Inside the Deal, a CRE Podcast by Berkadia®

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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. Visit berkadia.com to learn more.

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.   Visit berkadia.com to learn more.

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. Visit berkadia.com to learn more.