Stribling Insiders: Chris Wilson

As Stribling’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Wilson is responsible for making sure everything behind the scenes is in proper working order. From technology infrastructure and website functionality, to maintaining and improving Stribling’s physical office space, Chris has his hand in just about everything. Prior to his management position, Chris spent many years as one of New York’s top agents — and helped to market the legendary and hugely successful Plaza Hotel condo conversion. He’s also our resident copy editor, making sure we dot our i’s and cross our t’s. It’s Chris’ attention to detail that allows Stribling to run as well as it does on a daily basis. We caught up with Chris to chat about how he landed his first real estate gig, his favorite meal, and his weirdest hidden talent:

When did you first get into residential real estate and why?

I was working for interior designer Naomi Leff (mastermind behind the iconic Polo Shop interiors) in the early 1980's. It was stimulating, occasionally glamorous work, but not very lucrative. So when my best friend from Dartmouth started selling real estate, he persuaded me to join him part-time, just to supplement my income. Well, part-time rapidly became full-time, and the rest is history.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Being in charge of Operations is great because there’s no risk of boredom. Everyday you’re encountering something different: a fresh crisis or a new challenge. Predictability, routine and repetition wear thin with me pretty quickly.

Why did you choose Stribling & Associates?

I began my real estate career on the Upper West Side. But by the late 80’s, I wanted to expand my repertoire to include the East Side as well, and Stribling was the perfect place to make that happen. Plus — for a year or so prior to joining — every time one of my exclusives sold, a Stribling agent brought the buyer. I figured the universe was trying to tell me something!

Do you have a favorite neighborhood and why?

I’ve lived more than once, at different stages in my life, in the Flatiron District, and I’ve never known a better location in Manhattan. All of your needs are easily met within the neighborhood, but at the same time you can get anywhere from there with little expense or difficulty.

If you weren’t in real estate, what career would you choose?

When I first entered real estate, coming from interior design — this job function didn’t exist — but I would have made an excellent stager. I can’t stop fluffing!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cooking, baking, and sharing recipes — particularly the familiar ones that I grew up with. My mother was a professional caterer.

Favorite book?

No book has left a bigger impression on me than Valley of the Dolls. I read it for the first time in 4th grade…it was NOT assigned reading!

Favorite movie?

All About Eve. The best dialogue ever.

Favorite travel destination?

Miami, Florida (I have a condo there).

Favorite meal?

Christmas smorgasbord (julbord): Smoked Ham, Swedish meatballs, cured salmon…my mouth is watering already.

**Lightning Round**

If animals could talk, which would be the rudest?

The hyena, I imagine. They would probably qualify even WITHOUT talking!

Your favorite animal?

Lindy, my 2-year-old Jackahuahua (aka Jack-Chi, a Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross).

Pineapple on pizza?

Never

What would you name your boat if you had one?

“Sailbad the Sinner”

What’s the closest thing to real magic?

A perfect souffle.

Your most useless talent?

I can curl my tongue.

Do you have a signature dance move?

I used to be able to shimmy pretty well, but haven’t tried it lately!