The American Dream: Alive or Dead?

We’ve all heard about the “American Dream”, it’s something we’re taught in school, and if we’re lucky get to experience it first-hand. The notion and drive to build something great for yourself from nothing is what gave generations before us purpose and a burning want to get up in the morning. It’s what made this nation what it is today!

The Irish have emigrated to the U.S. since its humble beginnings. It was not until the 1840s, during the “An Gorta Mor,” “The Great Famine,” when over a million Irish immigrated into the United States that the Irish became black listed in America.

This was due to the fact that the Irish immigrants were predominately Catholic, and the majority of American early settlers were colonial British. This conflict and the Irish persecution dates back from the English invasion of Ireland well over 800 years ago. This prejudice lead to the American “help wanted” ads printing the acronym “NINA“ or ”No Irish Need Apply.”

Despite this prejudice, some of the most famous frontier men, generals, war heroes and commanders, along with poets, musicians, innovators, and capitalists have been of Irish-Catholic descent. Also, over three-quarters of U.S. presidents claim Irish heritage. This all speaks volumes to the resilience of the Irish spirit, that nothing stopped them from chasing their American dream. I began my search for an Irish man or woman, who might be chasing after a modern version of the American Dream.

Garry (or as he is better known, Gazza) Winters exemplifies the American Dream. Coming to this country from Ireland as a highly trained mason. After he became one of the highest paid masons in New York City, he eventually established a successful contracting company.

Now, while that would have been enough for some, it was far from over for Gazza. While living in New York, he became a real estate investor, a landlord, independent contractor, and currently holds a real estate license in New York and New Jersey. In addition to this, he also has a B.A. in psychology and sociology, all of this was accomplished since arriving in the United States at the age of twenty-two. And he continues to chase his dream, which he feels is never done!

I was lucky enough to grab some of his time to speak to him about his American Dream, and how he was able to achieve so much in such a short amount of time.

Sami: Let’s start at the beginning. You started off in Ireland as a mason. Was that a trade you wanted to learn, or was it kind of just plopped in your lap at a certain age?

Gazza: When I turned 16, my dad gave me an ultimatum: Go to college for a degree, or get a trade. At sixteen I decided on a trade rather than college so I could make some money and hang out with my friends. I ended up taking my apprentice ship with one of the best brick layers in Ireland. When I came to New York, I became one of the highest paid brick layer in the city due to the fact that I learned from the best. Due to the proficiency I demonstrated in my craft, I was able to work on the higher end jobs for some well-known personalities.

Sami: When you came to America, did you come with anyone?

Gazza: Actually, I came here by myself. I always had that wandering gene if that’s what you would call it. I told my mates, one night that the following weekend I would be in NY. Of course, they didn’t believe me but I did. I came here and met with friend of a friend of a friend (laughing), and I got a job in a week and shared an apartment with a few fellas and within four weeks I had my own place and I didn’t return to Ireland for fourteen years.

Sami: So while you were in America, you became a contractor. How did that come about?

Gazza: The Irish fella I was working for became a good friend of mine and we decided to open our own construction company.

Sami: What got you interested in becoming a real estate investor?

Gazza: Actually I’ve always had an interest in real estate, and from my experiences as a contractor, I knew how real estate worked. With that knowledge and experience I began to purchase properties for myself. I bought my first house at the age of twenty-five and within a year was sold and I made a nice profit. I knew there and then I needed my own real estate license to
find my own properties.

Sami: Later on, you decided to study psychology, what made you want to pursue that?

Gazza: At sixteen when I was given the choice, college or a trade I didn’t want to be boxed in for another six years in boring classes. But, later on, I decided I really did want to go to college. I was very fortunate in that I was able to achieve success financially and sustain myself, and also get an education as well. I thoroughly enjoyed my college experience here in the U.S.

Sami: You wear a lot of hats. You’re a contractor, a realtor, and a landlord. How do you feel your psychology degree helps or hinders you in the market?

Gazza: It definitely helps-you have a lot more patience with people. You never know when someone that is looking at a property might be going through something that is influencing how they are looking at a property. Maybe they’ve just had a death in the family, or maybe they’re purchasing the house because they’re going through a divorce-you just don’t know. You need to
see people beyond what you see in front of you in order to find out exactly what they want. Without that insight, it can make the job even harder and cause more stress than what buying or renting already puts the client through.

Sami: I understand you’re a landlord in New Jersey as well. How did that come about?

Gazza: At one point I had the opportunity to buy a cheap property in NJ, and it went from one property to many in a short period of time. Initially I was just buying and flipping houses, but then I saw the potential to buy, flip, hold and rent properties and that’s how I became a landlord. The first property I became a landlord of was back in 2004, and I’ve been a landlord ever since.

Sami: I know you’re licensed in both NY and NJ. Do you feel you need to market places differently depending on the state?

