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 living abroad to one day working abroad, Sergio Zuluaga has big real estate dreams. Here’s a glimpse into Sergio’s life in TEN questions.
1. Tell me something about your home.
It always smells great. I’m obsessed with scented candles and oil burners; pine and lavender are my favorites.
2. What did you do before you found this career?
As you can imagine, graduating college right after the financial crisis of 2008 made job hunting tons of fun. I took this as a sign and moved abroad to teach English in South Korea and Spain. Shortly after returning to NYC, I worked in project management and was doing that until I got into real estate.
3. What has been the highlight of your career?
There’s nothing like getting your first commission check. It’s an exhilarating feeling that I strive to recreate every day.
4. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Commuting during rush hour – it’s always an adventure.
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I plan to fuse my two biggest passions – real estate and traveling – into a very strong career in international real estate. In 10 years I hope to not only be selling international real estate, but also investing in it as well. And that will give me an excuse to visit said properties (not that I ever need an excuse).
6. Where do you find inspiration?
In my colleagues on a daily basis. My peers’ successes constantly remind me that hard work and a positive attitude go a very long way.
7. What’s your favorite restaurant?
Staying true to my Queens’ roots, I love a good diner – Neptune’s Diner in Astoria is a personal favorite.
8. What’s your favorite movie or book?
“A Hundred Years of Solitud”e by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. That’s one of those books where you find yourself saying, “just one more page…” and then you’re sad when it’s done.
9. What do you do in your free time?
I love being a tourist in my own city. The beauty of NYC is its constant state of evolution. There’s always new architecture, a new restaurant to go to, or an exhibit or play in town. I can never run out of things to do.
10. Name one thing we might not know about you?
I have a bunny called Paul Bunyan (I love puns) who I rescued from McCarren Park in Brooklyn. He has tons of personality and is very smart.