What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2018?
I worked on brokering the sale of 445 West 21st St., New York, NY, a 9,375 s/f, 10-unit multifamily property in the heart of Chelsea. The deal was unique as the seller, a family, had owned the property for over 100 years, and even maintained the original deed in perfect condition. Our firm worked on this project for 14 years as the seller was debating whether to sell, so it was exciting to see the deal come to a close and our clients ultimately satisfied.
Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession?
Houlihan-Parnes Realtors, LLC, based in White Plains, New York, is my family’s commercial real estate business, now owned and managed by the fourth and fifth generations of our family. We are a vertically integrated real estate investment and management firm, with a portfolio of more than 8.5 million square feet of office, retail, industrial and mixed-use space and approximately 25,000 multifamily units. I grew up watching my dad, James. J. Houlihan, Managing Partner, grandfather and uncles working in the business, which heavily influenced my career path. My dad’s entrepreneurial spirit and genuine passion for his work inspired my career decisions—he has always been a unique example of someone who is truly energized by his career.His independence also influenced me, as I chose to practice transactional real estate law for five years at New York law firms before returning to the family business, and prior to that worked in Congress, so my experience and perspective is certainly different than that of family members in the business.