From first deal to $530M closed, why Drew Reiter bet on CRE finance and never looked back

Interview with W Financial’s loan originator

Drew Reiter

Loan Originator

Years with company/firm: 3

Years in field: 3

Years in real estate industry: 3

Real estate organizations/affiliations: YMBA

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment is when I originated my first loan at W Financial. After working on the deal throughout the entire process from sourcing the deal to executing due diligence, it was very gratifying seeing the deal get closed.

What is your most notable project, deal or transaction?

My most notable project that I worked on was a covered land play in the Design District of Miami, FL. The reason this deal sticks out to me is because how intricate the underwriting process was. Between conversing with local zoning attorneys to see what is feasible to build, to completing a complex DCF highlighting the construction and lease-up phases, it was a unique deal for our group, and I learned tremendously from it.

How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry?

I like to think of my contributions to W Financial as a Swiss army knife, someone that can do a bit of everything. From sourcing new potential lending opportunities, creating complex financial models for transitional properties, performing on due diligence tasks, and preparing monthly reports for the fund’s investors. I have worked on ~$530M of closings since Q3 of 2022, helping our clients execute on their financing needs with speed and reliability.

Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career?

Although he wasn’t in the real estate field, Kobe Bryant has been a strong influence for me in my early years of my career. He preached that working hard everyday is pivotal to be successful in anything that you do. In order to become the person you strive to be, you must work diligently and focus on every aspect of your craft. His ideas taught me to show up to the office everyday ready to make an impact and improve every day.

What impact has social media/networking had on your career?

Social media and networking play a crucial role in my career. Connecting with brokers, developers, investors, and other lenders through networking has been invaluable. It’s allowed me to build and maintain relationships that have become truly productive and meaningful to my career.

Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you chose the field/profession you are in today?

I started my career in commercial real estate immediately following my graduation from Indiana University. I chose to work in this industry because I was passionate about my real estate finance courses in college, and I had great connections with those professors who also actively worked in commercial real estate. After connecting with various IU graduates in the industry, I landed with W Financial as an Analyst. As a Loan Originator, I focus on bringing in new potential loan opportunities by growing and maintaining my network of brokers and investors. I also work with underwriting prospective deals and engage in due diligence to get deals closed.

What were some of your early goals and did anything happen to change them?

My early goals consisted of trying to learn something new everyday and to start creating my network. There have been new goals that I wish to achieve, but these goals haven’t changed. I am still dedicated to perfecting my craft both in terms of networking and analytically and expanding on my network within the industry. There is no such thing as having too big of a network.

What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?

The top three qualities that I believe makes me most successful are being resilient and persistent, being a strong communicator, and analytical. With constant market shifts and constant challenges coming up, it is important to be a relentless problem-solver who will always stay determined. As a communicator, you must be transparent and articulate to get deals done. Finally, being an analytical thinker is crucial because being a problem solver to the complexities of transitional real estate transactions allows for best results and better deals for investors.

What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today?

Being so young and inexperienced early on was a challenge for my networking at first, especially at networking events. Everyone was older than me and knew more about the industry. I had to adapt to being in such situations and over time I taught myself how to create long lasting relationships as a younger professional in the industry.

What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time?

During my free time I often exercise, cook, golf, try new restaurants, and go boating.

What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college?

I would say it is important to love what you do. Being passionate about your work will make it effortless to improve everyday and establish yourself as a young and successful professional. Additionally, now is a great start to building your network. Whether it is professionals already in the industry or even your fellow classmates, deals can come from anyone and it is pivotal that you build these long-lasting relationships, it will make a huge impact on your growth as a professional in this field.