Richard Hong

As an immigrant from South Korea, I came to the United States by myself at the age of 12 with an ambitious mindset to become as successful as I could be. I was what people called a “PK,” short for Parachute Kid—dropped off by my parents to start a new life on my own. Growing up under my aunt’s roof, I learned to make most of my life decisions independently while navigating cultural differences and language barriers. I was blessed with the loving support of my aunt, uncle, and grandparents, who guided me, fed me, and helped me with schoolwork. Experiencing that kind of care inspired me to give back to those around me. To lessen the financial burden on my parents, I began working in high school and continued throughout college. These early experiences shaped me into who I am today—respectful, responsible, and personable. I consider myself a strong team player who’s always willing to dedicate time and effort to achieve shared goals.

I graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Psychology. My career journey has been diverse, allowing me to gain valuable experience across several industries before finding a career I’m passionate about.I began as a recruiter, helping people find jobs, and later transitioned into HR administration, handling payroll, benefits, and hiring. After entering the corporate world, I joined LG Electronics in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, as an Assistant Office Manager at their headquarters. Currently, I work as an Assistant Property Manager at a commercial office building in Hunts Point, Bronx, NY—The Banknote Building—a role I’ve held since June 2021.

My journey into real estate began unexpectedly. My current property management position required me to obtain a real estate license to collect rent from tenants. Once I earned it, I realized it could also open doors to working part-time in real estate on weekends and evenings.During the purchase of my first co-op apartment, I had the pleasure of working with Emir Kolar from Compass, who made the process both educational and enjoyable. His expertise and professionalism inspired me to pursue real estate more seriously. That experience, combined with navigating the rigorous Bay Terrace Section XII co-op purchase process, deepened my understanding of co-op ownership in Queens. I’ve since become involved in my building’s board, where I aim to contribute ideas on improving operations, maintenance, and overall building performance.

While I’m still early in my real estate journey, I hold an internationally recognized designation from BOMI International as a Real Property Administrator (RPA)—a credential for property managers who oversee assets on behalf of building owners. In addition, I’m certified as a Fire Life & Safety Director (FLSD) by the FDNY, serving my current building at 1231 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY (The Banknote Building). I’m also a proud member of the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) network.

Outside of work, I’m passionate about running—a habit I picked up during COVID that’s become a daily source of motivation and joy. I often run from my home in Bay Terrace to Fort Totten Park to clear my mind and recharge. I’ve been happily married to my wife, Jin, since 2011, and we enjoy spending quality time together through all of life’s ups and downs. Even though I live in Queens, I’m a lifelong Yankees and Knicks fan—let’s go Knicks and Yankees!