Professional Profile: Michael Lee - 2015

Education: Cornell University

First job outside of real estate: My family’s organic vegetable farm in Suffolk County

First job in real estate or allied field: HKS Capital

What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? I originate transactions for HKS Capital. I also manage our internal workings with the other partners – managing brokerage teams, marketing, operations, etc. Right now we are actively looking to hire new talent and grow the business over the next 12 months.

How do you unwind from a busy day in real estate? I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Renzo Gracie’s Academy. It’s an incredibly humbling and rewarding discipline. It’s the equivalent to playing chess - with consequences. Nothing is given, everything is earned.

Favorite book or author:  Any real estate publication.

Favorite movie: “Interstellar”

Last song you downloaded? Big Wild - “Aftergold”

One word to describe your work environment: Competitive.

Rules to live by in business: Your reputation is everything in this business. Manage expectations properly, be honest, and work hard.