What they’re reading now

Where do you look for insight and inspiration? To find out, The Real Deal asks leaders in the industry what they’re reading.

Garret Lepaw
Sales and leasing director, Town Gramercy

What are you reading right now or what did you finish most recently?

“The Millionaire Real Estate Agent,” by Gary Keller. It’s a practical guide laying out the fundamental principles of how to take your real estate business to the next level.

What spurred you to read the book?

I initially read the book to jumpstart my real estate career. I only wish that someone had given me a copy when I first started in the business over a decade ago!  I picked it up again to re-read when I started in my position with Town back in September.

Has anything in it stuck with you? Would you recommend it to others?

I gave a copy of the book to every agent in my office, and … one to every new agent.  I’m using it not only as a teaching guide for new agents to get them started down the path to success, but also as a tool for veteran agents to help them take their business to the next level and beyond. One of the most important principals that stuck with me is the concept that every agent’s real estate business is a real business and it must be treated accordingly. It sounds basic, yet we often forget that core simple truth. The other concept that really stuck with me, and I can’t remember who said this (perhaps it was “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky) “Without a goal, you cannot score.” This book encourages the real estate professional to have the right mindset to set aggressive, yet attainable goals with a systematic approach to blow beyond what we think
are our own limitations and limits.

Jodi Stasse
Managing director of new developments Citi Habitats

What did you finish most recently?

I just finished reading “The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s
Guide to Writing in the 21st Century,” by Steven Pinker.   

What spurred you to read that book?

Generally, I feel the quality of written correspondence has been on the decline in recent years, even in a business setting.  A lot of the work-related emails I receive read like paragraph-long text messages!  I heard an interview with the author on NPR.  It got my attention, as a lot of the discussion resonated with me.

What has stuck with you?  Would you recommend the book to others?

One of the main points is that all words should have meaning. I am definitely guilty of using unnecessary words when writing, and constantly tell myself to “get to the point already!”  Many clients I correspond with have very busy schedules and appreciate communication, that while professional, is still direct.  After reading “The Sense of Style,” I find myself re-reading emails before sending to make sure they say what they need to say, nothing more. The ability to craft descriptive, flowing sentences that read beautifully is another ‘lost art’ I’m working on, thanks to reading this book. It’s an intense read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants help to master the art of direct written communications.

Dana Moskowitz
President, EVO Real Estate Group

What are you reading right now?

“Becoming the Boss: New Rules for the Next Generation of  Leaders,” by Lindsey Pollak.

What spurred you to read that book?

I thought it was an interesting topic and relevant to my role at EVO.  Also, many of the decision makers and leaders of companies we deal with are facing generational shifts in their leadership roles.

Has anything in it stuck with you?

I just started reading this, so I have a ways to go, but so far, there was an interesting topic about how to deal with comments and questions others make regarding your age/experience (I face this all the time) and the best ways to answer them. I am currently in the chapter about managing your personal brand and “filling your tank” with knowledge from other industries that will make you a more well-rounded leader.