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.
Originally from The Sunshine State, Todd Lewin has quickly made a name for himself right here in The Big Apple. As a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, he finds inspiration in the city’s iconic landscape, but prefers the scenic route when it comes to downtime. Here are Todd’s answers to Ten questions:
1. What did you do before you found this career? 
I moved to New York from Miami to pursue a career as a writer. I always knew I’d end up in New York and the rest, I left up to fate. No one thought I would get into real estate, but no one was surprised once I became successful at it.
2. What has been the highlight of your career?
Selling 4 million dollars worth of real estate during my first six months in the business has definitely been one of the major highlights in my career so far. I had no expectations and for the first time, I connected with New York City on a professional level. It’s hard to describe the stimulation and high I felt from establishing myself professionally, especially in a town like this.
3. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Separating business from emotion. I’m a pretty articulate guy, so saying what I think has always come naturally to me. In real estate, I’m constantly having to edit my words or be diplomatic. It could be the most micro situation but you must choose your words carefully. The impressions we make dictate our success so significantly. Sometimes, I step back and pat myself on the back for effectively navigating through a conversation with a client or another broker. It’s super challenging, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully living near mountains, forests and lakes. Maybe CORE will expand to upstate New York?
5. Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere. New York is naturally filled with it – a strangers face, a brick wall, a song, a building facade. Manhattan real estate defines this town in so many ways. We live, eat, breathe and feel this city constantly and that in and of itself is inspiration. Showing a penthouse overlooking hundreds of century year old buildings is a pretty spectacular moment. I try not to take it for granted.
6. Name one thing we might not know about you.
I’m a vegetarian!
7. What’s your favorite movie or book?
As far as movies, my choice would be True Romance. It’s one of Quentin Tarantino’s earlier films. My dog is named after the main female character, Alabama Worley.
8. What do you do in your free time?
I love going to upstate New York. It’s my happy place and it offers so much. I grew up on the beach in Miami, but I’d choose the mountains and the woods over a beach any day. I’m also an avid concert-goer.
9. What’s your favorite restaurant?
I love Maison Premiere in Williamsburg and it’s where I went on my first date with my fiancé. The food and the music is perfect. It reminds me of New Orleans and everything I love about New York dining. I asked the oyster shucker what his favorite raw bar is in New York and he said MP. He is born and raised in Brooklyn. Definitely go check this out if you have not; it’s on Bedford Avenue between South 1st & Grand. I also love Desnuda, 1 OR 8, and Antica Pesa.
10. Tell me something about your home.
There’s always music playing in it. Or listings being scoured through.