The Catalyst Team - NY

Beth Gittleman - Founder

Beth began her New York City real estate career in 2003 and works as an associate broker.  During her career she also served as the Head of Sales and Development for a boutique brokerage in Manhattan where she spent 6 years creating and building the sales and development department of the firm.  A native New Yorker, she is a resident of the Upper West Side, where she has lived for 26 years. She is known for her work with sellers, developers, and buyers and operates with a simple philosophy that she has dubbed “Couch Karma," which is her belief that no one engaged in a real estate transaction should ever question if they are getting the service they deserve from their broker or brokerage.  Beth is a member of REBNY (Real Estate Board of NY) where she served as twice-elected co-chair to the Upper Manhattan REBNY committee.  She is also a member of NYRS (New York’s premiere real estate designation) where she served on the Executive Committee as the Director of Education. Beth holds a Certified Negotiation Expert designation, and is a volunteer fundraiser for Trinity Place Shelter.

Emily Ackerman - Founder
Emily has over a decade of experience in the Manhattan residential market. Before joining Compass she was a principal with the Ackerman-Heidami Team, a top-grossing team at a boutique brokerage in Upper Manhattan. She also has two years experience as a sales manager for her previous firm where she developed and taught sales education and provided transactional support and mentorship for 125+ agents. Emily holds both Certified Buyer Representative and Certified Negotiation Expert license designations. Emily has a background in the arts and education.

Daoud Heidami - Founder
Daoud Heidami is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker in New York with Compass and a co-founder of The Catalyst Team - NY. The team has been recognized year over year by RealTrends among the top 1.5% of real estate teams in the United States. He represents buyers and sellers across all five boroughs with a strategic, straightforward approach to pricing, positioning, and negotiation—focused on protecting your time, privacy, and bottom line. Backed by the reach and technology of a national brokerage, he pairs strong marketing with disciplined execution. Daoud works across all property types and price points, from first-time buyers and sellers to significant luxury transactions. Clients come to him for clear guidance, honest advice, and steady deal management from start to finish. Before joining Compass, Daoud served as a sales manager at a boutique Manhattan brokerage, overseeing transactions for more than 125 agents. That experience shaped the attention to detail, organization, and calm approach he brings to every client. As a co-op owner and former board member, he offers firsthand insight into how co-op buildings operate, how boards evaluate buyers, and how to navigate those transactions smoothly. He’s known for a polished yet approachable style, direct communication, and accountability. His business is built on trust and referrals, which he never takes for granted. He also works with vetted national and international referral partners, giving clients reliable support beyond New York City. Daoud holds a Master’s Degree from the University of California, San Diego and is fluent in English and Arabic. If you’re considering a move, he welcomes the opportunity to be a resource.