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.
Trevor Stephens embraces everyday life, looking to the future without losing sight of his past. Here’s a glimpse into Trevor’s life in TEN questions.
1. Tell me something about your home. 
It’s important to me to have a clean and organized home. It doesn’t need to be immaculate, but after a long day of running around NYC, I like to come back to a home that has a nicely made bed, clean kitchen and things where they should be. Clutter = Anxiety.
2. What did you do before you found this career?
Before real estate I worked in the hospitality industry, and my favorite position was as the General Manager of the EN Japanese Brasserie, a highly successful Japanese restaurant in the West Village. It is a beautifully designed space, serves delectable food and has a fantastic clientele (many of whom I’ve developed long standing relationships). I also opened a restaurant in Charleston which was a fun experience, but I ultimately realized NYC is home for me.
3. What has been the highlight of your career?
I have to honestly say, my six months at CORE have been very special to me. The opportunity CORE provides me; spending time with quality clients and colleagues while literally changing the way people live, is a real treat.
4. What is your greatest daily challenge?
Making sure my days are structured effectively and efficiently. It is very easy for me to get caught up in minutiae and become distracted from the big picture. I can beat myself up over trivial things and circumstances out of my control, but if I know what I need to accomplish and expand upon for the day, then I’m ready to roll from the minute I get up.
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In addition to financial success, I hope to create valuable and memorable experiences because as my father often says, “Tomorrow is promised to no one”. I intend to leave a mark on the NYC brokerage community by making clients happy with the quality of service I provide them and by helping them find their perfect homes.
6. Where do you find inspiration?
Just about everywhere. My right leg was amputated above the knee when I was 4 years old and it certainly shaped my outlook. You can go through life with your head down being stressed, upset and angry about nonsense, certainly everyone’s been there at one point or another, but life is more fun and exciting when you realize how lucky we all are. At first it may take conscious effort to find inspiration by seemingly mundane things, but after time it becomes natural and more fulfilling.
7. What’s your favorite restaurant?
There are so many! Anyone who knows me knows I love Asian food; Japanese, Chinese and Thai (street food or fine dining). I’m also a big fan of tradition, and ever since childhood, my family has always visited Shun Lee on the Upper West Side. It’s been there since the 80’s and I don’t think they’ve changed a single thing…literally. The décor, including the ridiculous paper mâché dragon that circles the entire restaurant, screams 1980’s in both a good and bad way at the same time. There are better restaurants out there, but there’s no other spot that reaches that far back in the memory bank. It’s also really delicious.
8. What’s your favorite book or movie?
My favorite book is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. It’s a fantastic story based around architecture and design, but heavily focused on the concept of individualism and believing in yourself versus collectivism and the quest for fame and fortune. I’ve actually read the book a couple of times and it always strikes a chord. As for my favorite movie, it has to be the Godfather II. That isn’t just my opinion, that’s a universal fact…or should be.
9. What do you do in your free time?
I love to explore neighborhoods in NYC, where the common thread of these mini journeys is usually finding food or seeking out hidden gems. Also, I’m a former scratch golfer wanting to get back into form, so when I’m not working or eating, hopefully I’ll be golfing. You can really learn a person’s true character by playing a round or two with them and somehow just when you think you’ve have a grasp on the game, it all falls apart and you have to start again!
10. Name one thing we might not know about you?
Another lifetime ago, I was in a television commercial with my brother and dad. You should check it out. seriously, click here!