The Closing: Robert Levine
January 30, 2009 04:42PM By Lauren Elkies
Robert Levine
Levine is president and CEO of RAL Companies & Affiliates, a developer of luxury apartment, condominium and resort communities in New York, Colorado, Texas and Maryland. The firm, founded in 1982, also offers architecture, interior design, construction, landscape architecture, staffing, leasing and management services through its affiliate companies.
RAL has developed 36 projects, including One Brooklyn Bridge Park, Tower 270, Loft 25 and the New Yorker Condominium. Levine's older son Ian, 32, is the COO and CFO of the company, and younger son Spencer, 27, is a project manager. The firm has close to 80 employees, 20 of whom work out of a Colorado field office.
What is your full name?
Robert Allan Levine.
What is your date of birth?
February 15, 1951.
Where did you grow up?
In Flatbush — Kings Highway and 29th Street.
Where do you live now?
In Tribeca, in a building we converted at 270 Broadway.
Do all of your children live in buildings you own?
Spencer moved into [One Brooklyn Bridge Park]. He lived in another one of ours before. Amanda [age 24] lives in one of our projects in Chelsea, Loft 25. Ian lived in one of our projects in Tribeca, Tower 270, but he moved because he now has a family and decided he needed more outdoor space.
Do you pay to live in your buildings?
Yes. Just like anyone else. They were purchased, and we all paid the offering plan price.
Do you have any other homes?
In Madison, Conn., in a waterfront community up in New Haven County.
Anywhere else?
Telluride, Colo. That's the reason I ended up [developing] projects there.
How long have you been married?
36 years.
On a personal level, in what ways is each kid like you?
My older son Ian is family-minded and I think he has an intuitive sense to deal with issues and management. Spencer, on the other hand, is a landscape architect. He's part of the design group of our business. He is very much like me. People have said he's the other side of my brain. Amanda [an in-house events coordinator at the Metropolitan Pavilion] is probably the most gregarious of the three. The commonality between us is independence, her ability to be self-motivated and her sense of humor. She's very clever, very sharp.
So you think you're very sharp?
Well, I don't know, but I've been told I'm very sharp.
What do you and your wife do on the weekends?
Ronny and I tend to spend our weekends up in Connecticut. In the winters, we go out to Telluride, but in the past year or so, we've taken advantage of being in Manhattan. We're big museum people. I collect photography. I'm an avid photographer, as well.
What kind of photography do you like?
Old. Berenice Abbott, she photographed during the Depression period a lot of Lower Manhattan. There's another photographer [Hiroshi] Sugimoto. He did very interesting things.
Who in the real estate industry do you most respect?
I would say Larry Silverstein — just because of his tenacity and his ability to stay focused and pursue things. I've always respected him and his general demeanor and knowledge of what's going on.
When you started your firm, what were your aspirations?
My education was architecture design and planning, and I was into large-scale architecture. Strangely enough, I didn't want to do homes.
So why did you go into residential development?
The real thing that became enticing was the conversions — taking buildings and finding the highest and best use for them. That became our niche.
What's the biggest mistake you've made in the course of your career?
My biggest mistake is trusting and believing that people are going to treat me the same way that I treat them.
Do you think you'll retire soon?
No. I thought about it years ago, after the last downturn, in the early 1990s, and I thought about doing some other things, [but] it was pretty apparent that my sons wanted to be involved in this business going forward.
Is that why you didn't retire?
Yeah, and also my interest. I'm really driven by this. I really have a passion for it.
Do you have any vices? Gambling? Drinking?
Not gambling. I don't drink. It goes back to college.
Drinking didn't work out for you?
It didn't. Is it a vice to have interesting cars, clothing, things of that nature?
How many cars do you have?
I have five or six.
Comments are closed
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Comments
Anonymous
Get Real, Robert. People have treated you, far better than you have treated them. Personally and also in doing business, with you.
