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.
Reba Miller joined CORE as Senior Managing Director of Sales last year after owning her own company for almost 30 years. She is an industry icon, and I am enjoying getting to know her as someone who works side by side with me. She has a sharp sense of humor, a unique sense of fashion, and a style all of her own.
1) How long have you been selling real estate?
27 years and then some!
2) How did you get involved in the business?
My father had retail stores and was a “jobber,” buying, negotiating, and reselling. So real estate was an easy fit for me.
3) How has the industry changed in that time?
The firm of Whitbread-Nolan was one of the premiere companies at the time, and the entire business was based on books of 3 x 6 index cards inscribed with each type of apartment that the firm had to offer. Your books were your listings and the pay phones were your form of communication!
4) What is the most important attribute you need to have to be successful in this business?
You need to truly enjoy people and placing parties together. The matchmaking aspect of the business is extremely important.
5) What is the most challenging part of your job?
In this city, it’s really the transportation from uptown to downtown.
6) What was your quickest transaction?
One day I sold and closed a unit at the Carlyle Hotel that I represented on behalf of Texaco, the oil company. We got Board approval and closed all in a day!
7) What was your largest sale?
Biggest single sale would be the Loro Piana Building to Lawrence Graff, the English jeweler. My biggest development deal was $50 million.
8) After owning your own business, why did you decide to make the change and move to CORE?
After sitting with you on the REBNY Board of Directors and having you participate in my Round Table Discussions I knew you were brilliant at what you do, and I wanted to be a part of your future.
9) Where do you see the market going in the next year?
We have already seen signs of recovery and this will continue as buyers and bankers continue to have confidence in the New York City market. When banks are knocking on the door to lend again that is the best sign of great things to come.
10) Do you have a question for me?
When are we playing tennis?
As soon as I get my serve going!