Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

Brendon DeSimone returned to his East Coast roots just a few short years ago, but already has an impressive track record of deals for a broker who only recently entered the NYC market. Prior to joining CORE, Brendon was a very successful broker in San Francisco where real estate deal making is extremely different than it is here in New York City. Brendon’s perspective on the details of all aspects of a deal  is an invaluable asset to any client and has proven to be a real asset to his business. Here are Brendon’s answers to Ten questions:

1)     How long have you been selling real estate?

I started in 2002 in San Francisco. It was after the high tech dot.com boom, but during a little lull – right before the first big dip in interest rates in 2003.  We joked that if rates got any lower, purchasing would be nearly free. Now look at them!

2)     How did you get into the business?

I was one of the first members of a small Silicon Valley start-up and I loved it.  It was very entrepreneurial. We were small, nimble and creating a first-of-its-kind technology and service. We would hear customer feedback and within days, we’d have the product and development teams on board to make changes.  It was so exciting to be a part of that. Over time, the company grew and the excitement wore off.  In order to effectively grow, processes and procedures were put in place as were large company employees. As the company grew, the culture changed and it just didn’t feel the same. I left and wanted to do something similar, but was afraid of running into the same issue at another start-up. I took six months off and did some research, had informational interviews and tried to figure out what I was passionate about. I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and work for myself. I used to go to open houses with my mom when I was a kid. I once called a broker, acting like my mom, and spent an hour on the phone with her about a property. All roads led to real estate.

3)    How is NYC housing different from San Francisco housing?

The housing stock is completely different. I was mainly selling Victorian and Edwardian single family homes and two to four unit buildings.  There were/are very few high rise buildings or co-ops in San Francisco.

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

CORE has set the standard for New York City real estate brokerage websites. Luna Vega has been working with CORE for the past two years and is responsible for the look and feel of our webpage. She started her own business in 2006 and has been a digital strategist for the past seven years with a range of clients including Unilever, Chase, Nissan, Nokia and Verizon Wireless. Here are Luna’s answers to Ten questions:

1) How long have you been a digital marketing strategist? 

My “digital birth”, as I like to call it, was in 2003 when I attended ITP, a NYU graduate program and immersed myself in the digital realm. I fell in love with the tech industry, so I decided to follow my passion and start my own business in 2006.

2) How did you get into the business?

While working at RGA, a digital advertising agency, I witnessed first hand the newly-found power of bloggers. The roles were shifting. Influential blogs like RocketBoom, Cool Hunting, etc. had more committed audiences than bigger publishers. Audiences were also becoming increasingly segmented, creating more opportunities for marketers to target desired demographics. I was exhilarated by all these novel opportunities and wanted to transfer this knowledge to small businesses. My goal was to empower and grow their business organically, strictly using the web.

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

Adrian Noriega has been with CORE only two years, but has quickly become one of our top agents. He is known for his strong client referral business – time and time again, Adrian is able to forge such strong relationships that the majority of his business is from his clients telling their friends they should work with him which is a true formula for success in the real estate industry. Here are his answers to Ten questions:

1) How long have you been selling real estate?

I began my real estate career 13 years ago.

2) How did you get into the business?        

I moved to NYC right out of high school to attend college at Marymount Manhattan while attempting to pursue acting. I quickly realized acting wasn’t going to work for me and I was getting a lot out of the marketing courses in my college curriculum. An acquaintance at the time, now friend and former colleague at Elliman, approached me about getting into the real estate business. Given my love for NYC, my intrigue for the real estate industry and my passion for marketing, I thought I’d give it a go. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

3) You’ve been incredibly successful in a short time, what do you attribute your success to?

I would attribute it to two things: my knowledge of the market, and equally as important, if not more so, my ability to listen to my clients. By fully understanding my clients’ needs – what they like and don’t like – I am able to successfully deliver. It is critical that my clients are always 100% satisfied, and that is the cornerstone for how I run my business. I believe this is largely the reason why my clients remain loyal and consistently refer new business to me.

4) What was your favorite or most challenging deal?

