It was a pivotal moment that would redefine the trajectory of my life. In the vulnerability of job loss, I found the resilience to forge a path that would redefine not just my professional direction, but the very essence of who I am.

 

On Halloween of 2003, the entire trajectory of my life changed; I had lost my job at Airborne Express. As an account executive, I spent my time helping existing accounts and working to acquire new ones. I had found a great deal of success in the role; however, after losing only one account, they decided to let me go. 

 

My wife, Francine, and I feared for what the future held. With our first child, Santino, being less than a year old and having bought our first home just two years prior, we had a lot of weight on our shoulders. The job I thought was “safe” had just pulled the rug out from under the picture-perfect life we had.

 

The path I had envisioned, one paved with the stability of a corporate career, no longer held the same appeal it once did. The security of a steady paycheck vanished, leaving behind a desire to be independent and forge my own way forward.

 

In the face of this adversity, a decision loomed—a choice between retreating to the safety of familiarity or embracing the unknown, specifically, a career in real estate. The very essence of that Halloween became a crossroads that demanded a courageous decision. 

 

 The allure of real estate was the culmination of experiences, notably the purchase of our first home in 2001. The intricacies of that process fascinated me, from negotiating deals to understanding the market's nuanced rhythm. What started as a personal fascination evolved into a passion that transcended casual conversation.

 

Despite a career rooted in sales and finance, my conversations with friends and colleagues increasingly gravitated toward real estate. The joy of home ownership, coupled with the ever-changing dynamics of the market, became topics I could discuss for hours. I became a licensed agent in 2002 and started working with client’s part time.

 

The pivotal moment of losing my job in 2003 became the catalyst for transforming this passion into a full-fledged career. I plunged headfirst into the world of real estate in 2004. The initial six months were a formidable challenge, navigating the uncharted waters of a new profession. In the latter half of the year, however, I experienced a remarkable turnaround—I made nearly as much as I earned in my previous job. The best part? There was no limit to what I could achieve. Trusting the process became my guiding principle, encouraging me to continue putting in the effort and doing the work, even when faced with obstacles.

 

My approach to real estate is deeply rooted in my upbringing behind the counter of my father's deli in Flushing, Queens. The deli, nestled near Shea Stadium, was not just a business; it was a home away from home for my brother and me throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s. I learned one of the most important lessons in business from my father: if you treat people right and provide an honest service, you can be successful.

 

 The entrepreneurial spirit that characterized my family became an integral part of my identity. I pushed through barriers, focused on building client relationships, and never let myself doubt my capabilities. 

 

Some 20 years later, I can confidently say becoming a REALTOR® was the best thing I could have done. Real estate not only gives me personal fulfillment in helping families but also allows better balance so I can be there for my wife and our kids, Santino and Lorenzo. We enjoy going to live concerts, visiting my wife’s parents in Greece in the summer and going to sporting events.

 

As I reflect on this transformative journey, I realize the decision to embrace real estate wasn't just a career move; it was a soul-stirring journey that hinged on trust—trust in the process and trust in the potential that lay ahead. 

 

Throughout this journey, a key lesson I've embraced is the importance of trusting the process. Whether I'm optimizing property listings to get the best offer or assisting homebuyers in finding the perfect property, I leverage my years of expertise and strategic approach to get results. The belief is simple: by taking the right steps, the ideal offer or property will inevitably come. It is my mission to learn your goals, understand your preferences, and educate you about the process to create an enjoyable and seamless experience from start to finish.

 

My clients aren't just making a simple transaction; they are navigating a life-altering journey, leaving one place and moving to another. Taking that into consideration, I try to offer answers before the questions are asked and solutions before a problem fully develops. With 20 years of experience, I can predict potential scenarios and help navigate through them with ease. Negotiations are where I shine. I've honed my skills over the years, learning to listen, perceive and strategize effectively on a moment’s notice. Throughout the entirety of your homeownership journey, I will continue representing your best interests as your trusted partner in real estate.