Cohen: I intend to provide private placements that will involve securities issued by well-vetted investment sponsors. The sponsors will have very strong ethics and as well as a history of performance.

GlobeSt.com: Why did you create both NHCohen Partners and NHCohen Capital, instead of just one firm?

Cohen: NHCohen Capital is the vehicle through which I can offer securities; it's a broker/dealer. NHCohen Partners is the holding company and the marketing arm that will provide investor services. That way, a sponsor who finds he has a few hundred investors in his deal won't be put off by having to communicate with all of those investors.

GlobeSt.com: Will you work on all types of properties or are there specific sectors you'll focus on?

Cohen: I'm going to be focusing on office, retail, multifamily, select-service hotels, possibly industrial and mixed-use properties. That seems broad but I intend to find the best in class sponsors in each of those areas. I won't just work with any sponsor that comes through the door. Even though the Malkin company was known for office, we did retail, multifamily and industrial, and in my experience I've touched on the other areas.

GlobSt.com: What does the future hold for your firm and for the industry?

Cohen: Market conditions are prime for channeling capital into alternative investments, particularly real estate. I think inflation is going to be a friend to real estate because it will allow investors to continue to get yield. The volatility of the public market is something people are sensitive too. I'm offering an alternative to equities.