My most challenging deal was helping my client, a Russian investor, buy an entire floor at 15 Broad Street. Interestingly, this building was especially important to her because of a dream she had before even knowing about 15 Broad. She dreamt that she bought into JP Morgan and owned the whole floor. Ironically 15 Broad was the former JP Morgan Chase building, so upon learning this, she was intent on buying in this building.  There was only one floor that met all of her needs, but unfortunately one of the apartments on that floor already had a contract out. I knew how important this was to my client, so I had to strategically plan and negotiate with the developer so that she could buy the entire floor.  After several meetings, I helped the developer recognize the long-term value of winning my client’s business. Consequently, she purchased the entire floor consisting of multiple units. Since then, I have successfully rented out all of these units for the past seven years, which has resulted in a very happy client and a new stream of incoming business for me, ultimately translating to new clients.

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

It’s definitely challenging to keep a high level of enthusiasm and energy in the real estate industry, because we are constantly challenged with rejection. After almost two decades in this business, Oliver Brown has a youthful energy that is rare. Here’s his answers to ten questions:

1) How long have you been selling real estate?

I have been selling real estate for 21 years.

2) How did you get into the business?

I was working for Ralph Lauren and decided to change paths. A close friend was working in real estate and arranged an interview. I was hired as an assistant to one of the top-producing brokers in the City. We worked with many famous and influential people. It was a great introduction to New York real estate.

3) What do you attribute your success to?

I think being able to listen to and figure out what people really want is important. I enjoy people and sometimes show them something they haven’t thought of – its instinctual.

4) What was your favorite or most challenging deal?

I sold a large house that Madonna was interested in – we had to move very quickly and ultimately sold the house.

5) You have a strong background in design. How does this help your business?

I see what the space can be; almost like a contractor or architect, which walls can move, how to add symmetry, raising doorways etc.

6) After years in the business, how have you seen the nature of real estate sales evolve?

People do a lot of research on the web. They choose many of the properties before you meet them. One thing that hasn’t changed is how a good broker can match a customer to a property. Offering something beyond pictures and floor plans.

7) What is the one value you admire most in a person?

Integrity. I will work really hard for my customers and I expect loyalty and clear communication in return.

8) What is the most challenging part of your job?

Time management. There is so much to do every day. Brokers are our own micro companies and have to handle communication, advertising, marketing research appointments and showing properties.

9) Where do you see the market going in the next year?

I think the market will go up 10-15%. There is not enough good product especially in the high-end larger properties.

10) Do you have a question for me?

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the fact that no day is ever the same. I am constantly challenged with creating solutions while having the flexibility to create something new.

Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat. This week, he executed his question and answer session with CORE’s Consultant for Marketing and Branding Strategy for the past two years, Jasmine Takanikos.

1.) Before joining CORE, what sort of consulting did you do?

I consulted clients on brand strategy and marketing in the fashion, trend and entertainment industries.

2.) What do you love most about working with CORE and its agents?

The environment at CORE that breeds creativity and originality, which I love. The agents take a tremendous amount of pride in their work and are always challenging the status quo, it makes me better at what I do.

3.) How does your background with lifestyle brands help CORE agents?

Working with different kinds of brands gives me a window of insight into consumer behaviors and trends that is very dynamic. The real estate business is a people business so my diverse portfolio is what continues to give me a fresh perspective.

4.) Who is your mentor in life?

I have several, my mentors are invaluable to me. If I have to chose one it would say Heath Gunn, he is a CPA and like a second father to me. He is constantly teaching me the art of business and life.

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

1) How did you get into the business?
About 14 years ago, I was very fortunate to meet a broker/owner of a small boutique rental firm that was looking for “new blood”. He taught me a lot and we’re still close friends. It’s very important to have a mentor when you’re just starting in this business.

2) You are the Director of Sales for several new development projects – how do you manage everything?
The support I get from CORE’s various departments is unparalleled. Any PR, branding, marketing and event planning support from CORE takes the headaches and responsibilities off my shoulders. This allows me to focus a lot more of my attention on the brokerage side of the business. I also carefully select the sales teams for each project.

3) What do you love the most about new development?
Collaborating with the design and development teams during the planning phase of a new construction project, knowing that the input I bring to the table will impact both people’s lifestyles and the building’s aesthetics.

