In-Person Roundtable: Transparency in Real Estate with Ran Eliasaf, Founder of Northwind Group (Young CEOs & Founders Only)

Ran founded Northwind Group in 2008 and oversees all company investment activities. Throughout his career, Ran has executed 300+ real estate transactions totaling over $5 billion, investing in CRE properties in NYC and healthcare & senior living properties across the US. In 2017 Ran spearheaded the creation of Northwind’s credit platform including the formation of Northwind’s discretionary closed-ended debt funds with over $2 billion in AUM.

Under Ran’s leadership Northwind has evolved into a reputable institutional grade private equity firm, consistently improving its capabilities, expanding its operations, know-how and industry recognition, while adhering to strict core values of honesty and transparency. Ran is a sought-after speaker in the NYC real estate community and is frequently quoted by several real estate news outlets. Prior to forming Northwind Group, Ran led the real estate activities of a family office and invested in a portfolio of grocery anchored shopping centers of over 5 million sq. ft. located in Florida and Texas.

Ran is a retired Captain of the Israeli Navy. He currently sits on the Board of AFN, a non-profit organization providing vital assistance to army veterans and civilians suffering from PTSD and on the board of American Friend of Unistream which supports entrepreneurship programs in the periphery of Israel. He is passionate about real estate, surfing and most importantly serving as a good role model to his three children.

Mr. Ralph Herzka is the Founder and Senior Chairman of Meridian Capital Group where he leads a firm of hundreds of professionals nationwide specializing in mortgage brokerage, investment sales, and retail leasing advisory services. As a co-founder of Meridian, Mr. Herzka is widely viewed as one of the country’s foremost innovators and experts in the field of commercial mortgage origination, and enjoys relationships with many of the country’s top mortgage borrowers and lenders.

As a hands-on Founder and Senior Chairman, Mr. Herzka is the driving force behind Meridian’s day to day activities, while also maintaining the firm’s strategic course and direction. Mr. Herzka has co founded several successful commercial mortgage lending platforms including, most recently in 2021, NewPoint Real Estate Capital, which is licensed to participate in various government sponsored enterprise loan origination and servicing businesses.

In addition to his professional innovation and leadership, Mr. Herzka is a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, philanthropist, and passionate participant in the field of Jewish identity and outreach. In the field of Jewish identity and outreach in particular,
Mr. Herzka is regularly invited to lecture and speak to students on college campuses nationwide, and commits substantial time and energy to this effort. Mr. Herzka has adopted several charitable causes and institutions as personal responsibilities, contributing individually and raising millions of dollars enabling them to grow and thrive.

Mr. Herzka resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and regularly spends time with his children in the greater New York area and Jerusalem.