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 locating gems at the auction house to finding his clients the perfect house, Matthew Wroda knows the keys to success is in reading people and their needs. Here’s a glimpse into Matthew’s life in TEN questions.
1. Tell me something about your home.
I love combining various design aesthetics, so when I was decorating my home I mixed newer pieces with vintage pieces. For example I have swan chairs and a
vintage trunk atop a blue chevron rug. I also really love candles so those are all over the place, too.
2. What did you do before you found this career?
I owned an auction production company. My team and I brought antique collections to the auction block and produced everything needed to make an auction successful from catalogs to advertising. We also handled all the post-event work. It was a great experience. My family is in both the antique auction business as well as real estate, so growing up I was fortunate enough to see both businesses and the inner-workings of the two. It has given me a great platform to grow my own career.
3. What has been the highlight of your career?
Being able to work with clients and assist them in finding the places they can call home is incredibly rewarding. That’s why I got into the business! I am so lucky to play such a huge role in their lives. Holding on to those relationships and having them become friends is also another great perk!
4. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Scheduling some “me” time. I get so involved in the process and the search making my clients have the best possible experience, that I sometimes forget some down time is needed.
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself as a successful broker here in the city, but also starting a family and becoming even more involved with animal rescue.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
All around the city! It’s hard to walk to work or to an appointment without finding inspiration from someone or something. I get inspiration from the people mostly. I love diversity and seeing each person on the street live their lives the way that they want to is a beautiful thing. I’m also inspired by their stories. If I could, I would just talk to everyone on the street to learn what makes them who they are. I get to do it when working with clients and that is also incredibly inspiring – and it also helps me to find them the perfect apartment!
7. What’s your favorite restaurant?
Anything off the beaten path with great food and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Live music and al fresco dining; huge pluses! I’m a really big fan of authentic Greek food right now so the places in Astoria are at the top of the list.
8. What’s your favorite movie or book?
My favorite movie is Serendipity with Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. The movie itself corny at times like all rom-coms, but premise of serendipity, a fortunate mistake, has played such a huge role in my life that it’s hard not to enjoy seeing someone else’s serendipitous interactions. I am a planner through and through, however, the times that serendipity has taken over have been the moments that I savor, look back on and cherish most.
9. What do you do in your free time?
I love going to cabarets and shows. I used to perform growing up so it is nice to get back into the theatre and see a show once in a while. I also love spending time with rescue animals and helping them find homes. I have two rescue dogs and they have made a huge impact on my life.
10. Name one thing we might not know about you?
One thing you may not know about me is that I really love to explore different cultures around the world, but even more-so here in the states. I grew up in the Midwest and experiencing the cultures down south, out west or here in New York – it is just as exciting to me as when I went to China and was able to experience their culture. We have a lot to learn from other people both down the street and across the globe.