After spending 28 years on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Sea Cliff resident Bob Murphy made a unique career transition. With his interest and understanding for markets as well as his expertise in finance gained during his Wall Street days, Murphy recently accepted the role of executive director at real estate agency Grenier-Maltz of Plainview.
Murphy has always been curious about how stocks and bonds are traded. He was captivated by the complexity of how markets move up and down and how profits are made, so working in the high-energy stock exchange was a perfect fit.
Although Murphy enjoyed his career, it was time for a change after almost three decades as a stockbroker. In between his Wall Street to real estate transition, Murphy proved to be a businessman who is not afraid to take risks. After leaving his financially stable job, he decided to take up the opportunity to be partners in a laundromat business venture in Brooklyn, which he stayed with for five years until shifting into real estate.
While the switch from stockbroker to real estate broker may seem like a drastic jump, Murphy believes the professions aren’t entirely different.
“I have always enjoyed working in markets. Real estate is another market similar to that of stocks, bonds, commodities, etc. There are buyers and sellers and your job as a broker is to help bring both parties together,” said Murphy.
Aside from his main job, Murphy participates in community service through his parish, St. Boniface, and is a member of the Mutual Concerns Committee, a Sea Cliff-based organization that provides food and services to the elderly. He also decided to join the Sea Cliff Fire Department as an EMT and firefighter after losing many Wall Street friends on September 11.
“I felt useless not being able to help out in anyway. I’m now in a position to offer help to others in any emergency situation,” said Murphy.
Additionally, Murphy decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and coach youth baseball, basketball and lacrosse on the North Shore. His father coached the Police Boys Club football and baseball in Manhasset for 21 years.
“I guess it’s in my blood,” said Murphy. “It’s a way for me to get to know the kids and parents and give back to the neighborhood.”
Even after partaking in all of these activities, Murphy still finds time to play golf and spend time with his family.
Murphy was extremely excited when he was offered the position a Grenier-Maltz. While it wasn’t the easiest transition, he thoroughly enjoys his new job and is looking forward to a successful career.
“There is a bit of a learning curve involved. For me, it was understanding the commercial real estate vernacular that’s a bit foreign to me. My colleagues at Grenier-Maltz are helping me make a smooth transition,” said Murphy. “At the end of the day, it’s still a people business and I enjoy working with people.”
