Suggestions
Eric Benaim
Founder, CEO / President of ModernSpaces Real Estate
Professional Background
Eric Benaim is a highly regarded figure in the world of Queens real estate. His career trajectory showcases a blend of innovation, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to his community. With his entry into real estate dating back to 2001, Eric transitioned from a successful background as the owner of a live event production and marketing firm to focus on the lucrative Manhattan luxury real estate market. However, his passion for Long Island City (LIC) drove him to pivot his focus, ultimately leading to remarkable success in this burgeoning borough.
In 2008, amidst the financial crisis, Eric made a bold decision to found Modern Spaces. This innovative move not only transformed the perception of real estate in Long Island City, but also created a new benchmark for real estate professionalism and customer engagement in the area. Over the span of a decade, Modern Spaces experienced remarkable growth, expanding its footprint beyond LIC to include offices in Manhattan, Astoria, and, more recently, Jersey City. Under Eric's leadership, the firm has captured a staggering 70% market share in the LIC area while substantially increasing its presence across the Hudson River in Jersey City.
Education and Achievements
Eric's educational background includes studying Real Estate, Business, and Communications at New York University, equipping him with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the competitive real estate landscape. Over the years, his outstanding achievements have contributed significantly to his status as a leading voice in real estate. Notably, Eric has successfully completed over $7 billion in sales and currently oversees more than $4 billion in real estate assets, translating to over 8,000 residential units.
In recognition of his contributions to the industry and the community, Eric received accolades such as being named one of the 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in both Queens and Brooklyn by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz. Furthermore, his commitment to community engagement led to him being awarded the 2018 Community Impact Award by the Long Island City Partnership and the Community Hero award by the LIC YMCA. He was also honored in 2016 with the Corporate Social Responsibility Award from City and State.
Community Engagement and Media Presence
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eric Benaim is a proactive participant in various community and professional organizations. He is an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), serves on the Advisory Board of Mount Sinai Hospital, and contributes to the Board of Directors for the Long Island City Partnership. Moreover, he is involved with Culture Lab, further emphasizing his dedication to the arts and local culture.
As a recognized leader in his field, Eric frequently lends his voice to discussions and events across the real estate spectrum. He is often featured in acclaimed publications and media outlets, including CNN, Fox Business, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CRAIN'S, The Real Deal, CNBC, and NY1. His insights and opinions can also be found in Op-Ed pieces published in notable publications such as the Daily News, Crain's NY, and AMNY.
Additionally, Eric is the host of the Queens-focused podcast 'See You in QNS,' where he explores topics relevant to the Queens community, reinforcing his position as an influential figure and advocate for local development.
Personal Life and Interests
In his personal life, Eric maintains a strong connection to his community in Long Island City, where he resides with his wife, Stephanie, and their two children, Greyson and Olive. A passionate art collector and supporter of the arts, he has earned the affectionate title of the 'Informal Mayor of LIC.' His profound love for the neighborhood and dedication to fostering a thriving community is evident in every venture he undertakes through Modern Spaces and beyond.
Achievements
- Successfully completed over $7 billion in sales
- Oversees over $4 billion in real estate assets, totaling over 8,000 units
- Named one of the 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in Queens and Brooklyn
- Recipient of the 2018 Community Impact Award by LIC Partnership
- Awarded Community Hero by LIC YMCA
- Honored for Corporate Social Responsibility by City and State in 2016
- Host of 'See You in QNS', a podcast focusing on Queens
- Featured and quoted by major media outlets including CNN, The New York Times, and CNBC
