The work doesn’t start at the table it starts two years out.

In this episode, Tej Brahmbhatt of Watchtower Capital breaks down what it actually takes to build a sellable company and how preparation, clarity, and strategic positioning create great exits.

Dorian and Tej unpack:

1. How early prep can add millions to your exit

2. The real math behind deal structures and multiples

3. Why culture, IP, and presentation often outweigh the financials

4. How most founders get it wrong and what to do instead

Start with the close in mind. This episode will show you how.

#StartWithTheCloseInMind #DefenderOfTheDeal #ExitPlanning #PrivateEquity #ScalingWithPurpose

In this episode of Start With the Close in Mind, I speak with Emily Zhu, VP at the United States Immigration Fund (USIF), about what developers and investors must understand before raising EB-5 capital.
We unpack:
What makes EB-5 a smart but complex capital source
Why timeline alignment is critical for success
How recent shifts have changed EB-5’s role in the capital stack
What developers and investors need to know about cost, structure, and compliance

If you’re exploring EB-5 either to fund your project or secure U.S. residency, this episode gives you the edge.

In this episode, serial entrepreneur Jarrod Guy Randolph reveals the framework that helped him:
Climb out of $1.8M in debt
Build 7+ figure businesses across multiple industries
Activate over $300M in capital through relationships not cold leads
Jarrod breaks down his Buying F.AV.O.R. system: a 4-part method for leveraging the relationships you already have to accelerate your business growth. If you’re still trying to sell strangers before activating your warm network, this episode will change how you build your business.
Hosted by Dorian Lam, Managing Principal at Cornerstone Land Abstract
No fluff. Just real strategy.

What makes a developer bankable? What separates a smooth construction loan closing from a deal-destroying disaster?

In this episode, I sit down with Douglas Romero, Head of Construction Lending at Ponce Bank, who’s helped close over $1.2B in construction loans across NYC.

We break down:

What lenders really look for in developers

How to approach closings with strategy, not just speed

Why strong title partners can make or break a project

And what developers often misunderstand about loan underwriting

If you’re in development or planning to raise capital, this is a masterclass in how to build lender confidence and close like a pro.

Don’t wait until you're in a bind to figure out your capital stack.

In this episode, I talk with James Murad, Managing Director at RIPCO Real Estate, about what sponsors and operators need to know about financing real estate today. From timelines to structure to smart debt strategies—we cover it all.

What we discuss:

• ✅ How to align early with capital partners who understand your deal

• ✅ Common missteps borrowers make chasing leverage over execution

• ✅ The rise of debt funds and what it means for NYC developers

• ✅ Why the smartest sponsors start early and stay realistic

• Whether you’re closing your first deal or structuring your next raise—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

  👉 Follow the show for more insights on closing with confidence.

You don’t build a $50M+ real estate portfolio by accident.
Andrew Esposito, founder of Apex Development, joins me to unpack the journey from law school to full-time developer—and what it takes to make the leap with clarity, grit, and long-term vision.
What you’ll learn:
✔️ How to pivot careers without losing momentum
✔️ Why vision + execution = real-world traction
✔️ The mindset shifts required to lead large projects
✔️ How Apex Development manages complexity while staying mission-driven
If you’re in real estate—or thinking about leveling up—this one’s for you.
📍Follow the show for real-world wisdom from people who don’t just talk deals… they close them.

You don’t learn real estate from the sidelines—you learn it by being in the trenches.

In this episode, I sit down with Sheng Zeng, co-founder and CEO of Cre8 Equities, to break down how real operators evaluate risk, location, and long-term value—especially when working with overlooked retail and mixed-use assets.

We get into:

-Why walking the property gives you more insight than any model ever could

-How Sheng pivoted during COVID—and uncovered one of the most resilient real estate plays

-When to walk away from a deal (even after you’ve spent six figures in diligence)

-Why smart investors don’t just chase cap rates—they unlock real upside through execution

…and so much more on building with the close in mind.

🎧 Subscribe to get real-world wisdom from the people actually doing the deals.

#StartWithTheCloseInMind #DefenderOfTheDeal #FoundationOfTheAmericanDream

#RealEstatePodcast #Cre8Equities #RetailInvesting #RealEstateDeals #CommercialRealEstate #ExecutionWins

Closings fall apart when developers skip the prep.

From contract terms to capital stack, timeline to title—everything must be locked in early.

I’m joined by Andreas Panagos of GCAP Development to talk about the mindset and tactics behind successful development deals—and the mistakes that derail them.

Here’s what we unpack:

1. Underwriting with future costs in mind

2. Raising capital while avoiding investor red flags

3. Running title before you sign the deal

4. Navigating policy changes, permitting delays, and old liens

5. Building your team to think ahead, not behind

6. 
   

If you're in the world of development or investment—this is your blueprint for bulletproof execution.

📍 Follow for more strategies from the front lines of real estate.