MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Elizabeth Kivlan, Real Estate Expert: Director of Marketing and Business Development at Stribling
Born and raised on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Elizabeth Ann Kivlan is a fifth generation New Yorker. After graduating from the Chapin School, Elizabeth attended the College of the Holy Cross where she received a B.A. in Comparative World Religions, focusing on Hinduism, in 2001. Growing up, family vacations were spent in the south of France, where as a child Elizabeth was inspired by seeing her mother “master the art of French cooking” under the tutelage of Simone Beck and Julia Child. So, having completed her formal education in the northeast, Elizabeth moved to San Francisco with the intention of attending culinary school.
However, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and Elizabeth—who was raised in a real estate family with her mother, Elizabeth Stribling, brokering deals and discussing co-brokering at the dinner table—quickly realized that real estate, not cooking, was the right path for her, and seized an opportunity to work at Pacific Union for one of the top brokers in the city, Mary Lou Castellanos.
Mary Lou exposed Elizabeth to San Francisco’s fast-paced market, teaching her both the art of negotiating, and how to successfully market single-family homes and apartments. Following two wonderful years in California, Elizabeth longed to live once again in a city of 8 million people. She returned to New York, opting for life in Chelsea this time, to experience a different part of the island. Having earned her credentials elsewhere, she now joined the family business, beginning her career at Stribling & Associates as a salesperson brokering deals throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
During Elizabeth’s four years as a Stribling broker, it was not uncommon for her to be selling a penthouse on Park Avenue in the morning, and an apartment in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, in the afternoon. Simultaneously, she gained onsite sales experience at One Brooklyn Bridge Park, a luxury 449-unit condominium conversion on the Brooklyn Water Front. Eventually, she was tapped to join Stribling’s senior management team, where she has since filled a number of roles assisting her mother on daily operational matters at the company.
In 2008 Elizabeth returned to Manhattan full time, to assume the role of Director of Sales for Stribling’s downtown offices in Tribeca and Chelsea. In this capacity, she supervised the daily business activities of over 50 brokers. Most recently, Elizabeth moved into the position of Director of Marketing and Business Development, where she oversees the company’s expanding role in print and viral media. She has established Stribling’s social media presence through venues such as Facebook and Twitter, infusing the company with a decidedly “21st century” marketing approach. On the business development side, Elizabeth also handles daily oversight of Stribling’s international and domestic affiliations, including its associations with Savills, a UK based company with 200 offices in 48 countries, and LuxuryRealestate.com, an elite organization of over 1,500 top luxury real estate brokerages worldwide. We are so pleased to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker.
Peachy Deegan interviewed Elizabeth Kivlan for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What do people that grow up in Manhattan know about Manhattan that people
that come here as adults will never understand?
Elizabeth Kivlan:
That New York City is small. It is also forgiving and kind. New York really is a small town that just happens to have 8 million people. The one thing I do miss and envy as a native is that I can never know what it is like to come here for the first time and be truly awed by its scope and scale.
What is your opinion on single-sex education and do you feel it benefited
you?
I think it is fantastic! I would very much want my children to have a single sex education. Not only do I still have the most incredible friendships from Chapin but also the education was unparalleled.
Do you think single-sex schools are preppier than co-ed?
As I attended a single sex school for 13 years, it is hard for me to really say. I think the private school system in NYC is preppy all around. I will say that my co-ed college was a bastion of preps.
What is the best-kept secret of the Manhattan real estate market today?
That Manhattan is a relative bargain if you compare it to other global megalopolises such as Hong Kong, London and Moscow. Also the East 50s are a great bargain in a wonderful location in the middle of Manhattan.
If you could live in any spot in Manhattan with price being no object,
where would it be and why?
In actuality I would mostly likely move to the Brooklyn Waterfront looking back at Manhattan. One has to leave the Island to really be able to see the breadth of the skyline. I also love Central Park South and the Northern views over Central Park.
Do you think Holy Cross will ever become competitive in football again-we
know they used to play Boston College decades ago.
I can only hope! Go Crusaders!
We think your education pattern is very cool as someone else we know went
to girls school then a Catholic college. What did you like most about your
education?
I loved having a Jesuit education. Despite what some may think it is a very liberal way of thinking, and it taught me to challenge and question in a way that I had not previously. We were taught to be "men and women for others." This sentiment has had an undeniable impact on how I live my life.
What is your favorite French food to make yourself and what do you think is
The best French restaurant in Manhattan?
