Home: Fairfield, CT. Age: 64. Birthplace: New Haven, CT. Profession: Real estate advisor. Organization: Colony Realty Advisors, LLC. Title: President. Significant other: My wife of 40 years, Ilene Grodd Kauffman.
Recent professional development: Developing the model for exclusive tenant representation. Latest accomplishment: Starting my own company, Colony Realty Advisors. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring young professionals and offering career advice. Hobbies: Attending sporting events, cooking, skiing, golf, mountain biking and reading. Recent unique acquisition: A leisure bicycle with a basket for daily grocery shopping. How do you plan your domestic travels? Around college football. I stay at a campus hotel, attend a college game, try to catch a professional football game and visit a local museum or presidential library.
Personality profile: Compassionate, funny and trustworthy. Moral compass: Think before speaking or acting. How do you define a perfect friendship? A lasting friendship built on laughter, adventure and transparency. What is your greatest joy? My wife, my family and my dog, Happy. What natural talent have you neglected? Tennis. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Art, sculpture and contemporary wall art. What is at the top of your bucket list? An African safari. How do you relieve stress? A challenging workout and a good sweat.
What was your first paying job? Stock boy at Starter Sportswear when the company began making Major League Baseball jackets. What book have you repeatedly read? Animal Farm, by George Orwell. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Goodfellas. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? College football helmets. What’s the best advice you received growing up? When you point a finger at someone, three fingers point back at you. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Be prepared. Success is when preparation meets opportunity. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Visiting museums and art galleries.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Greater attention to mental health.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Show empathy. What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Bruce Willis. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Sports agent. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Grilling good food in my backyard with my wife and family. What advice would you give your younger self? Take more financial risks.
Personal mission: To live with compassion, humor and integrity while cherishing my family, nurturing lasting friendships and approaching each day with curiosity and gratitude. Personal motto: If it’s good for me, it’s good for us.