Comment #1 Posted By: Anonymous 02/06/09
Anonymous
Just ask the unit owners of Franklin Tower, in TRIBECA. They Trusted Robert A. Levine to develop that conversion. What he Treated them to, was a building with : leaky windows, problems with the air-conditioning system drainage, the fire-proofing insulation had to be replaced, and also the Building's brick facade - BRICKS WERE LOSE,AND FALLING OFF THE BUILDING. All this, within a year of the completion, and move-ins. Robert A. Levine certainly did not "Treat people the way he wanted to be treated." Not only could he not be Trusted, he also had to pay Franklin Tower $one-million dollars, in restitution. That deal was mediated by the Attorney General. And THAT,Is THE REAL DEAL about Robert A. Levine, amoung other things...
Comment #2 Posted By: Anonymous 02/07/09
Anonymous
RAL, thanks for nothing, here at One Broolyn Bridge Park
Comment #3 Posted By: Anonymous 02/09/09
Anonymous
True. I never would've purchased at One Brooklyn Bridge Park, if I'd known about the mess Robert A. Levine made at Franklin Tower. This isn't even actually located in Brooklyn Heights. RAL deceived us all, with his plans and promises,to include retail,restaurants,ect. on the property. It never happened. We have to take a "shuttle",to go shop,in the REAL Brooklyn Heights. This Building has been on the market for SEVERAL YEARS, even back when the Economy was booming.RAL now blames the Economy,for the dismal lack of sales,here. Only one-third sold-it feels like living in a ghost-town. The only view,from my window, is of the tumble-weeds rolling by, below.
Comment #4 Posted By: Anonymous 02/09/09
Anonymous
Right. Now, with the rest of the development (The Towers, retail, The Park) "Postponed indefinitely", I'm stuck here. Can't sell my Condo-NOBODY WILL BUY IT!Amenities are nothing unique. New Condos in Buildings,with the same are priced far less per-foot,elsewhere. Those are in NEIGHBORHOODS, shopping and restaurants right outside. Civilization, instead of the isolation,here at One Brooklyn.
Comment #5 Posted By: Anonymous 02/09/09
Anonymous
This guy, Robert A. Levine does not know how many cars he owns?!Five or six" He's living the good life, on his ill-gotten gains. Feel sorry for you owners at One Brooklyn Bridge Park!
Comment #6 Posted By: Anonymous 02/09/09
Anonymous
Tax-payers of New York- Here's where your money is being wasted. The One Brooklyn Bridge Park, and developments,were supposed to generate the income to pay to maintain The Park. This whole development was ill-conceived, and Robert A. Levine must have known that it would never be completed. He is NOT "The Developer Who Dares To Care". He only cares about his multiple homes(in Manhattan and Telluride,and waterfront weekend home,in Conn. Does not know how many cars,"Five or six' he owns. How many cars, do he and his wife need, anyway?!) And, he has the nerve to brag,about it!
Comment #7 Posted By: Anonymous 02/09/09
Anonymous
His comment,about "Taking buildings and finding the highest and best use for them." what a joke! He's taking your MONEY, and finding the best use for spending it on himself. Living large, and bragging about it. RAL Companies and Affiliates, the Developer you Can't depend on!!!
Comment #8 Posted By: Anonymous 02/09/09
Anonymous
Wow you guys must be bitter old people who have never met Robert Levine. Not only is Robert the most honest developer I've ever met but he actually CARES about the people that live in his buildings. No, OBBP isn't going as well as planned, but don't blame the developer for the current economic situation. The fact that any of you bashing him for being successful is an absolute joke! He's worked hard to bring great product to market and he is one of the best developers in NYC.
Comment #9 Posted By: Anonymous 02/09/09
Anonymous
It's hard to believe people can be so bitter and most importantly completely wrong about a person. I live in one of Robert A Levine's developments and have never been happier, I also have family and friends that live in two of his other developments and all are happy and admire Robert Levine for his excellent work! For the man who looks out his window and sees tumbling weeds, no one has pity for you....purchasing your specific apartment was your choice and there is no need to take out your foolish anger on Robert Levine because of your uneducated decisions! Also instead of bashing the great amenities that OBBP has to offer you, embrace them...especially the shuttle....I think it’s a brilliant convenience for residents!
