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.

Catch our latest conversation as subject matter experts delve into the critical issues and emerging opportunities in the commercial real estate landscape.
Podcast

THE DEAL THAT ALMOST DIED: PERSEVERANCE TURNS A “NO” INTO A BIG WINTHE DEAL THAT ALMOST DIED: PERSEVERANCE TURNS A “NO” INTO A BIG WIN

Episode 9 • April 28, 2026 • 24 minutes

In the high-stakes world of hospitality, closing a multi-million-dollar deal is rarely a straight path—it’s a test of resilience, perseverance, strategy, and mental endurance. In this episode, we dive into..

In the high-stakes world of hospitality, closing a multi-million-dollar deal is rarely a straight path—it’s a test of resilience, perseverance, strategy, and mental endurance. In this episode, we dive into the real story behind a deal that nearly fell apart multiple times, and what it took to bring it across the finish line. From financing…

In the high-stakes world of hospitality, closing a multi-million-dollar deal is rarely a straight path—it’s a test of resilience, perseverance, strategy, and mental endurance. In this episode, we dive into the real story behind a deal that nearly fell apart multiple times, and what it took to bring it across the finish line. From financing roadblocks and tense negotiations to moments of doubt, Berkadia’s Jennifer Dakin and Webb Wilson of Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners join Ernie to pull back the curtain on the unseen challenges behind major hospitality transactions. More importantly, it explores the difference between blind persistence and strategic perseverance—knowing when to push harder, when to pivot, and how to maintain momentum.

All Episodes

9 Results
Podcast

THE DEAL THAT ALMOST DIED: PERSEVERANCE TURNS A “NO” INTO A BIG WINTHE DEAL THAT ALMOST DIED: PERSEVERANCE TURNS A “NO” INTO A BIG WIN

Episode 9 • April 28, 2026 • 24 minutes

In the high-stakes world of hospitality, closing a multi-million-dollar deal is rarely a straight path—it’s a test of resilience, perseverance, strategy, and mental endurance. In this episode, we dive into..

In the high-stakes world of hospitality, closing a multi-million-dollar deal is rarely a straight path—it’s a test of resilience, perseverance, strategy, and mental endurance. In this episode, we dive into the real story behind a deal that nearly fell apart multiple times, and what it took to bring it across the finish line. From financing…

In the high-stakes world of hospitality, closing a multi-million-dollar deal is rarely a straight path—it’s a test of resilience, perseverance, strategy, and mental endurance. In this episode, we dive into the real story behind a deal that nearly fell apart multiple times, and what it took to bring it across the finish line. From financing roadblocks and tense negotiations to moments of doubt, Berkadia’s Jennifer Dakin and Webb Wilson of Kemmons Wilson Hospitality Partners join Ernie to pull back the curtain on the unseen challenges behind major hospitality transactions. More importantly, it explores the difference between blind persistence and strategic perseverance—knowing when to push harder, when to pivot, and how to maintain momentum.

Podcast

PEAKS, PLATFORMS, AND PARTNERSHIPS: MATT FERRARI ON PXV AND BERKADIAPEAKS, PLATFORMS, AND PARTNERSHIPS: MATT FERRARI ON PXV AND BERKADIA

Episode 8 • March 24, 2026 • 31 minutes

In this special episode of Inside the Deal, recorded at Berkadia’s 2026 National Production Meeting in Orlando, Florida, host Ernie Katai and Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg of Berkadia sit..

In this special episode of Inside the Deal, recorded at Berkadia’s 2026 National Production Meeting in Orlando, Florida, host Ernie Katai and Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg of Berkadia sit down with PXV’s Founder, Matt Ferrari, to talk about his career in commercial real estate, including how experiences like his summit of Mount Everest shape…

In this special episode of Inside the Deal, recorded at Berkadia’s 2026 National Production Meeting in Orlando, Florida, host Ernie Katai and Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg of Berkadia sit down with PXV’s Founder, Matt Ferrari, to talk about his career in commercial real estate, including how experiences like his summit of Mount Everest shape the way he approaches business. They also dig into current multifamily market conditions, where they see practical opportunities to get deals done, and how PXV is weighing investment and financing decisions in today’s environment.

Podcast

THE STATE OF CRE: 2025 IN REVIEW AND 2026 FORECASTTHE STATE OF CRE: 2025 IN REVIEW AND 2026 FORECAST

Episode 7 • December 16, 2025 • 47 minutes

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..

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.

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.

Podcast

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIESINVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES

Episode 6 • December 3, 2025 • 52 minutes

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..

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…

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.

Podcast

SPECIAL EDITION: BERKADIA CEO JUSTIN WHEELER TALKS LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND FUTURESPECIAL EDITION: BERKADIA CEO JUSTIN WHEELER TALKS LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND FUTURE

Episode 5 • September 23, 2025 • 35 minutes

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..

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…

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.

Podcast

FINANCING A MARKET RATE TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONVERSIONFINANCING A MARKET RATE TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONVERSION

Episode 4 • September 2, 2025 • 24 minutes

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..

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.

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.

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.

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