Elise Holtzman is the CEO of The Lawyer’s Edge®, an executive coaching and consulting firm where she and her team have spent over 16 years helping law firms build thriving businesses by transforming lawyers into better business developers and leaders. A former practicing attorney, Elise brings first-hand knowledge of the legal profession’s demands and a strategic focus on rainmaking, leadership, and visibility.

Elise is the creator of the Lawyers Making Rain® program and the Ignite Women’s Business Development Accelerator, both designed to help attorneys at all levels grow their impact and client base. She is also the host of The Lawyer’s Edge podcast and a frequent speaker for law firms and bar associations. Her insights have been featured in Law.com, Law360, and other leading legal publications.

She holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Columbia Law School, where she served as a senior editor of the Columbia Law Review. She is currently Vice President of the Columbia Law School Association. Before launching The Lawyer’s Edge, Elise practiced commercial real estate law at Fried Frank and Morgan Lewis.

Insights from Elise Holtzman on Developing Rainmakers and Leaders

Elise Holtzman joins The Dealmakers’ Edge to share practical leadership insights tailored for high-performing professionals in commercial real estate and beyond. A former Biglaw attorney turned executive coach, Elise now helps professionals elevate their leadership, grow their visibility, and develop sustainable business development strategies.

In this episode, she and host Aaron Strauss explore how top performers can create intentional growth, avoid burnout, and evolve into impactful leaders. From rethinking productivity to building a culture of strategic delegation, Elise offers a powerful framework for dealmakers looking to lead with clarity and purpose.

0:27 – Meet Elise Holtzman and her journey from Biglaw to leadership coaching

3:32 – Common struggles high achievers face beyond technical execution

5:22 – Early signs of burnout and how they show up in professionals

7:10 – Using “act one and act two” to create presence and personal balance

10:06 – Lessons from mentors and models of sustainable success

12:47 – The role of self-awareness in avoiding burnout and staying aligned

17:16 – Shifting from doer to leader and learning to let go

22:47 – Why intentional reflection drives growth and innovation

Mentioned In Leadership Lessons for Dealmakers with Elise Holtzman

The Lawyer’s Edge | Podcast | LinkedIn

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David Berg is a Partner at Infinity Real Estate, where he oversees acquisitions, investment ventures, and the firm’s overall investment strategy. Since joining in 2011 as Investment Director, David has led Infinity’s expansion into the Philadelphia and Miami markets while managing key lender and investor relationships. Under his leadership, the firm is currently developing or repositioning over one million square feet of commercial and residential property.

David has played a central role in shaping Infinity’s growth, executing transactions totaling over $750 million across multifamily, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use assets. His entrepreneurial approach and deep expertise in capital transactions have made him a driving force behind Infinity’s diversified portfolio. Prior to Infinity, he worked at Monday Properties on high-profile Class A office towers, including 230 Park Avenue and an 11-asset portfolio in Rosslyn, Virginia. He also served as Vice President of Acquisitions at Mermelstein Development and began his career in investment banking at JPMorgan and RBC Capital Markets.

A graduate of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, David holds degrees in Finance and Real Estate. He is a Vice President of the Ocean Drive Association, co-chair of the South Beach Business Improvement District, board member of the Washington Avenue BID, and Vice President of the Española Way Association. A lifelong athlete and devoted supporter of the ASPCA and Jewish National Fund, David lives in Miami Beach with his wife Maya, their son Elijah, and their dog Roux.

Insights from David Berg on Scaling, Strategy, and Urban Market Expansion

David Berg shares how personal roots and deep local networks have shaped Infinity Real Estate’s expansion into Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Miami. Markets where on-the-ground experience and community alignment have led to successful redevelopment strategies. He explains how Infinity identifies value in historic properties, avoids the “dumb tax” of new market entry, and remains responsive to shifting dynamics through a nimble, entrepreneurial approach.

