1. How many years have you been in working in real estate?

I was licensed in 1989 and started off in residential real estate in 1990. It wasn’t for me! I left the real estate (RE) industry shortly after but remained in sales. In 1999 I got back into RE with office leasing and I’ve been working in the industry ever since. I’ve been at The Behar Group for about a year and a half now.

2. What initially attracted you to work in commercial real estate?

The ability to develop business relationships and being able to learn about everything from business to development to leasing and investment sales. While real estate is by and large an independent business model, I realized the opportunity is vast to learn about the business world and most importantly be able to learn about myself.

3. What is some of the best advice your colleagues have given you?

• Be honest and never give an answer you’re not sure of.
• Be yourself and listen to those around you.
• Read a book on human psychology.

4. What advice do you have to give to someone who is thinking about getting their real estate license? (Other than “Don’t do it!”)

Ask yourself: Why do you want it? It’s not as glamorous as people might think it is. Also, learn about the industry and what parts of the industry that you want to be in – commercial? residential? etc…

5. What innovations are you seeing that will have a profound effect on the CRE industry in the future?

Social media platforms have given us the ability to promote investment and leasing properties to clients and colleagues. By sharing industry insights, it helps to establish yourself in the digital world and enables you to reach a greater audience.

6. What do you love most about being a real estate sales representative?

The psychology of business. I really enjoying learning about business and meeting new people.

7. What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of working in commercial real estate?

Understanding what you can control and what you can’t control and working between those extremes.

8. If you weren’t going into real estate, what do you think you would be doing?

I’d still be in sales. I enjoy providing customer service. Teaching would be something I would explore as well. Perhaps even writing a book…

LET’S GET PERSONAL:

1. What is your favourite spot in the city? 

I’m a downtown Toronto guy. I love being in the city. I live in the St.Clair West area and love the food, atmosphere and how walk-able everything is.

2. What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Good wine and good food.                                             

3. What is the strangest job you’ve ever had?

I used to clean the inside of hot water boiler tanks in multi-residential apartment buildings. Made me realize I’m not good with my hands.

4. Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?

Israel and Egypt. Why? Rich history, diversity and culture. I got my diving license there too and in 1993 I took a diving safari down the Sinai: slept in abandoned river beds, it was unbelievable.

5. If you could do another job for just one day, what would is be?

“Dive master Gangbar” in Australia or New Zealand.

6. Tell me something that might surprise us about you?

I found out late in life how much I love pets. I currently have a cat and a dog.

7. Do you have a favourite quotes or words that you live by?

Always treat others how you want to be treated.

8. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you? 

Adam Sandler. My son thinks I look like him. Maybe a little bit. What do you think?

9. And finally, complete this sentence. You’re happiest when ______________________.

 I’m travelling with my family and able to scuba dive.