Spotlights

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Lawrence Crehan Jr., Key Civil Engineering, P.C.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? Two projects I am proud of are the Seawolves Village housing development at Stony Brook University and the Wegmans Supermarket at DSW Plaza. Both were large-scale, complex projects that demanded careful coordination and attention to detail. Seeing them successfully come together was incredibly rewarding.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Joe Misita, Invictus Property Advisors

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? A multifamily deal in Brooklyn is the milestone I am most proud of because it is the first I led nearly end-to-end and worked hard to earn through persistence, strategy, and results. I also incorporated a combination of the skills and strategies my coaches and mentors have drilled in over my time as an investment sales agent.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Chase Kirkpatrick, Invictus Property Advisors

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? One recent milestone was brokering the off-market sale of 404 5th Ave. in Park Slope. With low in-place income and a vacant second floor, most investors passed. I used AI tools to identify a local dentist seeking space, structured a deal that worked for both parties, and helped the seller exit quietly. It taught me the value of staying organized, persistent, and creative.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Lena Kenny, JT Magen

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Starting a career in any field can be exciting and overwhelming — and in Construction Health and Safety, that feeling is magnified. The stakes are high, and the responsibility to protect lives adds a unique level of pressure.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Sarah Xu, Nuveen Green Capital

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? I am incredibly proud of leading my team to execute over $600 million in C-PACE deals last year, which accounted for about 25% of all C-PACE originations in 2024. Additionally, we closed the second and third largest C-PACE deals ever.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Brian Peykar, Brach Eichler LLC

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? One challenge I have faced has been navigating complex multi-party development deals with multiple layers of ownership, governmental approvals, and environmental issues. It taught me the importance of proactive communication and that legal strategy isn’t just about risk mitigation but about facilitating forward momentum.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: David Kupfer, King & Spalding LLP

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? As a litigator, I consistently take on high-stakes cases that demand creative problem-solving. Recently, a new action was commenced against one of my clients seeking the release of a litigation escrow that was meant to cover the clients’ expenses in a separate ongoing litigation.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Lauren Younkins, Younkins & Schecter LLP

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? It is often hard to gauge your progress when starting out. My best advice for newly minted lawyers is to not be afraid to ask for help or admit that you don’t know something. Be honest and aware of your limitations. Find a mentor.

2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Tyler Dickson, M&T Realty Capital Corp.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Seek out a strong mentor, observe their habits, and ask why they do things a certain way. A good mentor can boost your career by sharing hard-earned insights from experience. Their guidance goes beyond textbooks, helping you understand industry nuances, improve judgment, and make informed decisions.

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

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.