Comment #10 Posted By: Anonymous 02/10/09
Anonymous
Well then, why doesn't Robert Levine live in One Brooklyn Bridge Park? None of his children live there, either. Since he's so wealthy, he can purchase apartments for them,anywhere. Spencer, or somebody with his same first and last name, lives on my block, in the Real Brooklyn Heights. Are we bitter to speak the truth about RAL? No, just real. (And, although I don't need a "Shuttle" to go shop, I can see why people there, would be upset, to have been sold a bill of goods.)
Comment #11 Posted By: Anonymous 02/10/09
Anonymous
You would never see Robert Levine, walk by Franklin Tower. We have met him, and we DO KNOW HIM - only too well. If we saw him, we would throw rotten tomatoes at him - but that would be a waste of produce. None of us is envious of him. It sounds like your comments about what a great guy he is, probably was posted by his P.R. person. You get paid, to defend him.
Comment #12 Posted By: Anonymous 02/10/09
Anonymous
I"m not "bitter", and I'm not "old". It sounds like you are young and not too bright. You obviously have not met many Developers.
Comment #13 Posted By: Anonymous 02/10/09
Anonymous
Wake up, people! Just take a look at the RAL web-site. It has not been updated, since 2004. That's enough to tip anybody off to the fact that RAL, is not honest. In fact, he has a conversion development, listed on his web-site, for a project in Sag Harbor. That project, is not his. Another Developer is working with us. Thank goodness, we did not get stuck with RAL, mucking about, out here in Sag Harbor!You can look it up, for yourself.
Comment #14 Posted By: Anonymous 02/10/09
Anonymous
RAL should get a P.R. person, to keep him out of the press. It was his decision to do this interview, that led to the comments, that are so upsetting to his small RAL fan-club. I think its members are his P.R. and family.
Comment #15 Posted By: Anonymous 02/10/09
Anonymous
I think he sounds like a very genuine and logical man and a very successful one.
Comment #16 Posted By: Anonymous 02/11/09
Anonymous
Nobody is "bashing" Robert Levine "for being successful". People are commenting on his lack of integrity. He has a record, at the Office of the Attorney General, to prove it. That's a fact, not "a joke".Refer back to the wise comment, posted. The current Economic situation, has nothing to do, with the lack of sales, at One Brooklyn Bridge Park. That property has been on the market, for years, during the booming Economy. It did not sell out, then - and is not selling out,now.
Comment #17 Posted By: Anonymous 02/11/09
Anonymous
It is not very "Logical", to brag about his homes, cars, art collection, and the rest of his things- when us regular folks are just trying to pay our bills.He would be wise,to just keep that to himself. It was too much information, and it led to comments, about him. RAL is too self-absorbed.
Comment #18 Posted By: Anonymous 02/11/09
Anonymous
TO the One Brooklyn Bridge Park resident, who wants people there, to "embrace" the Shuttle: Let us meet you down there,on the next freezing cold day. Then, we can give the Shuttle a nice big Group Hug!
Comment #19 Posted By: Anonymous 02/11/09
Anonymous
Hopefully he didn't bet the farm on 1BBP... Perhaps most of '360 Brooklyn Investors LLC' equity for the losing is AIG's which is why he hasn't capitulated on prices. If it had been priced realistically, marketed competently, and built to schedule they might just have got those remaining 360 units under contract and closed before the storm hit...
Comment #20 Posted By: Anonymous 02/11/09
Anonymous
The only thing that is "hard to believe", is Robert Levine and his little fan-club.IF the person who posted that comment really does "live in one of his developments" and has "never been happier"- you and your other family,and friends, should bring your "Happy Camper Residents" to Franklin Tower. Bring RAL with you,too. Don't forget to wear rain-gear. We have decided that throwing rotten eggs at him, is much better.
