Podcast
The Promote Podcast
Hosted by ten31 Media · EN
Your Commercial Real Estate Insider guide. From profiles of the biggest dealmakers to skyline-shaping transactions, we bring you the deals, breakdowns and war stories that move the market — for insiders, by insiders. From bad-boy guarantees to CMBS tranche warfare to syndicator sins, we cover it all.
Each week, The Promote Podcast explores three of the most interesting and consequential stories in CRE, taking you well beyond the headlines and into the heart of the action. Hosted by the award-winning “Bard of CRE,” Hiten Samtani, founder of ten31 media and author of The Promote newsletter, along with no-BS institutional insider Will Krasne. Also check out our 3x/week newsletter for industry insiders at https://www.thepromote.com/
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Episodes
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CRE's Paypal Mafia: The JMB Realty Story
Yesterday00:35:53Summary readyIn this special episode, we dive deep into the story of JMB Realty Corporation, one of the most influential firms in the modern history of CRE, with a playbook and an alumni network that continue to shape the industry today. You could argue that if JMB didn’t exist, real estate syndication would look very different today. M&A would look very different today. Hell, even the Heavenly Bed wouldn’t exist. From its humble beginnings as a glint in the eyes of Neil Bluhm, Judd Malkin and Robert Judelson, to its status as the powerhouse firm of the 80s and its legacy as the firm whose alum birthed Starwood, Blackstone Real Estate, Northwood and scores of other industry leaders, we explore it all. This is a must-listen both for industry vets and for up-and-comers looking to understand why the CRE industry looks the way it does today.Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors. And check out their must-read SNF primer here.2) This episode is supported by Real Property Captive, the first group captive insurance for mid-market owners. Check out their platform to tap into the same insurance framework used by the market’s biggest players and get dividends from unused premiums.3) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.For brand partnerships: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comFor podcast swag: Cop your CRE insider hats, hoodies, and pod swag at CRE's merch-ant bank.Up your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Here's 10% off on annual subscriptions: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:How Deal of the Decade Undid Malkin and Bluhm A Split for JMB Founders; Bluhm Starts Own Deal FundAfter Slide, Bluhm Is Blooming AgainIn Starwood Hotels, Barry Sternlicht reprises his greatest roleJMB REALTY TO BUY CADILLAC FAIRVIEWA REALTY CONCERN WITH A BIG APPETITE
SummaryS2's REIT Wipeout & A Lender's Extreme Show of Faith
1w ago00:32:35Summary readyThis week, we dive into Sunbelt multifamily kingpin’s Scott Everett's (S2 Capital) audacious attempt to save his distressed portfolio via a private REIT – an attempt coming apart in real time. It's an opportunity for us to discuss the Sunbelt ZIRP-fueled boom/bust, the broader syndicator reckoning and how figuring out how to survive is sometimes all you can do. It’s then time to talk fathers and sons – a long-stalled FiDi site at 8 Carlisle may finally see salvation after lender Maxim Capital kept the faith in developer Grubb Properties after a decade-long debacle by the Ohebshaloms. And then it’s time to unpack the real estate legacy of a G-reat man,just-passed media mogul Ted Turner. Plus, our Punch List rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: A sextortion plot against Fortress founder Wes Edens; Gary Barnett's latest assemblage; La Caisse and EB-5 investors taking a bath in Brooklyn; and Soloviev's $526M windfall at a Manhattan office trophy. Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors. And check out their must-read SNF primer here.2) This episode is supported by Pensford, the only interest-rate advisory focused exclusively on CRE. With over 10,000 rate caps under its belt, Pensford is your go-to partner to navigate rates.3) This week's Punch List is brought to you by Real Property Captive, the first group captive insurance for mid-market owners. Check out their platform at RPCaptive.com to tap into the same insurance framework used by the market’s biggest players and get dividends from unused premiums.For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.For brand partnerships: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comFor podcast swag: Cop your CRE insider hats, hoodies, and pod swag at CRE's merch-ant bank.Up your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Here's 10% off on annual subscriptions: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:S2's REIT ReckoningS2 Capital targets $1B for multifamily private REITThe Alan Stalcup InterviewMultifamily's Icarus: Alan Stalcup On the RecordFortress Co-Founder Allegedly Extorted by Sexual PartnerFiDi Telenovela Set For Happy EndingDebt Fund Whac-A-Mole Ted Turner - Atlanta Magazine ProfileBorn to Be Wired - John Malone MemoirTalking Tycoons: Tom Cousins
