Home: Miami, FL. Age: 13 when the Mets first won the World Series! Birthplace: Hoboken, NJ. Profession: Commercial real estate development and management. Organization: EMCO Management USA, LLC. Title: President. Alma mater: The American University (B.A.); Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.); Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Languages spoken: English and Spanish.
Current project: Training my younger son in my business. Latest accomplishment: Completed a 1031 exchange with four replacement properties, including three shopping centers in Florida. Latest contribution to others: College scholarships to four accomplished and deserving Virgin Islands HS grads. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Left my comfortable law practice and moved to the Caribbean. My former law partners still can’t understand it! Hobbies: Sailing, skiing, scuba diving, golf. Recent travel or adventure: White water rafting and biking in the Andes with my adult sons. Recently viewed and recommended: El Ministerio del Tiempo.
Personality profile: Analytical, witty, approachable. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Focused. How do you define a perfect friendship? Sharing warm personal experiences, stimulating intellectual and business ideas and mutual assistance. What is your greatest joy? Experiencing adventures with my sons. What is your greatest fear? Poor planning. What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate brownies. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Real estate lenders (just in case any are reading this!). What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Adventure travel. What is your go-to workout? Weight-lifting twice per week.
What was your first paying job? Boardwalk game operator. “Step right up!” What was your favorite childhood toy or game? I was a serious chess player and it taught me many lessons I use in business. What children's book most impacted you? The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Godfather I and II. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Graduating from law school.
What change would you like to see in the world?
A return to collegiality and compromise in politics.
What widely held belief do you reject? That this time it will be different. What mega-trend most concerns you? Failure to adequately address climate change.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? An Unlikely Story. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Alan Alda at 40. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My family photo album. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Having beers with my closest friends and sons while telling stories and laughing at myself. What advice would you give your younger self? Be patient.
Personal mission: Remaining healthy, fit, interesting and interested. Personal motto: If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Favorite quote: “When you play, play hard; when you work, don't play at all” (Teddy Roosevelt). Desired epitaph: He lived and loved to the fullest.