In this episode, David also discusses Infinity’s return to New York City’s retail sector and why today’s volatility is creating compelling opportunities for disciplined, contrarian investors. He offers a candid look at how he manages the emotional demands of high-stakes development, and shares the personal routines that help him stay grounded, focused, and effective in a constantly evolving industry.

1:30 – David’s roots and path to real estate
4:15 – Early career moves
7:00 – Joining Infinity Real Estate and the firm’s early focus on workforce housing in D.C.
9:45 – Strategic expansion into Philly and Miami
12:00 – The Clay Hotel project and how COVID catalyzed a move to Miami
14:50 – Community involvement and leadership in Miami Beach redevelopment
17:10 – The Garden Court Towers project in West Philly and Infinity’s preservation-first approach
19:45 – Why Infinity is re-entering the NY market after nearly a decade
22:10 – Managing stress, staying agile, and how Infinity builds a resilient team culture

Mentioned In Strategic Growth in Urban Real Estate with David Berg

Infinity Real Estate

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Avner Krohn is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Jasko Development, a vertically integrated real estate development firm based in New Britain, Connecticut. Under his leadership, Jasko has delivered a wide range of projects across the multifamily, healthcare, and retail sectors—focused primarily on underserved urban cores in the Northeast.

Avner launched his entrepreneurial career at age 10 and has since spent more than two decades working across real estate development, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse. With deep expertise in finance, public-private partnerships, and ground-up construction, Avner has led the development of over 400 residential units and commercial properties, with another 500+ units currently in pre-development.

He is widely respected for his ability to navigate the complex intersection of development, government, and community needs. Avner is also an advocate for mission-aligned growth, integrating long-term public benefit with investor returns.

Insights from Avner Krohn on Public-Private Partnerships in Real Estate Development

With a background that bridges entrepreneurial grit and large-scale execution, Avner Krohn brings a rare blend of strategic insight and real-world experience to the commercial real estate space. His vertically integrated firm, Jasko Development, has carved out a niche working with municipalities to unlock challenging projects that others overlook.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss speaks with Avner about the real dynamics of public-private partnerships, from how to build trust with city officials to structuring deals that actually pencil in tough markets. Avner also shares how he’s scaled a lean but powerful team, why mindset matters more than market timing, and what keeps him grounded through the ups and downs of development.

2:13 – Avner’s early days: entrepreneurship at age 10 and launching his first business

5:45 – Lessons from Israel, building a foundation in real estate and finance outside the traditional path

8:58 – First deal in Brooklyn and the road to larger-scale development

13:35 – Structuring turnkey solutions for the healthcare and retail sectors

16:12 – The anatomy of public-private partnerships and why most developers miss the mark

20:43 – What municipalities actually need (and how to earn their trust)

24:01 – Managing a growing business while staying present with a young family

26:47 – How Avner balances optimism with realism in turbulent markets

Mentioned In Scaling Smart Real Estate Development with Avner Krohn

Jasko Development | LinkedIn | Avner Krohn

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Greg Corbin is the President and founder of Northgate Real Estate Group, which specializes in the sale and workout of distressed properties. In addition, he has deep expertise in judicial and UCC foreclosures, loan and REO sales, restructuring, and stalled construction sites. He’s widely recognized as one of the most active and sought-after industry leaders, with countless accolades throughout his career.

Greg spent a decade at Besen & Associates before becoming a Director of Sales at Massey Knakal (now Cushman and Wakefield). Then, before starting his firm, Greg spent four years at Rosewood Realty Group as President of Bankruptcy and Restructuring. While there, he and his team arranged the sale, workout, or recapitalization of over 100 buildings, development sites, membership interests, and loans totaling $1.1 billion in underlying collateral.

Currently, Greg sits on the real estate board of the American Bankruptcy Institute and is the founder and current board member of the non-profit Give to Give Foundation. He graduated from Horace Mann and Boston University and lives on the Upper West Side with his wife and children.

