UpClose With George Smith Partners’ Jonathan Lee and Shahin Yazdi

The Yazlee team at George Smith Partners, led by Jonathan Lee and Shahin Yazdi was formed over three years ago. Since then, they have closed more than $250 million year-to-date in financings, despite economic volatility.

In one of the most historically difficult years in CRE, both individuals have shown a magnitude of class and talent, said one co-worker, and they are definitely ones to watch in the industry. “Recessions, no matter the cause, often act as a torrent of filtration- dictating who and who isn’t – fit to survive into the next upswing. Jonathan and Shahin’s tenacity to keep their team intact and look for creative innovation has been their bellwether of future of success.”

Lee and Yazdi play two roles and wear two hats at George Smith Partners. One, they are a strong and consistent producing team. And, as managing directors, they also are responsible for company decisions and leadership. The pair also started an evaluation process of brokers where they sit down with producers quarterly and ask them how they can help them improve production. They also look for new revenue streams for the company. For example, they work to create new relationships with Life Companies, a capital type used by GSP brokers as well as look for new servicing fees for the company.

Lee sources structured capital for both high net-worth and institutional clients. A former developer, he leverages his experience in ground up development to customize a client plan that manages risk profiles and maximizes returns. He utilizes an extensive network of debt, life insurance, CMBS, Fannie/Freddie and equity relationships to achieve his client’s goals.

Yazdi is started his career at GSP in 2007 and his clients include private individuals, family offices and institutional investors. He is recognized for his expertise in underwriting and negotiating complex transactions, which include mezzanine financing or private equity for bridge, permanent, and construction loans.

Both individuals are true forward thinkers and they both know how to steer GSP and its employees through mutual respect and accountability, say those who work with them. As a team, those co-workers say the pair motivate them and hold them responsible for goals.

“Especially during the COVID – 19 pandemic they worked tirelessly to keep our team motivated and close deals that got tougher by the day. They are both honest, hardworking and fun people both in and out of the office. They are always focused on the light at the end of the tunnel while executing along the way showing a clear path how to get there. COVID-19 has really made them aware of investing our time on financings today that will become cash flowing business models in the future.”