10 Questions With James P. Retz of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty

James P. Retz, senior vice president of Marketing & Technology at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, believes that serving local economies and communities sets his business apart from the rest. By giving back to others, living life passionately and striving to be the best, Retz along with the entire DGSIR team are consistently one of the most successful companies in the industry.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Retz: Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty (DGSIR) was founded in 1922 and has grown and evolved into a residential real estate firm with 28 sales offices spanning Nassau and Suffolk counties, Queens, the North Fork and Westhampton Beach. I’ve been with DGSIR for over 11 years and am based in the corporate office in Cold Spring Harbor.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Retz: I began my real estate career in 1972 with a NYC-based firm that relocated me to Los Angeles. I’ve been a licensee in six different states, have done business on both coasts, as well as Mexico and Canada. I was attracted to the business by an advertising campaign, “Doesn’t Everyone Own A Private Island?”

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Retz: Always be the very best.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Retz: Relocating on four separate occasions. To four different parts of North America.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Retz: The people on our marketing and technology team that I get to work side-by-side with every day.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Retz: I had the good fortune of being mentored by a true perfectionist many years ago. Life is anything but perfect, but always striving for it is a great target.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Retz: Follow your heart (you know what’s “right”). Be passionate (life is not a dress rehearsal). And make sure you care about what’s really important (give back to others).

Patch: What would you say are some of the secrets to your success?

Retz: There are big differences between “important” and “urgent." At least try to prioritize where you’re spending your time so you stay on track to meet real goals. Oh, and when you’re meeting with someone don’t keep looking at your smart phone and taking calls from other people.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about Patch?

Retz: I’m a strong believer in hyperlocal. It’s a global economy, but we live in our local communities. Patch presents some real local content in real time without a lot of fuss.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Retz: You’d be hard pressed to not be able to find us. Start with danielgale.com, any of our sales offices (we still have real people answer our phones), social media, etc.

Image Credit: James P. Retz

This Patch article is sponsored by Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty.