
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 EVOLUTION OF STUDENT HOUSING: ELEVATED AMENITIES, TOUGHER DEALSTHE EVOLUTION OF STUDENT HOUSING: ELEVATED AMENITIES, TOUGHER DEALS
Inside the Deal explores the evolution of student housing with Brian Bobek (Vesper Holdings) and Aaron Moll (Berkadia). They discuss how once-premium amenities are now standard for student renters and..
Inside the Deal explores the evolution of student housing with Brian Bobek (Vesper Holdings) and Aaron Moll (Berkadia). They discuss how once-premium amenities are now standard for student renters and break down the challenges of securing and completing deals in an increasingly competitive market.
Inside the Deal explores the evolution of student housing with Brian Bobek (Vesper Holdings) and Aaron Moll (Berkadia). They discuss how once-premium amenities are now standard for student renters and break down the challenges of securing and completing deals in an increasingly competitive market.
All Episodes
SPECIAL EDITION: BERKADIA CEO JUSTIN WHEELER TALKS LEGACY, LEADERSHIP, AND FUTURESPECIAL 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..
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.
FINANCING A MARKET RATE TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONVERSIONFINANCING 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..
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.
FINANCING THE SUBTANTIAL REHABILITATION OF AN AGE-RESTRICTED PROPERTY IN SANTA MONICA, CAFINANCING THE SUBTANTIAL 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..
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…
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 PROPERTYBREAKING 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 Berkadia’s Jen Quigley and Will Ralph from..
Berkadia dives into the construction financing for the planned 307-unit, Class A Icon Apartment Homes in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this episode, Ernie welcomes Berkadia’s Jen Quigley and Will Ralph from Braxton Development to break down the $76M loan, backed by HUD’s 221(d)(4) program.
Berkadia dives into the construction financing for the planned 307-unit, Class A Icon Apartment Homes in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this episode, Ernie welcomes Berkadia’s 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 PORTFOLIORESCUING $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 Berkadia’s Tucker Knight and..
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 Berkadia’s Tucker Knight and Clay Faust, as well as James Goldberg from Citigroup to unpack how strategic collaboration, expertise, and decisive action turned a complex challenge into a successful…
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 Berkadia’s Tucker Knight and Clay Faust, as well as James Goldberg from Citigroup 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.