SummaryMega-Marriage of Convenience and Miami’s Abuelagate
2w ago00:35:09Summary readyThis week, we discuss multifamily’s mega-marriage of convenience: After getting no love from the Street for being merely huge, multifamily REITs Equity Residential and AvalonBay are considering a merger. Will overuses the word “tectonic,” but it really does apply here, so we’re going to dive in as deep as we can. We then leave the public markets behind for a telenovela playing out at an old-school Miami real estate family: major developer Terra Group’s David Martin is being accused of playing the part of a Bollywood villain. This is the exact kinda story lineup we love here at The Promote - a lil’ meat, a lil’ masala. Plus, our Punch List rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: KKR's data-center play; Alan Stalcup's Starwood PGs; Newmark's earnings; Aby Rosen battles German lender at Soho hotel; Anthropic's NYC leasing tear.Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by Pensford, the only interest-rate advisory focused exclusively on CRE. With over 10,000 rate caps under its belt, Pensford is your go-to partner to navigate rates.2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors. And check out their must-read SNF primer here. 3) This episode is supported by Cohorts, your go-to peer group of GPs going through the same challenges as you. Check them out at joincohorts.com4) This week's Punch List is brought to you by DealNav, a map-first CRM and deal-tracking tool built by acquisition fiends for acquisition fiends. Our listeners get 50% off their first year by going to deal-nav.com and using code “ThePromote” at checkout. For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.For brand partnerships: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comUp your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Here's 10% off on annual subscriptions: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Swag store is live! Cop your CRE insider hats, hoodies, and pod swag at CRE's merch-ant bank. Further reading/listening:Multi’s Marriage of ConvenienceAm I Being Too Subtle?: Straight Talk From a Business RebelThe Eccentric Genius of Trammell CrowMultifamily on Hard ModeTrammell Crow, Master Builder: The Story of America's Largest Real Estate Empire Inside the Meruelo family schism Sol Asylum
SummaryAman’s Dirty Laundry & Atlanta’s Phantom Megaproject
3w ago00:36:41Summary readyThis week, we have the this-is-too-weird-to-be-real tale of Forge Atlanta, a $3.8 billion megaproject with the most bizarro development team and history we’ve ever come across for a project of this scale. We know ground-up is smoke and mirrors even on a good day, but this is NEXT LEVEL. We then slip into linen trousers and head to the embattled sun-kissed shores of hospitality giant Aman, where the involvement of a mysterious international fugitive has caused all sorts of drama between Aman and key partners Cain International and PIF. And finally, a quick wardrobe change into earnings-call appropriate attire, as CBRE absolutely crushes the AI boom.Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com3) This week's Punch List is brought to you by Real Property Captive, the first group captive insurance for mid-market owners. Check out their platform at RPCaptive.com to tap into the same insurance framework used by the market’s biggest players. For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.For brand partnerships: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comUp your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Here's 10% off on annual subscriptions: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:Mysterious Developer Is Pushing Billions In Georgia MegaprojectsDeveloper Defaults On Mortgage For Planned $3.8B Atlanta MegaprojectWebstar Seeks Tax Break For $750M Forge Atlanta DevelopmentThe Aman Infiltration: How a Global Money Laundering Kingpin Tainted a $3 Billion Hotel BrandThe Aman Connection: How a Transnational Fugitive Became a Pillar of Dubai’s Most Elite AddressCain International Invests in Aman Group to Support Global Expansion StrategyPod: Behind the Deal - One Beverly HillsCain and AbleBillion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World Meta partners with CBRE to train data center techniciansCBRE Profit Jumps 95%, Fueled By Data CentersHigh Rise: How 1,000 Men and Women Worked Around the Clock for Five Years and Lost $200 Million Building a Skyscraper
SummaryThe Frum Fraudfather & Pied à Terre Purgatory
