OUR PEOPLE
Meet Our
Team
Experienced professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
FOUNDING PARTNERS
Meet Our Leaders
David Rosenberg
Managing Partner
As a 30-year veteran of the real estate market, David Rosenberg has had a successful career in all areas of real estate.
In 2009, David and Abe Katz founded Deerwood Real Estate Capital. Over the course of eight years, they grew Deerwood to 25+ people and $2.5 billion of deals closed per year. Managing all aspects of the business, from production to operations, David and Abe created a successful, national mortgage brokerage firm.
In 2017, they sold Deerwood to Walker & Dunlop and stayed on to run the Walker & Dunlop NJ office. David served as Senior Managing Director at Walker & Dunlop until mid-2023 and was consistently among the top Capital Markets producers in the company. Over the course of his career, David has been involved in closing over $55 billion in mortgage and equity deals.
Prior to founding Deerwood, David joined the New York office of Meridian Capital Group as Managing Director, in 2001, for the purpose of forming and developing the company’s Capital Markets group. During his tenure, he successfully led the Capital Markets team for over eight years and closed more than $14 billion in transactions.
Early in his career, David served as an accountant and real estate consultant at Deloitte & Touche, where he was part of the group that helped Bear Stearns start their securitized lending program. In 1997, he was recruited to join Bear Stearns’ CMBS group and did so as a lender, where he was responsible for originating, underwriting, and securitizing commercial mortgages.
David is a certified public accountant and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Yeshiva University.
CONTACT DAVID:
Abe Katz
Managing Partner
Abe Katz has 30 years of commercial real estate experience.
Most recently, Abe served as Senior Managing Director at Walker & Dunlop, where he managed the NJ office along with David Rosenberg and was responsible for loan origination of multifamily and commercial properties nationwide. Throughout his career, Abe has placed more than $30 billion in commercial real estate loans.
Prior to Walker & Dunlop, Abe co-founded Deerwood Real Estate Capital with David Rosenberg, and they built it into a 25+ person company, closing more than $10 billion in deal volume. In 2017, they sold the firm to Walker & Dunlop.
Before Deerwood, Abe spent 15 years with Meridian Capital Group. Seven years into his tenure, he was tapped to head the company’s NJ office, which he led through early 2009. Under his auspices, Abe was instrumental in increasing the group’s production from $160 million per year to more than $2 billion annually, expanding the office to more than 30 people. He also oversaw the company’s PA and Chicago markets.
Abe is a member of NMHC as well as ICSC.
CONTACT ABE:
Mark Silbersher
Managing Partner
Mark Silbersher has over 20 years of commercial real estate investment, advisory and brokerage experience throughout all parts of the capital structure including senior fixed and floating rate loans, subordinate loans, preferred equity, and equity.
Prior to Lion Creek, Mark was a Managing Director at Walker and Dunlop where he was most recently co-head of the NJ office and responsible for loan origination on all commercial property types throughout the US. Before joining Walker & Dunlop, Mark was a Managing Director at Deerwood Real Estate Capital where he specialized in sourcing debt and equity for clients including individual property owners, middle market and institutional operators, developers, and private equity funds. Deerwood was acquired by Walker & Dunlop in 2017. Throughout his time at Walker & Dunlop and Deerwood, Mark was directly responsible for closing in excess of 300 transactions, representing over $8 billion in transaction volume.
Before joining Deerwood in 2009, Mark was a Vice President in the CMBS Group at Merrill Lynch where he ran an origination team that was ultimately involved in closing and securitizing over 100 transactions representing over $1 billion in transaction volume. Prior to the CMBS Group, Mark was an Associate in the Global Principal Investments Group at Merrill Lynch, where he participated in over 40 real estate debt and equity transactions representing investment of over $1.5 billion.
Mark graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Applied Economics and Business Management.
CONTACT MARK:
COLLABORATIVE EXPERTISE
Meet Our Team
Elliot Treitel
Managing Director
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Elliot Treitel has had a flourishing 30+ year career in real estate. After graduating Yeshiva University in 1993 with a BS in accounting, he was an accountant at Deloitte & Touche, primarily working with real estate-related clients. In 1996, Elliot moved to ING Barings, where he was tasked with handling their Lending Book, as well as interacting with offices in Amsterdam and London, ensuring efficient communication and reporting.
In 1998, he joined Meridian Capital Group as a junior mortgage broker in their NJ office. Elliot made an immediate impact with his straightforward style and brought new lenders and ideas to the real estate community. He was quickly promoted to Senior Vice President and, over the past 25 years, Elliot has closed in excess of $13 billion in transactions nationwide.
