April 16th, 2025

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Deborah Smith Co-Founder & CEO of The CenterCap Group. Deb is a trailblazer at the crossroads of real estate and finance. She’s passionate about real estate, all its asset classes, and mostly in finding the best solutions for her clients. That said, the size of her firm, her ability to see around corners, and capability to nimbly operate on all sides of a transaction makes way for creative transactions. She gets outside the box and is almost always out ahead on trends before the rest of the industry. She’d be a wonderful guest to discuss early trends and what she’s seeing and hearing on the ground.

April 15th, 2025

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February 20th, 2025

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast Interviews Andrew LaFuente of LaFuente Sign & Awning. Andrew started working in the trade at just 12 years old, as an apprentice, and it sparked a lifelong passion for craftsmanship and design. In 2015, I founded LaFuente Sign & Awning, and since then, the company has grown into one of the premier custom awning manufacturers in Greater Boston. Something very important to me throughout the years has been making my business successful enough that I am able to spend more time with my daughter. We serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients, and I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done. One recent example is the Boston sports mural and signing at Title City barbers, where many notable Boston sports players frequent for their haircuts. Our innovative designs, combined with our commitment to quality, have really set us apart. Over the years, we’ve modernized the way awnings are built, incorporating new materials and techniques that push the boundaries of traditional construction. It's been a true labor of love to see my company grow and evolve.

February 13th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Ruberto, Israel & Weiner Attorney's Adam Barnosky and Chris Agostino. Adam Barnosky chairs RIW’s Restaurant & Hospitality Practice Group and handles alcoholic beverage licensing, commercial real estate, and corporate transactions for the retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries; including the representation of restaurant groups, hotels, sports and entertainment companies, food halls, retailers, hospitality lenders, and award-winning chefs and operators. He completed the Boston Future Leaders program in 2023 and was recently named a 2024 Top Lawyer by Boston Magazine for the 4th year in a row and a 2024 Massachusetts Super Lawyer. Chris Agostino is a shareholder and serves as business counsel to clients across a range of industries, including commercial real estate, construction, lending, manufacturing, hospitality, retail sales and services, and transportation, including carriers and brokerages. His practice covers the lifecycle of most privately held businesses from entity formation, joint ventures, contracts, employment matters, and commercial finance, to mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning, "business divorces" and creditors’ rights. He was named a Top Lawyer by Boston Magazine in 2024.

January 9th, 2025

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ / NYREJ Podcast Interviews Kyle Dupell of Erland Construction. Kyle talks about his Journey in the industry and how Advanced Technology and Life Sciences have grown into our industry. As Project Executive at Erland Construction, I bring an extensive background and a robust client network in the lab and manufacturing space. My academic journey began at Norwich University, where I earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture. These foundational experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of the built environment and the importance of collaboration across disciplines. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working for several organizations spanning construction management, real estate development, and architecture. These diverse roles have equipped me with a holistic perspective on project execution, enabling me to navigate complex challenges and deliver value-driven results for clients. Since joining Erland, I’ve been dedicated to enhancing our advanced technology and life sciences offerings. One of my key contributions has been reestablishing our COLAB Solutions model, a platform that fosters seamless collaboration and innovation in project delivery. This initiative has strengthened our ability to address the unique demands of highly specialized facilities, emphasizing efficiency, adaptability, and client satisfaction.

December 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Jonathan Crandall of JC Grounds. Jon Crandall, founder and visionary behind JC Grounds Management, specializing in Commercial Snow and Ice Management in New England. Over the past 28 years, I have transformed a small lawn-mowing endeavor into a sophisticated operation, deploying over 1,000 people per snow event, backed by cutting-edge technology. As a former Chairman of the Board for the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA), I have contributed significantly to setting industry standards. I recently authored a book on snow removal best practices, with all proceeds going to charity. Jon discussed the innovations and challenges in snow and ice management, the impact of technology and data in improving service delivery, and strategic insights from my book, "Snow Removal Solutions for Property Managers." By sharing my journey and the lessons learned from engaging deeply with property managers, I aim to provide valuable advice to those on the buy side of snow and ice services in the real estate industry.