Gazza: NY and NJ is like the difference between day and night, in NJ, clients are more patient, will work with one agent, are more concerned with school districts, taxes, nearest parkway entrances, property size and are willing to wait days for an answer on a contract or application. Now, New York clients are more concerned with the closest subway stop, laundry mats, noisy
neighborhoods, number of closets, and they will work with many agents at the same time and want things done and answers in a New York minute. And I love it!

Sami: You spend a lot of time in NY obviously, what are you doing when you’re not renting and selling apartments here?

Gazza: Being a realtor is a 24/7 job. Even when I’m acting as a landlord or an investor, all of my focus is still on my clients in New York. It is very demanding and not for the faint of heart.

Sami: What attracted you to Citi Habitats?

Gazza: When I first walked into the Citi Habitats office after interviewing with many other firms I knew I had I had stepped into a professional, positive environment that was focused on reaching the clients goals whether it be selling, buying ,renting or even investing. After meeting with my managers Zac Flynt and Anthony Palmieri I knew I had joined a highly driven team that was focused on the well-being of their agents. Between the daily in house trainings to the weekly property tours I feel I’ve partnered with a company hasn’t thrown me to the wolves but rather a team that comes together for the common goal of a long lasting relationship with the client. I’ve only been here for a month but I already see the cohesiveness of our office and the “let’s get it done” mentality. The lack of any hierarchy or procrastination has been extremely refreshing and creates a family type of office atmosphere. This highly driven office suits my personality.

Sami: What else have you learned from Citi Habitats?

I’ve also recently partnered up with architectural firm based out of New York City. When I first approached Anthony (Palmieri) with this possible new opportunity he was eager to get involved. We immediately began brainstorming ideas of how both parties can benefit from this new relationship. Already it’s been a success and I look forward to what comes of it in the New Year.
This is all thanks to the management of the office because without their guidance this relationship would never have been formed.

Sami: You know, for a long time, there was a stigmata against the Irish in NY getting work. Do you feel that’s still the case today?

Gazza: It’s actually the opposite today! Today, it’s a blessing to be Irish in the U.S.-especially New York. I’ve noticed though, that while the Irish call ourselves Irish-American, many cultures fail to mention the American part, no matter how far removed they are from their ancestral country. You know, we helped build this country, and a large portion of the NYPD/FDNY politicians, celebrities, sports stars etc. right here in New York proudly emphasize their Irish heritage. If the stigma had
held on, then the U.S. certainly wouldn’t be what it is today. I’m proud to be Irish, and I’m proud my son is an Irish-American!

Sami: Okay, so you’re a landlord, contractor, and a realtor. Do you have any other passions besides the real estate market?

Gazza: First and foremost any free time I spend with my family. My wife and I put time aside a few times a year to go on vacation, when you work hard you need to save time off for your family. I also take one day off to chill with my son and play airsoft with our team named “Off In The Woods,” I also do some acting, and I’ve just recently been named ambassador for Citi Habitat Cares, which is a foundation that helps underprivileged youth in New York. On a side note, I also act in both onstage and in movies, but that’s a story for another time.

Sami: Oh, that’s fantastic! One last question: Is there any advice you would give someone who is looking to build their own American Dream?

Gazza: Well, do you think when people say behind every man is a great woman is just a saying?

Well it’s not. I wouldn’t have half the success or drive if it weren’t for my wife. She works just as hard and is driven just as much as myself. You need to surround yourself with people who are goal oriented, and try to steer clear of people who are negative and complain way too much (laughing). Listen, you need to surround yourself with people like you so you build a support system. Put away as much money as you possibly can, and work as hard as you can. When opportunities land on your door step don’t be so afraid to take them! Spontaneity isn’t always a curse-sometimes it’s a cure.

After talking with Gazza, I felt this sense of peace and also a sense of drive that I hadn’t felt in quite some time. It was in that moment that I realized something-the American Dream isn’t dead, but is in fact very much alive. The period in our history of “Irish need not apply” is left long behind in our history. Gazza showed me you can build yourself up from nothing and you can absolutely change the direction of your life at any given moment. The trick here, dear reader is to never give up and to continue each day to work towards whatever goal you’ve set for yourself. Then, and only then, will you ever be able to achieve
your American Dream.

While I was in school, I read about the American Dream and even looked at the pictures of those that helped build the nation. However, the stories and pictures mean nothing to me now- I now have a friend, and an amazing example in Gazza Winters. There’s no telling how far he’ll go as he continues to chase his American Dream.

If you would like to contact Gazza in regards to renting, buying or selling, he can be reached at:

Gazza Winters | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

CITI HABITATS
665 Broadway, Suite 500 | New York, NY 10012
P 212.937.8500 | Cell 718.415.8079 | Fax917.262.7406
www.citihabitats.com | See My Listings
https://www.on-site.com/apply/property/195001
Citi Habitats Cares Ambassador For Greenwich Village Office.