CONTACT ELLIOT:
Michael Simonovits
COO
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Michael Simonovits is an accomplished operations veteran, having run the day-to-day operations of multiple companies over the previous two decades, primarily in commercial real estate mortgages and in healthcare.
Prior to Lion Creek, Michael was a Senior Director at Walker & Dunlop, which had acquired Deerwood Real Estate Capital in 2017. At Deerwood, as Managing Director, Michael was responsible for the daily operations, including building a team of successful brokers, deal managers, analysts, a research group, and other support staff. Together with Abe Katz, David Rosenberg and Mark Silbersher, the same dynamic management group of Lion Creek, Michael helped build Deerwood into an extremely reputable and successful commercial real estate mortgage brokerage firm.
Before joining Deerwood in 2011, Michael served as CEO/COO of a staffing, payroll and benefits firm that serviced the skilled nursing industry.
Michael graduated from Touro College with a BS in Accounting and is a CPA.
CONTACT MICHAEL:
Jacob Fischer
Director
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Jacob Fischer is a commercial real estate executive with nearly 15 years of capital markets experience and a proven track record of structuring and closing over $5 billion in transactions across multifamily, industrial, office, retail and mixed-use assets.
Prior to his current role at Lion Creek, Jacob held senior leadership positions overseeing investment strategy, acquisitions, refinances, equity raises, and commercial lease negotiations. During his decade at Meridian Capital, he led a team responsible for originating $1.5 billion annually, structuring and executing a wide range of financing solutions - including bridge, permanent, construction, agency, and balance-sheet lending - across a diverse network of lenders and capital providers.
Jacob began his career at Goldman Sachs and Ernst & Young, supporting private equity funds, financial reporting, and compliance. He holds an MS in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
CONTACT JACOB:
Scott Rosenstock
Vice President
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Scott Rosenstock joined Lion Creek as Vice President, bringing extensive expertise in origination and placement across multifamily, retail, industrial, office, MHP, and self-storage deals. With a proven track record in the industry, Scott has successfully facilitated financing across diverse sectors, tailoring solutions to each client's unique needs.
Formerly of Meridian Capital, Scott possesses a deep understanding of the commercial mortgage landscape, adeptly navigating various financing options. Leveraging relationships with banks, agency lenders, CMBS, debt funds, HUD, and hard money lenders, Scott excels in securing creative financing solutions, regardless of complexity or scale.
At Lion Creek, Scott delivers exceptional service, ensuring clients receive optimal terms and a streamlined process from origination to closing. Whether assisting seasoned investors or guiding first-time commercial property buyers, Scott provides personalized guidance and strategic insights to help clients achieve investment objectives with confidence.
CONTACT SCOTT:
Max Nussbaum
Vice President
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Max Nussbaum is a commercial real estate finance professional specializing in debt financing for real estate transactions nationwide. Since joining Lion Creek, he has successfully closed deals across a variety of asset classes and markets while building strong relationships with clients and lending partners.
A summa cum laude graduate of Touro University with a degree in Finance, Max combines a strong analytical foundation with hands-on market experience. He works closely with capital providers to structure financing solutions that help clients achieve their investment goals while securing competitive rates and terms.
Leveraging Lion Creek's extensive lender network and deep industry expertise, Max is committed to delivering exceptional service and tailored financing solutions throughout every stage of the lending process.
CONTACT MAX:
646-628-1701 | Mnussbaum@lioncreekcap.com
Yehudah Rephen
Vice President
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Yehudah Rephen is an accomplished financial professional with expertise in asset and wealth management, audit analysis, and financial analysis. He is enthusiastic about leveraging his relationship-building skills and financial acumen to ensure a successful career in mortgage brokerage.
Since early 2022, Yehudah has worked as an Asset and Wealth Management Experienced Associate at PwC, where he provided assurance services and performed financial statement analysis for clients in the asset management sector. Before this role, he audited multi-million-dollar hedge funds at Berkower, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of financial statements.
Yehudah began his career at Check Alt, a fintech firm. There, he developed new accounts, generating $500K in annual revenue, and supported the company’s financial operations.
He graduated magna cum laude from Touro College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, majoring in Accounting.
CONTACT YEHUDAH:
845-499-1678 | Yrephen@lioncreekcap.com
Gabriel Frausto
Vice President
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Gabriel Frausto focuses on commercial mortgages at Lion Creek where he brings a wealth of experience in relationship management and business acumen to the team. With a proven track record in sales, prospecting, and customer service, Gabriel is passionate about developing strong partnerships and identifying strategic growth opportunities for the firm.
