Everyone in the Colliers International | Pittsburgh office knows Ralph Egerman is an absolute joy to work with. 365 days a year, he works hard for his clients while putting a smile on the face of everyone he encounters.  So, in honor of his birthday, we decided to shine the spotlight on him with a Q&A to find out how Ralph became the broker he is today.

Question: How did you get your start in Commercial Real Estate?

Ralph: I began my career in February 1981 at Cushman & Wakefield’s Pittsburgh office. These were exciting times in our industry and C&W was involved with projects such as; One Oxford Centre, One Mellon Bank Centre, PPG Place and I was the lead broker for the Warner Centre and the Fulton Building.

Q: How long have you been in the business?

R: I started as a small investor in 1976 purchasing apartments and one small commercial building. I obtained my real estate license in 1980 and decided to make real estate my career.

Q: What is your favorite part of working in the industry?

R: My favorite part of the industry is working with my clients to help them to realize their goals. Additionally, I love to participate in the growth of my beloved city.

Q: Did you have a mentor that helped you when you were new to brokerage?

R: I was very fortunate to have wonderful mentors. Hank Stewart and Jim Morgan of C&W along with Leon Thorpe who later became my investment partner, were instrumental in my success. I still meet with Hank once a month to have lunch and discuss real estate. I believe that mentors are an essential component for the development of a young professional. One of my great joys, is mentoring the new associates here at Colliers Pittsburgh.

Q: What advice would you give to a someone that is new to the industry?

R: I think the best advice I can offer a new broker is to keep personal integrity at the forefront of your practice, commit to a lifetime of continuing education and be disciplined in your work.

Q: When you aren’t working, what is your favorite hobby?

R: When I am not working, I have spent 30 years serving of the Board of Directors of wonderful organizations such as Familylinks, Animal Friends, Parent & Child Guidance and The Nine Mile Run Watershed board. I also love exercise, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Whether it’s making a daily trip to Crazy Mocha to pick up coffee for the entire office, bringing in obscure articles from the Wall Street Journal for the younger brokers to read, or humming oldies tunes, Ralph always manages to light up the office, even on the gloomiest of days.

Happy birthday Ralph, from your family at Colliers International | Pittsburgh.