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Start With The Close In Mind

Start With The Close In Mind

By: Dorian Lam
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About this listen

 Start with the Close in Mind is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the key strategies and mindsets that lead to successful outcomes—not just in real estate, but in business and life. Hosted by Dorian Lam, a seasoned real estate professional and managing principal of a real estate closing & title company, the podcast explores how focusing on the end goal from the very beginning can drive better decisions, mitigate risks, and create winning results. Whether in real estate transactions, business negotiations, or personal ventures, the principles of strategic planning, preparation, and execution rDorian Lam Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • S2:EP2 - From the Waldorf Astoria to New Heights: Ray Gu on Visionary Development

    S2:EP2 - From the Waldorf Astoria to New Heights: Ray Gu on Visionary Development
    Feb 18 2026

    From the Waldorf Astoria to New Heights: Ray Gu on Visionary Development.


    As the Waldorf returns to the market, Dorian Lam speaks with Ray Gu about what it truly took to execute the landmark redevelopment. They discuss long term execution, navigating economic cycles, capital discipline, and how those lessons now shape Ray’s new development platform focused on conversions and strategic opportunities.
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    29 mins
  • S2:EP 1 - Understanding Local Law 97: How It’s Reshaping NYC Underwriting, Financing, and Closings

    S2:EP 1 - Understanding Local Law 97: How It’s Reshaping NYC Underwriting, Financing, and Closings
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode, Dorian Lam and Ed Lombardo examine how Local Law 97 is already affecting underwriting, valuation, and refinancing decisions across NYC real estate. Through real-world examples, they explain why treating Local Law 97 as a future issue creates present-day execution risk and how operators should be adjusting their deal assumptions now.

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    28 mins
  • Episode 13 | Why Storytelling Is the Ultimate Exit Strategy

    Episode 13 | Why Storytelling Is the Ultimate Exit Strategy
    Dec 17 2025

    Storytelling is not optional when it comes to exits. It is foundational.

    In this episode of Start With the Close in Mind, Dorian Lam sits down with Josh Wilson, founder of Smoothstone Capital, to break down how narrative, credibility, and media influence deal making long before a transaction closes.

    Josh shares lessons from over 2,000 interviews and years in media, real estate, and investment banking, explaining why founders who ignore their story often lose leverage when it matters most.

    This episode is about clarity, preparation, and understanding that perception, trust, and positioning all impact outcomes in capital markets.
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    26 mins
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