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.
Formerly known as REBNY’s Rookie of the Year, Matthew Cohen strives to bring his passion and personality to work everyday. As he continues to climb the real estate ladder, the self-proclaimed workahalic constantly has to remind himself to enjoy some R & R. Here’s a glimpse into Matthew’s life in TEN questions:
1. Tell me something about your home.
My apartment is very special to me because of the view. I have a full view of Columbus Circle and Lincoln Center. Being able to come home after a long day and decompress from just staring out my window is truly amazing.
2. What did you do before you found this career? 
Before becoming a real estate agent, I was a dual iBanking/HR analyst. I am extremely analytical and have a degree in Finance and International Business. This originally led me to Investment Banking, but when push came to shove, I needed to have a career that let me utilize my passion and large personality on a daily basis. And that career for me, is NYC residential real estate.
3. What has been the highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career was definitely being nominated for REBNY Rookie of the Year and being featured in the New York Real Estate Journal’s “Young and Established” – both in my first year in the industry.
4. What is your greatest daily challenge?
My greatest daily challenge is my work-life balance. I love being a real estate agent so much that sometimes I need to force myself to stop and be fair to the other aspects of my life that I am passionate about like my family, friends, and golf.
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I see myself married with two children and a dog. I see my family and me living in downtown Manhattan for many reasons. But one in particular is that I can bring my kids and dog to CORE’s Chelsea office as often as possible!
6. Where do you find inspiration?
There is no place I find inspiration more than in my mother. My mother is the most important person in my life, along with my father, and the person I admire the most. She has overcome major struggles both professionally and health wise in her life without a complaint. She taught me to never give up and to follow my passion. Every morning I wake up with this passion and cannot wait for my first showing, meeting, or closing.
7. What’s your favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is Bubby’s in Tribeca. Please go and order the Mac’n Cheese, Buffalo Wings, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie a La Mode. Just make sure you bring a second stomach.
8. What’s your favorite movie or book?
My favorite movie is The Devil Wears Prada. I love Meryl Streep and my favorite color is cerulean.
9. What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy being with friends and family, playing tennis, golf, and volleyball, and experiencing different cultures. But mostly I am with my parents. I am an only child so I am not only very close with my parents, but they are two of my best friends.
10. Name one thing we might not know about you?
One thing that you may not know about me is that I usually put myself last. I always try to go above and beyond for the people that I keep close in my life. There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing my friends and family happy.