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Compelling Conversation with Charlie Lewis, Associate Broker, Corcoran and Host of the Podcast - Love the Way You Live
Charlie Lewis, Associate Broker, Corcoran and Host of the Podcast - Love the Way You Live on the importance of loving your environment; the power of an entrepreneurial spirit (even if you work for others); and how honesty with yourself and others can lead to success in any career or field.
Who first introduced you to something that you love?
My sister introduced me to loving cologne. She gave me this fragrance and ever since then I have been focused on finding a scent that is new, rare and not known to the masses. My aunt introduced me to food. When I was about 10 years old she opened my eyes to try different things, which eventually led me to becoming a foodie. She taught me the importance of having a diverse palate and loving food.
How did you know real estate would be a good fit for you?
I didn’t know that real estate would be the best environment at the time that I chose it. I got into real estate indirectly, which is a very interesting story. When I think about it now, I laugh that God has a sense of humor about the paths we take in life. I got into real estate because I always had in the back of my head that I need to do my own thing and create my own destiny. Before real estate, I was in marketing and I had my own event firm and my own marketing firm. But I still didn’t have control over my life. I still had to pitch and get new business. I did not control my own destiny.
While I was working with Cushman & Wakefield as a marketing client, I began to focus on real estate. When we lost them as a client, I thought this is a business that I know, and like, and really could be a great path for me.
They say real estate is all about location. How does the environment (i.e. how and the way you work) play to your strengths?
I love New York the City, its buildings, apartments, architecture. And, working with people and negotiating the art of doing the deal. Growing up, my father had many small businesses. He had a health food store, convenience store, body shop, used car lot, moving van line, rental property, drive-in restaurant, etc. Some businesses overlapped, and certain businesses changed while others collapsed. At a young age, I saw that there was nothing wrong with some things working out better than others – because you can always create and build new opportunities. My father was always seeing “opportunities” and doing what he wanted to do.
I was introduced to both ends of the totem pole from movers and shakers to the everyday workers. I have always been comfortable meeting and working with all kinds of people. I think I approach things in a similar way as my father. I get an idea and I see something that people need – then I create it.
What is personal trait that has helped you succeed professionally?
Being my own person and basically, not worrying what people think of me. Having this independence has been a huge asset throughout my career.
What has helped you take a big career risk and how did it work out?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial environment so my spirit is one where I can see successes and how entrepreneurs work because that’s what I know. I didn’t grow up in a corporate environment where people held 9-to-5- jobs. At age 12, my father bought me a John Deere lawn mower and then told me how I would be able to pay him back (for the lawnmower) from starting a business of cutting people’s lawns. My daddy worked from 8 a.m. in the morning until 11 p.m. at night. That’s what I know, and I get my strength from knowing that you have to try new things and never sit idle. My father always said, “the idle mind is the devil’s playhouse.” I never have been able to just sit idle. Even as a child after school I would work bagging groceries at my father’s store while doing my homework.
To this day, I can always hear my father’s voice in the back of my head saying, “you have to do you.” You are not living for anyone but yourself. I learned first-hand that you have to build from the foundation up, that there are no quick successes. And, if success is quick it usually won’t sustain itself long term. People are looking for the quick fix – but it doesn’t work that way. You must crawl before you walk.
I am always offering advice to entrepreneurs that may not have asked for it, but that will benefit them. I give them the same advice I give myself. We all need to know what it really feels like to make your own money and have your own check. My father taught me a work ethic that taught me this.
People get stuck because they are often worried about what others think of them. Who cares what people think? I think I was 23 years old when I first realized that I didn’t care what others thought. I had started my career working in finance and then went back to grad school. After I graduated, I knew that I didn’t want to take a traditional job. Instead I choose to pursue a position that that wasn’t the highest paying job, but rather a job that I thought would best help me get to that next step. People said, “why would you take the $55k job when you’ve been offered a job paying $85k?” I would say, because I eventually will make $85k or much more than that. Yes, I took a pay cut and a two-year deferment by taking but ultimately got to where I wanted to be.