Comment #21 Posted By: Anonymous 02/11/09
Anonymous
The Storm was brewing, the day RAL thought-up his development plans. You Sir, are right !!!
Comment #22 Posted By: Anonymous 02/11/09
Anonymous
T0: The Happy Resident: We're glad that you are so Happy. But:Nobody asked you,or anybody else for "pity". We are not "fools", simply because we don't agree with you. This comment space, is a place to express our opinions - not to get all snippy at us. Perhaps, YOU are the fool - for being a cheerleader for Robert Levine. People make "uneducated decisions" to purchase in RAL developments, because the truth is out there - it has just been covered-up. Until now.
Comment #23 Posted By: Anonymous 02/12/09
Anonymous
I live at Loft 25. I never would have purchased here, either, if I had be aware of Robert Levine, cutting corners at Franklin Tower. Robert's son, Ian, comes here and walks around, as if this Building were his castle, and he The King. Spencer planted some grass,on the roof. Now we have "a meadow". Should I embrace the meadow, or just roll around in it? If that meadow gets over-saturated during heavy rainstorms, and the drainage system gets clogged - look out below! Same for the other unit's outdoor spaces. Nepotism lives on, at RAL Companies and Affiliates.
Comment #24 Posted By: Anonymous 02/12/09
Anonymous
It does not take much education, to crunch the numbers: One Brooklyn Bridge Park, and that whole development, just never added-up. No matter how many interviews Robert A. Levine kept giving to the Press, with his statements about how that development was going to change Brooklyn for the better.High-end Retail: coming soon! Actually arriving Never. Hope you unit-owners are enjoying the amenities - Your condos are worthless.
Comment #25 Posted By: Anonymous 02/12/09
Anonymous
Does anybody out there, want to buy my condo, here at One Brooklyn Bridge Park? I will throw in that nice big Bridge,as an extra amenity. Seeing it, every day, just makes me want to jump off of it!
Comment #26 Posted By: Anonymous 02/12/09
Anonymous
For all those who bought at Brooklyn Bridge Park, didn't you visit the place before buying a condo there? Now your whining that there is nothing around it, come on. Anyone who has been in that area knows there is nothing there except the BQE and a park that will take 20 years to complete. You should have done your homework and walked around a little bit. Any major public works project such as a park takes years to complete and they all stop and start, explode in price, and end up in court. This one is no different..
Comment #27 Posted By: Anonymous 02/12/09
Anonymous
Except, Robert Levine did visit the place, knew what you know, and gave us a fantasy development plan. We wouldn't whine, if RAL would just fess up, lower prices, and maybe let us stay at his fancy waterside weekend home,in Conn. (Whenever he isn't there,of course.) I'd also like to borrow one of his interesting cars,for the drive out there. How about giving up a pricey photograph, from his collection? RAL should not have let his greed hang all out there, for us to read,in this interview.Thanks for your input, we could have used it,years ago. We are not all as savvy,as you are.
Comment #28 Posted By: Anonymous 02/13/09
Anonymous
That owner at One Brooklyn Bridge Park, can't use the Bridge to attract a buyer,for his condo. Robert Levine already sold The Brooklyn Bridge - to me. He told me that he would put retail and cafes,on the pedestrian walkway...and,uh,...oh,never mind...
Comment #29 Posted By: Anonymous 02/13/09
Anonymous
As if One Brooklyn Bridge Park were RAL's only failure...There are other projects, other problems. Other people, who "Trusted" him. That was our biggest mistake.RAL is the one,"whining",in this interview, about "trusting people". If you check the local Websites, for Telluride, today - you will see that he's been there at his property. Read the Comments section,too. Great stuff, very amusing!
Comment #30 Posted By: Anonymous 02/13/09
Anonymous
Yes. the"Telluride Daily Panet" website article,published Feb.13,2009. Titled "Capella opens its doors". Robert Levine,is quoted,boasting as usual. The Comment section is interesting, and the one posted by "Reasonable", is hilarious!