Insights from Greg Corbin on the State of the Distressed Real Estate Market

With his team, Greg Corbin has been involved in over $3.4 billion in investment property sales across all major asset classes, including multifamily apartment buildings, development sites, industrial properties, transitional housing facilities, bulk condominium packages, and commercial buildings. A highly regarded industry expert in bankruptcy, foreclosure, and borrower/lender workouts, Greg frequently shares his insights at major conferences and on top real estate podcasts.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss sits down with Greg to explore what sets a distressed property broker apart from a traditional real estate broker, along with an inside look at the distressed market, especially in New York City. Greg also shares his advice on building a niche, staying focused for success, and the tools and strategies that drive results in distressed real estate.

2:13 – Greg’s early career and entry into distressed real estate
9:26 – Key differences between traditional and distressed real estate
15:45 – State of the distressed market and key trends shaping 2025
22:05 – The distressed buyer’s mindset during times of diminished returns
26:01 – Why specialists outperform generalists in real estate
28:14 – Greg’s approach to staying focused and prioritizing daily tasks
30:43 – Greg’s take on the “work smart, not hard” mindset

Mentioned In State of the Distressed Real Estate Market with Greg Corbin

Northgage Real Estate Group | Greg Corbin | LinkedIn

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Bob Knakal is a name everyone knows in commercial real estate. Since 1984, he’s brokered over 2,399 buildings in the New York City area, with a market value approximating $22 billion. For 26 years, he owned and ran Massey Knakal with a focus on building a culture of servant leadership, training people, and dominating the market. He eventually sold the company to Cushman & Wakefield for $100 million in 2014.

Now, Bob is a prominent thought leader in the commercial real estate business. He writes about the market, appears on podcasts and television, and holds university lectures. Recently, he started the investment sales and capital markets brokerage firm BK Real Estate Advisors, which creates better interpretations from artificial intelligence data to give their clients more options and better results.

Insights from Bob Knakal on Servant Leadership, AI, and the Future of Brokerage

Bob Knakal and his co-founder, Paul Massey, built Massey Knakal Realty Services on the foundation of servant leadership—a management style that led to market dominance and a lasting impact on New York City's real estate industry. Their leadership shaped the firm's success and cultivated a new generation of industry leaders. Today, more than 30 companies or divisions within New York’s investment sales market are owned or run by professionals who got their start at Massey Knakal.

Now, as Chairman and CEO of BKREA, Bob is once again at the forefront of commercial brokerage, pioneering new approaches to investment sales with cutting-edge AI and data-driven strategies.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss sits down with Bob to discuss his four decades in real estate, the power of servant leadership, and how embracing AI and data interpretation is shaping the future of the industry. Bob also shares invaluable lessons on standing out in a competitive market, developing mental resilience, and setting realistic success benchmarks in brokerage.

2:28 – The most exciting thing about commercial real estate for Bob today
3:47 – How servant leadership fosters a high-performance culture and long-term success
9:49 – The speed, impact, and challenges of integrating AI and data technology in real estate
13:35 – Using social media to share career insights and build a strong professional brand
17:02 – How Bob evolved from traditional brokerage to navigating complex, developer-focused deals
22:58 – The role of mental resilience and understanding realistic success metrics in sales

Mentioned In Servant Leadership, AI, and the Future of Brokerage with Bob Knakal

Bob Knakal | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | YouTube

BRKEA | LinkedIn | Twitter/X

Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership

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Jonathan Zamir is the founder and managing partner of real estate investment firm Keystone Equities. Keystone operates as both a private equity and private credit platform and focuses on acquiring, redeveloping, and repositioning commercial and residential properties in key U.S. markets while also originating and managing debt investments. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the firm has grown a diverse portfolio emphasizing value creation through strategic investment, hands-on management, and disciplined financing.

Prior to founding Keystone in 2010, he started his real estate career with The Moinian Group as portfolio manager and gained practical, street smart knowledge in property management and operations. Then he led acquisitions at Infinity Real Estate, a prominent real estate private equity firm that gave him the book smarts to succeed. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from NYU Stern’s School of Business and received a Graduate Certificate in real estate from NYU’s School of Continuing Professional Studies.

