15. Billionaires & Bear Markets with Stuart Zook, Principal/CIO, Monument Capital Management & Monument Real Estate

The Dealmakers’ Edge with A.Y. Strauss

Before managing Alex Rodriquez’ real estate portfolio, Stuart Zook had a long history of finding pockets of opportunity before anyone else. He shares his court-side stories with Host Aaron Strauss on the Dealmakers’ Edge podcast.

Highlights include:

• “Sharing” an office with billionaire Chicago Bulls & Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
• Navigating commercial real estate investments during catastrophes like the Global Financial Crisis, Hurricane Ike, and 9/11.
• Renegotiating loan terms with bankers during 21%+ interest rates.
• Zook’s secrets to being a successful Commercial Real Estate investor.

Let us know what you think at [e-mail].
ABOUT THE GUEST:

Stuart Zook is Principal of Monument Capital Management (MCM) and Monument Real Estate Services (MRES). He has been with the companies since 2008 and has acted as the key principal on all investments since 2012. Mr. Zook brings more than 40 years of experience in property and asset management and is responsible for the overall investment and operational strategy of the companies.

Throughout his career, Mr. Zook has worked with institutional and private owners, managing portfolios that both exceeded $2 billion in value and totaled more than 40,000 units. Prior to joining MCM and MRES, he managed 10,000 units throughout the Midwest and Northeast U.S. for Equity Residential, and later focused on asset management and investment in the Southeast region. In this role, he developed and coordinated the overall investment plan for 30,000 units valued at $1.5 billion and located throughout Florida and Georgia. He was also responsible for coordinating the due diligence process on acquisitions and managing ongoing capital plans.

Mr. Zook earned his Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. He holds the Real Property Administration designation from the Building Owners and Managers Institute and has served on the boards of various local apartment associations.

Hosted by Aaron Y. Strauss, Managing Partner at A.Y. Strauss

Aaron Y. Strauss is one of the leading legal advisors in the commercial real estate industry, providing insight and guidance for billions worth of transactions during his career. As our firm’s founder and managing partner, he has positioned A.Y. Strauss as one of the region’s most respected law firms for commercial real estate owners, lenders and sponsors, serving the needs of our clients with the utmost in care, integrity and transparency.

Enjoy the show? Have a guest in mind? Email us at [e-mail] to let us know your feedback and who you want to hear on the next episode.
Connect with Aaron and the A.Y. Strauss team:

• Our website (www.AYStrauss.com)
• Aaron's website bio page (Aaron's bio page)
• Aaron's LinkedIn account (LinkedIn)
• Our Twitter account (@AYStrauss)