Two of Long Island’s most successful and long-running family real estate businesses were front and center at a recent Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG) event.
About 200 industry professionals attended the panel discussion hosted by LIREG titled “Building on Legacy: The Impact of Generational Development on Long Island’s Growth” on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the Cold Spring Country Club.
Moderated by Daniel Scarda of The Crest Group, the panel included Justin Breslin and Ken Breslin of the Breslin Organization and Kelley Heck and Bob Coughlan of Tritec Real Estate, who spoke about the trials, tribulations and advantages of operating a family-run real estate business.
Both Breslins recalled their experiences with company patriarch and development icon Wilbur Breslin, who passed in April.
“I’ve always been in real estate, spending Saturdays in the car with mom and dad talking about the business,” Ken Breslin said. “He set us up really well.”
Justin Breslin said Wilbur told him to always bet on Long Island.
“A feel a sense of pride and legacy and that this is the honor of a lifetime,” he said. “That’s what I learned from my grandfather.”
Bob Coughlan discussed the humble beginnings of Tritec and the recent leadership transition at the company, where the next generation is at the helm.
“This is our 40th year,” Coughlan said. “When we started, we thought it was going to be two guys and a bookkeeper.”
Heck said when she and some of her siblings and cousins joined Tritec, her father told her to ‘be the water and fill in any gap.’ And just because you’re family, “It’s not a guaranteed or obligated position.”
Scarda pointed out that continuing the successful path set by his dad comes with “a great sense of responsibility.”
Justin Breslin added that you sometimes have to swallow your pride and understand your role. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “You have to have the long-term picture in mind.”
All of the panelists stressed the importance of separating family from business.
“We don’t bring it home,” Heck said.“A feel a sense of pride and legacy and that this is the honor of a lifetime,” he said. “That’s what I learned from my grandfather.”
Bob Coughlan discussed the humble beginnings of Tritec and the recent leadership transition at the company, where the next generation is at the helm.
“This is our 40th year,” Coughlan said. “When we started, we thought it was going to be two guys and a bookkeeper.”
Heck said when she and some of her siblings and cousins joined Tritec, her father told her to ‘be the water and fill in any gap.’ And just because you’re family, “It’s not a guaranteed or obligated position.”
Scarda pointed out that continuing the successful path set by his dad comes with “a great sense of responsibility.”
Justin Breslin added that you sometimes have to swallow your pride and understand your role. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “You have to have the long-term picture in mind.”
All of the panelists stressed the importance of separating family from business.
“We don’t bring it home,” Heck said.
Read the full article in Long Island Business News.
