June 10th, 2026

Rick Kaplan Host of the NEREJ/ NYREJ Podcast interviews Benjamin Stef of Nexa Lending. www.fundingfreedom.net Ben talks about really unique, high-leverage loan programs that most investors don't know about that can help them scale faster. We've been able to scale our mortgage business to multiple six figures in less than 6 months all while keeping margins low in order to benefit the investors and their pockets. At this point I've been invited to many other podcasts and speaking engagements sharing the knowledge my team and I have. Because we work with so many real estate investors at a high level across the country, we get to see a lot of strategies that work and a lot of strategies that don't work, coupled with having mortgage and lending knowledge, so we know how to structure deals to make sense on paper.

May 27th, 2026

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/ NYREJ Podcast Interviews Jens Nielsen of Open Doors Capital. Jens spent 27 years in IT and telecom before transitioning full-time into real estate investing and coaching. Since 2016 I've been a partner in over 2,700 apartment units and 100,000+ square feet of commercial real estate, and I’ve raised over $10M in private capital. Over the past few years, I’ve also shifted focus toward industrial and other commercial assets, while helping investors and business owners improve decision-making, operations, and long-term strategy. What’s shaped me most isn’t just the growth—it’s navigating challenging deals, lender negotiations, and market shifts, which has forced me to become more disciplined around risk and capital preservation. Tells us what you would like to discuss on the show? ’d focus on how commercial real estate investors can adapt right now, especially as traditional multifamily deals have become harder to make work: Pivoting Across Asset Classes How investors can move into areas like light industrial or niche commercial to continue finding value. What Actually Works in Today’s Market Adjusting underwriting, debt strategy, and hold periods in a higher-rate environment. Risk Management from an Operator’s Perspective Lessons from managing through tough deals, working with lenders, and protecting investor capital.

May 21st, 2026

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interview with Rod Santomassimo of The Massimo Group. massimo.coach Rod Santomassimo is the founder of The Massimo Group, the leading coaching organization for commercial real estate brokers worldwide. He is a five-time bestselling author, a patented inventor, a former division one athlete, and a two-time recipient of Duke University’s MBA Alumni of the Year award. Globe St. and ALM Media have also named Rod a "Best Boss in Commercial Real Estate,” a recognition that reflects both his leadership and the culture he has built. Rod helps brokers earn more in less time by immersing them in the people, processes, and platforms proven to drive exponential growth. He’s leading the way in integrating AI into commercial real estate, assisting his clients in streamlining their work and securing more opportunities faster. Outside the office, Rod spends time with his wife of 30 years and their two grown children.

May 14th, 2026

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews David Fields CEO of AcquiOS. Acquios.ai David Talks about how AI is fundamentally changing the speed and quality of commercial real estate deal analysis and what that means for acquisitions teams right now. Specifically: how firms are going from receiving 50+ broker emails a week and spending 5–10 hours per deal on underwriting to getting first-cut models in minutes, in their own templates. I'd also want to touch on the difference between AI tools that track your pipeline versus AI that actually tells you what a deal is worth. And I think your audience would find it interesting to hear how the platform learns from a firm's historical deals so that the 11th deal you underwrite is smarter than the first, essentially building a proprietary knowledge base that compounds over time. Happy to also get into the practical side: what does human-in-the-loop AI actually look like, and how do investment professionals stay in control while moving dramatically faster.

May 6th, 2026

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Dave Ellis of Ellis Realty Advisors http://ellisrealtyadvisors.com Dave works with businesses, developers, landlords, tenants, and investors to understand and anticipate their business needs. He aims to create real estate solutions that help clients succeed. He grew up swinging a hammer next to his father, building homes on the South Shore. He is always looking at all sides of the market and is proud to provide outstanding service to buyers and sellers, adding insight, creativity, and value to help clients achieve their vision. Ellis Realty Advisors is establishing Hingham's 4 Pond Park as a new hub for business collaboration on the South Shore. It will also serve as the firm's new headquarters. Dave will discuss what the project will mean for the future of Ellis Realty and the South Shore.