4w ago00:38:41Summary readyThis week, we finally tackle the story of Mark Nussbaum – the real estate attorney who became the nexus of the underground Orthodox CRE dealmaking world, facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars in deals and "show capital" before it all collapsed spectacularly in a wave of lawsuits, criminal fraud allegations, and even the suicide of a close collaborator, Mendy Steiner. Nussbaum's tale is a lens into the gray economy of the frum, where huge deals are often done on a handshake and under the aegis of a close-knit community. We also explore New York's new push for a pied-a-terre tax, which has serious momentum with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul in lockstep. Finally, we look at how Dubai billionaire developer Hussain Sajwani's luxury condo at the site of the Surfside tragedy has yet to sell a single unit – a new development launch is like an IPO - you only get one shot at setting the narrative.Plus, our Punch List rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: SREIT's $1.7B refi, SL Green's Hyundai Tribeca rescue, more Stargate troubles and Ares' C-PACE bet.Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com2) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.comFor feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comUp your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Here's 10% off on annual subscriptions: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:The Nussbaum-Steiner Escrow TrailDealmacher Nussbaum Charged W/ Grand LarcenyHush MoneyNussbaum's Firms File Ch. 11(Ephraim) Diamond in the RoughThe Pied-à-Terre Tax Has Failed Before. Could This Year Be Different?Tax The Rich: A Brief New York HistoryHabibi Come to Dubai Miami‘Donald of Dubai’: real estate mogul rubbing shoulders with TrumpTupac vs Biggie, CRE EditionzArjHivBrm11JMbA3M3Jf434hzO95GHzDxr0iwTG
SummaryMultifamily's Icarus: Alan Stalcup On the Record
Apr 1500:34:26Summary ready"Property management companies made my spreadsheets lie." "We're gonna move the pref to a 17. Okay, okay, Tom. You're fucking me right now. You know that, right?"This week, we break protocol to bring you a no-holds-barred interview with the poster child of the Sunbelt syndicator boom/bust, Alan Stalcup of GVA Management. Fueled by OPM, ZIRP, and an insatiable appetite for deals, Stalcup rode to the very top of the multifamily mountaintop, amassing 30,000 units in an acquisition spree for the ages. When rates turned, however, his firm became one of the highest-profile casualties, setting off a wave of defaults, investor & lender lawsuits, and explosive allegations of fraud. In this unplugged conversation with The Promote, Stalcup talks through his rise – how a software salesman became one of the biggest landlords in the country through savvy fundraising, rapid acquisitions and fast exits – his butting heads with the likes of Fortress Investment Group and his lenders, and the aftermath of GVA's collapse. We talk through property management, syndicator raises and what happens when you become Patient Zero of a much broader reckoning. Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.comFor feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comUp your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:The Alan Stalcup InterviewApartment Landlords Bleeding Cash Imperil $47 Billion of LoansReal Estate Investors Are Wiped Out in Bets Fueled by Wall Street LoansAustin real estate owner under federal investigation as lawsuits allege $100M fraudGVA and Alan Stalcup “cooking the books,” lawsuit alleges
SummaryMass Alt-luence & There's Something About Rabsky
Apr 800:37:49Summary readyThis week, we chop it up on how God is Smiling Upon Alts: The federal govt has put forward much-anticipated regulation that creates a smorgasbord of investment options for retirees – with major implications for CRE. Next, we discuss how Manhattan office has broken the $300 a foot barrier – twice in a month! And finally, we bust out our Marley Slims and head to Brooklyn, where Orthodox dealmaker Simon Dushinsky's unorthodox playbook at the Rabsky Group is dominating the development landscape.Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: New York real estate succession with Andrew Chung coming in to lead Extell; the Q of federal govt. usage of its real estate footprint; DHS' in-limbo $38B warehouse purchase plan; and RXR's recap of a prominent office-resi project.Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com2) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.comTo advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comFor feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.Up your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:Dept. of Labor proposes landmark rule to democratize access to alternative investments in 401(k) plansJon Gray Is Reshaping Blackstone Into Everybody's Investing MegastoreNot-So-Private Equity’s Retail Push Irks Traditional ClientsSingle-Malt Buildings Record-Breaking Lease at Soloviev Group's 9 West 57th StreetThe Rabsky Riddle
