Power Players in Residential Real Estate

Robert Reffkin is an entrepreneur on a mission to help everyone find their place in the world. He completed a B.A. and M.B.A. from Columbia University and worked at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and as a White House Fellow. He ran 50 marathons in 50 states to raise $1 million dollars for charities – including America Needs You, the non-profit he founded for young people living below the poverty line who are first-generation college students.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
I was inspired by my mother, Ruth, a single mom and a real estate agent. For years, I saw her struggle because she didn’t have the tools or support she needed to best serve her clients. I saw real estate agents as an inspiring group of entrepreneurs who were underappreciated, under invested in, and did not have any company fighting for them. That is one of the main reasons I founded Compass.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Fort Greene, Brooklyn, because it represents so much of what is great about New York. It’s diverse and vibrant, with renowned cultural institutions and a thriving entertainment scene – all anchored by a refreshingly tight-knit community of old and new residents. I’m a runner, and with Fort Greene Park nearby, it’s a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
I am deeply excited about reigniting culture and community at Compass. We’re an in-person business built on collaboration, and I am pleased to say we’re fully back in-person. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I believe Compass can show other companies how to get back to what made us great before Covid.

Brenda Rosen has devoted her career to advancing proven solutions to homelessness through the supportive housing model. She joined Breaking Ground in 1999 and has served as CEO since 2011. Under her leadership, Breaking Ground has more than doubled its permanent apartments for individuals exiting homelessness, expanding opportunities for people to come off the streets and into housing. Prior to Breaking Ground, she was an attorney for the New York City Department of Homeless Services.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
When I was a child, my family had a brief brush with homelessness when a fire destroyed our apartment, an experience that has driven a lifelong interest in housing and homelessness. New York City is the country’s oldest, largest, and most exciting urban experiment, and while we are constantly reinventing NYC, Breaking Ground exists to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are not forgotten. Because homelessness is fundamentally a housing problem.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Roosevelt Island (“the rock”) was a hidden oasis in the 70s and 80s. We had one street, one chapel, tons of open space, one school, and a tram. Separated from the rest of NYC, we were a close community where neighbors took care of one another. Days were spent outside playing paddleball, soccer, tag, and baseball. We still have yearly reunions and “original RIers” return from all over the world to show each other love.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
90 Sands in DUMBO, Brooklyn is an extraordinary project. Breaking Ground’s first hotel conversion in over two decades, 90 Sands has nearly 500 units of permanent supportive and affordable housing in one of NY’s most expensive neighborhoods, representing the second largest such site in the nation. And we worked closely with the City to pilot a program that has meaningfully reduced the time it takes for people to go from homeless to housed.

Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal represents the 67th Assembly district, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. In her tenure, Rosenthal has established herself as a leading advocate on affordable housing, domestic violence, consumer protection, government reform, environmental issues and animal cruelty. Assembly member Rosenthal received a B.A. in History from the University of Rochester. She is a life-long resident of the Upper West Side.

Michael Rossi, CEO and managing broker of Elegran, started the company in 2008 with the goal to re-envision New York’s outdated real estate brokerage industry, with a tech-driven approach, more transparency, and better-quality service to clients. Under Michael’s leadership, the company has built a sound reputation, establishing Elegran as one of the most trusted and reliable brokerages in NYC. In 2022, Elegran became the exclusive partner of Forbes Global Properties, representing their NYC brand.

Howard Rothschild has represented the real estate industry for nearly 40 years, and he currently serves as president of the Realty Advisory Board. He represents the industry in labor negotiations, arbitrations, Federal and State Courts, and administrative agencies. He was counsel in a case before the US Supreme Court that cemented arbitration as a foundation for organized labor relations. Howard also serves as an officer and trustee on the SEIU, Local 94, IUOE Funds and Committees.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
During law school I became interested in labor law and the RAB seemed like a great place to start my career. Over the years I’ve worked on hundreds of interesting projects, but the collegial atmosphere of the people in the industry has been the true driver of my work and why I am still at the RAB four decades later. I have tremendous admiration for the industry and all the great people in it.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Forest Hills. It was where my wife and I lived when we got married and our daughter was born, and it holds a special place for me. It was an easy commute to Manhattan, Long Island and Shea Stadium. I still remember Beefsteak Charlies, but never ate the unlimited shrimp.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
In 2022 we negotiated two large CBAs covering 32,000 Local 32BJ members in 3200 apartment buildings and with Local 94, covering about 5,600 members in 1700 commercial buildings and schools. Both agreements were successfully completed, giving employees the largest ever wage increase and/or the largest bonus with minimal cost impact to employers. These contracts were a win for our employees, the union, and our employers.

