This month I was able to connect with an old friend and previous PlumpJack employee, Justin Fichelson. Born and raised in San Francisco, Justin decided to pursue his lifelong passion for real estate and architecture after graduating from the University of San Franciscoand is currently one of the featured realtors on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, San Francisco..
If you know me, you know I am passionate about philanthropy and have been since I was very young. I am so proud that Justin has also found his passion in philanthropy at a young age with his deep involvement in the San Francisco arts community. He is a founding board member and current treasurer of the Exploratorium Lab, which raises money for the San Francisco Exploratorium, one of the world’s top interactive science museums. Justin is also a member of the Junior Committee of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show, and previously served as a board member of the SF Symphony Symphonix. You may think you know Justin from his appearance on Million Dollar Listing, but after reading this month’s Conversations with Hilary, you’ll get to know him a little better.
What do you believe to be your greatest accomplishment?
Building a successful career and having the honor of ringing the opening bell of the Nasdaq stock exchange.
Do you have a prized possession?
An original photo by rock photographer Jim Marshall of Keith Richards playing his guitar. Jim was my neighbor while growing up in San Francisco.
What qualities do you think others love about you?
I’m genuine, honest, and I, “think different,’ as Apple says.
If you could do anything other than what you currently do, what would it be?
I would be an historian or a politician.
What do you like most about what you do for a living/career?
I’m a people person and I love architecture and design and the two go hand-in-hand in real estate. Real estate is also a very entrepreneurial type of career in that you are essentially self-employed and running your own business. I also love finding the perfect home for my clients.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Check and respond to emails that I received over night.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Friday night?
Meet for a drink at Balboa Cafe and see a classic film at the Castro theater.
What were you passionate about in your younger years growing up?
Politics and entrepreneurship. I always wanted to invest in real estate and I wanted to run for office. I’ve also always been passionate about history.
What are you passionate about now?
Doing real estate, traveling, politics and history.
What’s your favorite season and why?
Spring because the weather is just starting to warm up and excitement builds in anticipation of summer!
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you?
A water filter, a survival guide and my green pants.
If you were a cocktail or a drink what would it be?
Negroni. Classic and not trendy.
What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
Can’t You Hear Me Knocking by the Rolling Stones.
If you could have lunch with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Queen Elizabeth I or President Lincoln.
If your life was made into a movie, what would it be called?
My Way
Do you have any regrets?
It would have been great to study abroad.
What are your personal core values?
Honesty; ethics; loyalty to friends, family and clients. Working hard and finding time to give back in some way.
Define Freedom.
Freedom for me is the ability to decide how I spend my time everyday.