SummaryFrom BSDs to DSTs & a Lakewood Lad's SNF Summit
Apr 100:37:55Summary readyThis week, we talk some takeaways from institutional real estate’s March Madness, the PREA conference – we’ve got the latest on what the industry's biggest allocators & fund managers are thinking about. Then, we SNF around that quirky asset class’ latest megadeal - Chuny Herzka’s $1.7B acquisition of the Centers healthcare portfolio. And finally, the changing of the guard at Camden Property Trust and BGO's takeover of Bell Partners are great excuses to discuss 2 of our favorite themes – AUM Gobbling & the private-leaning shift in the capital markets. Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: Apollo HQ2; tenants pouncing on distressed buildings dies; and the Dubai real estate scene. Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.comTo advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comFor feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.Up your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and events and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:Ethan Penner on the changing nature of the CRE capital marketsHiten on Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast chatting about Dubai real estate and the GCC allocator Q The New Distress Play: Buy Your Own BuildingApollo Teases HQ 2Meet the AUM GobblersPodcast: Sixth Street's AUM GobblingNursing Home Power RosterPodcast: SNFing out MegadealsPodcast: Talking Tycoons: Tom Cousins
SummaryReubens on Rye and Apollo's Divine NNNtervention
Mar 2500:35:24Summary readyThis week, we dive into the life & times of two quintessential Men with Deep Pockets: Billionaire British Brothers David & Simon Reuben have become some of the most aggressive buyers of trophy hotel and retail assets across the country – many of them in various states of undress & distress. We then look at Apollo’s new NNN partnership with Realty Income - an alliance that says much about how both AUM Gobblers and vanilla REITs are saying they’ve got what the other needs. And finally, failed mega-retailer JCPenney is now the scene of a bruising battle with a jilted would-be buyer. Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: retail titan David Simon dies; Fannie & Freddie stocks freefall; Iran conflict raises questions about the Middle East's biggest CRE allocators.Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.comTo advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comFor feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.Up your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and events and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:You May Never See Us Again: The Barclay Dynasty:The Reuben Brothers’ self-described “black sheep” steps upPack up your roubles ...Inside Reuben Brothers’ NYC shopping spreeApollo To Invest $1B In 500 Realty Income Single-Tenant PropertiesPrivate Credit’s Manifest Destiny From Investment to Savings: When Finance Feeds on ItselfBill Ackman Solved the Wrong ProblemGary Barnett: The Father of Billionaires' Row
SummarySavills Gobbles Eastdil & Ray Washburne's Second Helpings
Mar 1800:37:41Summary readyThis week, we dive deep into the M&A deal that's all anyone in institutional CRE can talk about. Savills – yes Savills! – is buying Eastdil Secured for $1.1B. That gives the Brits some serious capital-markets firepower stateside, but the devil lies in the details of the golden handcuffs. Next, we strap on our Lucchese boots and head to Dallas, where legendary dealmaker Ray Washburne has grand plans for a convention center. We discuss his HoF deal for Highland Park Village and how he's part of a dying breed of CRE cowboy we’re obsessed with. Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: JPM marking down private-credit portfolios; BTR neutering bill passes Senate; chaos at US Attorney's office hampers mortgage-fraud investigations; and Ben Ashkenazy's big LA deal. Sponsors:1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com2) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.comTo advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.comFor feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.Up your CRE game: Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and events and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15Further reading/listening:The Savills-Eastdil PostgamePaper Chasers on TopRoy March Leading Voices InterviewThe Liar's BallKing of Capital: The Remarkable Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Steve Schwarzman and BlackstoneThe New Emperor of Highland Park VillageRay Washburne on the Highland Park Deal
Summary