Grand Marnier Soufflé is a fan favorite in my house. My favorite French restaurant would be Chez Napoleon in the West 50s. The food is wonderful, and the atmosphere is what I picture of old New York. Honestly there is never a dull moment there.
What is it like being Elizabeth Stribling's daughter?
Very special! She is an outstanding role model both personally and professional. I wake up everyday knowing how truly lucky I am.
What is most important in social media in regards to real estate today?
To always be authentic and speak your voice on the area in which you are an expert. If you follow/like Stribling's fan or twitter page it is clear that it isn't only about real estate. We explore many facets of the world around us. Real Estate in NY is about lifestyle and we try to express that and I think we have an interesting take on the city.
How would you compare and contrast the current real estate markets in
Manhattan and London?
There are a lot of similarities as they are both face paced, they are locales with a global makeup and extraordinarily sought after destinations. London is significantly more expensive and a little further ahead in where the market is going. We have a very different makeup of housing stock with London having far more single-family homes.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My mother. If I can be 1/10th of the woman she is then I will do just fine!
What are you proudest of and why?
I am proudest of being a New Yorker. I will always first and foremost be a New Yorker. It defines and drives me to succeed.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the
opportunity to do?
I have always been interested in global real estate, and how truly interconnected the world has become. With my new position, this interest has come to fruition as I manage our global and national affiliations connecting Stribling to all the corners of the globe. I wake up everyday excited to go to work.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
It was an honor being asked to join the Stribling management team at the suggestion of the 6 other managers of the company.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
Without a doubt it is Central Park. I walk through the park every morning on my way to work. It is a chance to have utter peace and solitude before the start of the workday. Everyday I see something new with the changing light and seasons.
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
My new old discovery is Kitchen Arts and Letters on the Upper East Side. It reminds me of the stores of my childhood up and down Lexington Avenue. The cookbook collection is extensive and the staff is incredible. I always go looking for one book and walk out with way more than I can carry.
What is your favorite drink?
Hemingway Daiquiri. I love rum, and the addition of Maraschino Cherry liquor, lime and grapefruit juice makes for a very tart and refreshing cocktail. It's sadly hard to find in New York.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
There are far to many to narrow it down to one. Morimoto in Chelsea, Robataya NY in the East Village for Japanese grilling served on paddles, Tia Pol for Tapas, Mermaid Inn for seafood in the Village, and Fatty Crab’s whole curry crab is sensational. Additionally I think Brooklyn is giving Manhattan a run for its money in terms of restaurants. I find myself there for dinner all the time.
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg has long been a favorite. I recently re-read the book, and it was just as wonderful as it was as a child. Who wouldn't want to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and
why?
A Street. To me it is iconic, and it means that you have become a part of the grid that defines this city.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Playing lacrosse at the Asphalt Green as a teenager at Chapin and in terms of NYC it would be the US Open. I am an avid tennis fan.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge. This walk reminds me of why I live here and that New York City is the greatest place in the World.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
The Decemberists at Webster Hall. The lyrics of one of their songs, Myla Goldberg, are "I know New York, I need New York, I know I need unique New York." The bond and energy of the crowd was palpable during the song and the entire show. For art it would be the Magritte Show at the Met in the early 90s. I saw one of my favorite paintings for the first time called “Ceci N’est Pas une Pipe.” It is a piece of art that taught me not to take the world so literally and seriously
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I am Vice Chair of the board of the New York City Anti-Violence Project. AVP is dedicated to eliminating hate violence through counseling, advocacy, organizing, and public education
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Times Square is the most overrated place by outsiders. In no way does it embodies the New York in which we live, and I think sadly visitors never get a chance to experience what life is actually like for those of us who live here. Underrated perhaps the subway. It is the fastest way to get around town, and despite the numerous gripes and complaints it really is efficient. And it is one of the few places in New York we don’t have cell reception which is a blessing in a world where we most of us seem attached to our smart phones. Oddly I find the subway is fairly peaceful due to this.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know
column and what do you like about it?
Take A Trip. I adore travelling, and it has given me some great ideas!
Have you drank The Peachy Deegan yet and if not, why not?
Yes! And it is lovely!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
That I will go blocks out of my way for a good cup of coffee mostly especially for Stumptown at the Ace Hotel. I am an avid reader of National Geographic and Smithsonian Magazine.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
ekivlan@stribling.com Email is the best way to reach me.