April 30th, 2026

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interview with Alex Brito of RKTB Architects www.RKTB.com. Alex is a registered architect in New York State and a member of both the American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects. I studied my craft at Spitzer School of Architecture and Environmental Studies (City College of New York) and since then have amassed decades of experience in design, production, and project management across a variety of sectors, including affordable, supportive and market-rate multi-family housing; transportation; civic and cultural works; and educational facilities. With RKTB since 1992, I rose through the ranks and was named a partner in 2015. I've worked extensively on pre-design phases of projects such as zoning analyses and NYC building code analyses, as well as designing and managing major projects like East Clarke Place Court, Salem House, Site 8 Apartments, Cathedral Gardens, Anchor House for Women, P.S.29Q, and The AirTrain terminal in Jamaica, Queens. Recently I was named a board member of the New York Citizens Housing & Planning Council (CHPC).

April 7th, 2026

Rick Kaplan Host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Toni Dupell of EQUANS Services Inc. www.equansservices.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-dupell/ Toni talks about what EQUANS delivers a comprehensive suite of solutions that support mission‑critical environments. Our expertise includes Integrated Facilities Management, technical operations, asset management, building automation, and energy optimization. In the life science space, we help organizations maintain compliant, high‑performance facilities that enable research, development, and production without operational risk. We're here to fill the technical gaps traditional FM firms may miss in these highly technical environments. Sustainability is also a major focus for us. EQUANS partners with clients to reduce carbon footprints, improve building efficiency, and implement long‑term strategies that align with environmental goals while lowering operational costs. Thank you again for having me on the New England Real Estate Podcast today. I truly enjoyed our conversation and appreciated the opportunity to highlight my story, Women in Bio - Greater Boston, and the work we’re doing at EQUANS Services Inc., especially within the life sciences sector.

April 2nd, 2026

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Matthew Fornaro, P A' www.fornarolegal.com As a business law attorney with over two decades of experience navigating commercial litigation, contract disputes, construction law, and real estate matters here in Florida, I’ve seen firsthand how legal strategy shapes the success and growth of companies, large and small. Since founding my practice, I’ve been passionate about supporting entrepreneurs as they launch new ventures, guiding them through regulatory challenges and helping them draft all the documents necessary for a strong start. My years in both regional and national law firms gave me a deep perspective on everything from intellectual property to homeowner association representation, and I actively mentor new attorneys and business owners through programs like the Kaufman Foundation’s FastTrac.

March 4th, 2026

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Michelle Hamilton of Answer Rocket. www.answerrocket.com Michelle spent 30 years as a strategic leader in Commercial Real Estate and the AEC sector before pivoting to solve one of the biggest problems in enterprise technology: the gap between AI investment and workforce adoption. She founded Spark AI Strategy and AI Class Lab to close that gap in the built environment, and was recently recruited by AnswerRocket, an enterprise AI transformation firm that partners with mid-market and Fortune 2000 companies across industries including Construction and Real Estate, to design and lead their new change management and AI implementation division."

February 27th, 2026

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast Interviews Jay Pateakos Taunton Economic & Community Development. Jay discusses how the City of Taunton is transforming to become a great place to live, to own a business and enjoy entertainment. I’ve been in Taunton for 2.9 years. We have helped to transform the downtown into a restaurant and performing arts destination, have worked to redevelop our largest apartment project from the ashes of our biggest rundown site at the former Whittenton Mills 42-acre site and more. For information contact Jay: jpateakos@taunton-ma.gov (774) 406-9707 or find out more https://www.taunton-ma.gov/

January 14th, 2026

Rick Kaplan Host of the NEREJ Capital Vision 2026 Webinar. Our panel of experts share great insight on what their vision is for 2026 in the capital finance for CRE. Panel speakers Michael Chase Northmarq , Michael Corrigan J & M Business Capital, David Feeser 1031 Specialists.

