2021 Ones to Watch: Damian Andraka, Stonegate Real Estate
Name: Damian Andraka
Title: Lic. Salesperson
Company Name: Stonegate Real Estate
Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of: LIBOR, MLS, NAR
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
5 Evers Court Commack, N.Y. with a record sale price of $1.27 million at the time. I believe this sale was a paradigm shift in the overall trend for luxury million dollar plus sales in the area. It put Commack in the conversation for luxury/high end market for the first time. COVID-19’s impact on the high-end market had unprecedented changes on some of the foundational aspects as well.
How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
I preach an internal rule that for every deal that we are currently working on or negotiating to make at least one impactful decision a day that will help push them forward. Setting these daily/weekly goals will create better job satisfaction and help keep eyes on the prize. This unprecedented shortage of single-family homes has created a demand and pace that is historic. It is essential to find time to re-charge the battery so the team to stays on top of their game daily.
Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?
My most influential mentor is my father. Being born in a small farm town of 50 people in Poland to coming to New York City and building a successful family business is an incredible feat that I admire every day. My father’s sacrifice and work ethic helped put me in a position to be one of the first people in my entire family to graduate college in the United States. Combined with an unmatched work ethic, daily work enthusiasm and a commitment to lifelong learning are the most important traits instilled in me by my father that drive my real estate success.
How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
The COVID Pandemic has greatly impacted my ability to be a part of normal charity organization activities. Outside of making financial donations to these causes I have used my knowledge in the distressed sector of real estate to help struggling families and individuals who couldn’t make ends meet during the pandemic.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up I had a dream of either being a professional hockey player in the NHL or going culinary school and becoming a professional chef. Post work I still enjoy spending a lot of time playing hockey and exploring out some of the best restaurants the city has to offer.
What led you to your current profession?
I was in the corporate rat race for most of my twenties after changing my mind last minute not to attend law school after college graduation. My passion for architecture and interior design combined with ability to sell helped me transition into real estate. It was the first job in my life that didn’t feel like I was working when I woke up. This is how I knew it became my calling.
Top three things on your bucket list:
1. Be on “The Price is Right”
2. Zipline on Dubai’s Xline (longest urban zipline in the world)
3. Take a cooking class in Florence, Italy
Favorite quote:
“Embrace obstacles to build the resilience required to live a purpose driven life.” -Uknown