Jeff Friedman

Jeff Friedman is a prominent figure in the real estate finance sector, currently serving as a Senior Advisor at Mesa West Capital, which operates as an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. He co-founded Mesa West in 2004 and plays a crucial role on its investment committee, overseeing strategic decisions and operations within the firm.

Background and Education

Friedman began his career as a corporate lawyer before transitioning into real estate finance in 1994. He was previously a principal at Maguire Partners, where he was responsible for capital market activities. His educational qualifications include a Juris Doctor (JD) and a master's degree in applied economics from the University of Michigan, along with a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) .13

Professional Involvement

In addition to his role at Mesa West, Friedman is actively involved in various industry organizations. He serves on the Mortgage Bankers Association Commercial Real Estate Multifamily Finance Board of Governors and is a board member of the UCLA Ziman Real Estate Alumni Group. His contributions to the field extend to his active participation in the Urban Land Institute .12

Recent Achievements

Under Friedman's leadership, Mesa West has successfully raised significant capital for its investment funds, including raising $1.37 billion for the Mesa West Real Estate Income Fund V LP in 2023, which surpassed its initial target of $1 billion. This fund aims to invest in transitional commercial real estate assets across the United States, reflecting the firm's robust strategy in navigating market cycles .34

Overall, Jeff Friedman is recognized for his extensive experience and leadership in commercial real estate finance, making significant contributions to both Mesa West Capital and the broader real estate investment community.