Comment #31 Posted By: Anonymous 02/14/09
Anonymous
Robert's Rules For Success:#1 Open mouth. #2 Insert foot into it. #3 Repeat.
Comment #32 Posted By: Anonymous 02/14/09
Anonymous
Here,at 270 Broadway(RAL's personal Tower)"The King and Queen Levine",as we refer to them, are royal snobs. To encounter them,together, is to witness a phony display of "perfection". Actually,The King looks miserable,and The Queen has been seen giving him withering stares. No warmth,nor affection,ever between them- they must be the most unhappy couple, in all of the land. Their ostentatious displays of wealth, and The Queen's imperious manner, are the topic of much discussion and eye-rolling, among us commoners. We really don't want to stand next to them in the elevator,either - alas, we have no choice. This is our only home.
Comment #33 Posted By: Anonymous 02/15/09
Anonymous
Have you not heard? The King and Queen are away- off to their royal palace, in Telluride. We can rejoice!
Comment #34 Posted By: Anonymous 02/15/09
Anonymous
News from Telluride : The King will return to N.Y.C., with a Monkey, to service him. Please be kind to the Monkey, when you see them in the lobby and elevator, although no Monkey-treats, are to be offered to the Monkey!
Comment #35 Posted By: Anonymous 02/17/09
Anonymous
See The Telluride Daily Planet website. The comments are the funniest, and they really tell it like it is, out there. " Qwack,qwack said the duck ; Baa,baa said the sheep - Let's Boogie in the Barnyard ! "
Comment #36 Posted By: Anonymous 02/18/09
Anonymous
RAL.: It really is time for you to retire. It's evident, that you have a major disconnect from reality. Your self-indulgence and braggadocio, know no limits. Please, go far away - and don't come back. Take Ian with you. You both should refrain from photo-opportunities. Really.
Comment #37 Posted By: Anonymous 02/19/09
Tellurider
Noooo, please keep him. Out town is chock full of self indulgent nut jobs already.
Comment #38 Posted By: Tellurider 02/19/09
Anonymous
Oh, sorry, Tellurider - I did not mean that town. You have already had him , long enough ! I meant somewhere Far, Far Away. Thanks for visiting our comments section, it's always nice to hear from you. Keep in touch.
Comment #39 Posted By: Anonymous 02/20/09
Anonymous
Yeah Robert, you and Jim Thalman treated me real good. Hope that someday you and Jim are standing in the UN-employment line. By the way, did you ever wonder why your management staff at the Inn at Lost Creek has a turnover EVERY year, you probably don't care. Maybe Capella will be better--NOT!!!
Comment #40 Posted By: Anonymous 02/21/09
Anonymous
Wow, we all knew about how Robert treats people. Who is Jim ? Bet they both screwed you over. You are not alone - When he has no further use for people, Robert just kicks them to the curb. How long have you known him ? Years ? Decades ? It really does not matter, to him. He does not care. We're sorry for your situation, whatever it is.
Comment #41 Posted By: Anonymous 02/21/09
Anonymous
Robert Levine is not "sharp". If he was , he would not have given this interview. He's so delusional, and egotistical, that he actually thinks that all of the people he has treated badly, will just read his answers - and not post any negative comments, about him. Now, there are people posting comments about him, from around the U.S.A.. Speak up - be heard !
Comment #42 Posted By: Anonymous 02/22/09
Anonymous
Go to The Telluride Daily Planet website : Capella opens its doors" Read all about it !
Comment #43 Posted By: Anonymous 02/23/09
Anonymous
I ,too , have some things to say. Some of us want to know, can we remain Anonymous ?
Comment #44 Posted By: Anonymous 02/26/09
Anonymous
Just checked out the Telluride Daily Planet website Comments. Catch the next plane, out to N.Y.C.. Just saw her at The Beacon Theater, last week.!!!
