Business Chief And Brokerage Founder Clark Halstead Dies At 83
Clark Halstead, a two-time brokerage founder, died on Aug. 22 on the age of 83.
The trade veteran co-founded the Manhattan division of Sotheby’s Worldwide Realty with Edward Lee Collapse 1976. Eight years later, he co-founded Halstead Property with Diane Ramirez, who was president, CEO and chairman of the brokerage.
“Clark was the last word actual property skilled — somebody I idolized, and I do know a lot of different folks noticed in the identical gentle,” Chris Halstead, government gross sales director for Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut and Clark’s nephew, informed Inman in an electronic mail. “He was extremely educated and at all times prepared to share in that. Group was every thing to him, and he created a enterprise that individuals cherished to work for. He’s left an exquisite legacy, and the enterprise is healthier to have had him.”
In accordance with BHS controller Al Hughes, Halstead sketched out the concept for Halstead Property on the again of a serviette after which pitched it to an funding group over lunch, the controller elaborated in a BHS blog post.
After Halstead’s passing, the agency, which acquired Halstead in 2020, compiled tributes from BHS brokers and leaders, in addition to former leaders at Halstead, to honor his legacy.
Round 2004, Halstead and Ramirez offered Halstead Property to Terra Holdings, BHS’ mother or father firm. At that time, Halstead stepped down from each day operations on the agency, however remained chairman emeritus and served in an advisory position. Ramirez continued to move the agency till BHS absorbed the company in 2020.
Halstead was additionally closely concerned within the Actual Property Board of New York (REBNY), the place he helped launch its residential division and served as governor on the board of governors.
Ramirez referred to as him a “legend and trailblazer” for the residential actual property trade.
“His illustrious profession was famend and he helped to deliver us into the twenty first century via his gross sales and advertising and marketing acumen,” she continued in BHS’ weblog put up. “His gentlemanly allure was felt by all. He’ll without end stay in my coronary heart with true affection and gratitude.”
Halstead hosted a weekly radio present, Halstead’s Actual Property Evaluation, on WQXR for 11 years. He additionally made tv appearances on reveals like Existence of the Wealthy and Well-known and Good Day New York.
One among Halstead’s extra flashy advertising and marketing strategies that individuals nonetheless ask about right now, in line with his nephew, was a fleet of tricked out, branded London taxis, which featured TVs, moist bars, and in a while, computer systems, during which he would drive purchasers across the metropolis.
“There are nonetheless folks to at the present time who ask me if we now have the taxis,” Chris Halstead informed The Real Deal. “I believe there’s really one in a barn someplace within the Hamptons, or so I’m informed.”
BHS CEO Bess Freedman referred to as Halstead “outstanding” with a profession “marked by excellence, innovation and a real ardour” for actual property.
“Many at our firm had the privilege of working with him and have been deeply impacted by his management and imaginative and prescient,” Freedman continued within the agency’s weblog put up. “Even for individuals who didn’t work with him instantly, his contributions and the respect he garnered converse volumes. His legacy will proceed to encourage us, and our ideas are along with his household and all who knew him.”
Halstead’s longtime companions each succumbed to most cancers earlier than his personal passing — his spouse, Carol, died in 2002 and his 20-year companion Mindy Papp handed away earlier this 12 months.
He’s survived by daughters Heather Gustafson and Hilary O’Keefe, son-in-laws Marc Gustafson and John O’Keefe, and grandchildren William, Winston, Oakley and Olivia.
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