The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
A.Y. Strauss
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss dives deep into the world of commercial real estate, bringing you exclusive stories, insights, and strategies from the industry’s top investors, developers, and dealmakers.
Hosted by Aaron Strauss, founder and managing partner of A.Y. Strauss, a leading real estate law firm, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at what drives success in commercial real estate. From uncovering the unique edge of industry leaders to exploring the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced, this podcast is a must-listen for commercial real estate investors, developers, brokers, and professionals looking to sharpen their skills and stay ahead in the competitive market.
Whether you’re navigating real estate law, structuring deals, or scaling your portfolio, The Dealmakers’ Edge delivers actionable insights and inspiring stories to help you take your career to the next level. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and discover what it takes to thrive in commercial real estate today.
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Top 10 The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Focusing on ESG and Profitability with Molly Bordonaro, Managing Partner, The Green Cities Company
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
03/29/22 • 22 min
Molly Bordonaro, former U.S. Ambassador and The Green Cities Managing Partner, brings a unique perspective to commercial real estate. She talks with host Aaron Strauss about how investing in and developing physical structures are key to supporting community, equality, and our planet.
Highlights include:
• What it was like, at age 26, to be a woman running for U.S. Congress.
• What being a U.S. Ambassador to Malta taught her about America and the world.
• How to measure ESG impact with a number of metrics that expand beyond just environmental footprint.
• Why the way we build buildings is vital to our social, environmental, and physical future.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
Investing in Metaverse Real Estate with Andrew Kiguel, Founder & CEO, Tokens.com
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
02/15/22 • 26 min
Did you ever want to know what it’s like to buy and develop commercial real estate in the Metaverse? Join host Aaron Strauss as he chats with Andrew Kiguel about some of the biggest plays in Metaverse real estate.
Highlights include:
- What a plot of land is like in the Decentraland, Sandbox, and Mana.
- Influences in Metaverse culture from the seminal Snow Crash, to Grand Theft Auto, to The Matrix trilogy.
- Why brands like Nike, Gucci, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren are major players in the Metaverse.
- How the concept of provenance in digital assets is key to value and transactions.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
Secrets of the Industrial Sector with Sean Dalfen, President, Dalfen Industrial
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
01/26/22 • 16 min
Sean Dalfen, president of Dalfen Industrial, reveals the keys to success in real estate, but warns that they have nothing to do with instant gratification. He tells host Aaron Strauss how three generations of Dalfens have steered the business’ strategy for nearly a century, and how the firm currently manages its portfolio of last-mile industrial real estate acquisitions and developments.
Learn how Dalfen leverages both its cutting-edge, proprietary technology and knowledgeable boots-on-ground local teams to drive its steady upward trajectory through the cyclical nature of the real estate industry. The duo also discuss the importance of staying true to fundamentals, the value of longevity, and how commitment and focus actually are determining factors in the real estate industry.
Other topics include:
- What Dalfen looks for in a potential acquisition deal, including his initial evaluation questions;
- How a carefully honed corporate governance structure makes all the difference in a company’s success;
- Why Dalfen stays away from converting vacant shopping malls into industrial buildings;
- How finding problems you love to solve can result in finding the work you were meant to do.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
The Psychology of Emerging Markets with Adam Altman, Managing Member, The KABR Group
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
01/12/22 • 17 min
Inspired by the bustling, ever-changing neighborhoods of his youth, featured guest Adam Altman believes that the most profitable real estate investment portfolio is fueled by a clear understanding of the people – merchants, employers, employees, government officials, etc. – behind the community.
Altman and host Aaron Strauss discuss how that demographic understanding has always been part of The KABR Group’s approach to acquisitions and how the funds' savvy purchases (100+ assets), sales (50+ assets), ongoing operations (45 assets), and impressive investments (thousands of apartments, millions of square feet of office space, and nearly a billion dollars in construction) may have even sparked Jersey City’s development renaissance.
Additional highlights include:
- Altman's take on the best way to become part of the commercial real estate industry;
- The essential factors he considers when buying assets and which assets he believes give the best returns;
- How to handle setbacks, mistakes, investments that don’t align as anticipated; and
- The importance of having great mentors and eventually becoming one yourself.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
Supercharging a Family Business with Daniel Klein, President of Klein Enterprises
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
08/24/22 • 25 min
When Daniel Klein’s grandfather told him the family business needed him, he couldn’t say no. He took a pay cut, moved home, and started learning every component of building a healthy, recession-proof commercial real estate company. Fast forward twenty years later, and Klein has led the company to amass a $2 billion real estate portfolio. Listen as he shares a philosophical approach to the in’s and out’s of growing and managing a family business.
