Contemporary Authors

• Anthony Lolli - http://www.anthonylolli.com/abt/

  ABOUT ANTHONY
  Anthony Lolli rose from humble beginnings to become a wildly successful real estate investor, developer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

  The son of an Ecuadorian immigrant and a first-generation Italian American WWII veteran-turned-schoolteacher, Anthony grew up poor in Brooklyn, NY. When he was just six years old, he made his mother a promise that he would make their family wealthy one day. And to her credit, she never let him forget it. That promise lit a fire under Anthony that led him to get his real estate license at age 19. By 23, he was a millionaire with his own brokerage, Rapid Realty NYC, and a growing portfolio of rental properties to his name.

  It would not be an exaggeration to say that Anthony built Rapid Realty NYC with his own two hands. He started the company in a mixed-use building he had purchased in the heart of Brooklyn. Having spent all his savings on the building itself, he couldn’t afford to hire a contractor to renovate the property for him. Instead, he hired day laborers and rolled up his sleeves and went to work right alongside them, learning all they could teach him about construction along the way.

  Always happier to carve his own path than to follow the pack, Anthony broke from tradition when he designed Rapid Realty NYC to specialize in apartment rentals in the outer boroughs, rather than the Manhattan sales market that virtually every other New York firm at the time was fighting over. With his intimate knowledge of Brooklyn, he recognized that the borough was about to become the next hot destination, and that renters were a sorely under-served market.

  It was a gamble that paid off. In the early 2000s, renters began flocking to Brooklyn in record numbers. Anthony was able to grow both Rapid Realty and his portfolio of investment properties, and even opened a real estate school, which he gifted to his parents in honor of his father’s career in public education.

  As the company grew, so did Anthony’s portfolio of investment properties. His reputation for creative, fair, and effective negotiation made him a sought-after consultant for other property investors who needed help getting a deal to the closing table, or who were struggling with a tenant relationship.

  When the home sales market crashed in 2007, demand for rentals shot up even further, creating an unprecedented need for brokers who understood the fast-paced rental market. Anthony positioned Rapid Realty NYC to meet this swiftly growing need. Which is how, at the height of the crisis, while other real estate firms were closing their doors, Anthony was able to expand his company.

  Once again, he broke from the accepted wisdom in New York City real estate, this time by choosing to turn Rapid Realty NYC into a franchise. The first Rapid Realty franchise opened its doors in August, 2009. Within the next few years, under Anthony’s watchful eye and hands-on leadership, the company grew into one of the largest real estate firms in New York and, in 2012,

  debuted on the INC. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America.

  With Rapid Realty expanding by the day, Anthony’s innovative approach to business garnered recognition at the local, national, and international level. He won the Silver Stevie in the Real Estate Executive of the Year category of the International Business Awards, as well as being named the Entrepreneur of the Year by the Golden Bridge Awards–making him the first real estate professional to receive this prestigious honor that had previously gone to tech giants. (See Awards for more.)

  The atmosphere of youthful energy, celebrated diversity, and plentiful opportunity that Anthony created at Rapid Realty NYC generated incredible excitement among the agents and franchisees. So much so that, in 2013, the eyes of the world turned to Rapid Realty when a news story that over 40 of its agents had gotten tattoos of the company logo suddenly went viral. (That number has since grown to over 100.) In the span of weeks, Anthony was interviewed in media outlets everywhere from Austin to Australia. In one day, Anthony appeared on The Today Show in the morning, and Jay Leno joked about the story in one of his final monologues as host of The Tonight Show that night.

  The exposure created massive interest in the brand that could inspire such loyalty in its agents, opening doors for Anthony to take the Rapid Realty franchise to new states across America. All the while, he continued to add to both his portfolio of investment properties and his range of business ventures.

  Over the last few years, Anthony has branched out into property development, technology ventures, and entertainment. Through his production and talent management company, Lolli Brands Entertainment, he has worked with visionaries like Spike Lee, produced award-winning short films, and collaborated with stars like 50 Cent, Raekwon, Fat Joe, AZ, and Uncle Murda. Additionally, Anthony’s house, known as the Lolli Mansion, has served as the backdrop for numerous commercials, music videos, and TV and film projects.