His financial prowess and intuition are a valuable asset to clients who need the technical financial knowledge to navigate the intricacies of the commercial real estate space. Gabriel is confident his proactive attitude and commitment to delivering the best results for his clients will propel him to success and make his own mark in the commercial real estate industry.Outside of work, Gabriel is passionate about language learning, traveling, snowboarding, scuba diving, cooking, music, and swimming. Additionally, Gabriel is a United States Air Force veteran and a recent graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder where he earned his degree in Economics.
CONTACT GABRIEL:
657-217-9166 | Gfrausto@lioncreekcap.com
Noam Wainhaus
Vice President - Deal Manager
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Noam Wainhaus is responsible for underwriting and deal management at Lion Creek Capital. He began his full-time career at MYE Property Holdings, where he underwrote over $500 million in government-leased office buildings, multifamily assets, and other commercial properties. While at MYE, Noam also managed asset performance across the firm’s portfolio and played a key role in closing the acquisition of a government-leased building in Harrisburg, PA.
Prior to that, Noam interned at Harbor Group International, supporting the underwriting of over $2.5 billion in multifamily investments across equity, debt, and structured transactions.
Noam holds a B.S. in Finance from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business, where he graduated on the Dean’s List and was active in the Investment Club and Investment Banking Society.
CONTACT NOAM:
845-274-2432 | Nwainhaus@lioncreekcap.com
Mattis Michaels
Vice President
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Mattis is a Commercial Mortgage Broker at Lion Creek Real Estate Capital, where he combines a strong analytical mindset with a passion for helping clients navigate the lending process with confidence. After spending several years studying overseas, he developed the discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills that now serve as the foundation of his professional approach.
With previous experience as a salesperson, Mattis brings strong interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of client needs, and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a clear, approachable way. Highly intelligent and detail-oriented, he thrives in the fast-paced, deal-driven world of commercial real estate financing.
Known for his tenacity, responsiveness, and commitment to tailoring financing solutions to each client’s unique goals, Mattis is dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes and building lasting relationships within the industry.
CONTACT MATTIS:
917-635-1564 | Mmichaels@lioncreekcap.com
Shaya Lieberman
Vice President
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Shaya Lieberman is a Vice President at Lion Creek Real Estate Capital, where he is involved in the sourcing, analysis, and execution of commercial real estate financing transactions across markets nationwide.
Shaya works closely with senior partners to structure and place debt for acquisitions, refinancings, and recapitalizations across a range of property types. His role spans transaction underwriting, lender engagement, financial analysis, and deal execution from initial review through closing, with a focus on aligning capital solutions with client objectives.
Prior to joining Lion Creek, Shaya gained real estate investment experience underwriting value-add and development opportunities and performing property-level analysis and due diligence. He also brings transaction exposure from his time in M&A Tax Consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he supported deal teams on financial analysis and transaction structuring.
CONTACT SHAYA:
Jacob Gruber
Vice President
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Jacob Gruber is a commercial real estate mortgage broker with a strong background in operations, client communication, and deal coordination. He previously managed day-to-day operations, scheduling, and communications at a food service company, where he worked closely with teams and external partners to keep complex processes running smoothly.
Jacob grew up around active real estate developers and commercial real estate brokers, giving him a practical understanding of how CRE deals are structured and executed. Known for his strong people skills and responsiveness, he works closely with clients and lenders to help navigate financing for acquisitions and refinances with clarity and efficiency.
CONTACT JACOB:
Jeremy Nussbaum
Managing Director
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Jeremy brings more than 13 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. He began his career at Deerwood Real Estate Capital, where he financed transactions across all major asset types. Starting as an associate, Jeremy quickly became a central member of the team, playing a key role in supporting new producers and contributing to the firm’s growth.
Following Deerwood’s acquisition by Walker & Dunlop in 2017, Jeremy continued to advance within the organization. He progressed from Director to Managing Director and ultimately led the firm’s New Jersey office from 2023 through early 2026.
Throughout his career, Jeremy has been involved in more than $4 billion in financings, spanning the full spectrum of capital solutions, including permanent loans, bridge financing, construction debt, and structured equity components.
In 2026, Jeremy was excited to reunite with former colleagues and help bring the “Deerwood” group back together, aiming to replicate the entrepreneurial culture and success that defined their earlier years.
CONTACT JEREMY:
845-304-6732 | Jnussbaum@lioncreekcap.com
David Engel
Vice President
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David Engel is a Vice President at Lion Creek Real Estate Capital, where he advises on debt financing for commercial real estate transactions across the United States.
He works with investors, developers, and property owners to structure capital solutions aligned with their investment objectives. David is involved throughout the financing process, including underwriting, debt placement, lender negotiations, and execution through closing. He focuses on building long-term relationships through responsive service, market insight, and tailored capital solutions.
