Tribute to a Great Man-Peter Kelleher

Mar 08, 2007

Magic Manager
1955-2007

I met Peter for the first time when I interviewed for a job at the Westside office at Douglas Elliman. I was brand new to real estate and interviews with other firms had not gone well. But I instantly felt a strong comfort level with Peter and Jeff Rothstein, and when Peter uttered the magic words ``we would love to hire you'' I knew I was in the right place.

Peter was dedicated to making sure that Douglas Elliman rookies, like myself, got the strongest launching pad possible in this difficult business. You always knew where you stood with Peter. He would sternly reprimand rookies for not working on Sundays. During a snowstorm one winter Sunday, I unexpectedly ran into Peter at the gym. I sheepishly grinned ``It's a snow day." Peter just raised his eyebrows.

Peter never sugarcoated things. He would constantly tell new agents that real estate is a very tough and challenging business and only the smart and strong will survive. This is why I believed him when, after seven frustrating months in the business and no money to show for it, he told me that I had the tools to become successful in real estate and that good things would eventually happen. And good things did happen.

Peter was very sharp, witty, and funny. It was a always a pleasure to be in his presence. He also possessed incredible strength, intelligence, warmth, and character. He came back to work when he should not have been coming back to work because he loved real estate and the people at Douglas Elliman. I remember the last conversation I had with Peter. He was patiently helping me navigate a complicated co-exclusive deal. As we concluded the meeting, I said ``Get well soon. I need you in the office."

I still do.

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