January 7th, 2026

Rick Kaplan Host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Luis Mendonca of Elite Wellness Amenity Group. www.elitewellnessamenitygroup.com Luis CEO of Elite Wellness Amenity Group, and my work is very hands-on. I spend my time inside buildings, talking to residents, working with property teams, and figuring out what actually gets people to use amenities and stay longer. We’re taking underused gyms and turning them into active, supported wellness spaces that create real value for owners and residents, without asking for new construction or big capital spend. I also wrote The Elite Playbook, which came directly out of that experience and my own journey. The book is about what really drives resident retention, leadership under pressure, and building environments that put people first. I think your audience would appreciate an honest, operator-level conversation about what’s working, what isn’t, and where this space is actually headed.

December 8th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviewsTallal Bhutta of BDB Construction Enterprises. www.bdbenterprises.com To raise awareness of the benefits of investing in conversions of hotels to student housing, as well as offer methods for faster project delivery in New York City, including methods similar to design-build approaches. It is also a chance to talk about how to overcome the challenges of Local Law 11 projects With academic degrees in construction management, structural and civil engineering and valuable experience with all aspects of building construction, Tallal Bhutta is founder and CEO of BDB Construction Enterprise LLC, a construction provider based on Staten Island and operating throughout the region. Steeped in his uncle's waterproofing and construction business in the late 1990s, Bhutta launched BDB in 2011 as a masonry and roofing contractor, and the company has progressively grown into a general contracting (GC) enterprise handling complex, multimillion-dollar renovation works. Recent projects by BDB include the transformation of a factory and warehouse building into a mixed-use church in the South Bronx, the 150-unit Brooklyn Watchtower housing development, renovations of a Manhattan building for Baruch College and New York University, the exterior restoration of the Renwick Hotel, as well as a 53-unit commercial conversion creating residences leased by Hunter College as student housing.

September 30th, 2025

Rick Kaplan Host of the NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Jon Hilley of 1031 Specialists www.1301Specialsits 631-438-1031. Jon Hilley started his career at Goldman Sachs. 3 years ago, he founded 1031 Specialists, a Qualified Intermediary that facilitates 1031 exchanges for real estate investors across the country. They are growing rapidly and are already a top 10 firm in the industry.

September 10th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews past co host Eric Wilson of Wallpen www.walpen.com Eric talks about the Wallpen system and and how it works, making a mural on the side of a building or the lobby of an office and many other similar applications. I am someone who strives to do better today than yesterday and I continue that model in my everyday walk of life. I am the President of the New England Flying Disc Associaiton as well, it is 40 year old 501 c3 that has helped in funding in course installation across new England and New York.

September 4th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Clay Lehman of Lehman Strategic Partners. www.imclaylehman.com Clay talks about how he is lifelong learner and serial entrepreneur. I have been in real estate for 20 years as a Realtor, broker, property manager, title agent, and investor. About 2 years ago, I started learning as much as I could about AI. I started Lehman Strategic Partners to help real estate professionals evaluate and improve their business development strategy as well as implement operational improvements. Clay also tells how he uses AI in his business to save time and money.

August 18th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Tom Sullivan Jr. of Sullivan Construction. www.sullivanconstruction.com Tom talks about how he enjoys learning from others and contributing where I can, whether through experience, lessons learned, or simply asking the right questions. Being on a podcast feels like sitting down at a table with others who care, and that’s always worth doing. Volunteer activities: Board member of Meals on Wheels; Board Member of the Mary and John Elliot Charitable Foundation (Elliot Hospital); board member of Associated Builders and Contractors of NH/VT, Board Member of the Business & Industry Association On the personal side, getting married this past fall! On the business side, rising to the role of president for Sullivan Construction this January.