Highlights include:
- Positioning a family business for exponential growth.
- Handling the challenges of working in a family business.
- The “Forrest Gump” approach to commercial real estate deals.
Do you like this episode? Let us know at [email protected]!
ABOUT THE GUEST
Daniel Klein serves as President of Klein Enterprises, a 4th generation developer, owner, and operator of commercial real estate throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Daniel first began his career in real estate working with the maintenance crews of his grandfather’s shopping centers in 1996, eventually transitioning to the brokerage and investment side. Daniel officially joined Klein Enterprises in June 2004 and continued to master all aspects of the business including acquisitions, development, financing, leasing and management.
In his role as President, Daniel is responsible for the company’s overall performance, managing financing and capital raising, leasing, asset management, development & acquisitions. Daniel runs the Company each day with a focus on optimizing the performance of the existing portfolio while implementing a strategy for longer term growth.
Daniel graduated from Boston University with a BS in Communication and a concentration in Economics. Daniel holds a Real Estate Salesperson’s License in Maryland. Also, Daniel serves as a member of YPO (Young President’s Organization), the International Council of Shopping Center (ICSC) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Additionally, Daniel served on the Board of Trustees and Chaired the Facilities Committee for the Park School, acted as a member of the Board of Directors for the University of Baltimore Foundation, and currently serves on both the Board of Directors and the Board of Governors of The Associated (the Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore).
Bio courtesy of Klein Enterprises.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
Mastering Workspace As A Service, with Jamie Hodari, CEO & Co-founder of Industrious
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
09/06/22 • 32 min
On this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Jamie Hodari sits down with managing partner Aaron Strauss to discuss starting a flexspace industry leader, his mental edge for negotiations, and the pioneering way Industrious looks at the future of work.
Highlights include:
- How a dirty conference room table & IKEA led to innovation.
- The key questions for an early-stage entrepreneur to ask.
- The future of Flex workspace.
- Jamie’s top recommendations for keeping a mental edge.
Like this episode? Tell us at [email protected].
ABOUT THE GUEST
Jamie Hodari is the co-founder and CEO of Industrious – one of the leading professional coworking & office flexspace companies in the world. As of September 2022, Industrious has over 150 locations across more than 65 cities, from London to Singapore to New York City and everywhere in between.
Jamie is a graduate of Columbia University, Harvard University, and Yale Law School. His career began as a reporter for The Times of India before a brief stint in private practice at Sullivan & Cromwell. In 2011, he co-founded his first startup—Kepler Kigali—which focused on affordable education programs. Soon after, he co-founded Industrious with longtime friend Justin Stewart and managed both companies simultaneously for a short period.
Industrious has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s 500 fastest growing companies and special recognition in the “Best Startup Employers” category. A privately-held company, Industrious has secured strategic partnerships with major industry players that include CBRE, Wells Fargo, and Equinox.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
The Prodigy of Real Estate Syndication, with Lawrence N. Taylor, CEO & Founder of Christina
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
09/20/22 • 30 min
On this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Lawrence “Larry” Taylor sits down with managing partner Aaron Strauss to discuss a true rags to riches story—from humble beginnings in Pennsylvania coal country to building a real estate investment empire in Los Angeles.
Highlights include:
- Negotiating his first real estate deal at age 11.
- A life-changing conversation with LA Lakers owner Jerry Buss.
- The three rules of the syndication business.
- Maintaining a 40+ year track record without a single loss to investors.
- Navigating a potential recession and looming interest rates.
Like this podcast? Let us know at [email protected].
ABOUT THE GUEST
Lawrence N. Taylor is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Christina. Mr. Taylor is responsible for vision, strategy and leadership. Mr. Taylor is a seasoned investor with over 40 years of real estate experience in the Westside region of Los Angeles. Mr. Taylor’s notable projects include the introduction of high-rise residential development in North Century City, the development of the Montana Avenue Shopping District in Santa Monica, revitalization of the South Beverly Hills Retail Shopping District and re-development of Westwood Village. Mr. Taylor started his career with Ernst & Young (formerly Kenneth Leventhal & Company). Mr. Taylor received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California in 1975.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
The Dealmaker of The Future with Dr. Peter Linneman
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
10/03/22 • 28 min
What does the future hold? More volatility, a greater need for fundamentals, and a society in which people live well past age 100. On this episode, Aaron Strauss sits down with one of the most respected academics and economists in commercial real estate to discuss his illustrious career, the 3 common traits of successful dealmakers, and his latest book (“The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow”). You don’t want to miss this!
