1) In your mid-50s, you went through the end of a 30-year marriage, decided to leave your job, and move to a nearby state. That was a moment of reinvention. What advice would you give to someone who is facing a similar midlife moment, whether personal or professional?
It was time to leave my career in Energy Derivatives. I had a great run, but it was not motivating me any longer. If you are at that point in your life, that Rubicon that must be crossed, take the step. Have faith in yourself and your abilities. I never looked at my age as a detriment to moving forward; on the contrary, it was always a plus. It still is. Something always sticks in my mind that Bill Clinton said at a political rally. He said, “ I have more yesterdays than I have tomorrows.” Same here for me. I try to pack each day with as much as possible.
2) You started a new career in your mid-50s as a project manager for a major builder. COVID shut that career down, and you had to reinvent again. Tell us more about that.
That’s correct, I was a Project Manager for the top builder in the Hamptons. I was also a “rookie “ in this role. It was extremely challenging for me; I can’t lie. So much to learn, different personalities to deal with, and going from a boss to an employee was not so easy. Yet I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment doing this. Our company was building an apartment complex in Suffolk County. They needed an OSHA-certified safety manager. I stepped up, took the course, and became the certified safety manager. We also had an on-site inspection that I successfully handled. I felt a great sense of pride doing that. COVID shut us down, and I was ready to move on also. I thought real estate brokerage fit my needs well. I love working with people, and what I learned from working on Wall Street and with a builder was just the perfect situation to excel. The knowledge I gained from building out here has opened many doors for me. My 5 years in Hampton’s real estate- well, I am a newcomer compared to the people working out here. I have managed to be in the top .01 percent of all agents in the US, # 31 in the Hamptons, and #7 at my firm.
3) Aside from your dynamic new career, you have another passion as a volunteer fireman in your community. What led to that and your upcoming certification to be able to fight fires in internal buildings? How has this interest filled your soul?
Community service has always been something that has spoken to me. When I lived in NJ, I coached ice hockey and still do it in the Hamptons. It gives me such joy (I still play twice a week). I have had 3 knee replacements, 1 on the left and twice on the right! This prohibited me from taking the Interior Firefighter Training. Now I am ready to go. Can not wait to start. I love the feeling of having something to look forward to. At 64, I am just getting started.
