The Promote Podcast
ten31 Media
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/
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/
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 23, 2025 • 27min
The Rise of Pref & Meridian Out of Agency Jail
Discover the booming trend of preferred equity deals in real estate and their implications for investors. Learn about Meridian Capital Group's recent revival after being sidelined by Fannie Mae and what it means for the brokerage's future. Dive into the repercussions of tariffs shaking up the CMBS market, causing chaos and transaction paralysis. Explore the evolving dynamics of financing and how market uncertainties challenge both investors and smaller tenants in today’s climate.
Apr 16, 2025 • 27min
Tariff Terror, $11,000 psf condos & Starwood's land bets
This week, we discuss the fear & loathing set off in the CRE markets by the Trump tariffs, looking at the impact both on fund managers and on developers – construction costs are "completely a swag" as co-host Will puts it. We then look at Miki Naftali's megabet on a Fifth Avenue condo site where he believes he can set a new high-water mark – $11,000 per square foot – on pricing. We touch upon Floyd Mayweather's shady Upper Manhattan deal, and finally, we chop it up on Starwood's latest land play.
Apr 9, 2025 • 30min
Gary Barnett: The Father of Billionaires' Row
Explore the fascinating journey of Gary Barnett, from diamond dealer to mogul of Manhattan's Billionaires' Row. Discover how he transformed New York's luxury real estate scene with iconic projects like One57. Delve into high-stakes negotiations and creative financing strategies that define his career. Uncover family feuds in real estate and the legal complexities of co-ownership disputes. This narrative paints a vivid picture of the risks and rewards in the competitive world of Manhattan property development.
Apr 2, 2025 • 20min
Crowd Comes for CrowdStreet & LifeCo Lenders Roar
Explore the shocking crowdfunding scam involving CrowdStreet and the repercussions linked to Elie Schwartz. Hear about the negligence in overseeing investor funds and the bizarre twists, including luxury watches and unusual contract clauses. Discover how CMBS is adapting to fill the gap left by banks in construction financing. Plus, delve into the controversial nepotism practices at Paramount Group and how life insurance companies have transformed into vital players in private equity. It's a rollercoaster of real estate insights!
Mar 26, 2025 • 28min
Related's Signature Bank Heist & Newmark Vs. Eastdil
This week, we discuss the rivalry between two mighty CRE brokerages, Eastdil Secured and Newmark, polar opposites in terms of culture and compensation model. We break down the bombshell lawsuit filed by Wells Fargo against JPMorgan, accusing the bank of financial chicanery in a mega-loan for the Chetrit Group. And we dive into Related's "heist" of Signature Bank's rent-stabilized loan portfolio, discussing how politics and connections can sometimes beat out a higher bidder.
Mar 17, 2025 • 31min
Heat on Chetrit & Cohen's Fortress of Pain
The struggles of the Chetrit family reveal the harsh realities of New York's real estate market under immense debt pressure. Innovative financing strategies for a resort amusement park highlight the evolving landscape of real estate investment. The complexities of personal guarantees in high-stakes financing create tension between developers and lenders. Exploring billionaire heirs' challenges underscores the need for proactive leadership in turbulent times. Plus, Reed Hastings' vision for a private ski resort adds a unique twist to the dynamic conversation about community development.
Mar 9, 2025 • 29min
Bad Boy Carveouts & Skyscraper Ransoms
Dive into the intriguing world of commercial real estate as Bad Boy Guarantees reshape borrowing dynamics. Discover the high-stakes skirmish around Manhattan's skyscrapers, where titans clash for dominance. Delve into PIMCO's turbulent journey as it grapples with a tarnished reputation in private credit. Explore the pressures lenders impose on borrowers, and the evolving tactics to reclaim assets. Lastly, uncover how branding and 'aura' play vital roles in investment decisions, shaping perceptions and securing trust in a competitive landscape.
