MIKE RUSSO

Where did you grow up?
Like most people I grew up in New Jersey - then like most people I left.
As a child, what did your parents want to be when you grew up?
They just wanted me to get through school.
Really?
I was not very motivated. Did not like school until college – which I found more interesting.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Lawyer. Corporate lawyer.
What do you do for a living?
I am the President of Aspen Sotheby’s International Realty.
I understand you have never sold homes.
True, I have always been on the management side. It lets me focus on running the company of a real estate brokerage firm.
Describe your work style.
Fast, and decisive.
If you were at a business lunch and you ordered a rare steak and they brought it to you well done, what would you do?
Eat it.
Biggest obstacle you have ever had to overcome in your career?
I worked for an energy company in a de-regulated business very much like Enron. So, when Enron went under my career was in flux – I had to figure out what to do. Now I had three kids and a wife at the time so there was pressure.
List three words that describe your character.
Honest, driven, integrity.
What are three positive character traits you wish you had?
Patience, patience, patience.
What is your favorite thing to do?
I like quiet time to read. Like to learn thing so research driven.
What is the one thing you do best?
Strategic planning
.If you could change one thing about your life – what would it be?
Worked harder as a student.
What inspires you other than money?
Helping other people learn to do better for themselves, thus rewarding, many times monetarily.
Best decision you ever made?
Moving to this area.
Worst decision you ever made?
Going into the energy business.
If you were an animal, what kind would you want to be?
An easy one – I’d be an owl - older, wiser, patient.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
Go back to Boston and become a full-time student.
What is your favorite waste of time?
Driving. I live down-valley so I drive up regularly.
Torture?
Torture if you’re from here. Other wise not a big deal.
What would you like on your tombstone?
Good Father and Husband.