Born and raised in New York City, Jonathan resides in Great Neck, Long Island with his wife and their three kids.

Insights from Jonathan Zamir on Building Your Reputation

As Principal of Keystone Equities, Jonathan Zamir leads all major decisions related to deal sourcing, debt financing, co-investment opportunities, and key transactional matters. He also oversees the firm's overall operations while managing the day-to-day responsibilities of running the business.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss sits down with Jonathan to discuss his journey in commercial real estate, the power of relationship-building, and the importance of authenticity in business. Jonathan shares valuable insights from his early career, detailing his transition from various roles in the industry to establishing his own firm. The conversation explores the challenges of attracting and managing institutional capital, navigating market cycles, and maintaining a strong reputation in an ever-evolving industry.

2:23 – Jonathan’s early career lessons and foundational experiences

7:54 – The importance of financial acumen and business planning before going independent

10:42 – Transitioning to institutional investment and structuring deals to attract capital

17:48 – Challenges in real estate, including deal failures and market shifts

25:11 – Keystone’s current market strategy and competitive advantage in deal execution

29:29 – The role of reputation, vulnerability, and authenticity in building strong business relationships

Mentioned In Reputation and Relationship Building in Commercial Real Estate with Jonathan Zamir

Keystones Equities, LLC | LinkedIn

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Garvin Brown recently retired from Brown-Forman Corporation, the company behind Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, founded by his great-great-grandfather in 1870. His career with the company began as a wine salesperson in New York and evolved through various corporate and operational roles. By 2007, Garvin had become chairman, steering the company through key transitions between the fourth and fifth generations of the Brown family.

Currently, Garvin serves on Brown-Forman's family-holding company board and contributes to global initiatives in democracy and development. He is also a board member of Dendrifund, a foundation dedicated to the sustainability of the elements essential to crafting premium bourbon.

In this episode of The Dealmakers’ Edge, Aaron Strauss sits down with Garvin Brown to explore his unique journey and the pivotal role of family governance in sustaining a multi-generational business. They discuss how Brown-Forman balances innovation with tradition, the company’s marketing and brand strategies, and the importance of financial discipline. Garvin also shares insights into navigating the challenges of leadership, managing stress, and building trust with stakeholders. Additionally, they delve into his philanthropic pursuits and his passion for community impact.

1:27 – Garvin’s bicultural background and career journey at Brown-Forman

5:06 – The economics of family businesses and surviving Prohibition

8:42 – Non-family CEOs and the evolution of Brown-Forman’s governance model

13:52 – Leveraging marketing, branding, and innovation to drive financial success

20:59 – Managing stress, overcoming challenges, and fostering trust in leadership

26:27 – Philanthropy and Garvin’s dedication to sustainability and community impact

Mentioned In Leadership and Governance in a Multi-Generational Business with Garvin Brown

Brown-Forman

Headspace

Dendrifund

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In this episode of The Dealmaker’s Edge, Aaron Strauss is joined by Stephen Bittel, founder and chairman of Terranova Corporation. With over four decades of experience, Stephen shares his remarkable journey in real estate and offers insights on leadership, market strategy, and the importance of empathy in business.

From his early days in Miami to managing an investment portfolio of over $1 billion, Stephen reflects on the lessons he’s learned while building one of South Florida’s leading commercial real estate firms. He delves into the value of cash flow, adapting to market cycles, and how aligning interests with partners leads to lasting success. Beyond business, Stephen discusses his commitment to giving back and the joy he finds in family and community.

Key Takeaways:

· Success requires perseverance and a strong work ethic.

· Empathy and community service are integral to leadership.

· Building a loyal team is essential for long-term success.

· Adaptability and timing are critical in real estate investments.

Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at podcast@aystrauss.com to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.

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