Laurent Morali

How busy was Kushner Companies over the last year?

We’ve been very busy with our development projects and financing activity, and some acquisitions in the first part of the year.

If you could swap one thing in the real estate market of Florida with New Jersey, or vice versa, what would it be?

Florida’s tax environment, New Jersey’s access to New York.

If you had to choose, do you prefer development or investment?

Development is an investment! I love all kinds of investments. 

Do you think multifamily development pencils out in New York City right now?

It’s less a matter of numbers than it is having to underwrite the regulatory risk. Unfortunately, it is hard to make it work today.

In which market is there the most opportunity for the different areas of real estate in which Kushner operates? 

Different markets offer different opportunities. The key is to match capital and strategy to the right asset.

What is the most surprising item in your portfolio?

We continue to see healthy growth and performance come up as a testament to the strength of the American economy.

Lightning Round:

Your AI platform of choice? Claude.

One prompt you’d never give AI. Make the decision for me.

Jalen Brunson or Aaron Judge? Brunson.

“Oppenheimer” or “Odyssey”? “Odyssey” — A 10-year journey home full of obstacles is just a normal entitlement process.

Have you ever eaten pizza with a knife and fork? Of course, I’m French.

Bank or non-bank? Whoever offers the best terms and closes on time.

Borrowing costs — up or down in 2027? Down.

Where’s your secret escape compound? (Think Peter Thiel’s New Zealand Plan B.) If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret.