About Us
Experience. Proven Track Record. Market Insight. Success.
K5 Equities is a vertically integrated private equity real estate firm that focuses on adding value and repositioning various classes of commercial real estate assets in the New York metro area.
Since 1980, the Principals of K5 Equities have consistently delivered solid returns to their investors due to opportune market timing of both acquisitions and sales, while also utilizing a hands-on approach to adding value to their investments.
The Principals of K5 Equities have either bought, sold or currently own property valued at more than $1 Billion.
Meet our Principals
Steve Kessner
Co-Founder, Principal
Steve Kessner is a self-made entrepreneur who came from humble beginnings in the Bronx, NY. Steve bought his first building in 1980 in the East Village and never looked back. He has since bought over 100 buildings over the span of his career. Steve’s impeccable market timing is renowned in the industry as a result of the sale of his 48-building portfolio for $225 million in March, 2007 at the peak of that market cycle. In 2011, Steve partnered with his son Michael and together they founded K5 Equities. They have since acquired properties valued at nearly $400 million combined. Steve is also the founder and chairman of Steve’s Camp at Horizon Farms: A not-for-profit summer camp in the Catskills that provides a life-changing camp experience to inner city teens free of charge.
Steve graduated from Dartmouth College, class of 1973, with a BS in Economics.
Michael Kessner
Co-Founder, Principal
Michael Kessner began working for Steve’s business full-time in 1998 while also attending college full-time at NYU. In 2002, Michael was promoted to Vice President responsible for overseeing management, construction and maintenance of his father’s portfolio. Upon Steve selling the vast majority of his holdings in 2007, the purchaser (from the UK) hired Michael to head up their New York office to oversee all aspects of management, leasing and operations of their New York portfolio of properties. In 2011, Michael partnered with Steve and together founded K5 Equities, and since acquiring properties valued at nearly $400 million combined. Michael oversees and directs the process of contract negotiations, due diligence and financing of new acquisitions along with the refinancing of existing holdings. He also oversees the day-to-day operations of K5’s portfolio including management, leasing and construction. Michael has served on the Board of Directors of Steve’s Camp since its inception in 2010.
Michael graduated from New York University, class of 2002, with a BA.
Robert Kessner
CFO, Principal
Robert Kessner began working full-time for Steve Kessner’s business in 2004, working his way up the accounting ranks to eventually become the Controller of the company. During this period, he worked by day and earned his MBA by night, eventually using his Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management degree to venture out into the restaurant business. After starting up then successfully selling his restaurant a couple of years later in 2015, Robert returned to the real estate business and joined Steve and Michael as CFO of K5 Equities. Over the past decade he has been an integral part of acquisitions and handles oversight of all accounting and banking functions for the firm. Robert also spearheads the underwriting of all prospective deals, the result of which has been the acquisition of more than $300 million in property value across fifteen plus properties during his tenure.
Robert graduated from Syracuse University, class of 2004, with a BA and from Baruch College, class of 2010, with an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.