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.
As one of CORE’s newest additions, Michael Rosser has already established himself as a respected real estate professional in Manhattan. His nontraditional path to success within the industry, however, offers him a fresh perspective of the market and the city as a whole. Here are Michael’s answers to Ten questions:
1. What did you do before you found this career? 
Before getting into the real estate industry, I was a scientist. More specifically, I was a geneticist performing HIV research for five years in Atlanta, Georgia. Directly out of Georgia Tech, I had the amazing opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant minds in epidemiology. Responsible for identifying HIV at the epidemic’s onset, these men and women were on the front line when one of the most troubling diseases of our time manifested itself. My mentors taught me to examine the facts thoroughly and approach each task with a well-planned strategy.
2. What has been the highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career has been the ability to live in many great cities around the country. When I decided long ago to begin my career in real estate, I never expected travel to be a necessary part of my growth and success in the field.
3. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Taking Lola (my dog) outside for a walk. She was not raised in the city, and being a small dog that has known nothing but expansive turf, the multitudes of Times Square can be overwhelming at times. The transition to the big city life has been tough, but we take many trips to the park and are slowly making progress.
4. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself expanding my business from New York back to the markets that gave me my first experiences in real estate. I would love to be able to represent buyers and sellers throughout the East Coast, from New York, through DC, and down to Florida.
5. Where do you find inspiration?
When in need of a fresh perspective, I turn off my laptop and leave the office. The best thing to do is surround myself with the most creative and intelligent people I know — my friends!
6. Name one thing we might not know about you.
I can be a nerd sometimes so occasionally, a good sci-fi movie night is just what I need to unwind.
7. What’s your favorite movie or book?
My favorite book is The Art of Racing in the Rain.
8. What do you do in your free time?
I love going to live concerts and indulging my internal novice foodie by going to the new eatery hotspots around the city.
9. What’s your favorite restaurant?
This would have to be a toss up between Hill Country Barbecue and Buddakan.
10. Tell me something about your home.
My apartment is one block from Times Square, located 40 floors above 8th Avenue. My bedroom faces due West and shows amazing sunsets over Hell’s Kitchen and New Jersey.