Comment #45 Posted By: Anonymous 02/27/09
Anonymous
Checking in, from Telluride. We "Little people of Whoville", enjoy this story, very much ! We can just picture RAL, running for his life ! He's so pathetic.
Comment #46 Posted By: Anonymous 02/28/09
Anonymous
Hey RAL : You NEVER should have done this interview ! The people who despise you, here in Telluride , seem to have alot of company, there in New York ! Run and hide, don't show your face, ever again. The shame of the truth, coming out about you, is your "Karma Card" , now in play.
Comment #47 Posted By: Anonymous 02/28/09
Anonymous
Keep it coming, New York ! We're having a "Happy Party", here in Telluride, tonight !
Comment #48 Posted By: Anonymous 02/28/09
Anonymous
Here in Telluride - we can't get enough of this story ! In this interview, Ral says he's been married for 36 years. It sounds like he's been cheating, for most of that time. His wife was too busy to notice, didn't have a clue. She was too busy, with all of the money, cars, vacations, stuff, things. We met them, when they started coming out to Telluride. They were always trying to ingratiate themselves, with the wealthy locals. It was as if they had made a list, of us. My wife and I never fell for their phony act. It was Too Much Pork - For One Fork !
Comment #49 Posted By: Anonymous 03/01/09
Anonymous
How long, did this go on ? RAL was so selfish.
Comment #50 Posted By: Anonymous 03/01/09
Anonymous
Oh, that's a big story. Better leave that, for the Magazine article !
Comment #51 Posted By: Anonymous 03/01/09
Anonymous
AIG, is getting more Bail-out money ! They are the partners in greed, with RAL, on the One Brooklyn Bridge Park development. RAL got Bankers to put 200 MILLION, into the Capella hotel. It's the perfect example, of why we now have an Economic crisis. RAL doesn't care - he gives this interview, and brags about all that he has : Multiple homes, cars, art collection. He is all for himself, all of the time.
Comment #52 Posted By: Anonymous 03/02/09
Anonymous
Mr.Levine : Conspicuous consumption, has never been classy. These days, it is downright tacky. Out here, in Telluride; or there in New York.
Comment #53 Posted By: Anonymous 03/03/09
Anonymous
Not only is RAL tacky, his skeletons are falling out of his closet, because he opened the door. He is certainly not genuine, nor is he logical, and he has only been successful at using others - for his own benefit. He deserves this avalanche of exposure.
Comment #54 Posted By: Anonymous 03/03/09
Anonymous
Yes. The P.R. Lady is the best, most loyal friend, that a person could wish for. She was at my sister's side, throughout her long battle with Cancer. She did so much, to help her, and our family. She was at my sister's bedside, when she passed away. I know that she has had many friends - and her entire family - die in accidents, but mostly from Cancer. RAL had it good, with her. She never asked him any questions, over all those years. She was always there, for him. He did nothing for her - he told her only lies.
Comment #55 Posted By: Anonymous 03/03/09
Anonymous
This interview reminds me of a man, who lives in my building. He is very unattractive, and has an ugly little dog. He is well-dressed and groomed, and his dog is dressed in the finest doggie-clothing: sweaters, outerwear, and foot(paw)-wear. His dog has several pricey collars, and leashes. Perhaps I wouldn't notice how ugly that dog is, if it weren't for all of its things. An ugly dog - no matter how well-dressed --is still an ugly dog. And I love dogs, have a very nice one. He has a doggie sweater, nothing special, just keeps him warm, in cold weather. A regular collar and leash (only one of each). The ugly dog and his owner, do not look at us, in the elevator, or out on the street. They ignore us. So, the dog is ugly, and is a snobby doggy. This must be a N.Y.C. experience - but I'm trying to boost my dog's morale, by giving him a few extra treats, after every time we encounter the man and his ugly, but, very snazzily dressed dog. I don't want my dog to get an inferiority complex.
