2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Drew Fletcher, Greystone Capital Advisors

“Drew is an exceptional leader — at Greystone and beyond. He’s a member of the Real Estate Board of New York, the Urban Land Institute and volunteers as a guest lecturer at the NYU Real Estate Institute. Drew is also on the board of Greystone Housing Impact Investors L.P., a publicly traded limited partnership providing debt and equity financing for affordable and market-rate multifamily housing.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

My team arranged $525 million in construction financing in 2025 for the development of Court LIC — a 55-story condominium tower with 600 new residences and expansive amenities to be built in the center of Long Island City’s Court Square. The complex transaction involved securing multiple layers of capital and a visionary plan for a transformative mixed-use residential development. The financing — arranged for co-developers Charney Companies and Tavros — includes $425 million in senior debt provided by Madison Realty Capital, and $100 million of preferred equity financing from Kushner and its capital partner, OneIM.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you?

Leading through market volatility and rising interest rates was a defining challenge. Transaction volume slowed, capital became more selective, and clients faced uncertainty. I focused on clear communication, creative structuring, and maintaining long-term relationships rather than short-term wins. It taught me that leadership requires steadiness in uncertainty, transparency with clients, and the ability to adapt strategy without compromising core principles.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership?

Good to Great by Jim Collins shaped my disciplined, long-term leadership mindset.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?

Don’t quit. I believe creativity and persistence are keys to the success of my 11-person team. As a result, we’re one of the most active and innovative capital advisory teams in U.S. commercial real estate. We’re willing to work hard on projects that others shy away from — and we bring results. Under my leadership, Greystone Capital Advisors (GCA) is known among institutional and private commercial property owners, investors, and developers, for executing complex capital structures that make transformative projects possible — even when traditional lenders hesitate.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

Early morning workouts and a prioritized daily plan keep me focused and accountable.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

Mentors and senior partners who modeled integrity and resilience shaped my path.