As chair of the powerful Committee on Land Use, Rafael Salamanca Jr. has been a champion for smart development across the Bronx and New York City that prioritizes the needs of all New Yorkers; deeply affordable housing, housing for the homeless, senior housing and housing for working families. Using his role as chair to benefit the South Bronx, Salamanca has worked with developers to secure over 7,000 units of 100% affordable housing.

Pierina Sanchez represents the 14th District, where she was born and raised. She grew up watching her elders sell oranges, drive taxis, clean buildings, to ensure her generation had a fighting chance at higher education and opportunity. From the community board to the White House, and from work in advocacy organizations to the mayor’s office – Pierina has been a fighter for immigrant families, racial justice, affordable housing, good jobs and meaningful investments in our children, families and seniors.

As co-president of the New York region, Mr. Andrew Schwartz leads the continued revitalization of the Seaport with a focus on strategic partnerships and programming. He joined HHC in 2015 with more than two decades of experience managing strategic marketing partnerships, advertising campaigns, and events, including for Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, SiriusXM, Major League Baseball, New Jersey Devils, and the National Hockey League. Schwartz earned a B.S. in Communications and Marketing from the University of Connecticut.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
Over the past seven years, the Seaport has grown into one of New York City’s most sought-after neighborhoods – and it’s easily my favorite, with its historic cobblestone streets and sweeping waterfront views. We have some of the best, most exciting dining destinations in the city, along with a constantly evolving lineup of popular events and programs in a neighborhood that can serve as a model for resilient design.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
Spearheading the company’s partnership platforms, I developed a wide array of programming and activations, notably The Rooftop at Pier 17® Summer Concert Series. After four successful seasons, the 3,500-capacity performance venue recently ranked the #3 Top Club Worldwide by Pollstar. Planning is underway for the fifth Summer Concert Series as we continue to establish the Seaport as one of New York City’s top entertainment destinations.

Ryan Serhant is a founder, entrepreneur, producer, public speaker, best-selling author, star of multiple TV shows, and Chief Executive Officer of SERHANT., the rapidly growing tech-forward real estate organization comprised of two core businesses: brokerage and education. Founded in 2020, SERHANT. is a content-to-commerce technology ecosystem and is home to the first full-service, award-winning, in-house film studio solely dedicated to real estate content. Its digital education platform has more than 14,000 members across 110 countries.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
I got into the real estate industry by accident. I moved to NYC in 2006 to pursue acting, but I needed something to help pay the bills. I began working on rentals and eventually moved to sales, where I led the number one selling team in NYC for several years before branching out on my own and starting SERHANT.

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
There are so many amazing neighborhoods in NYC, but I think I’d have to go with SoHo. It offers an amazing vibrancy from its cast-iron architecture, shopping, amazing restaurants and art galleries, plus that’s where our NYC headquarters is, SERHANT. House New York. Its residents have the privilege of living in one of the city’s cultural centers.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on.
Each project is different in its own way, but one of the most exciting things I am working on right now is exclusively listing the Penthouse at Central Park Tower, the tallest residence in the world and currently the most expensive listing in the country at $250 million. A listing like this is one-of-a-kind, and truly becomes a full-time job, requiring exact precision, and creativity that goes above and beyond.

Eddie Shapiro is the founder, president, and CEO of Nest Seekers International, the fastest growing privately held brokerage in the world. Under his direction, the company has grown to include 1500 professionals in 30 offices across the globe. Mr. Shapiro revolutionized the real estate industry by introducing a multi-market approach, leveraging television as a promotional tool, and launching Nest Media to develop and produce television shows for streaming and broadcast networks. Additionally, he founded Nest Yachts, Nest Jets, and Nest Fine Arts to provide clients with hard asset trading and management services. In his personal life, Mr. Shapiro is a devoted husband and father of three.

What led you to get involved in the real estate industry?
I have always been an entrepreneurial person with an interest in real estate. I started my career in the early 90’s as an agent at a small firm in midtown Manhattan. I loved helping clients make informed decisions about their investments and building long-term relationships with them. It soon became my mission to launch an innovative real estate firm that would redefine how real estate is traded, and Nest Seekers was born.  

What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC?
I love every neighborhood for different reasons. One that stands out is Noho because it has all the best elements of the city: great food, vibrant culture, and historic architecture. While NOHO occupies only a few blocks, it proves that less is more. The neighborhood is nestled just above SOHO’s bustle and is home to some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. With an incredible location, NOHO has it all.

Describe a recent project you’ve enjoyed working on?
I launched Nest Media to develop and produce original content, and I am working on some incredible television shows. I developed and executive produced the HBO Max television series, “Selling the Hamptons,” BBC’s “Crazy Rich Agents,” and multiple shows in various stages of production and development. Producing TV has been a rewarding experience for me and a great opportunity to explore new ideas, collaborate with other creatives, and bring exciting concepts to life.