Highlights include:
• Starting a career from scratch in commercial real estate.
• The current 2022 economic climate and keys to reaching 2023.
• The three defining traits of a successful dealmaker.
• How living beyond age 100 will impact society.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
The American Dream Mindset with Swapnil Agarwal, CEO of Nitya Capital & KPM Property Management
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
10/17/22 • 23 min
For Swapnil Agarwal, building a multifamily value-add impact fund is personal. He experienced firsthand the challenges that face these low-income communities - first in India and then in Texas when his family immigrated at age 15. He shares his keys to succeeding in commercial real estate, the story behind Nitya Capital, and how his team is paying it forward while building a multi-billion dollar portfolio.
Highlights include:
• Turning humble beginnings into a competitive advantage.
• A walkthrough of his first major multifamily deal.
• Taking a key role in building communities.
• The winning mindset for growing two successful companies.
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
Strategic Growth in Urban Real Estate with David Berg
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss
04/17/25 • 26 min
David Berg is a Partner at Infinity Real Estate, where he oversees acquisitions, investment ventures, and the firm’s overall investment strategy. Since joining in 2011 as Investment Director, David has led Infinity’s expansion into the Philadelphia and Miami markets while managing key lender and investor relationships. Under his leadership, the firm is currently developing or repositioning over one million square feet of commercial and residential property.
David has played a central role in shaping Infinity’s growth, executing transactions totaling over $750 million across multifamily, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use assets. His entrepreneurial approach and deep expertise in capital transactions have made him a driving force behind Infinity’s diversified portfolio. Prior to Infinity, he worked at Monday Properties on high-profile Class A office towers, including 230 Park Avenue and an 11-asset portfolio in Rosslyn, Virginia. He also served as Vice President of Acquisitions at Mermelstein Development and began his career in investment banking at JPMorgan and RBC Capital Markets.
A graduate of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, David holds degrees in Finance and Real Estate. He is a Vice President of the Ocean Drive Association, co-chair of the South Beach Business Improvement District, board member of the Washington Avenue BID, and Vice President of the Española Way Association. A lifelong athlete and devoted supporter of the ASPCA and Jewish National Fund, David lives in Miami Beach with his wife Maya, their son Elijah, and their dog Roux.
Insights from David Berg on Scaling, Strategy, and Urban Market Expansion
David Berg shares how personal roots and deep local networks have shaped Infinity Real Estate’s expansion into Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Miami. Markets where on-the-ground experience and community alignment have led to successful redevelopment strategies. He explains how Infinity identifies value in historic properties, avoids the “dumb tax” of new market entry, and remains responsive to shifting dynamics through a nimble, entrepreneurial approach.
In this episode, David also discusses Infinity’s return to New York City’s retail sector and why today’s volatility is creating compelling opportunities for disciplined, contrarian investors. He offers a candid look at how he manages the emotional demands of high-stakes development, and shares the personal routines that help him stay grounded, focused, and effective in a constantly evolving industry.
1:30 – David’s roots and path to real estate
4:15 – Early career moves
7:00 – Joining Infinity Real Estate and the firm’s early focus on workforce housing in D.C.
9:45 – Strategic expansion into Philly and Miami
12:00 – The Clay Hotel project and how COVID catalyzed a move to Miami
14:50 – Community involvement and leadership in Miami Beach redevelopment
17:10 – The Garden Court Towers project in West Philly and Infinity’s preservation-first approach
19:45 – Why Infinity is re-entering the NY market after nearly a decade
22:10 – Managing stress, staying agile, and how Infinity builds a resilient team culture
Mentioned In Strategic Growth in Urban Real Estate with David Berg
Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [email protected] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:
- Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
- Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
- Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
- Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss have?
The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss currently has 59 episodes available.
What topics does The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss cover?
The podcast is about Business Podcast, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Real Estate Podcast, Development, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss?
The episode title 'Tech & Data-Driven Approach to Financing with Jonathan Pratt, SVP, Capital One' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss?
The average episode length on The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss is 26 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss released?
Episodes of The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss are typically released every 20 days.
When was the first episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss?
The first episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss was released on Nov 17, 2021.
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