Best/Favorite Mentor? When I was in the corporate world, I sought mentorship from different professionals AND gave them permission to call out my blind spots whenever they saw my intent not aligning with my impact. I have allowed a few people in my industry to do the same. However, I had to navigate my own way around in my current profession and cant really point to one/ best mentor. As a result though, I do serve as a mentor to many as I often get calls from new agents or those aspiring to enter the profession to address their questions and provide resources. What do you see/believe are the most important issues in the building/construction/your industry today? Efficient permit approval process, outdated zoning ordinances that may not serve the current generation
How did you get involved with Metro initially? I had a client with a budget of $1.8M looking for a new construction home during covid. I had to look for creative ways of finding inventory other than what was in the open market and that is when I came across the Builders Association and decided to join Metro. What was/is your biggest accomplishment as a part of Metro? I really enjoyed serving as a panelist on Career day at one of the local high schools. Thanks to Tammy for the invitation. I also enjoyed being a speaker on The Art of Networking. What would you like to see more of in 2025 from Metro and its members? Diverse training classes that cater to our diverse membership base. More engagement of
and lifestyle, wide range of professional caliber, housing affordability. What advice do you have about marketing/social media to build business and reach customers? Master authentic wants to be sold. Therefore ,don’t sell because we have learned to tune out endless advertisements and marketing fighting for our attention and dollars. Instead, create content that shares the behind the scenes of your business because most people are eager to learn. Share a story about your client or a case (minus confidential info) that makes THEM the start of the story storytelling. Everybody wants to buy but no one
members in committees as that is key to form deeper relationships. What is your feeling behind members helping members? It’s the golden rule. Look within before looking outside. Also be intentional in helping each other in more ways than one. This can mean supporting strategically, making introductions and sharing resources above and beyond referrals which we all love. Are you a part of any Metro Committees? If so, which ones and how did you become involved with them? YES! Awards of Excellence, Build My Future, PWB.
Tez speaking at Metro’s Sales & Marketing Breakfast meeting.
AWARDS RELATED
because your potential client reading it will want to be the hero in that story. Focus on elevating and supporting others on social media as much as possible. Tell us about an accomplishment that gives you the most pride/joy. One of the projects I am the most proud of is having led a grassroots advocacy group to successfully bring FREE, full day universal Pre-k to the town of West Orange. It is a legacy that will continue to serve thousands of families to come. This was a project I took on during covid and spent a considerable amount of time, energy, mobilizing, campaigning and advocating through several superintendent changes that ultimately led the launch of the program. I now advise other towns looking to bring Universal Pre-K to their town and have delivered workshops and spoken on this topic to several organizations. This is also a key consideration for builders to factor in as it will make a home more attractive to young families if a town has this offering.
Has your company recently won any awards? Circle of Excellence from NJ Realtors, Individual award from Town of West Orange Human Relations Commission as an MLK Jr. Distinguished Service Award What was your favorite part of Awards of Excellence in 2024 if you were able to attend? Great opportunity to meet many of our members we may not see at smaller events. The table I sat at (Blue Ridge Lumber) were SO friendly and warm! They were amazing and even introduced me to some members I hadn’t met before. What are you looking forward to at the 2025 AOEs? Making more quality connections and contributing to each other’s business.
18
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator