Do you have a mentor?
My stepfather Jack Holler [who started the John H. Holler Co. in New Jersey], who’s technically my wife’s stepfather. He was a very successful mortgage broker both in New York City and New Jersey. In the early ’90s, Bob [Knakal] and I were broke, and he lent us $75,000 to keep Massey Knakal going. We offered him a piece of the company, but he wouldn’t take it. He just said, ‘Repay me whenever you can,’ which we did earlier than we had promised. He’s retired, but he and I always talk about business, and it’s always very helpful.
What quality could you improve in yourself?
I’m a bit of a conflict avoider.
If you weren’t in the real estate industry, what would you be doing?
Coaching wrestling.
Read the full installment of the Closing from the November 2008 issue here.