2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Henry Barnathan, Meridian Capital Group

“I have hired and trained brokers for 20 years – many of whom have gone on to achieve wild success. Henry is by far the most intelligent and creative broker I have met at such a nascent point in his career. His dealmaking skills eclipse those of people with eons more experience. He is truly a rising star!” - David Schechtman, Meridian Capital Group.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? Early on, one of my biggest challenges was figuring out what to specialize in. I quickly realized that establishing a clear focus — on both a product type and a geographic area — can be a real differentiator. High-street retail made sense for me given my background working with global assets and my familiarity with key players in that space. I learned that the best buyers are highly selective, the pool is smaller than you might think, and that depth of knowledge matters far more than breadth when trying to stand out.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Focus on building real relationships and treat everyone with respect. Whether it’s a building super or an owner with a 50-property portfolio, you never know who might become a valuable partner down the line. In this business, your relationships and your reputation are your most important assets. Treat everyone the way you’d want to be treated.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? I’m currently facilitating several transactions involving both domestic users and international buyers along high-street retail corridors like SoHo and Madison Avenue. These buyers often have highly specific criteria, and I’ve been able to leverage my market knowledge and experience to identify properties that align precisely with their needs — rather than flooding them with options. This hands-on, targeted approach streamlines the process and reinforces the importance of deeply understanding both the market and the end user.

Who has been pivotal in your professional development, and how have they influenced you? My parents and my wife have been with me every step of the way. Knowing who’s in your corner, no matter what, is invaluable. Any success I’ve had — or hope to have — is rooted in their constant encouragement and support.