2019 Ones to Watch: Kellen Prince, Janover LLC

Name: Kellen Prince

Title: Senior Accounting Manager

Company Name: Janover LLC

Address: 485 Madison Ave., 9th Floor, New York, NY 10022

Real estate organizations: NY REIA, NYSSCPA Real Estate Committee, and NAIOP NYC Chapter

What do you consider to be your greatest success in the past 12 months?
My greatest success in the past year has been refining my work life balance with the birth of my son Bjorn. This has been a truly rewarding change in life which has been challenging at times for both my wife and I, but has helped me refine my patience both personally and professionally. I think this has also helped me grow as a mentor and teacher for some of the younger staff at my firm. Everyone learns in different ways and having the patience to help people to grow and achieve in their own career can be very rewarding.

Who or what do you attribute to your success?
I would attribute all of my success to the loving support of my wife, family and my “work family” who have helped me to overcome various personal and professional challenges over the years and grow into the man/husband/father and professional I am today. As Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” I feel that the people in my life are “giants” which have helped me to achieve my goals personally and professionally. 

?What advice can you offer to someone who is just getting started in your industry?
Never become complacent, always keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try and fail. I believe that no matter what level you are in your career there is always something you can learn that will help you to refine your knowledge. Asking questions of your superiors is a great resource, but those who take the challenge to learn the answer on their own are usually those who achieve in their industry. Trying and failing is always a learning experience which drives one to succeed both in life and in their chosen career. 

What was your favorite thing to do when you were a kid?
When I was a child I used to love to put together puzzles and Lego sets. My mother said that she could put me in a room with a puzzle and leave me alone for hours as I would just put it together constantly pacing around the puzzle until it was solved. When I was complete I would take anyone in the house – mom, brother, visitor, etc. to show them my finished product. I still love working on puzzles with my wife and can easily spend a few days working on them here and there.