Title:Hoya Highlight: Rande Coleman (SLL’75)

Executive Vice President, Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Describe your current profession and what motivates you most to stay in your role.

My current job in real estate involves helping individuals from around the world with their housing and investment needs in New York City and Connecticut. Douglas Elliman’s powerful network extends to 48 countries across five continents. After 32 years in the business, I can honestly say that I love what I do. I am a “people person” so I consider it a privilege to assist my clients in making what is often the most significant investment decision in their lives. No two days are the same, and I am always learning, as real estate is always changing.

What’s it like to work with fellow Hoya Nicole Orphanos?

It is a true joy to work with a fellow Hoya who shares the same values and love for Georgetown as I do.
Nicole contacted me through the alumni network 12 years ago, and it has been the most positive experience imaginable in every way. We work with other fellow alumni, and we enjoy sharing their memories of the Hilltop.
I feel so fortunate to have connected with Nicole.

What has been the most challenging or rewarding moment in your career?

The most rewarding moment in my career has been assembling a strong team of like-minded people working toward the same goal. We are a team of 7 people who all work closely together. It is really like a second family. I enjoy the camaraderie and sharing of ideas in what is a very competitive business.

Whom do you consider to be your influencers?

My biggest influencer is my mother, who, at 95, continues to be a strong force in my life. She is one of the kindest and most generous people I know, and she has always been a role model and source of inspiration for me and for my entire family.

What do you consider to be the most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Two pieces of advice have been the most useful to me in my career:

1. Talk to as many people as possible and ask them what they like and don’t like about their careers.
2. Find a mentor. I did that when I had my first job at Young & Rubicam in the 1970s. I continue to seek advice from those I respect in my field today. One can always learn from those who have more experience.

What skills are necessary, or how do you think the requirements for your industry are changing?

You have to be quick-thinking and highly organized. Real estate involves endless details and scenarios, and you have to be able to go with the flow and adjust to whatever comes your way on any given day. Listening is as important as anything. This is a skill which is invaluable and necessary in this business in order to be successful. Technology has been the biggest change since I started in real estate, and it continues to change on a regular basis.

How do you think your time at Georgetown affected your professional decisions?

Georgetown exposed me to so many different experiences and people from all over the world. I was actually fascinated by real estate when I was at Georgetown and finding housing near the university was always a challenge I enjoyed. Meeting people and learning about their backgrounds was something I found particularly interesting, as well as my love of studying languages. The transition to real estate was quite a natural one, and it is a passion for me.

What associations, clubs, or resources have aided in your professional development?

The Georgetown Club of New York, The Real Estate Board of New York.

New York University, Dale Carnegie Institute

Anything else you would like to add?

I would like to encourage alumni to use the career network. It is such a great resource that GU provides for us. Alumni are always happy to share their experience and advice with fellow Hoyas.