How Many Years a CREWNY Member?
Since inception in NY and founding AREW member prior to that.
Fun Fact:
My hobby is buying and aging French Bordeaux classified growth wines. Before I entered real estate as a consultant and appraiser. Fortunately I had many opportunities to visit France and actually worked in Paris for several months. I had two French roommates who invited me inti their families homes on the weekends. One of my friend's father loved good French wine and gave me the opportunity to taste many bottles of Bordeaux wines. Once I started working in New York, I developed my interest by enrolling in a twelve week course on wine appreciation and wine tasting. Mostly geared towards professionals in the hospitality business. Thus, I developed a life-long appreciation for fine wines.
Tell us about an accomplishment you are proud of.
An accomplishment that I am proud of is my receipt of the 2019 Alexander G. Hesterberg Lifetime Achievement Award for years of outstanding service and dedication to the Metropolitan New York Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. This is a prestigious award that is not given every year, rather only when there is a worthy recipient. I have really concentrated on giving back to my profession. I am a past President of the Metroploitan NY Chapter, a past Vice-Chair of the Education Committee of the National branch of the Appraisal Institute and a past National Vice President of the Real Estate Counselors (CRE).
What about CRE ignites your passion? How about in your current role?
I am passionate about real estate consulting and appraisal because it is very intellectually stimulating. I never get bored or tired with this type of work. My practice covers all property types and over the years, I have worked all over the US. Each problem is different and the solutions must be creative but based on solid research and techniques in my field. My current role in my career is mostly serving as a party-appointed or neutral arbitrator in ground rent resets. Of course I am involved in the day-to-day operations of Weitzman Associates, LLC.
What advice would you give your younger self?
First I tried to be a perfectionist but perfection is not necessary, just to do excellent work! Second, learning delegation at a yond age is critical to running a successful business. third, I was a absolute workaholic. I would tell my younger self to create a better work life balance. Finally, I would tell my younger self to sell a well respected brand like The Weitzman Group (now Weitzman Associates, LLC) one must do it in one's 50's when I was more valuable to a larger organization and create a larger nest egg for my family.