Just One Thing

In this episode, Jon Porter of CARR Healthcare Realty shares a behind-the-scenes look at the business side of healthcare and the real estate decisions that shape medical practices. Specializing in representing doctors, dentists, and healthcare providers, Jon explains what it takes to open, expand, relocate, and scale a successful practice, and why being a great clinician is very different from being a business owner.
The conversation explores medical office leasing, site selection, practice financing, build-out costs, growth strategies, and the common mistakes healthcare professionals make when entering commercial real estate. Jon also discusses the importance of trusted advisors, the courage required to take risks, and the lessons he's learned from working with hundreds of healthcare entrepreneurs. Whether you're a doctor considering your first location, a business owner navigating growth, or someone interested in the mindset behind long-term success, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, decision-making, and building something that lasts.

In this episode, Ira Zlotowitz, founder of Avery GPT and GParency, shares a candid look at how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping commercial real estate, finance, and the future of work itself. Drawing on decades of experience in brokerage and fintech, Ira explains why AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day shift that is already changing underwriting, deal analysis, sales, hiring, and decision-making across the industry.
The conversation explores the evolution from traditional brokerage to AI-powered workflows, the rise of tools like Claude and ChatGPT, and why professionals who fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete. Ira breaks down how Avery GPT was built, why data and distribution matter more than ever, and how AI is removing barriers that once gave firms and individuals a competitive edge. From underwriting deals in minutes to redefining what experience and expertise mean in business, this episode is a deep dive into where the industry is heading and what professionals need to do now to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.

In this episode, the conversation dives into the world of mortgages, lending, and the financial realities behind buying property. Yael Ishakis, Senior Vice President and Branch Manager at FM Home Loans and FM Capital, breaks down what buyers and investors should understand before taking on a mortgage, from credit, income, and down payments to investment strategy, loan structures, and common mistakes that can derail a deal. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, she shares practical insight into how lenders evaluate borrowers, how creative financing solutions work, and why understanding the numbers matters more than hype or emotion. The discussion also explores real estate investing, underwriting risk, and the behind-the-scenes factors that determine whether a deal succeeds or falls apart.

In this episode, the focus shifts to the side of real estate that quietly determines which deals actually get done: banking and financing. Joseph Fingerman, Senior Managing Director and President of Commercial Real Estate at Peapack Private Bank & Trust, shares how lenders evaluate deals, what makes a sponsor stand out, and why relationships matter more than most people realize. Drawing on over two decades of experience and billions in transactions, he breaks down how banks think, what red flags stop deals in their tracks, and how market cycles, interest rates, and regulation shape lending decisions. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how capital flows, why some deals fall apart while others go through, and what it really takes to build credibility in the eyes of a lender.

In this episode, the focus is on one of the most overlooked funding sources in real estate and business: grants. Gershon Klein of GrantDid Consulting breaks down how small businesses, tenants, and property owners can access state or federal incentive programs for improvements, equipment, leases, and acquisitions. The conversation explores why these grants exist, who qualifies, what the application process looks like, and the common mistakes that cause businesses to miss out. It’s a practical look at how government funding can offset real estate and operational costs while helping businesses scale more strategically.

In this episode, the focus turns to the most overlooked but decisive stage of real estate development: approvals. Miriam Weinstein, a highly regarded real estate attorney with over 25 years of experience, breaks down how projects actually move from concept to reality. Drawing on her time in private practice and her service on the Lakewood Township zoning board, Miriam explains how municipalities think, how boards make decisions, and where deals most often succeed or fail before construction ever begins. The conversation pulls back the curtain on the legal strategy, preparation, and judgment required to navigate zoning, land use, and planning approvals across Lakewood and surrounding townships, offering a clear look at the behind-the-scenes work that determines whether a development gets built or never leaves the drawing board.

In this episode, we sit down with Eli Hazan, Director and Head of SBA and Business Lending at Cross River Bank, to break down how SBA lending actually works. Eli explains the structure behind SBA-backed loans, what it means when bank financing is guaranteed by the SBA, and the key differences between the two main programs lenders use: SBA 7(a) and SBA 504. The conversation focuses on how these programs function in practice and how businesses can use them as tools for growth, expansion, and long-term stability.

Shaindy Shur is a real estate developer whose work helped shape the modern office landscape in Lakewood. Long before Class A office space became the standard, she recognized the need for higher-quality, thoughtfully designed commercial buildings and moved forward when the market had not yet caught up. Her projects, including 36 Airport Road, 1700 Avenue of the States, and 1776 Avenue of the States, known as Liberty Plaza, reflect an early vision for professional, polished office environments that are now widely expected. Working in a field where women are still underrepresented, she built these developments through long-term planning, persistence, and a clear sense of what Lakewood’s business community would eventually need.

Mendy Palace is a Partner and the Director of Business Development at SCHWAI, where he helps businesses identify practical ways to use AI, automation, and custom workflows to streamline operations. In this conversation, he breaks down what AI can realistically do today, where companies should focus, and how thoughtful automation can create real efficiency and value.

In this short introductory episode, we set the stage for what this podcast is all about — honest conversations, practical insights, and real value for listeners who want to grow, think deeper, and level up their everyday life. You’ll hear what inspired the show, what you can expect from upcoming episodes, and the tone we’re bringing: genuine, grounded, and focused on delivering something meaningful each time you press play. Whether you’re here to learn, to be entertained, or just to find a fresh perspective, this intro gives you a clear look at what’s coming next.Welcome to Just One Thing! We're so excited to have you here!