Leveraging a broad network of lending institutions, he helps secure competitive financing for acquisitions, refinancings, recapitalizations, and construction projects across a wide range of asset classes. David earned a Bachelor of Science from Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business, majoring in Strategy & Entrepreneurship with a minor in Marketing. He combines his academic background with hands-on experience in commercial real estate finance to navigate complex transactions and identify strategic capital solutions.
CONTACT DAVID:
908-472-4318 | Dengel@lioncreekcap.com
Avi Bursztyn
Vice President
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Avi Bursztyn is a commercial mortgage broker at Lion Creek Real Estate Capital, where he works on sourcing and structuring debt for commercial real estate deals across the country. He focuses on acquisitions, refinances, and recapitalizations, and works directly with lenders to find the best execution for each deal.
Before getting into brokerage, Avi worked in property management, where he got hands-on experience with day-to-day operations, tenant issues, and the financial side of running assets. That background gives him a practical understanding of how deals actually perform beyond just the numbers.
Prior to that, Avi served in the IDF, where he developed a strong work ethic, discipline, and a no-nonsense approach to problem solving - qualities he brings into his work with clients today.
At Lion Creek, Avi works with a wide range of lenders including banks, debt funds, and agency shops, and stays involved throughout the process from underwriting through closing. He’s known for being responsive, straightforward, and easy to work with.
CONTACT AVI:
201-375-2797 | Abursztyn@lioncreekcap.com
Isaac Simon
Vice President
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Isaac Simon is a Vice President at Lion Creek Real Estate Capital, where he works as a commercial mortgage broker serving clients across markets nationwide and across all major asset types, including multifamily, office, retail, hospitality and industrial. Isaac advises his clients on debt structuring to help secure financing solutions tailored to their goals. For Isaac, the foundation of any great relationship is trust — earned through clear communication, genuine attentiveness, and a real commitment to understanding each client's needs.
Before joining Lion Creek, Isaac volunteered as a student mentor, an experience that shaped his belief that great advising starts with listening. He carries that same relationship-first mindset into his work today, treating every client interaction as the start of a long-term partnership rather than a single transaction.
Isaac is committed to becoming a trusted resource for clients nationwide, leveraging an extensive network of lending relationships to architect bespoke financing solutions calibrated to each borrower's unique capital needs — a partnership built not merely on transactional expertise, but on unwavering integrity and care.
Outside of the office, Isaac can usually be found on a hiking trail, working through a stack of nonfiction, or reading up on World War II history — a lifelong interest rooted in his appreciation for stories of leadership, strategy, and resilience.
CONTACT ISAAC:
347-533-0057 | Isimon@lioncreekcap.com
Ari Lowy
Vice President
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Ari Lowy joins Lion Creek Real Estate Capital as Vice President, serving as a commercial mortgage broker with experience in investment sales and advisory.
Prior to joining Lion Creek, he worked at Northgate Real Estate Group, where he focused on the disposition of distressed assets, lender-owned REO properties, and value-add opportunities. Through this role, he developed a strong understanding of asset valuation, investor positioning, and transaction management. At Lion Creek, he focuses on debt placement, relationship management, and deal execution, working closely with investors, developers, and property owners to structure financing solutions aligned with their objectives.His exposure to both debt and equity markets provides a comprehensive perspective on commercial real estate finance and investment strategy. Ari graduated summa cum laude from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in Biology. Outside of work, he enjoys reading history, fiction, and metaphysics, as well as exploring the outdoors and spending time with family.
CONTACT ARI:
201-390-9062 Alowy@lioncreekcap.com
Ethan Thurm
Vice President
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Ethan Thurm is a Vice President at Lion Creek Real Estate Capital, where he is involved in the origination, underwriting, and execution of commercial real estate financing transactions nationwide.
He works closely with borrowers and lending partners to structure debt solutions for acquisitions, refinancings, and recapitalizations across a broad range of asset classes, with responsibilities spanning financial analysis, loan sizing, capital sourcing, and transaction management through closing.
Ethan earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance with a minor in Data Analytics from Yeshiva University, where he developed a strong analytical foundation in financial modeling, valuation, and quantitative decision-making. He applies this background to evaluating complex commercial real estate transactions, underwriting investment opportunities, and identifying financing strategies that align with clients' long-term objectives.
At Lion Creek, Ethan works with a diverse network of capital providers, including banks, credit unions, agency lenders, life insurance companies, debt funds, and CMBS lenders, allowing him to tailor financing solutions to each transaction's unique requirements. He is committed to building long-term relationships through responsiveness, transparency, and disciplined execution while continually expanding his expertise across commercial real estate capital markets.
CONTACT ETHAN:
908-420-3464 | Ethurm@lioncreekcap.com
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