  Anthony is a regular speaker at colleges, high schools, and business forums. (See Speaking & Events for more.) He also frequently shares his unique insights into real estate, franchising, and more on radio programs across the country. You can find many of these interviews, as well as Anthony’s personal insights, on Soundcloud.

  Since the start of his career, one of Anthony’s bedrock principles has been the importance of giving back. He believes that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has something to give to help those who are less fortunate, whether it’s money, time, or their voice. He encourages everyone he works with to find some way to get involved and give back.

  Anthony has supported many different causes over the years, and continues to do so, but the one that is closest to his heart is ensuring that people from all walks of life have access to the same educational and career opportunities. When he was first starting out in real estate, he was turned down for a job by numerous firms for looking too young and talking like a kid from Brooklyn–which is precisely what he was. From the moment he started his first company, he made it his policy in his own businesses to give people a chance regardless of what they look like, what they sound like, where they come from, or who they are. That’s why it was particularly meaningful to him when Rapid Realty NYC received the Special Achievement Award from the National Minority Business Council and the New York Urban League named Rapid Realty one of their Champions of Diversity. (Please see Philanthropy to learn how you can get involved with a number of wonderful causes.)

  Anthony’s commitment to creating opportunities and putting people front and center in the often-cutthroat world of real estate is on display in his first book, The Heart of the Deal: How to Invest and Negotiate Like a Real Estate Mogul, released in Summer 2017 from Diversion Books. Part memoir, part insider’s guide to building a career in real estate, part all-purpose advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, The Heart of the Deal contains anecdotes from Anthony’s inspirational rags-to-riches life story, as well as plenty of hard-won lessons and motivational techniques to put any budding business leader on the path to success. To learn more about the book and order your copy, visit theheartofthedeal.com

  "You have to go hard until hard isn't hard anymore."

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonylolli/

  Anthony Lolli
  3rd degree connection3rd
  Founder & CEO, Rapid Realty Franchise, LLC
  Rapid Realty John Jay High School
  Greater New York City Area 500+ 500+ connections
  Connect Connect with Anthony Lolli
  Anthony Lolli rose from humble beginnings to become a successful real estate investor, developer, and entrepreneur. A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, NY, Anthony got his real estate license at 19, and quickly became one of the top agents in the borough. At 21, realizing that the established real estate companies at the time were not giving renters the attention they deserved, he decided to launch his own firm, Rapid Realty NYC.

  A hands-on leader and franchisor, on any given day, Anthony can be found training agents at any of Rapid’s many offices, helping new franchisees look for the perfect location to set up shop, or meeting with new partners to expand and improve the range of services Rapid Realty offers its clients.

  Anthony’s dynamic leadership style, business innovation, and philanthropy have garnered recognition both locally—receiving awards from New York publications like The Queens Courier and Brooklyn Spectator—and on the international stage. In 2013, Anthony received the Silver Stevie in the Real Estate Executive of the Year category of the International Business Awards, and became the first real estate professional to win top prize in the Entrepreneur of the Year category of the Golden Bridge Awards. He also led RAPIDREALTY to a place on the Inc. 5000, SmartCEO New York’s Future 50 list, and back-to-back Franchisee Satisfaction Awards from The Franchise Business Review, all within Rapid’s first four years of franchising.

  Anthony is a regular speaker at colleges, high schools, and business forums.

  Specialties: New York real estate trends, rentals, franchising, property management, property development, lease negotiation, tenant buy-outs, branding.
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  Rapid Realty on CNN Money
  Rapid Realty on CNN
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  Real Estate Weekly, "Rags-to-riches rise for Rapid Realty founder"
  Real Estate Weekly, "Rags-to-riches rise for
  Rapid Realty founder"
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  New York Real Estate Journal Executive of the Month: Anthony Lolli
  New York Real Estate Journal Executive of the
  Month: Anthony Lolli
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  Anthony Lolli on Varney & Co., "Rent vs. Buy"
  Anthony Lolli on Varney &
  Co., "Rent vs. Buy"
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  The Real Deal, "At the desk of: Anthony Lolli"
  The Real Deal, "At the
  desk of: Anthony Lolli"
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  Anthony Lolli

