How Gregory Laskody Closed $3B in CRE, Built MasterCRE to Open the Industry, and Why 2025 Will Reshape Capital Markets

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Gregory Laskody, founder of MasterCRE, shares his journey from struggling college student to leading over $3B in commercial real estate transactions. After three decades in the industry, Greg has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for new investors and professionals to break into commercial real estate. Now, through MasterCRE, he’s focused on opening access, shortening the learning curve, and creating a more collaborative environment for future dealmakers.

Greg’s story is about more than just big deals—it’s about changing how the industry works from the inside out.

To listen to this episode, follow this link to Groundbreakers on Spotify!

Key Points Discussed

• Breaking Into CRE: Greg shares how he went from failing his accounting classes to working for one of the top real estate firms in the country—and how anyone can carve a path into CRE without the traditional roadmap.
• Why CRE Is Still Behind:Unlike residential real estate, commercial is fragmented, offline, and often gatekept. Greg explains why CRE is slow to evolve and what needs to change to make it more accessible.
• MasterCRE and the Future of Education: Greg built MasterCRE to help aspiring investors and professionals learn the fundamentals of commercial real estate, access deals, and connect with mentors without relying on outdated, closed-door systems.
• Market Outlook for 2025: Greg discusses why capital markets are tightening, what deleveraging will look like, and why many operators will struggle with cash-in refinances in the coming year.
• Why Unpaid Internships Hurt the Industry: Greg believes that everyone brings value, even beginners—and why it’s time the industry moves past unpaid work as the only entry point.

Guest Information

• Name: Gregory Laskody
• Role: Principal at MasterCRE
• LinkedIn: Gregory Laskody
• Website: MasterCRE

Conclusion

Gregory Laskody’s mission is simple: to make commercial real estate more open, without lowering the bar. His experience across $3B in deals, capital advisory, and platform building makes him a unique voice for where CRE is headed. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into commercial real estate—or what’s holding the industry back—this episode delivers insights from someone who’s seen it all.

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn or explore MasterCRE to learn more about his mission to open up the industry.