The Spotlight on
Joshua Young
Newest Managing Director of Sales and Leasing of Our East Side, NYC Office
What led to you joining Brown Harris Stevens?
Opportunity, the reputation of the brand, and most importantly, the leadership.
Tell us a little about your previous role and the reason you chose to transition to being a sales director.
I started in the brokerage business 18 years ago and then moved on to work for two of the most influential, active, ground-up developers here in the city. For them, I oversaw the operations of a multibillion-dollar portfolio, including all the leasing transactions. Brokerage is in my blood and although I wasn't a "Sales Director" per se, the leadership and value I bring to the agents is unique.
What are your goals for your first 90 days of running the sales and leasing of our East Side office?
To identify what the office and the agents need to utilize all the amazing resources and tools offered by Brown Harris Stevens. Also, to fix the typewriter which is a fan favorite over at 770!
How is the rental market in Manhattan currently performing in your opinion?
COVID created a glut of inventory and depressed the pricing so much that what we see now, a red-hot market, is a normal correction. If the mayor's office allows the new 421-a (new affordable NY) to expire in June 2022 you will see both institutional money and developers turn sites into condos (also not a bad thing). I suspect there will be a seasonal slowdown, like we have seen in years past, but vacancy rates should stabilize around 3 or 4% depending on the asset class in 2022.
What is your greatest piece of advice for agents looking to better their business in 2022?
Set specific goals, track them diligently, and adjust when necessary. Most importantly, be prepared to do the hard work!
You are a former Division One athlete who played baseball at St. John’s University. How did that prepare you for a career leading a sales office?
It would be simple to say the same thing you hear repeatedly from athletes: teamwork, leadership, overcoming adversity, etc.—which are all true, but what baseball really taught me was to be humble and that there is always someone better! Every young kid has the dream of being a Yankee and it might be when you are 8, or 10, or 22 years old, that you end up learning the hard way that that is most likely not going to happen.
Tell us something about you that few would know.
My hair was down past my shoulders before my interview with Alan Kersner, only to find out, Jeremy's hair is longer than mine was! SMH!
Share a photo from your phone’s camera roll and tell us why it means a lot to you.
This is a picture of my father as a member of the United States Marine Corps when he was 19 years old. Shortly after this, he ended up on a medical ship in Japan and came home 100% disabled. It is a constant reminder that whatever challenges I face in my daily life, it does not compare to what he, and many others, need to face and battle. Treat everyone with kindness: You never know what someone might be going through. It also reminds me never to miss curfew...
Connect with Joshua:
@jybhsusa on Instagram
jy@bhsusa.com