2020 Ones to Watch: Brian Whelan, B6 Real Estate

Name: Brian Whelan

Company: B6 Real Estate 

Title: Director

Education: NUI Galway, Ireland 

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game-changer” in the advancement of your career? 
The first commercial property I sold was a hotel in Pennsylvania–navigating the deal to the finish line gave me great confidence and belief that this was something I could make a career of.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession? 
A group of friends and I founded a golf society which we set up for young professionals in the New York metro area. We organize monthly tournaments and have grown the membership to almost 50 people. We are working on setting up a regular fundraiser over the coming year. I’m also an active member of REBNY.

What led you to your current profession? 
I moved to New York from Ireland shortly after I graduated from college, and I feel that being an immigrant gives you that extra drive to succeed. It’s important to me that I put my energies into building something that leads to an extraordinary life; real estate allows me the opportunity to pursue that life. 

What do you like most about your job? 
Creating opportunities for my clients and having the opportunity to make something happen every day.

What can our political leaders do to increase equality in the workplace? 
I believe we all have a responsibility to promote equal opportunities and stand up for what’s right. If we see people not getting a fair shot, then we must speak up.

Who or what inspires you? 
My wife and I recently had our first baby. Kissing them both good-bye every morning gives me all the inspiration I need to go out and take on the day.

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to portray you? 
Ed Norton could be scrappy enough for the role!

What social media platform do you use the most professionally? 
Instagram/LinkedIn.