2021 Ones to Watch: Dominic Perkaj, Avison Young

Name: Dominic Perkaj

Title: Associate

Company Name: Avison Young

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of: REBNY

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my colleagues and I recently securing a three-building, approximately 650,000 rentable s/f agency assignment on behalf of APF Properties. The team on this assignment is young and hungry, and we competed against more experienced adversaries for the role which made it especially rewarding.

Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?

Arthur Mirante II, Avison Young’s current Tri-State president, is my mentor and business partner. He hired me following my graduation from Columbia University and has been instrumental in my development as not only a brokerage professional but as a well-rounded man. I have learned an immense amount through working with him including both hard and soft skills necessary for brokerage, business and life. Arthur’s mentorship and teachings have formed the bedrock upon which I conduct my business.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?

Outside of work, I am the chairman and co-founder of HELP USA’s Associate Board, a group of driven, young professionals.

in New York City who volunteer our time and expertise to raise awareness and funds to assist HELP USA in its fight against homelessness. HELP USA is a first-class provider of shelter and services for homeless individuals and families across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Maryland.

What led you to your current profession?

Going to school in New York City, I always had a fascination with the skyline, the buildings that make it up and the way they operate which ultimately lead to my interest in commercial real estate. I interned at CBRE for a summer while I was at Columbia University alongside Michael Liss and Justin Aronson. They were not only excellent brokerage professionals but excellent people that helped me make the decision to continue along this path full-time. While working at CBRE, I had the opportunity to meet many different professionals along various service lines. Two of these professionals, Bob and Ryan Alexander at CBRE, introduced me to Arthur Mirante, and the rest is history.

Favorite quote:

“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper…Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty.” – Proverbs 13:4, 14:23.