Nick Warren is the chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential.
What was your first job in the realty industry? My first job was working for a small, four person brokerage firm on Newbury St. three days after I graduated college in 2006.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in the small town of West Brookfield, Mass. It is about an hour and 20 minutes west of Boston. It has one stop light and more cows than people. Needless to say, there weren’t a whole lot of opportunities for building a real estate business there!
Growing up, what did you want to be? I’ve always been entrepreneurial. I’ve had some sort of business since I was 13. The dream was always to eventually become a real estate investor and developer.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I enjoy golfing, but to be honest, I probably get more stressed when I’m out there because of how bad I’ve become! A real stress reliever is going for a run or heading to the movies to zone out for a couple hours.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Donald Trump. I read “The Art of the Deal” when I was about 12 years old and have always been intrigued by him. I know he is controversial, but I appreciate the fact that he does business the way he wants to and doesn’t pull punches.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love hanging out at Boston Golf Club. The course is amazing and the scenery looks like its somewhere in Tahoe, not 25 minutes south of Boston! If I’m not there you can usually find me hanging out at my house with my wife Nicole and Bernese Mountain Dog Tucker.
What do you love most about the industry? I love the fact that there is no limit to what you can do. If someone wants to make $1 million a year in this business with no college degree, they can do it!
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I’ve always prided myself on customer service. I know that sounds cliche but one of the biggest things that makes a difference to our clients is being responsive. When I first started in the business I knew my competition has more experience so I had to find a way to be able to stand out. The way I did that was by being the quickest, most responsive agent I could be, and always staying on top of what is happening in the Boston market.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Managing your time effectively. The key is to schedule everything in your calendar! If it’s not in there, I don’t do it.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I hate forced networking. It just feels fake. I’d prefer to find groups, events or clubs where people have a common interest, and then focus on how I can help other people rather than trying to find ways they can help me. If you use that strategy then you should be able to successfully network anywhere you go!
What has been your greatest accomplishment? I think it is yet to come, but so far I would have to say it’s seeing my company, Berkshire Hathaway Warren Residential, grow from just an idea in my head to what it is today. The real secret to that success has been surrounding yourself with the right agents. I’m lucky enough to have the best in the business working for us!
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I just watched a documentary on Netflix last night called Restrepo. It follows a U.S. Army platoon on a 15-month deployment in the Korengal Valley, which at the time was considered the “most deadly place on earth.” The sacrifice and bravery these men displayed certainly makes your worst days in real estate look like a cake walk. I have the utmost respect for those who serve our country.
What is your favorite restaurant? This is a tough one! If I’m going out for a quick dinner that is walking distance from my house, I usually try to sneak a seat at the bar in Davio’s. They have good food that doesn’t “try too hard.” If I’m looking for something a bit fancier, I’ll usually head to a steak house like Del Frisco’s. I guess I’m a meat and potatoes type of guy!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Boston? I love the Hancock Tower. It’s hard to believe it was built 40 years ago! I love its juxtaposition with Trinity Church, which is also one of my favorites.
What kind of car do you drive? I drive a Range Rover. We need space for our 100 pound dog Tucker. I’d like a truck, but I don’t think my clients would appreciate riding in the bed of a pickup!
Smartphone or paper? Def. smartphone! You can’t backup a piece of paper!
What is your favorite city after Boston? New York. Don’t worry, I’m not a Yankees fan. I love how it’s next to impossible to explore all of it and that there is truly something for everyone!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Have a plan and stick to it. Consistency is key.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Todoist. It’s the best task manager/to-do list app out there.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? I’m not really active on Twitter so I don’t have a favorite!
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