He’s Closed $3 Billion in CRE. Now He’s Building the Platform the Industry Should Have Had 20 Years Ago.

Gregory Laskody didn’t follow a typical path. He failed accounting in college. Twice.

Then he pivoted to real estate, clawed his way into commercial capital markets, and spent the next 30 years closing more than $3 billion in transactions — working across investment sales, tax appeal, litigation support, and capital advisory.

Today, he’s still helping high-net-worth clients close complex CRE deals — but his real mission?

Fix the commercial real estate education gap.

Greg just launched MasterCRE, a private membership platform for sponsors, brokers, lenders, and aspiring professionals — a place to learn, connect, hire, raise, and grow.

In this Raise Report, we unpack his biggest lessons from 30 years in CRE, why the next 24 months will redefine capital markets, and how MasterCRE could become the go-to learning hub for the next generation of dealmakers.

Why MasterCRE Had to Exist

In Greg’s words:

When he got started, brokers locked their desks. They hid contacts and comps like they were nuclear codes. There was no centralized way to learn, connect, or build a CRE career.

MasterCRE is his answer:

• A deal room for CRE operators

• A resource hub with downloadable models, docs, and templates

• A job board, networking tool, and mentorship bridge

• A platform built for commercial real estate — not just real estate generally

His Capital Markets Outlook for 2025

Greg believes the next 12–18 months are going to shake the industry. Here’s what he’s watching:

1. $1.8T in CRE debt is coming due.
Most of it was underwritten when rates were near 3%. Now those borrowers are looking at refi terms of 7% or higher. Many won’t survive.

2. Banks are sidelined. Private credit is eating their lunch.
He’s seeing a surge in private debt funds stepping in where traditional lenders can’t compete. These funds are offering short-term paper, 12–18 months, with IRRs in the 14–16% range.

3. Cash-in refis and “extend and pretend.”
Deals are being patched together with band-aid financing. Some sponsors are kicking the can. Others will be wiped out completely — especially those who relied on floating-rate debt without real risk controls.

What Greg Sees Smart Sponsors Doing Now

• Blending equity and debt strategies: LPs are getting cautious. Sponsors who can offer both equity upside and structured yield (via a debt fund or private note) are standing out.

• Going boutique: His clients don’t want megafirms. They want direct contact, deal-level feedback, and a partner who understands the full capital stack. Boutique advisory is on the rise.

• Getting brutally honest about skills: Greg emphasizes knowing your lane. Whether it’s sourcing, capital raising, underwriting, or operations — the best sponsors know what they do well and stay focused.

What You Can Learn (and Steal)

1. Don’t underestimate your backstory
Greg’s career started with academic probation and failing accounting — but he found a lane, stacked skills, and stayed in the game for decades.

2. Think like a fiduciary
He always puts investors first, even if it means telling them not to do a deal. That long-game trust is how he’s survived eight market cycles.

3. Educate to differentiate
By launching MasterCRE, he’s proving that education can be your moat. If you can become a trusted source of clarity, people will want to do business with you.

Listen to the full episode

🎙 Groundbreakers with Gregory Laskody

In it, we cover:

• How he built a 30-year career across every major CRE discipline

• Why MasterCRE could change how sponsors, brokers, and LPs connect

• What he sees happening to capital markets in 2025

• Why private debt is gaining ground fast

• How newer sponsors can stand out in a crowded, volatile market