A few weeks ago, my friend Kathy Braddock, the managing director of real estate company William Raveis, joined me for an interview. She had some great advice and insights on real estate and growing a successful business. Today, I am continuing that conversation with the founder of William Raveis, Mr. Bill Raveis himself.

Bill founded William Raveis in one room over a grocery story in Fairfield, CT in 1974. He borrowed $2,000 to launch his firm – a firm which last year sold more than $8 billion worth of real estate. It is now the largest family-owned real estate company in the northeast with over 100 offices.Bill was the 1988 recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, among many others for his achievements in business. He also gives speeches across the country and has been published in numerous financial and real estate publications including Forbes Magazine and Real Estate Today.