  Founder & CEO, Ra…

  Experience
  Rapid Realty
  Founder & CEO
  Company NameRapid Realty
  Dates Employed1998 – Present Employment Duration19 yrs
  LocationBrooklyn, NY
  Rapid Realty
  Broker, CEO
  Company NameRapid Realty
  Dates Employed1997 – 2010 Employment Duration13 yrs
  Education
  John Jay High School
  John Jay High School
  Kingsborough Community College
  Kingsborough Community College
  Volunteer Experience
  Gotham Comedy Foundation
  Board Member
  Company NameGotham Comedy Foundation
  Cause Health
  American Cancer Society
  Event Organizer, Donor
  Company NameAmerican Cancer Society
  Cause Health
  Habitat for Humanity New York City
  Volunteer
  Company NameHabitat for Humanity New York City
  Cause Poverty Alleviation
  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  Donor
  Company NameSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  Cause Health
  Angel On A Leash
  Event Sponsor, Donor
  Company NameAngel On A Leash
  Cause Health
  The Ali Forney Center
  Supporter
  Company NameThe Ali Forney Center
  Cause Human Rights
  The Jed Foundation
  Supporter
  Company NameThe Jed Foundation
  Cause Health
  GMHC
  Supporter
  Company NameGMHC
  Cause Health
  Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC
  Supporter
  Company NameBig Brothers Big Sisters of NYC
  Cause Children
  Safe Horizon
  Supporter
  Company NameSafe Horizon
  Cause Social Services
  Pancreatic Cancer Research
  Sponsor
  Company NamePancreatic Cancer Research
  Cause Health
  New York Rugby Club
  Sponsor
  Company NameNew York Rugby Club
  Cause Children
  Filomeno Family Awards Foundation
  Sponsor
  Company NameFilomeno Family Awards Foundation
  Cause Education
  A-T Children's Project
  Gold Sponsor
  Company NameA-T Children's Project
  Cause Health
  Chris S. Owens Foundation
  Keynote Speaker, Donor
  Company NameChris S. Owens Foundation
  Cause Children
  Man Up! Inc.
  Speaker, Donor
  Company NameMan Up! Inc.
  Cause Children
  Ronald McDonald House Charities
  Event Sponsor, Donor
  Company NameRonald McDonald House Charities
  Cause Health
  Operation Warrior Wellness
  Event Organizer, Donor
  Company NameOperation Warrior Wellness
  Cause Health
  Toys for Tots
  Donor
  Company NameToys for Tots
  Cause Children
  Harlem Youth Marines Inc
  Supporter
  Company NameHarlem Youth Marines Inc
  Cause Children
  Positive Direction
  Supporter
  Company NamePositive Direction
  Cause Children
  Tilden Hall Residence
  Supporter, Donor
  Company NameTilden Hall Residence
  Cause Poverty Alleviation
  Youth America
  Donor
  Company NameYouth America
  Cause Children
  Operation Backpack
  Supporter, Donor
  Company NameOperation Backpack
  Cause Education
  Christ the King Regional High School
  Scholarship sponsor
  Company NameChrist the King Regional High School
  Cause Education
  From the Heart Productions
  Donor
  Company NameFrom the Heart Productions
  Cause Arts and Culture
  Apraxia-KIDS
  Supporter
  Company NameApraxia-KIDS
  Cause Health
  Socks 4 Tots
  Supporter
  Company NameSocks 4 Tots
  Cause Children
  Seaside Summer Concert Series
  Sponsor
  Company NameSeaside Summer Concert Series
  Cause Arts and Culture
  New Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Associatio
  Donor
  Company NameNew Jersey State Policemens Benevolent Associatio
  Cause Social Services
  Martinez Police Officer's Association
  Donor
  Company NameMartinez Police Officer's Association
  Cause Social Services
  100 Suits for 100 Men
  Donor
  Company Name100 Suits for 100 Men
  Cause Poverty Alleviation
  J.I.T.A. Community Outreach Center
  Supporter
  Company NameJ.I.T.A. Community Outreach Center
  Cause Poverty Alleviation
  B.A.B.E.S. in Blue
  Supporter
  Company NameB.A.B.E.S. in Blue
  Cause Economic Empowerment

• The Heart of the Deal -- book website - http://theheartofthedeal.com/#about

  ABOUT
  ANTHONY LOLLI
  A genuine rags-to-riches story, Anthony Lolli rose from humble beginnings to become a successful real estate investor, developer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. A lifelong resident of Brooklyn, NY, Anthony got his real estate license at age 19. At 21, he bought his first investment property. That same year, he founded his brokerage Rapid Realty NYC, specializing in apartment rentals. By 23, he was a millionaire.

