18 Years On, Still Learning From the Legend

Eighteen years ago today, Brooklyn lost one of its great characters – my Grandpa, a Realtor, notary, and tax man at Monte’s Real Estate on 512 55th Street. He spent his whole career watching the tools of the trade change around him. The one thing that never changed was his dedication and loyalty to his clients, their children, and even their grandchildren.

Tuesdays After School

I watched Grandpa firsthand on Tuesdays after school, when he’d pick me up and put me to work updating the MLS binders. Pulling old listings, slotting in the new pages by hand, one at a time, WPAT Easy 93 playing Sinatra and Dean Martin in the background. That was the job for years.

Then it was dial-up and email, which I taught him on Saturday afternoons right after he’d finally mastered the thermal fax. Then it was new tax software every year, installed fresh on his hard drive each season. He welcomed every one of those tools happily, stubbornly, sometimes with no idea how to run them himself. But as long as they helped him take care of the people in front of him, he knew it was worth it.

Today I do that same real estate research from my cell phone, in my car, in seconds. The tools have certainly changed, but the purpose behind those tools remains the same for this grandson.

Sinatra’s Way

That was Grandpa’s whole philosophy, and if he had a theme song, it was Sinatra’s “My Way.” He did this business exactly the way he wanted to, no apologies, right up until the end – and even then, he wasn’t finished managing things.

His last instruction to me wasn’t about the office or the listings. It was to take care of Rose, his wife of 68 years. I did, for two more years, until they were reunited. Family was everything to him, and it remains part of my DNA.

The Real Inheritance

That’s the actual inheritance. Not the tools, not the tricks, not even the office – the standard. Show up for people. Tell them the truth. Treat them like partners, not transactions, whether it’s your 90th year in the business or your first phone call with a client.

That’s not just family loyalty talking. National surveys consistently find that trust outranks experience, price, and credentials when people choose who to work with – it was true in Grandpa’s office, and it’s still true today.

That’s still what I hold myself to, whether I’m running comps by hand or letting AI do it in seconds. If that’s the kind of Realtor you’re looking for, I’d be glad to talk.

Let Gillen Guide You. → https://www.johngillen.com/lets-talk

Author, Licensing, and Disclosures

Author: John Gillen, P.A. John Gillen, P.A. is South Florida’s No-Nonsense Navigator – helping people buy and sell homes with facts over speculation and clarity over noise. With over 20 years of experience managing complex projects and helping businesses grow, John works hard to make sure every detail is handled correctly for his clients. He is an expert in the South Florida condo market, skilled at organizing all the complicated pieces – new building rules, insurance changes, and association paperwork – so his clients don’t have to worry about them. With degrees in business and education, and licenses as both a Realtor® and a Licensed Community Association Manager (CAM), he knows how to find solutions when things get confusing. He helps his clients cut through the noise and focus on the information that actually matters to them. Backed by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate | Florida 1st, he provides personal, friendly service with the support of a major brand.

Real Estate Sales Associate: SL-3445594. Licensed Community Association Manager: CAM-59384. Designations: Accredited Buyer’s Representative® (ABR) | At Home with Diversity® (AHWD). Certified LGBTBE® Business. Affiliations: National Association of REALTORS® | BeachesMLS | NGLCC | Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC).

Professional Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional real estate advice. Specifically, for guidance on Florida real estate transactions or condo regulations, please consult with a qualified professional.

Editorial & Market Disclaimer: The views, research, and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly those of John Gillen, P.A. and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate | Florida 1st. Furthermore, this content is provided for informational purposes regarding the South Florida real estate market and should not be construed as legal or financial advice.

Equal Housing Opportunity: Regarding housing opportunity, the author is committed to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. Accordingly, I encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing in Florida because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.