Comment #56 Posted By: Anonymous 03/05/09
Anonymous
For those of you who don't know Robert Levine, it must boggle the mind, to read what he said in this interview. For us, it is just more of the same boastful, vainglorious RAL; we have known for a very long time. We know that people are reserving their own personal knowledge about him, for the Magazine article. But, Please tell us: From which horrible illness, did RAL tell the P.R. Lady, he was dying from? We're begging you - we are on the edge of our seats - we can't wait, to hear this one !
Comment #57 Posted By: Anonymous 03/06/09
Anonymous
OH, yes - we know RAL, too. Please tell us : from what illness did he lead the P.R. Lady , to believe he was dying from ??? Here's our question : How does RAL sleep at night ? Answer: By himself, and with one eye open !
Comment #58 Posted By: Anonymous 03/06/09
Anonymous
There was a mass protest, thousands of people out on Broadway, yesterday. Outside City Hall, and also where RAL lives, and has his office. I turned on the T.V., in the middle of the News report, and I was hoping that those Protesters were going to storm into RAL's building - a la The French Revolution !
Comment #59 Posted By: Anonymous 03/06/09
screwedbyral
It seems as though RAL, or one of his cronies from Capella, got to the Telluride Daily Planet they stopped posting comments about him and Capella. I guess he does have powers over the "little people of whoville". I too would like to add some comments for the magazine article, I had the unfortunate experience of working for RAL at the Inn at Lost Creek and could go on for pages as to what took place there.
Comment #60 Posted By: screwedbyral 03/07/09
Anonymous
No,try again. The Telluride Daily Planet posted another comment today. I'm sure RAL is trying to stop the comments. I don't think that's possible; he THINKS there is nothing he can't do--but interfering with Freedom Of The Press is something he can't do. He started this whole flood of comments,by opening up the flood-gates,himself. You can post here, anyway. Go on for pages...the websites will be credited in the magazine article--it's the kind of Press that they could never buy. Viva the Internet websites !
Comment #61 Posted By: Anonymous 03/07/09
Anonymous
Right. Just no cursing swear-words allowed. Save that for the magazine article. That major magazine actually lets writers publish with articles using the F word !
Comment #62 Posted By: Anonymous 03/07/09
Anonymous
OH,it's all so good, and it's all so fine ! Posting truthful comments and statements based on your personal experiences with RAL; and sightings of him -- is not libelous. RAL knows that. These websites know that, too. The Truth is coming out now -- Big Time ! OH, The Joy ! The Joy !
Comment #63 Posted By: Anonymous 03/08/09
Anonymous
Yes, how true. But first he will get all of the use out of her, that he can. At least she is getting a Deal out of him, business-wise. They are using each other. If she ever needs him, for anything else -- forget it, Bankerblonde. He will tell her that he has Pancreatic Cancer - just like he did to the P.R. Lady.
Comment #64 Posted By: Anonymous 03/08/09
Anonymous
Yep - That's what he told her ! It was right before the Holiday Season of 2000. He told the P.R. Lady that he had pancreatic cancer, and that he didn't want to burden her, with it. Then he disappeared, only to return a couple of years later, to her. He had no scars from surgery. She thought that was strange. She was just so relieved that he was alive. She had been crying about him, believing that he was dying an agonizing death. How low can RAL go ? There's no limit.
Comment #65 Posted By: Anonymous 03/08/09
Anonymous
What a terrible thing for RAL to lie about ! It boggles the mind. He had been using the P.R. Lady, to satisfy his own selfish needs. By that time, it had been almost her entire adult life, being there for him. Almost half of her LIFETIME ! What happened, with him and the P.R. Lady ? It's now 2009 - RAL has past his "Expiration date". Nobody lives that long, with pancreatic cancer ! She must have figured that out - what happened ???!
Comment #66 Posted By: Anonymous 03/08/09
Anonymous
RAL split-out on her again ! This is after he came back, she did start to ask some questions - for the first time, in her life (such as it was) with him. RAL no likey questions ! RAL no givey answers ! RAL just leaves - POOF ! - Again ! And-- THERE"S MORE !!! I gotta go, can somebody pick this up, from here ? Several people know about it. It's a REAL DOOZY !!!