December 13th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/ NYREJ Podcast interviews Dov Hertz of DH Property Holdings. The real estate industry is entering a new cycle with a new administration, and there are a host of critical issues that will affect owners and developers. My experience as a developer for residential and hospitality assets, as well as my experience as an industrial real estate developer, enable me to provide insight into the forces that will shape the industry over the next several years.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Ngan Han President, Kristen Hurley Executive Director and Justin MacEachern of Gilbane Building. The group talks about how To help bring exposure to the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Boston, discuss the positive impacts that the organization has done over the years and to get more local firms involved.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of the NEREJ / NYREJ Podcasts Guest this week is Jonathan Garland Of JGE Architecture + Design / JGE Development LLC, In 2018 I founded two separate Boston-based, minority owned firms with a focus on commercial architecture and real estate development. Together the two firms form JGE, otherwise known as J. Garland Enterprises. Before launching into private practice, I served at director and associate principal level positions at design firms in Boston and New York. After nearly 25 years in the industry, I have been fortunate to work on an array of building and project types, ranging in scale, use, context and location. Some award winning and others on a very tight budget. Nonetheless they each provide an invaluable learning opportunity from which to grow, and in-turn convey to others. Our dual practices today share the belief that we bear a social responsibility to build, equitably, sustainably and contextually -- that in many ways defines our mission and allows us to evolve to more directly meet the needs of our communities.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Mitchell Korbey of Herrick, Feinstein LLP. Mitchell Talks about why City of Yes is a timely piece of legislation that, if approved, will dramatically change the city's housing landscape and make a big dent in the issue of affordable housing. I think your audience would find it interesting to hear about the specifics impacts of the finalized version on the city, and how this can serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives to spur housing development. More broadly, I can also talk about how zoning can be a tool to make progress in on pressing problems that impact both the city's real estate market and the economy. Tell us a little about yourself and some accomplishments: I'm a partner, and chair of Herrick's Land Use & Zoning Group. Mitch is an accomplished urban planner and land use attorney with more than 30 years of experience in private practice and government service. Mitch is a former Commissioner of the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), a former director of the Department of City Planning's (DCP) Brooklyn office, and a former deputy director of DCP’s Staten Island office.

November 20th, 2024

Host Rick Kaplan of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast with Brett Mercer and Steven Chick of Greek Real Estate Partners. Brett talk about his believes that exploring the state of the industrial logistics market in the Northeast will provide valuable insight for members of the industry, from investors and developers to space occupiers. The industry finds itself at a critical moment, coming out of a restrictive rates environment and possibly moving into a period of greater investment and development activity with both existing and ground-up facilities. Discussing solutions to challenges faced by the industry is especially relevant as industry members seek to build and upgrade facilities to meet both the current and future demands of occupiers, preparing for new technology and an evolving landscape for power and distribution. Steven will provide detailed insight into the mechanics and processes that enable industrial real estate owners and developers to reimagine and reposition existing facilities that may benefit from upgrades to technology and layout that create greater efficiency and meet the specific needs of current industrial space occupiers. The design/build process provides a cost-effective approach to repositioning and to new developments and expansions, reducing time and delivering a product with greater utility and value to owners and occupiers.

