INSIDE THE DEAL, A CRE PODCAST BY BERKADIA®
UNCOVER THE SECRETS BEHIND THEIR DEALS
Welcome to “Inside the Deal, a CRE Podcast by Berkadia®,” where Berkadia’s producers share the secrets behind their deals. Hosted by Berkadia’s EVP – Head of Production, Ernie Katai, each episode dives into the captivating stories of commercial real estate triumphs, exploring the situation, challenges, solutions, and outcomes achieved.
The State of CRE: 2025 in Review and 2026 Forecast
Ernie welcomes Berkadia’s Mike Miner and Josh Bodin to take a look back at the top deals from 2025, how the CRE market shifted, and what the industry should prepare for in 2026.
Investing in the Future of Senior Living Communities
Berkadia explores the fast-growing senior living sector and how Berkadia and its partners have successfully combined strong investment performance and a commitment to high-quality resident care. Mike Wagner of Leo Brown Group and Berkadia’s Dave Fasano join Ernie to break down senior living as real estate assets, the operations required to run effective communities, and the strategies to ensure seniors receive an exceptional quality of life.
Special Edition: Berkadia CEO Justin Wheeler Talks Legacy, Leadership, and Future
In this episode, Berkadia CEO Justin Wheeler takes us back to the very beginning of the company, sharing the story of how Berkadia was formed, the values that have shaped its culture, and the vision driving its future. From its origins to its ethos, Justin offers insight into what makes Berkadia unique in the commercial real estate space—and where the company is headed next.
Financing a Market Rate to Affordable Housing Conversion
Berkadia breaks down the substantial rehabilitation financing of Indigo Apartments in Clearwater, Florida. Berkadia’s Tim Leonhard and Sam Caspert of Sunrise Affordable discuss how the 208-unit tower will be converted from market rate to affordable housing for low-income families and is destined to have a long-lasting positive impact on the local community.
Financing the Substantial Rehabilitation of an Age-Restricted Property in Santa Monica, CA
Berkadia® dives into the financing secured for the substantial rehabilitation of Westminster Towers, a 285-unit, age-restricted property in Santa Monica, California. In this episode, Ernie welcomes Berkadia’s Kevin Kozminske and Charles Eldred of Falkenberg/Gilliam & Associates (FGA) to break down the $70.6M HUD 221(d)(4) loan that will help ensure long-term affordability and sustainability for senior residents.
Breaking Down HUD 221(d)(4): Financing a Planned Class A Multifamily Property
Berkadia® dives into the construction financing for the planned 307-unit, Class A Icon Apartment Homes in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this episode, Ernie welcomes Jen Quigley and Will Ralph from Braxton Development to break down the $76M loan, backed by HUD’s 221(d)(4) program.
Rescuing $700M CMBS Refinancing of a Multifamily Portfolio
Berkadia® was presented with multiple distressed properties – but instead of backing away, they partnered with the right experts to turn things around. In this episode, Ernie welcomes Tucker Knight, Clay Faust, and James Goldberg from Citi to unpack how strategic collaboration, expertise, and decisive action turned a complex challenge into a successful outcome.
ABOUT THE HOST
Ernie Katai is EVP – Head of Production and a member of Berkadia’s Management Committee. Mr. Katai has been with Berkadia and its predecessor companies for nearly 30 years, working as a leading mortgage banker throughout his tenure. In this role, Mr. Katai oversees more than 380 mortgage bankers and investment sales advisors. Across 2023 and 2024, Berkadia’s total loan origination volume exceeded $47 billion and total investment sales volume exceeded $22 billion.