Clark Halstead, a two-time brokerage founder, died on Aug. 22 on the age of 83.
The business 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 ultimate real estate professional — someone I idolized, and I know a number of other people saw in the same light,” Chris Halstead, government gross sales director for Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut and Clark’s nephew, informed Inman in an electronic mail. “He was incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to share in that. Community was everything to him, and he created a business that people loved to work for. He’s left a wonderful legacy, and the business is better 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 weblog submit.
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’ dad or mum firm. At that time, Halstead stepped down from each day operations on the agency, however remained chairman emeritus and served in an advisory function. Ramirez continued to move the agency till BHS absorbed the corporate 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 business.
“His illustrious career was renowned and he helped to bring us into the 21st century through his sales and marketing acumen,” she continued in BHS’ weblog submit. “His gentlemanly charm was felt by all. He will forever remain in my 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 exhibits like Existence of the Wealthy and Well-known and Good Day New York.
One in every of Halstead’s extra flashy advertising and marketing strategies that individuals nonetheless ask about as we speak, in response to his nephew, was a fleet of tricked out, branded London taxis, which featured TVs, moist bars, and afterward, computer systems, by which he would drive purchasers across the metropolis.
“There are still people to this day who ask me if we have the taxis,” Chris Halstead informed The Actual Deal. “I think there is actually one in a barn somewhere in the Hamptons, or so I’m told.”
BHS CEO Bess Freedman referred to as Halstead “remarkable” with a profession “marked by excellence, innovation and a genuine passion” for actual property.
“Many at our company had the privilege of working with him and were deeply impacted by his leadership and vision,” Freedman continued within the agency’s weblog submit. “Even for those who didn’t work with him directly, his contributions and the respect he garnered speak volumes. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and our thoughts are with his family 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 yr.
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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