  Since then, Anthony has built an expansive portfolio of residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, and developed Rapid Realty into one of New York’s largest real estate firms and a franchise expanding across America. The Rapid Realty brand has created so much excitement that over 100 agents have gotten tattoos of the company’s logo.

  Anthony’s reputation for fair dealings, industry know-how, and savvy investments have made him a sought-after consultant for buyers, sellers, landlords, and developers in need of help with everything from site selection to renovation strategy to tenant lease negotiations.

  To learn more about Anthony, visit anthonylolli.com.

  Anthony Lolli has already helped over 40,000 people launch careers in real estate. Now it’s your turn.

  Philanthropy – Anthony Lolli has made it his mission to give back to the community and to encourage others to do the same.

  Awards

  King of Queens, Queens Courier, 2011
  King of Kings County, Brooklyn Spectator, 2012
  NYC’s Best Firms to Work For, The Real Deal, 2012
  Inc. 5000, Inc. Magazine, 2012
  Man About Town Award, Business Owner’s Council, 2012
  Future 50, SmartCEO New York, 2013
  Entrepreneur of the Year, Golden Bridge Awards, 2013
  Silver Stevie, Real Estate Executive of the Year, International Business Awards, 2013
  Special Achievement Award, National Minority Business Council, 2013
  Viral Marketing Campaign of the Year, PR World Awards, 2013
  Franchisee Satisfaction Award, Franchise Business Review, 2013
  Franchisee Satisfaction Award, Franchise Business Review, 2014
  Champion of Diversity, New York Urban League, 2014
  Latin Star Award, El Correo, 2014
  Best Company for Leadership, IAIR Awards, 2014
  Executive Management Award, SmartCEO New York, 2014
  Latino Trendsetter Award, LatinTrends Magazine, 2015
  Most Influential People in Brooklyn, City & State Magazine, 2017
  Excellence in Real Estate Award, Tribune Press, 2017

• Be the Boss - https://www.betheboss.com/resources/interview-with-a-ceo/anthony-lolli-of-rapid-realty

  Anthony Lolli of Rapid Realty
  Home / Interview with a CEO

  DATE
  October 31, 2017

  Rapid Realty
  RAPIDREALTY is the first franchise system in America to put the power of the rental industry in the palm of your hands. $50,001.00 ~ $100,000.00
  Anthony Lolli is the CEO of Rapid Realty, an INC. 5000 company with over 70 locations open today. He also manages an investment portfolio including commercial, mixed-use, and residential properties in New York City, New Jersey, and Ecuador. Giving back to the community is a central focus of his company, and he works with over 70 charitable organizations, receiving notable recognition for empowering military veterans, women, immigrants, and minorities to become business owners. Anthony has also published an autobiography, The Heart of the Deal, which is also a guide to growing a successful career in real estate without compromising one’s integrity. Anthony has appeared in over 2,000 media outlets around the globe, including The New York Times, The Today Show, Time, FOX Business, and The Wall Street Journal.

  1. Tell us about the Rapid concept.

  Rapid Realty is a real estate brokerage franchise, which started out in the rental sector. Everybody knows that there was a housing crash, so we focused primarily on rentals when people couldn’t afford to buy, or it didn’t make sense for them to sell, but instead to rent out their homes. We actually grew our business during the recession, during a crushing economic collapse, so our model has already been tested and found to succeed in any economy. We focus on commercial and residential rentals primarily, but we also do sales.

  2. How and when did you become involved with Rapid?

  I started out in real estate all on my own when I was 19 years old. I took a real estate crash course, and next thing you know, I’m selling real estate, I’m buying real estate, and focusing on the rental market, which is how I started my own brokerage – which I named Rapid Realty.

  3. What was your background prior to joining Rapid?

  Before I got involved with real estate, I worked a few other jobs. I worked with my father when I was a kid; he was a street entertainer known in New York for charging tourists to take photos with trained parrots. I worked in an eyewear store for a while, and also installed security systems with my cousin, whose business was already successful at the time.

