Welcome to CORE 10, an off-the-cuff interview series with prominent CORE figures. Read on to learn more about this week’s guest, broker Yury Holohan Herrera!
- Who is the living person you most admire? Anderson Cooper.
- Who is the most interesting New Yorker you know? Doug LeClaire. He has been an inspiration and a close friend. He introduced me to the Grateful Dead during my early days in New York City when we worked together on commercials and videos.
- What is your earliest New York memory? The intensity of the city. I had just arrived here from Venezuela. I’ll never forget the sea of people coming from all directions. It was exhilarating and unbelievably scary at the same time.
- What is the best advice you’ve ever received? To work smart and realize that opportunity is always there; you just have to be ready to embrace it and take advantage of it.
- What do you consider your greatest achievement so far? My persistence. Moving to the U.S. will always be my greatest achievement. I came to New York City from Venezuela when I was 20 years old, left my mother and 5 siblings behind to, as they say, follow my dream. I didn’t have a solid game plan but worked and played hard. I managed some of the finest eateries in the city (The Oak Room, Remi, Nick & Tony’s), transferred my skills over to real estate, both as a career and as an investment and met fascinating people. I was actually recruited by one of the most prominent figures in the real estate industry who was my VIP client!
- What are your three most treasured possessions? My Nespresso machine (one morning cup works wonders), my first Gucci loafers (20 years and counting, talk about handling with care) and a gold bracelet with my name on it.
- Name a movie, book or work of art that changed your life. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
- What’s your greatest extravagance? I went on a luxury trip to South Africa, and it was the trip of a lifetime. Meeting the people of South Africa was a rewarding experience. Visiting the home of Nelson Mandela who I once met here in New York City humbled me. Next time I visit I will go back as a volunteer.
- What’s your secret talent? Making people laugh, especially in the toughest of times.
- Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “Bellissimo.” My friends tell me I find beauty in the strangest things, but the difference is beauty to me.