What is a life or career habit, and ritual, that you live by?
I work. That is my habit. (Laughter).
Honestly. I strive to be honest to myself and the people around me. I also believe in being honest with others and giving people information “straight, no chaser.” I cannot work with anyone who brings me out of that element. Whether it’s a buyer or seller, I tell people what they need to hear. My success has allowed me the ability to walk away from “cray-cray” people and situations who don’t want to listen to the truth.
Telling people what they may not want to hear, has been something I have done throughout my career. The truth always comes out eventually, so it’s better to let someone know upfront. I always let others know the truth about their apartment. If their goal is to sell their apt at the highest price, I believe honesty is always the best policy.
Regarding rituals, I choose to live a healthy life. I maintain low stress by getting massages, working out, taking breaks and a getting good night’s sleep as part of my routine. When I have these things, I can do my best work. My work can be very stressful, so I have to take time off so that I won’t be miserable or jaded. No matter what you do you always need a fresh approach. Being cranky can literally keep me from my element – causing me to say or do something to kill the deal or the relationship.
What’s something in your life that is undone or unfulfilled?
I want to write a book about my life and how things have impacted me and helped me become successful. To tell my story - to help inspire someone to live their best life. I grew up in a special way, as much as I think I didn’t have a “childhood” because my daddy had me working all the time. And, although I didn’t appreciate it then, it’s taught me how to continually come up with something new and to have the courage to take a step towards it. That’s what life is all about.
Many people are nervous about embracing entrepreneurism. But if you want to love the way you live – having an entrepreneurial spirit - is an essential part of the process.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from someone’s quiet or unconventional wisdom?
My father taught me from his words and actions to make your own money. Don’t let someone tell you how to live your life – work for yourself. That you should be the one to control your own pains and gains and to free yourself from the debt and bondage of always having to answer to someone other than yourself. Freedom is the best thing.
Free yourself of the things that wear you down in life – so that you can be creative and successful.
And, to tell people a story with the lessons you share with them. It will help others understand and really get the lesson.
About Charlie Lewis
Charlie Lewis is an associate broker at leading luxury residential real estate firm Corcoran Group. He knows how to move up and into new spaces with style and power. He has been branded a “lifestyle real estate agent” who’s on a mission to educate and positively change the landscape of people’s lives with the goal of making sure they love the way they live. This is at the heart of what Charlie does as he helps his clients navigate the real estate market and find a place they feel at home.
Through his website www.lovethewayyoulivenyc.com and various social media venues, Charlie provides a destination for all New Yorkers – buyers, sellers, developers and residents – with go-to resources that help them love the way they live.
If he seems familiar to you, it’s because you have likely seen Charlie demonstrating his real estate prowess on TV or the pages of your newspaper and magazines. He has been featured on HGTV’s Selling New York, WABC New York Evening News, The New York Times, New York Post, Wall Street Journal and Essence Magazine.
His background is extensive, having worked in sales for The Corcoran Group and as a Salesperson/Managing Director for Citi Habitats where he gained deep and intuitive knowledge of Downtown, Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan.
Before starting his real estate career, Charlie broke barriers and made lasting impressions for big brands as a marketer for more than 11 years. He created campaigns for companies many know and trust like Pontiac/GMC, Morgan Stanley, FedEx, American Express, and Cushman Wakefield, to name a few. With that experience, Charlie brings just the right mix of marketing savvy, client service and big impact to every listing. His clients will tell you that Charlie’s success is only matched by his charismatic personality, which helps make the process as easy and enjoyable as the pride they feel with the deal is done.
Follow Charlie on: Twitter at @clewisjr; Facebook at LovetheWayYouLivewithCharlieLewis; Instagram at @charlielewisjr and on the web at www.charlielewisnyc.com and www.lovethewayyoulivenyc.com
