The Crexi Commercial Real Estate Podcast | CRE Insights & Strategies
David Green & Cory Mais on NYC Retail: Brooklyn, Pilates, and Froyo
Why It Matters
Understanding New York’s retail leasing landscape is crucial for landlords, tenants, and brokers aiming to capitalize on the city’s unparalleled foot traffic and high‑value rents. The episode offers timely insights into post‑COVID tenant behavior, team‑building strategies, and the evolving role of brokers, making it valuable for anyone navigating today’s competitive CRE market.
Key Takeaways
- •KSR grew from 10 brokers to 150 in a decade.
- •David shifted focus from deal-chasing to relationship-driven service.
- •Corey secured 25 retail deals in his first year.
- •New York's foot traffic makes it the world’s biggest mall.
- •Hiring criteria: responsiveness, accountability, humility, and low ego.
Pulse Analysis
The Crexi podcast episode spotlights KSR’s retail leasing veterans David Green and Corey Mays, who dissect the fast‑moving New York City commercial real estate scene. David, a Managing Director since 2015, has overseen more than a million square feet of leases, while Corey, a former business broker, closed 25 retail deals within his first year of retail leasing. Their conversation traces KSR’s evolution from a modest four‑story office with ten brokers to a two‑floor operation housing roughly 150 retail agents, illustrating how the firm scaled alongside the city’s relentless demand for storefront space.
The dialogue shifts to post‑COVID tenant behavior and the strategic importance of foot traffic. Both guests agree that New York functions as “the world’s biggest mall,” where 24‑hour pedestrian flow drives rent premiums and sustains brand visibility. David notes a personal transition from pure deal‑chasing to a relationship‑driven service model, emphasizing long‑term client stewardship over quick closures. This pivot mirrors broader industry trends, as landlords and tenants now prioritize flexible lease structures and community integration to mitigate the lingering effects of reduced office commuter traffic.
Building a high‑performing brokerage team emerges as a central theme. David stresses selective hiring, seeking candidates who are responsive, accountable, humble, and ego‑free—qualities he deems essential in a people‑centric business. He warns newcomers to expect a year‑long runway before seeing commissions, underscoring the importance of cultural fit over immediate earnings. Corey’s rapid success illustrates how disciplined hustle combined with mentorship can accelerate career growth. Looking ahead, the hosts predict that New York’s unique vertical retail environment will remain future‑proof, offering ample opportunities for brokers who master relationship building and adapt to evolving consumer patterns.
Episode Description
KSR's David Green and Cory Mais on New York retail leasing, why Brooklyn is where the smart money is going, building a team, and why you should never send the ChatGPT email.
The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.
David Green has leased more than a million square feet of retail space across the New York Metro Area since 2015. Cory Mais joined his team less than a year ago and is already on pace to close 25 deals in his first year.
In this episode, they join host Shanti Ryle on what is driving New York retail, why Brooklyn is the market to watch, how David thinks about building a team, and why the best brokers know exactly when not to use AI.
Welcome to The Crexi Podcast
Introducing David Green and Cory Mais of KSR
David's origin story: a summer internship that never ended
How KSR grew from 10 brokers to 150 since 2015
From chasing deals to building relationships
COVID as the turning point: getting the deal done wasn't enough
Cory's background and the cold call that got him hired
The week of harassment that became a litmus test for hustle
Why New York City is the world's greatest and biggest mall
Neighborhoods that got stronger post-COVID: East Village, Upper West Side
Why David is most bullish on Brooklyn right now
Building a team: culture over resume
"If you need to pay rent next month, this is not the right job for you"
Ego, accountability, and what David looks for in a new hire
Hardest part of year one: time kills deals
Easiest surprise: how fast a hot tenant can sign and close
West Village on a Wednesday looks like a weekend
Green Point: the market David is most focused on right now
Landlord-tenant equilibrium, transparency, and smart tenants in 2026
The best deals are when nobody is fully happy
What national tenants get wrong about New York City
Food and beverage: alcohol down, health and wellness up
Pilates is on fire: five leases out with five new concepts
Frozen yogurt is back and nobody saw it coming
TI, free rent, and when landlords open checkbooks
The 7th Street Burger story: a pandemic listing that became 30 locations
AI in retail leasing: marketing and data yes, sourcing no
How to spot a ChatGPT email, and why sending it will cost you
Technology that works: lead generation and online presence
Cory's LinkedIn strategy and why David lets him handle it
Authenticity is the competitive advantage when everyone else goes AI
Rapid fire: $50M goes to Brooklyn retail
Worst advice: avoid bad news
Pick a lane and go all in; brokers aren't going anywhere
About David Green:
David Green is the Executive Managing Director of Retail Leasing at KSR, where he has been a driving force since joining the firm in 2015. Over the course of his career, David has leased more than 1,000,000 square feet of retail space across the New York Metropolitan Area. He brings deep expertise in representing both landlords and tenants, working with national brands including Cotton On, Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Luckin Coffee, and 7th Street Burger, as well as prominent property owners including Ashkenazy Acquisitions, Icon Realty Management, The Moinian Group, Crown Acquisitions, and others. David holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Hunter College and has been recognized industry-wide, earning accolades including Commercial Observer's 30 Under 30 in 2022, and CREXI Platinum Award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
About Cory Mais:
Cory Mais started his career in business brokering, closing several notable deals including a 150-key hotel in Albany and a 20-unit apartment building in Pennsylvania. He transitioned into retail leasing last June and has hit the ground running, already on pace to close 25 deals in his first year. He closed his first deal within his first month, a vintage store relocating to New York, and has not slowed down since. Now working under David Green, Cory is focused on continuing to learn, build relationships, and grow his presence in the retail leasing world.
For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi’s blog.
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