Robert Heicklen, Winick Realty Group

What was the best thing that happened to you or your firm in 2014? Credit goes out to my colleagues Kelly Gedinsky, Lee Block, Josh Siegelman, and Ross Burack who were all recognized this year for their continued success within the Real Estate Community. What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or personal achievement in 2014? While much of my tenant representation is focused on Long Island, I am based out of an office in Midtown Manhattan where the reality of what happened to the shores of Long Island in the wake of Superstorm Sandy is not something my colleagues truly understand. That storm left a devastating effect on so many in that region. I began working on a steady stream of deals at the end of 2013 and beginning of 2014 in that area and this year, many of the tenants I brought the area have begun opening their doors. The reaction is been overwhelmingly positive and helps to show that the area's recovery is real and ongoing. Watching this change has been my biggest professional accomplishment to date. What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2015? Creating more brand recognition for me and my company in Long Island and other parts of the country. What are some of your real estate predictions for 2015? I think we will see an uptick in retail expansion throughout Manhattan and the five boroughs thanks to a ton of new development coming online this year in historically low volume and less easily accessible districts. The attractiveness of sites off of the avenues and major retail corridors alike will make it affordable for brands to not only open their doors, but also be successful and have less turnover.