Home: Washington, DC. Age: 57. Birthplace: Washington, DC. Profession: Real estate attorney. Organization: Premium Title & Escrow, LLC. Title: President & CEO. Significant other: My wife, Lori Soto. Alma mater: American University.
Current project: Exploring new places and ideas through travel and reading. Recent recognition: Named chair of the Asset Quality Committee of the EagleBank Board of Directors. Latest accomplishment: Closing the largest C-PACE financing transaction ever completed in Washington, DC. Latest contribution to others: Helping raise more than $20 million for the DC Public Education Fund to support public school students and teachers. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Building a real estate development company that has completed major multifamily, office, hotel and retail projects, while also serving on the board of a publicly traded bank. Hobbies: Reading and traveling. Recent travel or adventure: St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Florence, Italy. Last book read: Becoming a Principle-Driven Leader, by Gregg Steinberg. Recent unique acquisition: A Tesla Model S.
Personality profile: Inquisitive and competitive. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Probative. Moral compass: Stay calm during difficult moments. Clarity reveals solutions. How do you define a perfect friendship? Unconditional love. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutually beneficial. What is your greatest joy? My family. What word or phrase do you use far too often? It is what it is. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Doctors and engineers. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? New York City. What is at the top of your bucket list? Visiting West Africa and Asia. How do you relieve stress? Watching a good movie and reading. What is your go-to workout? Weight training and the stationary bike. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A beach.
What was your first paying job? Coaching. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Basketball. What book have you repeatedly read: Principles of Economics, by Peter Navarro. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Godfather. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My diplomas. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Uncle Lewis. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Life is about managing the inevitable ups and downs. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Stay calm during difficult times because it will help you see the solution. Surround yourself with winners. All complaints have some merit. Always ask the question: Are you customer-friendly enough? What is your favorite app? ChatOn AI. What is your go-to source of news and information? The Washington Post and The New York Times.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Becoming more patient with employees and clients.
What change would you like to see in the world? Less cruelty and more humanity. What widely held belief do you reject? That a lot of money brings happiness. What mega-trend most concerns you? Anti-immigration sentiment.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Survivor: Resilient Fighter. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mother, my dad and my Uncle Lewis. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A lawyer. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photo albums and video CDs. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Sharing a wonderful meal with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? Study hard. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Sophomore year of high school.
Personal mission: Helping my children become successful. Personal motto: Have faith in God. Talk to Him every day. Desired epitaph: He never gave up.
