2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Alexander Korolik, Ripco Real Estate

“Xander Korolik, a junior associate at Ripco Real Estate, stands out in NYC’s capital markets with intelligence, drive, and humility. He recently led a $76.7 million condo construction loan at 842 Sixth Ave., showcasing his deal-making skill, work ethic, and deep market knowledge. Known for creative problem-solving, strong collaboration, and constant self-improvement, Xander is not just a top performer — he’s a cultural asset and a rising star with immense long-term potential.” - James Murad, Managing Director, Ripco Real Estate.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? My recent closing of a $76.7m construction loan for a condo project at 842 6^th Ave. in NYC. I believe that when doubt seeps in, whether it be intrinsic or from a variety of extrinsic factors, the only way to combat and overcome that is to build a resume - a track record if you will. If you lack confidence - build evidence. In an industry where there is reverence towards the big players and the big names, it was tough for me to visualize exactly where I wanted to focus my efforts and seek future business. That’s when you have to realize that random goals equals random results and work top-down.

Who has been pivotal in your professional development, and how have they influenced you? My father spent 25 years in development, mostly on luxury condos in New York, with major success before moving on to new ventures. He immersed me in real estate early — I remember being on job sites as a kid in a hard hat, mesmerized by the crane operators and pro formas I couldn’t yet understand. I met people through him, saw the business up close, and began to find where I could fit in. It’s cool that we share this path. I’m proud of him, and I hope one day he’ll be proud of me too.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Good question. My best advice is this: The only difference between the winners and the “losers,” is that the winners got comfortable with rejection far more so than the latter. You will have plenty of calls, emails, and face-to-face interactions that may not go the way you’d hoped. Be a volume guy/girl and make sure you continue your process to plant seeds that will cultivate deals even years down the line. Be relationship based, not just transactional.