Comment #67 Posted By: Anonymous 03/08/09
Anonymous
Yes, I will take it, from there. The P.R. Lady developed an illness - a REAL one. She's in her late mid-forties. Very ill. She needed to sell her apartment. She called RAL, to ask for advice - just, where to buy a new apartment. RAL did'nt give her any advice. He didn't do anything to help her. Instead, she was meeting with a Newspaper writer. As they were waiting for her client to call-in, for a conference-call interview -- her phone rang. She screened it, to see if it was her client calling, the call went onto her answering machine. It was RAL's wife. She left a message, which was heard by the Newspaper-writer. This was a little over a year ago...
Comment #68 Posted By: Anonymous 03/08/09
Anonymous
RAL once made a fuss, about something he didn't like. It was A BIG mistake-- He almost got his butt kicked, by his now-former female tenant's boyfriend !
Comment #69 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
RAL : Don't do it, and then blame it, on others. That's how you roll -- but those days are over n0w.
Comment #70 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
RAL: That is like trying to put out a fire -- WITH GASOLINE !
Comment #71 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
She said : This is Ronny Levine. I'm calling to tell you to stop calling my husband, Robert Levine. Just leave us alone. The Newspaper-writer almost spun off of his chair ! He said that it sounded like that was not the first time Mrs. Levine had made a call, like that. It was as if RAL had passed the ball to his wife, for the final dismissal. Like they had that act down - to a routine. And, there's more...
Comment #72 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
I have never met RAL. Knew nothing about him. Never even heard of The Real Deal. But- word got around, that this site, and the comments about this interview- are required reading. Now, I know a lot about him. I can't stop reading these comments. And - Let's be REAL - The Real Deal does not want me to stop.
Comment #73 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
Same with me. I heard about it, and checked it out. I looked, and now I'm hooked. The word-of-mouth on this is creating a new audience : People who know RAL, and people who never heard of him. Former employees, and discarded friends. Total strangers, to this website, and to RAL.
Comment #74 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
Right. The Comments are very well-written. People are hitting this site,to behold the unmitigated arrogance of a man so self-indulgent and so delusional - it's like a car wreck on the Highway - you can't help, but to look. You're glad that it's not you, there in that wreck. But, you look. Some people even rubber-neck. That's me. And that's many other people, reading this, too.
Comment #75 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
Yes, this interview and these comments, are the Real Deal. The deal is done. No do-overs. Really.
Comment #76 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
Yessiree, Robert. Whether it's schadenfreude, venting, or just a way to get relief from the REAL difficulties, here in the REAl world - people are quenching their collective thirst. They will keep pouring it on. They will keep coming back, for more. That's not our fault - it's yours, Robert.
Comment #77 Posted By: Anonymous 03/09/09
Anonymous
Yes, this is the magic of the Internet. Information given, passed along, exchanged. When RAL arranged this interview, he should have given some thought, as to how he would answer even these most basic questions. Instead, after question number three -- he was off on an ego-roll.(not to be confused with an egg-roll, which is what he should have had in his mouth, rather than these answers.)
Comment #78 Posted By: Anonymous 03/10/09
Anonymous
My psychiatrist prescribed this site's comments pages. He was told about this interview, and the comments,by somebody else, who came to him. He was not severly depressed, nor am I. It's just that N.Y.C. is a big pressure cooker, and I needed to open the valve to release some steam. My shrink gave me a script.for Valium - just to help me get some sleep. He said that I should read this site, to see if I could avoid taking any other meds. My job, my wife, my life, have all been troubling me lately. Sure enough, reading these comments has helped. I was so engrossed in them, that an hour flew by, without any other thoughts entering my mind. Reading about how this RAL guy, paved the path to his own self-destruction, is fascinating. I feel much better now.
Comment #79 Posted By: Anonymous 03/11/09