Member Spotlight: A Conversation with Yoel Mayerfeld
Q: What does it look like to set things up for the next generation?
I think about this a lot, though I don’t have a perfect answer. My goal is to create opportunities for my children to work with us if they choose to—but not to hand them a role outright. I firmly believe they need to prove to themselves that they can achieve greatness on their own. I’ve seen many inheritors in real estate, particularly men, struggle with self-worth when their success is tied to inheritance rather than personal accomplishment. I want my children to build something of their own before stepping into the family business, so they don’t feel their identity is tied solely to what they’ve been given.
Q: What did your experience on Wall Street teach you about real estate investing?
My time on Wall Street was the most rigorous professional training I could have asked for. It was high-stakes, disciplined, and incredibly structured—similar to what you read in Liar’s Poker. I developed a mindset rooted in risk-reward calculations, always prioritizing downside protection. That perspective carried over into real estate investing, where I focus on income-producing assets and carefully analyze leverage and debt exposure. I’m not one of the ‘cowboys’ of real estate—I take a methodical, risk-averse approach that aligns with my financial philosophy.
Q: What was it like transitioning from Wall Street to working at your family office?
Being an in-law in a wealthy family comes with unique challenges. There was an immediate need to prove myself and demonstrate my value to the family office. I had to carve out my own path within the existing framework and introduce innovative ideas to drive growth. Fortunately, my success on Wall Street provided a foundation of credibility, but without that, I’m not sure I would have felt as comfortable making the transition.
Q: What could a family office do to make that transition easier for new members
Open and honest conversations from the start are key. Transparency around decision-making, governance, and meritocracy is crucial. If those things are unclear, it creates a lot of uncertainty about the future. Many families avoid discussing money, estate planning, and succession, but having a third-party advisor or moderator to facilitate these discussions early on is incredibly helpful. Establishing clear expectations upfront would make transitions much smoother.
Yoel Mayerfeld. With a background in finance and a decade-long career on Wall Street as a derivatives trader, Yoel Mayerfeld transitioned into the family office space, bringing a strategic, growth-oriented mindset. Returning to Cleveland to join his family’s business, he played a key role in expanding its scope by bringing in outside capital and diversifying its asset class. Originally focused on open-air shopping centers in smaller markets, Yoel introduced industrial and multifamily investments, strengthening the company’s portfolio and positioning it for long-term growth. Now, as interest rates shift, Yoel sees increased opportunities and remains focused on scaling the business for future generations.
The Role of Connection and Karma
Beyond real estate, Yoel is deeply committed to fostering connections and believes strongly in the power of karma and energy. He dedicates significant time to introducing people, making connections, and creating opportunities for others. “I’ve been fortunate to build an incredibly diverse network, and I believe in giving more than I take. Over time, that generosity has come back to me in ways I never expected. One example is a partnership with a fund that’s now investing in our real estate—something that started as a simple introduction ended up creating a significant opportunity. Relationships are everything.”