August 13th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Edd Hamzanlui of MassCan Capital. Edd is the founder and principal of MassCan Capital, a mission-driven real estate development firm focused on middle-income and workforce housing across Massachusetts. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked across real estate finance, architecture, construction, and development—having underwritten and managed over $4.3 billion in affordable and mixed-income housing projects nationally. At MassCan, I’m currently leading several high-impact housing developments in Gateway Cities, including the adaptive reuse of a historic mill into 89 residential units in Fall River, and new affordable homeownership projects in Lawrence. My work blends creative deal structuring with public subsidy programs like Historic Tax Credits, HDIP, and MassHousing's CommonWealth Builder to bring supply online where it’s needed most. I hold an MBA from Chicago Booth and two graduate degrees in construction management and architecture. I’m passionate about building attainable housing and reshaping development patterns to support inclusive growth in our cities. I love to talk about the real challenges and opportunities in creating housing that working families can actually afford—especially in Gateway Cities. We can dive into how public incentives like Historic Tax Credits, HDIP, and the CommonWealth Builder program can unlock complex deals, the importance of zoning reform to enable more supply, and how developers can balance mission and margin. I’d also like to share real stories from projects I’m leading—what’s worked, what’s surprised me, and what local leaders and investors need to know to move the needle on housing.

August 12th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Matt Combs of Erland Construction www.erland.com . Matt joined Erland in 2011 after graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Engineering. I began my career in our Connecticut office, where I had the opportunity to work on two large mixed-use developments and a residential high-rise project. In 2016, I relocated to our corporate headquarters in Burlington, Massachusetts. Today, I serve as the Manager of Erland’s Advanced Technology/Life Sciences Group, where I oversee several active projects and have had the privilege of building long-standing partnerships with clients like EMD Serono. Earlier this year, I married my longtime partner, Lauren, and in my free time, I enjoy taking on home improvement projects—especially anything involving carpentry. I’d like to use this opportunity to discuss the importance of strategic campus planning for corporate clients, with a focus on topics like master planning, long-term growth strategies, and the execution of capital projects. These types of initiatives are complex and often evolve over time, so having the right construction partner involved early in the process can make a significant difference. By engaging Erland during the planning stages, we’re able to offer valuable insights on feasibility, budgeting, phasing, and constructability—ultimately helping clients make more informed decisions that align with both their short-term needs and long-term vision. Our proactive approach not only reduces risk and unexpected costs but also ensures smoother project execution and better outcomes across the board.

August 7th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interview with Neil Cohen of Barsh and Cohen P.C.. www.barsh-cohen.com Neil Cohen, Managing Partner and President of Barsh and Cohen, P.C. I’ve had the privilege of leading this firm through a period of growth and modernization while staying true to its deep family roots and client-first values. My background as a collegiate athlete taught me discipline, strategy, and teamwork—principles I apply daily in my legal practice and in leading our team. Barsh and Cohen has grown to serve clients across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and nationally for title and equity lending services. We’ve built long-standing relationships with banks, mortgage lenders, developers, and title companies by consistently delivering both legal excellence and personal attention. Some accomplishments include: - Over the past year, I have led several complex and high-stakes real estate matters that underscore my exceptional capabilities and impact. Among them is The Alice, a high-profile mixed-use development at 203 Lowell Street in Wilmington, Massachusetts. I served as lead counsel to the owner during the acquisition, title work, and construction financing. - I also distinguished myself in a significant Land Court matter before the Chief Justice and Chief Title Examiner of the Massachusetts Land Court. The case involved the reformation of a certificate of title and the certification of assignments and foreclosure documents at the Barnstable County Registry of Deeds. - In another standout engagement, I acted as title counsel for a publicly traded, multi- state cannabis operator during a $62 million financing transaction. The deal spanned five properties across three states, requiring deep coordination between local title standards and lender requirements.

