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 in the hot seat.
With a background in fashion merchandising, Doug Eichman‘s eye for style and design is unmatched. It is no wonder that his transistion to real estate was so seamless, contributing to his outstanding success in the industry. Here are Doug’s answers to Ten questions:
1. What did you do before you found this career?
I was in the apparel business, where I started out at fashion retailers such as Saks 5th Avenue and Marshall Fields. I later opened my own men’s store in Boston, followed by merchandising opportunities at Abercrombie & Fitch (No, not as an ad model, surprisingly), Fila and Tommy Hilfiger.
2. What has been the highlight of your career?
In retrospect, my time at Abercrombie & Fitch taught be a lot, which has helped guide me ever since. I worked there as the brand was being repositioned, which taught me how to look at business from a different perspective.
3. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Staying focused and not allowing small annoyances obscure the big picture.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself still working at CORE and developing my brand within the industry. I love what I do and would like to continue doing it for as long as possible. I really cannot imagine retiring anytime soon and I truly enjoy being a part of this company.
5. Where do you find inspiration?
In the day-to-day energy of New York City. There is always something new to see or motivate you out here. I love the unexpected beauty you come across at any given moment.
6. Name one thing we might not know about you.
I am actually a pretty good cook and I entertain frequently. I enjoy cooking anything with great, fresh local ingredients. I especially love shopping at the local farm stands, filled with fresh produce. Any meal that has fresh shucked oysters, complimented with a glass of champagne, is my idea of a great meal.
7. What’s your favorite movie or book?
To show you how consistent I am, I read cookbooks the way other people read novels. Ad Hoc at Home by Thomas Keller is my current favorite and is chock full of great cooking ideas.
8. What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy running in Central Park, going to the gym and walking my dog on the beach. I seem to always be “in motion.”
9. What’s your favorite restaurant.
I have a favorite restaurant in every city I visit. In New York City, I would have to say my favorite is Craft Bar, at the moment. I love their cocktail the “Breakfast Bourbon.” I highly recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time.
10. Tell me something about your home.
We built our home in Bridgehampton about seven years ago. We challenged the architect, Bruce Nagel, to create a house that was comfortable, filled with sunlight and had lots of entertaining space, both inside and in the garden. He did a brilliant job. I immediately feel relaxed when I pull into the driveway. It is so relaxing, in fact, that it can be tough to leave at 6:00 am on Sunday mornings to head back to New York City to run an open house.