November 20th, 2024

Host Rick Kaplan of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Aeran Doron of Suffolk Construction. Aeran brings a unique perspective on the New York City construction industry for NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast listeners to enjoy. Aeran discusses how Suffolk is redefining the way they build through investments in innovative technology, data solutions, and artificial intelligence. Aeran also talks about current trends for the market, including the public sector, and about the new technology and Suffolk mentorship programs that are available for younger people interested in the industry.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ / NYREJ Podcast interviews Kevin Deabler of Rode Architects. Kevin is a design professional who has been immersed in Boston’s building and design community for nearly two decades, Kevin is eager to connect with the NEREJ’s audience about the current landscape. He has been at the forefront of major projects and innovation at the intersection of design and sustainability, in and around Boston, and can offer a unique perspective for your listeners. He brings a passion for talking about architecture, design, and the real estate scene in Boston, and the timing is wonderful for him to join as a guest, as RODE Architects is in the midst of growth momentum with the acquisition of a fellow Boston firm, McMahon Architects, earlier this month.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Randy Eckers of Reed Smith LLP. Randy has more than 20 years of experience as a real estate finance attorney, he represents large lending institutions, private equity funds, debt funds, banks, bond investors, C-PACE lenders and administrators, and property owners in a wide variety of commercial real estate financing, structured financing, and secondary market transactions. This past fall he was honored by the New York Real Estate Journal as visionary in the industry, and in February 2023 was named a top rainmaker in commercial real estate finance.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews John Schultzel of Olympia Hospitality. John began his career working in hotels and restaurants after earning his B.A. from Wesleyan University in 1991 and a Master of Management in Hospitality from the Hotel School at Cornell University. After more than a decade in various operating roles, he migrated to asset management with Host Hotels and then joined Olympia in 2001. With a balanced understanding of owner and operator perspectives, John has guided Olympia’s new development and growth opportunities over the last 2 decades. In that time, Olympia Hospitality has distinguished itself as a leading operator of boutique hotels specializing in campus hospitality and leisure destinations.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Fraidy Rapaport of Upscale Equities. Fraidy discusses her journey in the mortgage industry. I've been in the mortgage industry for more than two decades now, and let me tell you, it's been quite the journey. I've had the privilege of helping over 1,250 individuals/ clients and their families achieve the dream of homeownership, and there's nothing quite like the feeling of handing over the feeling of safety, security, and structure. Some of my proudest accomplishments are the following: - Closing over $130,000,000 worth of loans. - Successfully overcoming the biggest financial crisis (08) and being able to be in business as long as I have. - Being able to successfully help & guide multiple first-time homebuyers with unique and different situations. - Being an amazing, loving, responsible, and caring mother of 8 wonderful children that never cease to amaze me. Beyond that, I'm deeply passionate about educating others about the ins and outs of the mortgage process. Whether it's breaking down complex financial concepts or offering practical advice for first-time homebuyers, I'm always eager to share my knowledge and expertise.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ / NYREJ Podcast interviews Yiannes Einhorn Principal of Grid Group. Grid Group offers a full suite of real estate development services. Our projects reflect a hands-on commitment to quality and craft with a meticulous attention to detail. We built 124 West 16th Street, the only Manhattan development to launch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and completely sell out in less than a year, and 246 West 16th Street, which sold out in three weeks in 2021. Coming full circle and developing 601 Baltic, a boutique condominium near where I grew up. Also building our largest project to date: 145 Central Park, located directly on Central Park.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ / NYREJ Podcast interviews Stephen Wendel of Mountain Shore Properties. Stephen is a national commercial real estate developer (who is based between Fort Greene, Brooklyn and Charleston) with a focus on the Hudson Valley market in addition to many interesting submarkets throughout the country like NuLu in Louisville. He opened a hotel called Camptown in Leeds, New York last year, which is a partnership with the owners of Rivertown Lodge, one of the most popular boutique hotels in Hudson on Warren Street. Camptown was just featured on Esquire’s list of the “41 Best New Hotels in North America, Europe, and Beyond for 2024.” Camptown was an off market purchase of a former motor lodge which had been in the same family since the 1930s. Stephen met a commercial broker who specializes in the Hudson Valley while staying at a B&B in Greece who brought the opportunity to his attention. A lengthy renovation process began two weeks before the pandemic and faced supply chain delays and inflation spikes.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Jerry Rosengarten. Jerry Rosengarten is a Brooklyn-born serial entrepreneur whose greatest skill is an extraordinary ability to perceive form and structure–and opportunity–from within disorder, including developing products to deal with dyslexia, reimagining real estate, and investing early and heavily in solar energy. Rosengarten’s life of invention has led to substantial commercial success. His first big hit came in the 1970s with the leisure suit, which became a cultural fashion phenomenon that stoked his confidence and staked his growing desire to build landmark New York City projects like the Lofts and the A-list destination, The Bowery Hotel. Today, Rosengarten built and owns one of the largest private solar farms in the Northeast, located on Long Island’s eastern tip, and his creative passions are finely focused on environmental stewardship and active advocacy for those suffering from learning disabilities. https://www.jumponthetrainbook.com/

