The TreppWire Podcast: A Commercial Real Estate Show
328. Commercial Lending & Investing Through Market Changes with Red Oak CEO Gary Bechtel
May 20, 2025
Gary Bechtel, CEO of Red Oak Capital Holdings, shares his impressive journey through the commercial mortgage industry with over 39 years of experience. He discusses the cyclical nature of real estate finance and highlights key trends in office space conversion and multifamily lending. Bechtel reveals his outlook for the capital markets over the next year and emphasizes the need for transparency in lending. The conversation also ventures into the surprising connections between his passion for yacht racing and the adrenaline of real estate transactions.
34:30
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Gary Bechtel emphasizes the importance of adapting business strategies based on lessons learned from historical market cycles in commercial real estate.
- Red Oak Capital's strategic expansion into FHA lending showcases their innovative approach to meet the evolving needs of borrowers in a competitive market.
Deep dives
Gary Bechtel's Journey into Commercial Real Estate
Gary Bechtel's introduction to commercial real estate began unexpectedly in 1986 while he was involved in competitive yacht racing. Through connections made in the sailing community, particularly with those already in the real estate sector, he was encouraged to explore a career transition. His initial experience in a mortgage banking company provided him with a solid foundational understanding of the industry, allowing him to learn all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. This comprehensive knowledge has been crucial throughout his 39-year career, especially during various market cycles that tested his skills and adaptability.
