Milwaukee REIA: Commercial Corner
Are you a seasoned commercial real estate investor or someone eager to learn more about the field? Our new Commercial Corner is the place for you! We gather monthly over coffee to discuss a wide range of topics and hear from local experts in the industry.
Each month, we feature local experts who share insights, trends, and strategies in commercial real estate investing. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, our discussions are designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve. This is your chance to learn from the best local experts, stay updated on market trends, and gain practical knowledge that can help you succeed in your investments.
Here is what you can expect during these monthly discussions:
Market Trends & Analysis
- Current trends in commercial real estate markets
- Economic indicators affecting commercial real estate
Legal & Regulatory Considerations
- Understanding zoning and land use regulations
- Navigating commercial lease agreements
- Compliance with local, and state laws
Financing & Capital Structures
- Traditional bank loans vs. alternative financing options
- Tax credits, grand, and other sources of funding
Real-World Examples
- Success stories and lessons learned from experienced investors
- Troubleshooting common challenges in commercial real estate investing
THIS MONTH'S TOPIC:
How Capital Really Works: A Real-World Guide to the Commercial Real Estate Capital Stack
If you’re planning to scale your portfolio—or bring on partners—you need to understand how capital flows through a commercial real estate deal.
This month, Geoff Stuhr, Managing Partner at Smart Asset Capital, will break down how real-world investors structure their capital stacks—and how you can use the same frameworks to raise debt, attract equity, and protect your position in the deal.
Geoff will share:
- How the capital stack is structured—debt, mezzanine, preferred equity, and common equity
- What each layer wants (and what it costs you)
- How to talk to potential capital partners like a professional
- Real-world examples of capital stacks from recent commercial projects
Stay after for Q&A and networking with fellow investors.
Don’t miss this opportunity to demystify capital structure—and move into your next deal with confidence.
In addition to the educational sessions, our meet-ups offer a fantastic opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. You'll be able to share experiences, build valuable relationships, and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the commercial real estate market. Don’t miss out on this chance to enhance your knowledge and expand your network. Join us for our next meeting and take the next step in your commercial real estate investing journey.
MEET THE LEADER
Mark Kvetkovskiy
Mark began his journey in real estate investment in August 2021 and has quickly evolved into a knowledgeable investor and trusted real estate advisor.
Now, he works as a commercial real estate broker at Compass, where he guides investors and business owners through the processes of buying, selling, and leasing properties.
Beyond his role at Compass, Mark is a co-founder of NINJA and actively contributes to the real estate community as a member of the Rental Property Association (RPA) and the Milwaukee Real Estate Investor Association (REIA).
Before diving into real estate, Mark served as a wealth manager at BMO and J.P. Morgan.
Derek Peruo
Derek builds systems that scale, cash flow, and compound — multiplying every dollar and hour he invests.
He focuses deeply on the vital few priorities that truly move the needle, trusting his team and systems with the rest. Derek runs his ventures like the big players — with a disciplined focus on results, systems, and sustainable growth. His playbook spans real estate, private logistics, and overlooked niches where complexity slows others down. He’s not afraid to scrap what’s not working, learn fast, and reinvest in what does — always keeping the long game in mind.
Derek applies proven frameworks like 80/20 and the Star Principle to build lean, flexible assets that generate income, create time leverage, and open doors to bigger opportunities down the road. He’s skeptical of grind-for-grind’s-sake hustle and doesn’t chase vanity metrics. Instead, he looks for simple, durable systems that multiply input — whether that’s capital, time, or attention. If it doesn’t scale, cash flow, or compound, it’s not worth doing.
Derek is direct, collaborative, and unapologetically focused on results. He expects a lot — from himself and from others — but he plays fair, communicates clearly, and shows up with a long-term mindset. He’s building for freedom, flexibility, and meaningful returns — practicing for asymmetric outcomes while still small, nimble, and hungry.