twenty direct investments. Stephen is a graduate of Georgetown University where he received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.), International Finance; New and Small Business Management. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-p-palmese-5b9b933/ ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

May 28, 202617 min

033: Q + A with Cory Zelnik

Today's episode is a Q + A session with you host and NYC CR legend Cory Zelnik! He'll be answering questions about pivotal career transactions and deals, lessons learned after 20 years of Zelnik & Co., and plans and visions for the future of retail realestate. ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

May 14, 202642 min

032: Ken Schuckman, President & CEO at Schuckman Realty Inc.

Kenneth Schuckman is the President and CEO of Schuckman Realty Inc., a leading real estate firm specializing in retail leasing, investment sales, and property development. With over 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Kenneth has built a stellar reputation for his strategic vision, innovative leadership, and commitment to excellence. Kenneth Schuckman's enduring success stems from his ability to combine industry expertise with forward-thinking strategies. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering long-term partnerships continues to position Schuckman Realty and BTF Capital Fund as leaders in the competitive real estate market. Ken Schuckman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenschuckman/ Ken's Instagram: @ kenschuckman Business IG: @ schuckmanrealty ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

April 30, 202639 min

031: Jack Irushalmi, President and CEO of Tri-Star Construction Corp.

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: Mr. Irushalmi is President and CEO of Tri-Star Construction Corp., a leading commercial interior construction firm in Manhattan. He has more than 25 years of ownership, corporate oversight and financial management experience at the company. As a seasoned real estate and construction executive, Mr. Irushalmi has a long history of success and commitment to excellence. His broad experience in all aspects of real estate augments his corporate construction and management experience and solid academic foundation to provide a comprehensive understanding of construction management. He applies his diverse expertise to enhance all elements of construction management projects including value engineering, assessment of the impacts of conceptual design decisions on project outcomes, and executive oversight and guidance of construction teams through all project phases. Mr. Irushalmi is a member of the Duke University Athletic Board, Board Co-Chair of the Earl Monroe Charter School, Board member of: Garden of Dreams Foundation, Inservice Foundation and The New Rens, former President of The Seawane Club and member of the Real Estate Board of New York. He is actively involved with numerous charities and causes including Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York, Rabin Medical Center, UJA, The Felix Organization and Prep for Prep. Mr. Irushalmi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-irushalmi-b1a03932/ On Instagram: @ tristarnyc ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts

April 16, 202635 min

030: Fly Jamerson, Director of Growth & Partnerships at MoVO Media Marketing

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: Fly Jamerson is the Director of Growth & Partnerships at MoVO Media Marketing , a social media marketing agency for busy commercial real estate professionals. Fly co- hosts Social Surge, a CRE Marketing morning talk show, with Mo Regalado. This dynamic duo also leads Social Mastery VIP, a digital marketing community for CRE brokers. Fly also serves as fractional Chief of Staff at CREi Summit, the premier CRE conference for using digital tools for business development. Fly has an MFA in Theatre, Film, and Television from the University of Arizona, and was a writer and producer in the entertainment business for 15 years before she started helping brokers sling buildings. Fly on Instagram: @ hey_itsfly Website: https://flyjamerson.com ABOUT YOUR HOST: Cory Zelnik, veteran real estate broker and Founder of Zelnik & Company, has launched, crafted, and packaged some of the largest corporate retail real estate expansions on the east coast. From working with JPMorgan Chase to food service giants Panda Express, Smashburger and Lenwich, Cory has presided over and specialized in the retail needs of prominent property owners and top retailers for more than three decades. When Cory is not running his business, his passions include running the streets of NYC, his family, The University of Maryland and the New York Knicks. Want to learn more? Visit the Zelnik & Company website at www.zelnikco.com Follow us: @zelnikco & @coryzelnik on Instagram. And please like, share or leave us a review if you enjoyed the Podcast. The Zelnik Exchange is produced in part by Su Madre Podcasts