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Greg Vasil CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. Greg discussed the housing issues in the greater Boston area. For more information on this organization www.gbreb.com

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast Interviews Frank Callahan President of Mass. Building Trades Unions. Frank talks about Helmets to Hardhats, an important non-profit organization that assists Veterans in obtaining a career in the trades unions.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Jeremy Casey of SR Commercial. Jeremy Jeremy Casey is a founder and the Managing Partner of SR Commercial Realty. SR Commercial is an innovative commercial real estate advisor specializing in retail and industrial properties in MA & CT. The brokerage has a focused approach to clients and their properties by providing exceptional Responsiveness, Communication and Marketing. With over 15 years of extensive commercial real estate and lending experience Jeremy started the commercial brokerage in 2017 with himself and one other agent. He has grown the business to where it is today having closed over 500 commercial real estate transactions and now has a team of 10 agents and 2 operations staff. Jeremy's entrepreneurial journey started long before the success of SR Commercial. His first start up was Name Net Worth, a software company in Springfield, MA in 2014. He shares his unstoppable passion for entrepreneurship conducting workshops with many high schools and colleges in the Northeast such as, University of Hartford, Rhode Island, Western New England, and Westfield State to coach students delivering programs like: “How to Harness Your Inner Entrepreneur” and “Networking 101: Making Business Happen”. Jeremy is a Rotary International Paul Harris recipient as well as a Business West’s 40 under 40 award winner. He is heavily involved in the Western Massachusetts community where he has served as a President of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, as a Director of the board of The Rotary Club of Springfield, co-founder of Suit Up Springfield, and Vice President of the Board of Directors at Pathlight, Inc. Outside the office Jeremy has been known for doing voiceover work, stand-up comedy, and even rapping on stage with well-known artists

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Alex Cwiakala and Harrison Bonner of Wollaston Real Estate Investments. Alex and Harrison are two exciting new real estate developers with a vision. They are focusing on the western part of Massachusetts and developing a 27million portfolio in that region.

November 20th, 2024

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Pietro Barberi of GTL Construction in NJ. As Vice-President Pietro is responsible for management of the entire programming, planning, design, construction and move-in process from commencement through project closeout. He has managed the construction of live data center expansions, state-of-the art fitness centers and cafeterias, mixed-use residential projects, office interiors, and has been responsible for the implementation of leading-edge construction strategies. Pietro’s skills—combined with his dedication and “can-do” attitude—are valuable assets to GTL clients. Pietro brings solid expertise in just about every aspect of the construction life cycle to each of his engagements. Pietro has been involved with MEP infrastructure projects, as well as disaster recovery projects in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. He is responsible for all financial aspects of the firm including budget, cost control and management/mentoring of staff. He has extensive experience in negotiating material costs and terms with vendors/suppliers, prepared contracts with prospective clients and negotiated with executive-level members of financial institutions. Additionally, he works closely with the design team on each project, reviewing CDs, helping devise value-engineering solutions, conducting construction meetings and negotiating scope changes. All these qualities have assisted in delivering projects on time and within budget.