April 14, 2015 -
Front Section
Name: Dennis Russo
Title: Chairman, NY Real Estate Practice
Company: BakerHostetler
Location: 45 Rockefeller Center, New York, N.Y.
Birthplace: New York, N.Y.
Education: Undergraduate and JD: St. John's University
First job outside of real estate: Grocery Packer
First job in real estate or allied field: Partner in a small real estate company that bought and sold residential properties in Brooklyn.
What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? I have been tasked with establishing and growing a real estate group in N.Y. for the firm. The plan is a total group of about 35 attorneys in the N.Y. office in about 4 years, so I will be actively putting the right pieces together.
How do you unwind from a busy day in real estate? I play guitar and have done so for about 40 years. I also collect guitars, mostly vintage, which is a passion.
Favorite book or author: Dan Erlewine
Favorite movie: "The Usual Suspects"
Last song you purchased/downloaded? "Different Shades of Blue" - Joe Bonamassa
One word to describe your work environment: Collegial
Rules to live by in business: Your reputation is everything. Treat those lower on the totem pole as you would those at the top.
If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead) who would it be and where would you go? Jimi Hendrix and definitely McSorley's Ale House. I would order the Ritz cracker and cheese platter with their mustard.
What is your dream job? Building housing for the handicapped - really.