2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Ryan Windus, Meridian Capital Group

“I’ve worked closely with Ryan and have consistently been impressed by his professionalism, work ethic, and attention to detail. His experience across multiple sectors of commercial real estate shows in both his work and his client relationships. Even under tight deadlines, he remains dependable, collaborative, and always willing to help. He’s a true value-add to any team, and I’m excited to see his continued growth as a rising star in the industry.”

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

Across more than $1 billion in closed debt and equity transactions, I am proudest not of any single deal, but of earning the trust to work alongside exceptional teams and counterparties to bring complex business plans to life. What drives me most is seeing the physical result: residences, healthcare facilities, entertainment venues, and the places where people live, work, and learn, and knowing our work helped make those spaces better. Real estate is fundamentally a people business, and the deals matter most because of the lives improved by the spaces they create.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

As baseline analysis and data become commoditized, especially with AI, critical thinking and relationships will be the real edge. The professionals who win won’t just run the numbers or follow backward-looking trends; they’ll read between the lines, spot leverage points others miss, and work across competing interests to expand outcomes for all. Technology keeps raising the floor on what’s possible, but that only makes uniquely human skills more valuable. Treating counterparties the way they’d want to be treated builds lasting reputations and turns transactions into enduring relationships.