  4. What are some of the advantages in being a Rapid Realty franchisee?

  The main advantage is the fact that every franchisee has direct access to me, and I am very much at the helm and involved in every aspect of the business. We’re an organic and homegrown company, and we practice what we like to call “coop-etition”, meaning that everybody cooperates with each other to help the whole company, and each franchise on an individual level, succeed. You’ll actually see franchisees from different offices showing up to each other’s grand openings, to support the growth of a new territory everyone can do business in. Our agents are free to work out of any Rapid office they want to, so we’re a very collaborative company, and offer a lot of support to the entire Rapid family.

  5. Who is your ideal franchisee?

  Our ideal franchisee yearns for the freedom and independence that comes with being a successful entrepreneur, but also wants direction, guidance, and an established system to follow. Someone who has the entrepreneurial spirit and limitless ambitions but is also very regimented, who doesn’t want a cap in income, and loves to work with others while providing opportunities to them – someone who understands, and actually enjoys and embraces the commission-based world.

  6. Tell us a little about the rental industry market?

  Well, rentals are booming. Ever since the economic downturn, you see more and more luxury rental properties, and private equity firms that are buying single-family homes by the hundreds and renting them out. The economy is very rental-centric. People rent iPhones, people rent bikes from Citi Bike, they even rent their cars. Renting is hot, and it’s here to stay.

  7. What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?

  Mainly that, when you give somebody a blueprint, an opportunity, guidance, and direction, they will succeed. That’s something that we’ve created. We give our franchisees a system to follow, and what I’ve learned is, when you put the right candidate in that opportunity, they grow it themselves.

  8. Do you have a mentor and is there someone you use for inspiration?

  I grew up looking up to my father, my cousin, and my brother, who I’ve written about in more detail in my book, The Heart of the Deal. I also look at myself in 10 years, and try to picture myself as someone I can aspire to become. I ask myself, how wise am I going to be? How smart? What can I do to get to that point?

  9. What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?

  We are known as a very transparent company, and very heavy on social media. One of the first things you should do, if you are thinking of becoming one of our franchisees, is to go to our website, rapidnyc.com, look at our franchising section, and look at our social media pages and also my website, Anthonylolli.com. Look at the Rapid Realty world that we’ve created, and that we live, breathe, and sleep every day. The next step, of course, is to communicate with the franchise salesperson.

  10. In your opinion, why do you think that Rapid would be a great opportunity for someone?

  If you are done working a 9-5, you are done with corporate America, you are done working in an unhealthy environment, or worrying about whether or not you will keep their job, we may be a good fit for you. With a franchise, you can create your own environment, your own income opportunities, and you can extend these opportunities to others. We’re the perfect franchise for someone who doesn’t want to sit at a desk all day, who likes to go out on the field and meet people. You can help to improve the economy, while a

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Print Marked Items
The Heart of the Deal: How to Invest Like a
Real Estate Mogul
Publishers Weekly.
264.16 (Apr. 17, 2017): p59.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Heart of the Deal: How to Invest Like a Real Estate Mogul
Anthony Lolli, with Benjamin Piatt. Diversion, $18.99 trade paper (212p) ISBN 978-168230-080-0
Lolli wisely tells his readers in his first sentence that real estate isn't a way to get rich overnight, but rather a
business with "unlimited earning potential" for those willing to work hard. Part memoir, part business
primer, and part guide for salespeople, this book comprises both professional advice and personal anecdotes
from Lolli's career as a New York City real estate broker and investor. Little of what he shares is new or
original, and many of his examples, particularly those that involve buying out tenants in rent-controlled
apartments, may be more applicable to New York's unique markets than elsewhere. Still, the material is
suitable for beginners. Topics include the importance of referrals, the power of personality, the benefits of
goal setting, and approaches to combat negativity. The book is strongest in its real-estate-specific content
and when it peeks inside Lolli's career, and weakest in its generic business advice. Perhaps the most
valuable nugget Lolli offers is the warning that landlords shouldn't rent apartments they own to their
friends. Experienced real estate brokers, salespeople, and investors won't find much they don't already
know. However, readers looking for a broad, general introduction to the real estate business will be off to a
good start. (June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"The Heart of the Deal: How to Invest Like a Real Estate Mogul." Publishers Weekly, 17 Apr. 2017, p. 59.
General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A490820828/ITOF?
u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=83c471e5. Accessed 16 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A490820828
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