RIPCO Real Estate adds Hakim and Murad

Manhattan, NY RIPCO Real Estate has added Adam Hakim, executive managing director, and James Murad, managing director, to the firm’s team. Hakim and Murad, who have a long-standing partnership, are known for their expertise in construction financing and transitional asset debt capital markets in the New York metro area and Florida markets, highlighted by their closure of over $300 million in hotel bridge financing.

The team has a history of orchestrating deals worth $15 billion across various property types. Their partnership has secured financing for high-end condominiums, mixed-use developments, hotels, and educational institutions. Key achievements include securing a $350 million construction loan for a premier condominium tower on Madison Ave. in NoMad, arranging a $215 million loan for a pivotal project on Greenwich St., and facilitating a notable deal for a luxury condominium complex in Manhattan’s Flatiron District.

Hakim and Murad will be integral to RIPCO’s Debt & Structured Finance team and a complement to Steven Sperandio’s team based in RIPCO’s Miami office. Their involvement is poised to advance RIPCO’s strategic vision for growth and service diversification, extending beyond its well-established retail leasing success.

Mark Kaplan, RIPCO’s president, said, “Bringing Adam and James on board marks a pivotal moment in RIPCO’s journey, underscoring our commitment to being a comprehensive player in the real estate market. Their impressive track record and extensive expertise in capital markets significantly propel our capabilities and position us to capitalize on growth opportunities more dynamically. This move symbolizes RIPCO’s forward-thinking and ongoing commitment to expanding our real estate services.”

Hakim and Murad shared their excitement about joining the RIPCO family, “Joining RIPCO feels like a homecoming to us. It’s a perfect fit that allows us to leverage our combined expertise in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly innovative. We are thrilled to contribute to RIPCO’s growth trajectory and the talented team here. This opportunity is not just about continuing our journey in real estate finance; it’s about setting new benchmarks and achieving excellence with RIPCO.”