ADAM MODLIN, 32
BBA ’96
Owner,
The Modlin Group

“Did I ever imagine,” says Adam Modlin, “that the same person I sold a tie to 10 years ago, I’d be representing in a multimillion-dollar real estate transaction today? I never would have believed it.”

But that’s exactly what happened. Ten years ago, shortly after graduating from Baruch, Modlin began working for Bergdorf’s. He quickly helped to grow their custom clothing division, developing a client base of celebrities, sports figures, and high-level corporate executives. Four years later, when he made the move into real estate, his clients stayed with him.

“The most important thing to think about,” Modlin tells young people starting out in business, “is building and nurturing relationships. That’s something you don’t need money for.”

The 32-year-old co-founder (with his brother Avery) of The Modlin Group, one of New York City’s most high-profile real estate brokerage firms, has built his reputation—and the company’s success—on the level of respect and trust he has shown his clients over the years. Christy Turlington, Whitney Houston, Alex Rodriguez (a close friend), Keith Hernandez, Ronald Lauder, and Tommy Mottola are just a handful of The Modlin Group’s many devoted, high-net-worth clients.

A native New Yorker, Modlin is the second Baruch graduate in the family; his father also attended. He currently sits on the advisory board of the Steven L. Newman Real Estate Institute at Baruch and is an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY).

Modlin always held the Baruch name in high regard, but he says his education exceeded his expectations. Having attended private Jewish day schools, he appreciated the “true New York environment” of Baruch.

—Pam Widener

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