Ayush Kapahi, a seasoned commercial real estate finance professional, began his journey at Pergolis & Swartz Associates in 2005. In 2011, Ayush co-founded HKS Real Estate Advisors with partners Jerry Swartz and Jonathan Harrington, and has since financed over $15 billion in transactions spanning all assets nationwide. With a keen understanding of the ever-changing capital markets, Ayush excels in executing both straightforward and complex transactions. He has carved out a niche within the structured finance side of the real estate business with his unique ability to analyze and procure debt and equity for all situations. For over a decade, Ayush has spearheaded HKS's expansion and growth into multiple verticals, including financing, investment sales, direct lending, and ground-up development. He has grown the firm from 3 partners to 30+ employees, and is the driving force behind making HKS a leader in the commercial real estate finance space. Ayush's industry accolades include being named a Top 20 Mortgage Broker by Commercial Observer three times over, and ranking on Mortgage Professional America’s Hot 100 list. A native New Yorker, he is also a graduate of Skidmore College with a bachelor's degree in economics.