Ami Efrati graduated from BMCC with an Associate in Arts in Business Administration in 2015. He was a recipient of the Academic Excellence in Business Administration award, conferred at the 2015 BMCC Honors Convocation, as well as a member of the Dean’s List and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. While at BMCC, Mr. Efrati also volunteered with New York Cares. He is now enrolled at Baruch College, CUNY, working toward his bachelor’s degree in accounting through evening classes while serving as President of Entrepreneur Properties. In that capacity, he identifies and procures commercial real estate investments for buyers and sellers in New York City, New York State, and abroad.
“I have been brokering commercial real estate deals since May 2007 and love what I do,” says Efrati, who earned a Real Estate Finance and Development/Commercial Real Estate certificate from New York University in 2009. “My skills are constantly being challenged and I am always learning new things from this fascinating industry. In my opinion, being a successful broker requires three key ingredients: honesty, good service, and patience. Maintaining a good reputation with landlords is the key to maintaining a long and successful future as a broker. I intend to thrive as a commercial real estate broker one deal at a time.”
Q: What is your favorite memory (professor, class, etc.) of BMCC?
A. I can’t point out one single favorite moment or professor at BMCC, because in both cases I have many. All of the professors I had the pleasure learning from were greatly motivated individuals who would go above and beyond to help their students.
Q: How did BMCC help you get where you are today?
A. My writing and ability to think analytically improved substantially during my time as a student at BMCC. These skills helped me advance my business exponentially. To be a successful real estate professional in New York, you need to possess the ability to think quickly, understand the changing real estate market and be a problem solver. You are constantly conveying information, which is the most important asset you have. Therefore, the information you relay must be accurate. Every conversation and email is being scrutinized by clients, attorneys and other real estate professionals. If you are caught conveying inaccurate information, your credibility with the client will be tarnished and you will probably never get another opportunity to do business with him or her again. There is no room for error or second chances. Writing and speaking clearly are skills you must master if you want to survive and become a successful commercial real estate professional.
Q: What advice do you have for today’s BMCC students?
A. Maximize your time as a student at BMCC. The faculty has so much to offer and can help you improve yourself in many aspects. Be respectful, utilize all of the resources the college has to offer, ask questions and study hard. I guarantee you will graduate a different person.
Q: Why is it important for alumni to stay involved with BMCC?
A. Alumni are a good source of motivation and inspiration for current students at BMCC. Alumni have experienced first-hand the benefits of a college education in business as well as personal settings, and we are able to share our success stories with current students and keep them motivated. In addition, alumni can become mentors and help students do well in college and stay focused. Improvement takes time and along the way there are many obstacles that can make students want to give up. Alumni can be there for students like guardian angels and help them overcome difficulties throughout their academic careers.
