Sam Charney shares career history, development draws over steak dinner
In the first episode of The Real Deal's "The Industry Dish" series, developer and Charney Companies founder Sam Charney opens up about his real estate history while cooking a steak and pasta dinner in the Gaggenau Test Kitchen in Manhattan.
Sam Charney, the founder of Charney Companies, recently shared his journey to success in the real estate industry in the first episode of The Real Deal's "The Industry Dish" series. Charney discussed his upbringing in New York City and how it influenced his approach to development.
During the episode, Charney cooked a steak and pasta dinner in the Gaggenau Test Kitchen in Manhattan while discussing his career. He explained how growing up in the city during the 1980s and '90s exposed him to the "grittiness and cultural scene" that shaped his perspective on development.
"That kind of formed who I am and what I bring to development," Charney said, highlighting the impact of his early experiences in the city.
While Charney's success as a developer may seem like a natural fit, it was not always part of his career plans. As a student at Bates College, he initially had no intention of entering the real estate industry.
"I didn't know what I wanted to do," Charney said. "I thought I'd become a lawyer or a doctor or something like that."
However, after reading a book about the history of New York City, Charney became fascinated by the city's development and decided to pursue a career in real estate instead.
Despite the challenges and complexities of the industry, Charney has found success as a developer and continues to shape the landscape of New York City through his projects.