The Deal Makers - An Agora production podcast

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Sep 2025

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About the show

The Deal Makers, an Agora production podcast, is a platform for leaders in the commercial real estate industry to share their personal stories of success and failure, business insights, and industry secrets because we believe in spotlighting the real people behind the deals. In The DealMakers, we will shine a light on the people behind high-performing real estate deals, unveil behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard before, and discuss growth opportunities for real estate investment experts. If you’re looking to learn more about top-performing GPs in America and how they MAKE deals, this podcast is for you!

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60 recent

September 3, 2025Episode 2427 min

S3E24 - Mark Goldfinger – Reinventing office space with Mindspace

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

June 25, 2025Episode 2329 min

S3E23 - David Auerbach – Why REITs still win

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

June 10, 2025Episode 2230 min

S3E22 - Jonathan Buckelew – Building an operator’s playbook

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

June 3, 2025Episode 2125 min

S3E21- Sam Morris - Is 2025 the new 2010 for multifamily investors?

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

March 19, 2025Episode 2023 min

S3E20- Josh Sason - Designing with Intention

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

February 26, 2025Episode 1918 min

S3E19 - Tyler Jordan - Demystifying international real estate investment

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

February 12, 2025Episode 1819 min

S3E18- Sean O’Dowd - Is build-to-rent the future of low-risk investments?

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

January 15, 2025Episode 1720 min

S3E17 - George McCleary - Fighting squatters and title fraud: Real estate's hidden battles

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

December 31, 2024Episode 1622 min

S3E16 - Jonah Bamberger -Landlords as housing providers: Lessons from New York to Porto

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

December 24, 2024Episode 1520 min

S3E15- Daniel Brereton - Making commercial real estate accessible

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