Let's Lead in 2023

BY NICK MANIS

When I was growing up, like most young kids, I wanted to be just like my parents, and follow in their footsteps. My father earned a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton University and for most of my childhood I wanted to be a professor. It wasn’t until he sat me down right around the time I was applying for college that I realized my passion wasn’t the same as my father’s. He encouraged me to go into business for myself, earn my broker’s license, and open my own office. And so, my love for real estate began.

Many years into my career and I wanted to get more involved. Kathy Picardo from the Hunterdon Somerset Association of Realtors® encouraged me to join the local board of directors, and so my involvement with the Realtor® family began. This opened countless doors not only from my local board, but also from New Jersey Realtors®. Sixteen years later and I’m officially your 2023 New Jersey Realtors® President.

The 16 years of cumulative experience as a Realtor® volunteer have prepared me to stand up for our members, get in front of vital private property rights issues, and empower future Realtor® leaders.

This year I hope to tap more Realtors® on the shoulder as Kathy did to me and jumpstart their involvement in the association with the first ever Realtor® leadership academy in New Jersey. It’s time for the new leaders of tomorrow to accumulate their own experiences, shape themselves to help the future of the NJ real estate industry, help their professional careers, and expand their personal lives.

I challenge each of you to dive in 100% and begin your leadership journeys by asking yourself: “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” In 2023, I encourage you all to face your fears and follow your hearts.