Thriving Over 50 Q&A
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
In 2008 when the real estate market slowed it was a difficult time but I was able to find a silver lining by pursuing and earning a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University- which I completed at age 50.
My education has given me a unique perspective on real estate plus the ability to create optimal positioning for properties and most importantly the best outcome for my clients.
What is your most notable project, deal or transaction?
Recently I listed, sold and closed a formerly active towing and auto repair company owned by the same couple for over three decades in record time. The husband, and driving force in the business, had passed away and without him, there was no one to continue to run the business. His ailing wife was overwhelmed and the strain not only threatened her health, it quickly impacted her financially as well.
I was able to identify possible parties who would be interested, determine the property value, and we acted quickly. Everything needed fell into place.
What makes this transaction notable to me is not the size of the deal or the commission, but knowing I was able to relieve some of the Seller’s strain and provide her with financial peace of mind.
Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/profession you are in today:
My journey in real estate, land development and planning has led me to my current career in brokerage.
I got my start in the real estate industry selling houses in Jersey City, then soon moved to Morris County where I became a land broker. I accepted a position obtaining entitlements for a small developer and continued to work as an employee for developers for much of my career which included an eye opening and interesting 7.5 year stint at the Port Authority of NY & NJ as manager of the Port Jersey Marine Terminal in Bayonne & Jersey City, NJ.
In 2018 I made the transition to brokerage, a challenging career that allows me to draw on all of my varied experience over the years.
What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession?
Having worked for developers throughout my career, I am able to see property from the perspective of a user. As a planner, I see the big picture, which allows me to create a vision for the marketing of real estate that most brokers are not able to see.
When working with clients I always see them as an employer for whom I need to deliver. I am confident that anyone I have represented knows they have received 110% of my efforts.
Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession?
My dear friend Charles “Charlie Blue” Blumenkehl who passed away just before I re-entered the brokerage business.
He was the owner of Blue Realty, had the heart of a lion and a voracious spirit. We spoke often and he worked hard at trying to convince me that I belonged in the brokerage business. I think of him often and wish I could share this journey with him.
What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced / conquered during your career? Or in your life?
I was in the woods with an engineer and the operator of a very large excavator. The machine was left running while we scouted out other areas to dig test pits. The terrain was difficult, the woods were thick and we got lost. We couldn’t find the 40-ton excavator for a good hour, but when we did find it, it was right were we left it and… it was still running.
What activities do you enjoy during your free time?
Watching football at the cigar lounge (Go Giants!), playing guitar, riding my motorcycle, and spending time with the Mrs.
What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college today?
Time moves quickly and you need to greet each day with purpose. If you aren’t moving forward, you are falling behind. What you do today will build your future. Be sure to learn how to network! Seize the day! As Winston Churchill said “never, never, never give up.”
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