HOWELL, N.J., May 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The founder of one of America's largest commercial real estate financing firms has launched a new, separate company that educates the public about the power of lending as a pathway for commercial real estate investment – and then helps individuals become actual lenders. Ira Zlotowitz, founder and president of Eastern Union, which this month marked its 18-year anniversary, launched the new firm, The Ira Group. Eastern Union, which continues to be led by Mr. Zlotowitz, closed a total of $12 billion in debt and equity financing over the past three years.