Home: Delray Beach, FL. Birthplace: New York, NY. Profession: Real estate investment professional. Organization: Kayne Anderson Real Estate. Title: Senior Managing Director, Head of Transactions. Significant other: My wife, Allison Cannella. Alma mater: Union College (BS, civil engineering); University of Notre Dame (MBA).
Current interests: Exercising, tennis, playing sports with my sons and community service. Latest accomplishment: Continuing to develop the team I’m on. Latest contribution to others: EJS Project, Headstrong, Movember and St. Jude. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Moving to Florida, starting a capital markets group, becoming head of transactions and helping lead a company’s growth from 20 to 120 people and $1 billion to $20 billion. Hobbies: Tennis. Recent travel or adventure: Italy and the Bahamas. Favorite way to spend free time: Going to sporting events with my children.
Personality profile: Social and thoughtful. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Energetic. Moral compass: Trust my gut and keep it simple. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your guilty pleasure? Ice cream with multicolored sprinkles and fresh mozzarella. What word or phrase do you use far too often? This is easy. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Leaders of charities serving children and the less fortunate, and teachers. Both dedicate enormous time and effort with too little recognition.
What was your first paying job? Selling lemonade and baked goods in front of my house. What was your favorite college course? Organizational behavior. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Baseball and soccer. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Rudy. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Don’t let anyone outwork you. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Do it the right way. What is your go-to source of news and information? The Wall Street Journal.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Healthcare and basic necessities for all.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Money doesn’t necessarily bring happiness. What widely held belief do you reject? The way things have historically been done is not necessarily the way they should continue to be done. Challenge the norm. What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Perseverance. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Zac Efron. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Joe DiMaggio—“because there might be someone who never saw me play before.” He always played his hardest. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Sniffles, my dog; if Sniffles is safe, Linus, my childhood stuffed animal. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, watching sports, grilling and playing at home. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t take life too seriously or sweat the small stuff, but stay focused. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? After college.
Personal mission: You can do good by being good. Personal motto: Keep it simple, stupid. Nobody cares. Work harder. Favorite quote: “Play Like a Champion Today” (University of Notre Dame).