4) What do you attribute your success to?
It’s easier said than done, but I always try to look at the big picture and focus on long-term goals. The platform I have at CORE enables me to push the envelope and constantly reach new limits.
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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

CORE is a sprawling operation, and it takes solid leadership behind the scenes to make sure all of the moving parts are in their right places and performing the right tasks. Ashley Sternbach, CORE’s Director of Operations, is an expert at streamlining the many sides of our business and keeping things running efficiently, and her 5 years at our company have made her an integral part of our success.

1) What did you do before joining CORE?
I practically joined CORE right after I graduated from Boston University’s School of Hospitality. I knew I wanted to work in real estate after graduating and luckily, it happened.

2) Why did you join CORE?
I liked the boutique feel and felt that working at a start-up would be an interesting challenge.

3) What has it been like to see the company grow and evolve?
When i joined CORE, there were only 10 agents, and the company was really trying to solidify its place in the luxury real estate market. It has been amazing to personally and professionally grow with the company. I like looking back and seeing how far we have come.

4) As a Director of Operations, you’re typically behind the scenes, so explain to people how your role works, and why it’s so vital to the business.
The work that I do as Director of Operations is very versatile. The unique thing about operations is that it is all about performing multiple roles at the same time, while other jobs tend to focus on a specific, narrower scope. I am often wearing multiple hats, whether it is setting up a new sales center for a new development project or interviewing potential new employees to bring on board, no two days have ever been the same — and that is one of the best parts of my job!

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

On the eve of her third anniversary at CORE, Elizabeth Kee has firmly established herself as a rising star in the industry, one who has shown great skill in managing and executing deals at all levels, including both residential and commercial property. And it’s no secret why she’s been so successful: real estate is in her blood. Read on for Elizabeth’s thoughts about the industry, and for more on Elizabeth’s background, click here.

1) How did you get into the business?
Since I was a small child, I have been obsessed with real estate. My parents were in the side-business of flipping houses. Instead of reading “the funnies” on Sunday morning, I preferred to read the Real Estate section.

2) Who is your mentor?
My mother has always been my mentor. She is a successful entrepreneur who I learned my professionalism, work ethic and business skills from. She is an amazing businesswoman and a fantastic mother – a very tough balance to maintain.

3) You’ve become very successful in a short time. What do you attribute this success to?
Real estate is my passion. When your career and your hobby are the same, it is nearly impossible not to be successful.

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

Reba Miller joined CORE as Senior Managing Director of Sales last year after owning her own company for almost 30 years. She is an industry icon, and I am enjoying getting to know her as someone who works side by side with me. She has a sharp sense of humor, a unique sense of fashion, and a style all of her own.

1) How long have you been selling real estate?
27 years and then some!

2) How did you get involved in the business?
My father had retail stores and was a “jobber,” buying, negotiating, and reselling. So real estate was an easy fit for me.

3) How has the industry changed in that time?
The firm of Whitbread-Nolan was one of the premiere companies at the time, and the entire business was based on books of 3 x 6 index cards inscribed with each type of apartment that the firm had to offer. Your books were your listings and the pay phones were your form of communication!

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Welcome to Ten, CORE founder and CEO Shaun Osher’s rapid-fire interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to find out how this week’s subject deals with being on the hot seat.

David Beare has been with CORE for six years. He has built a solid reputation as a top young agent who is trustworthy, hard working, and always eager to learn and grow his business in the residential and commercial field. It was time we chatted for Ten.

1) How did you get into the business?
I got into the business in 2006, when I graduated from college. My mother Emily had gone into real estate a few years earlier. I was very intrigued with the business. It was the summer, she suggested that I try it out, so I got my license and the rest is history.

2) Who is your mentor?
My mentors are all members of my family. My grandfather Eric, who turned 83, is still at the helm of his business, and he taught me the 4 C’s that lead to success in business: communication, cooperation, coordination and collaboration. My father Brian also is a great mentor to me. He came to this country as a foreigner and started his own business from nothing. My mother Emily has an incredible work ethic – workaholic is more like it – and she is proof that success doesn’t just come to you, you have to want it and work for it.

3) You’ve become very successful in a short time. What do you attribute this success to?
Success for me really boils down to hard work, determination, developing/maintaining relationships, and following through (cliché I know, but it’s the truth). Having a good personality, being able to converse, and having a sense of humor are also very important – that is another thing I learned from my mentors.

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