KEN URANOWITZGebroe-Hammer AssociatesGebroe-Hammer Associates’co-founder Morris Hammertook a gamble by hiring ateenage sales representative45 years ago—and it paid off.The inexperienced sales repwas Ken Uranowitz, then 19years old, who has since risento the role of president at thecompany. He began his CREinvestment brokerage careerselling in New Jersey’s EssexCounty and the Oranges, andhas set industry records for
sales ever since. Uranowitz oversees the company’s mentorshipprogram, where he works with newcomers and helps guide themas investment brokerage professionals. He also helped withdeveloping the company’s expansion plan, taking Gebroe-Hammer from a New Jersey boutique firm to a nationally rankedinvestment firm, focused on multifamily properties. Havinglearned under Hammer’s mentorship, Uranowitz helped establish the company’s broker training program, which helps newbrokers learn by working alongside experienced multifamilybrokerage professionals who have been with the firm for 20years—with this tutelage, new brokers are able to close dealswithin 12 to 24 months of joining the firm. He continuouslyreminds his team and mentees that brokers must work hard andkeep going despite early failures, and often rewards successeswith anniversary milestones and awards such as Salesperson ofthe Year and Deal of the Year at the company. Uranowitz’s leadership style of embodying old-fashioned hard work while incorporating industry trends has shaped Gebroe-Hammer into itscurrent nationally-ranked status as an investment firm with aculture of strong teamwork, hard work ethic, and focus on closing the deal.
RICK VILLEGAS
Avanath
As Avanath’s VP of construction management, RickVillegas manages more than275 projects per year and completed more than 50 renovation projects in 2019. In addition to overseeing renovations,which range from flooringupgrades to new clubhouses,Villegas has steered the company to construct high-qualitymultifamily developments inareas that lack affordableoptions for renters. Due to
Villegas’ leadership, the company has reduced its environmentalimpact in its developments with measures such as utilizing LEDlighting in common areas and apartments, and upgrading to high-efficiency water fixers. Additionally mindful of the health of residents, Villegas also develops clubhouses and wellness centerswithin the company’s senior citizen communities as part of thecompany’s Activate Health and Wellness project, which promotes
44 GLOBEST. REAL ESTATE FORUM JUNE 2020
active lifestyles. As a project manager, Villegas is known for deliver-ing completed projects on time within the budget. Described as“unflappable, ”despite unforeseen challenges, his strengths lie inregrouping his team to focus on different aspects of a project whenanother part stalls unexpectedly. He often gives credit to the teameffort, encourages team members to support each other, and provides guidance while allowing employees freedom to grow. Menteeshave called to his attention to detail, such as when he points outnew details on a site inspection that could result in cost savings forthe company. Through fostering this culture of support, Villegas’steam members continue to thrive and learn from his leadership.
ANTHONY WESTREICH
Monday Properties
After acquiring Max CapitalManagement Corp. in 2004,Anthony Westreich establishedMonday Properties. Under hisguidance, Monday Propertieshas closed more than 60 property transactions, which total$13 billion in capital value and28 million square feet, as well asleasing more than 10 millionsquare feet of office space. Thecompany now serves as a realestate investment firm that operates and develops properties in
high-demand markets. Previously, Westreich was a 50% partner atMax Capital and oversaw all asset management, property management, construction management, leasing and development. While atWestfield, he also developed more than 5,000 townhomes and condominiums during a joint venture with Washington, DC-based builderEakin/Youngentob Assoc. Westreich’s company policy values theimportance of giving back—employees are given up to eight hours ofpaid time off per year to volunteer in the community. Westreich himself volunteers with Monday Night Hospitality, Ronald McDonaldHouse and City Harvest. As a leader, he has fostered a corporateculture that values the entrepreneurial spirit in a relaxed setting. Hisopen door policy means employees are often invited for a cocktailand conversation at the end of the day. He believes in listening tofeedback from his company’s professionals, never micromanagingand providing opportunities for his team to grow.
YUEN YUNG
Casoro Group
As CEO of Casoro Group, Yuen Yung is responsible for the overall
leadership of operations including business development and
investor relations. Yung specializes in structuring investments that
are suitable, attractive and efficient for high net-worth individuals,
family offices and institutions. With Yung at the helm of Casoro
Group, the company has successfully achieved more than $1 billion
in multifamily transactions. He brings a wealth of experience
across a broad range of disciplines, among them: finance, invest-
ment management, capital raising, wealth planning, venture capi-
tal, portfolio management, alternative investments, commodities,
strategic planning, leadership and training, sales, and organiza-
tional structuring. As a young businessman and entrepreneur,
Yung developed 27 commercial retail sites—proving himself a
force to be reckoned from the earliest stages of his career. He is
known as a leader that has done a lot to uplift the company. “He
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