For this week’s show, I share with you several discussions that I had with past guests and a current team member. The focus was on how they got into and learned the business. What became apparent is there wasn’t a “ book” that was all encompassing to set them on their way. That being said, they all shared that there was no substitute to learning by doing and having great mentors along the way. I’m hoping for those looking to get into the business today or those looking to step up their game will find my book helpful as a foundation for their success. 

Here’s the background on who joined me for this compilation:

Christopher N. Okada is the Founder and President of Okada & Company. Over the past 15 years of his New York real estate career, he was able to consummate over $1B in sales, represent several Fortune 500 companies, and amass a portfolio of office, multi-family, & retail properties.

Eric Brody is founder of ANAX Real Estate Partners. He is a prolific builder and developer in NYC for the last eighteen years with over $950 million worth of real estate development and just over $500 million in total construction costs representing approximately 800 units built and occupied with in NYC. Formerly COO of Wonder Works Construction Corporation, Eric started a Proptech/Contech Venture firm in 2021 and is host of the Real Tech Talk Podcast.

Next, we have Avison Young’s own Alexandra Marolda. Alex is an Associate Director on our Tri-State Investment Sales Team. Prior, she spent over five years on the principal side overseeing a real estate portfolio consisting of 1,200 residential units and 50 retail units within Manhattan and the Greater New York City area. She has been honored by Real Estate Weekly as Rising Star and by the New York Real Estate Journal as One to Watch.

Finally, I speak with my friend Chad Cooley who is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of AWH Partners, a privately held investment firm focused on the hotel space. Prior he was a Vice President at the Related Companies. He is co-chair of Colgate’s Real Estate  Council, a group that is near and dear to my heart. I hope you get a lot out of this episode. As always, please visit Jamesnelson.com for show notes as well as the chance to pre-order my upcoming book, The Insider’s Edge To Real Estate Investing.