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