August 5th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Jen Smith of AT Work Collaborative. Jen talks about her journey to get to where she is today. For more information on Jen's weekly news letter with industry events and job opportunities email her: jens@atworkcollaborative.com or go to www.atworkcollaborative.com . The At Work Collaborative, people are sometimes surprised when I say my role isn’t about the nuts and bolts of furniture. My real focus is assembling the best team of people to help our clients meet their goals. I believe my job is to make other people’s jobs easier, and I do that by connecting, listening, and showing up. That’s where my passion for community involvement, inclusion, and mental health comes into play. I’m all about making things easier for our clients. Contract furniture can be complicated, so I use my network to connect the dots—bringing in the right people and resources to move projects forward smoothly. I help assemble the best team for the job and make sure our clients feel supported every step of the way, from planning to install. My goal is to take the stress off their plate and help them get exactly what they need. Its on me to use emotional intelligence to anticipate and understand the client’s needs, and to hear what they’re saying without saying it. I also create a safe space for the client to give feedback because when we improve everyone wins. Outside of work, I stay active in the industry and community. I co-chair United Way’s Real Estate Celebration, serve on At Work Collaborative’s DEI committee, and I’m a proud Big Sister mentor of 10 years. I also send out a bi-weekly AEC event calendar to over 1,000 people—because I believe everyone should have a seat at the table and know where the table is. I’ve also co-founded two fun, inclusive networking events: the Bush League Ski Club, which gathers about 400 people each winter, and the annual Croquet After Party, now in its 4th year, which brings together about 300 people across the industry. On a personal note, I love travel, live music, skiing, golf—and I’m always down for an adventure. Ultimately, I’m here to connect, contribute, and help build stronger, more inclusive communities—one relationship at a time.

June 20th, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Mark Silverman of Mark's Moving & Storage, Inc.. https://www.marksmoving.com marksfurniturefoundation.org (508) 889-0640 . In 1979, Mark was a student at Northeastern University and while many college students were spending money on their social lives, he needed to spend my money on school. But first he had to earn it. Students needed moving help every semester, so he decided to become a mover. He had never worked as a mover. He just purchased a small van with a credit card hoping to make a few extra dollars to pay tuition. Eventually, the business became Mark’s sole focus. One Man and a Van became Mark’s Moving & Storage. Over the years, he recognized the need for a steadfast philosophy, so he built the business around guaranteeing 100 percent customer satisfaction. Nearly 46 years later, He is still looking for opportunities to help people. Mark also created Marks Northeastern Furniture Foundation and collects over 12 trailer loads of lightly used and new goods each year and works with Greater Boston non-profits to share that treasure with local families in need. Mark also founded TheStorageCompany.com, a premier source for warehousing and transportation of medical equipment, machinery, fixtures, and high-value products. Additionally, Mark invested in and manages Massachusetts Portable Storage, a company that offers convenient and flexible portable storage options for short-term and long-term needs. The company has grown the company from a small local business to a regional leader, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Massachusetts and beyond.

June 1st, 2025

Rick Kaplan host of NEREJ/NYREJ Podcast interviews Joseph Aquino President of JAACRES & Author of Memoir of a Watch Salesman A NYC Real Estate Story. Joseph A. Aquino, President of JAACRES, is one of the most accomplished and respected names in commercial real estate. With a career spanning 40 years, Joseph has built an extraordinary track record representing luxury brands, fast fashion retailers, restaurants, industrial users, hotels and blue-chip office tenants in New York City and all major U.S. markets — from Beverly Hills to Miami, Boston, Las Vegas, Atlanta., and beyond. His unique strength lies in his versatility. Joseph is a rare broker who excels at both tenant and landlord representation. He understands the needs of the C-suite and speaks their language, making him a trusted advisor to CEOs, founders, and ownership groups alike. Whether he’s guiding an international brand’s U.S. expansion or curating the ideal tenant mix for a Class A office building or luxury property on a high-street, Joseph brings strategy, integrity, and results to every deal. Over the years, he has worked with some of the most influential property owners and developers in the country — the visionaries behind many of Manhattan’s most iconic addresses. Joseph was the driving force behind numerous notable leases and building sales across Manhattan and Fifth Avenue, including retail & townhouses on Madison Avenue, off Fifth Avenue, and luxury flagships on 57th Street, Soho, Nolita and more. Joseph is also the Founder and President of The SBS Group, a global business development network connecting luxury retailers with property owners across key markets. The SBS Group operates in cities like Paris, Rome, London, Barcelona, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Cape Town, Belfast, and Dublin, and brings together decision-makers from Europe, Asia, North America, and South Africa. What sets Joseph apart is his global perspective, his deep understanding of both retail and office markets, and his relentless commitment to helping clients succeed — whether by identifying emerging opportunities, negotiating favorable terms, or guiding a brand’s entry into a new market. Joseph Aquino doesn’t just make deals — he builds legacies.

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.