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.
From feeling at home on stage to finding the perfect homes for some of New York’s finest, Karl Kozel understands the importance of hard work and integrity. A romantic at heart, when Karl’s not working, you can find him traveling or delving into a literary classic. Here’s a glimpse into Karl’s life in TEN questions:
Tell me something about your home.
Very warm and relaxed. Lots of books, and candles, and the look is mid-century modern. It’s where my Siamese cat Mia lives and where she allows me and my wife to stay! 
What did you do before you found this career?
I was an actor for many years and then worked in the hotel/restaurant business and eventually had my own consulting company.
What has been the highlight of your career?
It would have to be finding a home for Don Roy King who is the Director of SNL and a good friend. We had two deals fall through before we found the best possible home and I brokered a deal that he’s quite happy about.
What is your greatest daily challenge?
Fighting the impulse to do too much. There are many directions a day can take, but to frame and focus on those things that will bear results is a necessary discipline.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
As someone who has had great success in real estate, but who did it with integrity and who by example helped in some way change the perception of the public towards the industry.
Where do you find inspiration?
In nature for sure, but also in the stories of those who through a tragedy or a great sorrow, were able to pick themselves up and weren’t defeated by them. The humanity and dignity in those people despite the odds is inspiring.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
Can’t pick one, but in New York, Balthazar, for romance, Ambrosia in Oia, Santorini, Greece, and in California, The Pacific’s Edge in The Highlands Inn just south of Carmel.
What’s your favorite movie or book?
Because I’m a Gemini, I have to pick two: For movies It’s a Wonderful Life, and The Godfather Part II; for books, anything by Charles Dickens or Ernest Hemingway.
What do you do in your free time?
I have a tropical freshwater aquarium with live plants that keeps me very busy! I love to read, watch anything on history or politics, and travel. I just came back from a week on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon!
Name one thing we might not know about you?
That I once played Paul McCartney in a play called “Liverpool Fantasy” in Dublin, Ireland. It was written by Larry Kirwan, the lead singer of Black 47.