Interra Realty Director Harrison Pinkus moved to Chicago to work in software sales before making the switch to multifamily brokerage a few years ago. In his short time at the firm, Pinkus has been involved in several notable transactions, including 1924 S. Loomis St. in Pilsen, 820-26 W. Cuyler Ave. in Buena Park and the $11 million sale of 851 W. Grand Ave. in the West Loop.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
Harrison Pinkus: I was born in Chicago and lived there until I was 10. After that, I moved to Barrington, a NW suburb, and lived there until I graduated from Indiana University.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: What motivated you to transition from software sales to multifamily brokerage, and how has your background in software sales influenced your approach in the real estate industry?
Pinkus: The brokerage industry is interesting to me because you’re running your own business. My previous background taught me how to sell and how to read people better, understanding why customers choose or choose not to buy something. I think that’s an underrated part of the brokerage world.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: How has Interra Realty supported your growth in the multifamily brokerage sector, and what unique skills do you bring to the firm?
Pinkus: Interra Realty has supported me every step of the way since I started here, from my first mentor, Joe Smazal, to two great managing brokers, David Goss and Jon Morgan, who run our office on a day-to-day basis. They’ve helped me learn the business and are constantly challenging us and teaching us on the brokerage side. I think I bring a skill set of drive and passion to not only our firm, but to the entire business. I’m persistent with clients and potential future ones as well, and very motivated by the other brokers we have in our office.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and technology plays a crucial role in shaping its future. How do you leverage technology and data analytics to enhance your services and decision-making as a multifamily broker, and what impact has it had on your career?
Pinkus: The industry is definitely evolving, especially in the current market environment. Data is always going to be the name of the game, whether that’s how many buildings have sold, in which particular neighborhood, sale prices and other sale metrics. I think we do a great job in talking with building owners directly to get those data points and implement them with our clients. Our goal is to constantly serve as a market resource for our clients.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: What does a day in the life look like?
Pinkus: On a typical day I’ll try and work out before getting into the office. Once I’m in, I go through a checklist of things I want to get done that day. If I don’t have to put out any fires in the morning or manage something for an ongoing deal, I’ll start making calls. That will take up the majority of my morning and I’ll usually leave my afternoons open for tours. It’s never the same two days in a row, which is something I love about the business.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: What do you consider to be your biggest personal or professional accomplishment thus far, and how do you measure success?
Pinkus: I think I measure success by how often I’m getting in front of people—both new clients and people I’ve met before. Getting to meet someone face to face and providing expertise in person demonstrates the value and level of commitment that I offer.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
Pinkus: Write a handwritten thank you note. It takes a little bit more time and provides a personal touch, both of which resonate with the recipient.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your career? Are there any specific types of deals or projects you hope to be involved in, or areas you wish to explore further within the multifamily brokerage domain?
Pinkus: I want to continue to be a highly respected broker in my space. Specifically, I’d like to grow my business year over year, something that I’ve had the opportunity to do at Interra since I started.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: How do you spend your time away from the office?
Pinkus: When I’m not at the office, I’m likely spending time with my wife, Amery, and our dog, Duncan, or our friends. I’m lucky that I live so close to a lot of people that I grew up with, so I try to take advantage of that as much as I can. If not that, I’m hopefully on the golf course.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?
Pinkus: Hammock, fishing pole and sunscreen.
