David Engel called Howard Brody about his recent investment with Sherman & Associates. Below is a transcript of the call.
David: Howard, when did you & Jay do business together?
Howard: Jay introduced me to some projects he was working on in early 2007. In 2008, we actually did a transaction. He assisted me by investing in a property. And we closed on that at the end of 2008.
At this time, I've had two very successful transactions with Jay. The one I have just described and one that I am currently involved in as a private lender, earning 6% interest on my money.
David: What would you consider to be Jay's strengths, assets, or things you like about him?
Howard: He's quite knowledgeable...very knowledgeable. He does his homework. He's a detailed person, which I enjoy. When we have conversations, he's always patient with me and quite thorough in his explanations. I think he's also courteous. That's something that I appreciate very much.
David: Thanks for that.
Howard: I found that I can really depend upon him. When he says "I don't know the answer, but I'll get back to you tomorrow," he gets back to me the next day. He's VERY Dependable. Very responsive is another word I can use.
David: Would you please clarify what Jay was responsible for & what he did for you?
Howard: It was everything from introducing me to the investment property, which as out of state. To assisting me in understanding the tax ramifications of this transaction. Doing most of the due diligence for me. And acting as the intermediary between the developer and me, the investor.
David: On a scale of excellent, good, fair, or poor, how would you rate Jay's overall performance?
Howard: I'd have to give him an Excellent. And, I can back that up by saying that I look forward to investing with him again.
David: Why?
Howard: I've got 100% confidence. Let's use the vernacular today... young people use the word "total." I have total confidence in Jay to act on my behalf and do an exemplary job.
David: Alright. Tell me a little bit about Jay's communication skills. Did he answer your voicemails on time? Did you feel like he listened to you?
Howard: Yes. I kinda alluded to that, Dave. When I asked him, he usually knew the answer. When he didn't, he always got back to me in a timely manner. I didn't get delayed. I didn't have to call back and ask him again. He performed the way he said he would. That's the way I like to be treated.
When he didn't know an answer, he didn't try to hide it. That's an admirable quality. Too often, people today will not admit when they don't know all the answer. He's been very honest, very straight forward. He performs what he says he's going to. I learned that I can depend upon him. Dependability is key especially when I'm giving somebody my money to handle for me.
David: Did any obstacles get in the way during your transaction? How did Jay handle that?
Howard: I'm trying to think back now... no. There were no obstacles. There were questions that came up. There things that needed to be handled. I wouldn't call them obstacles.
I believe there were no obstacles because he had done his homework previous to speaking with me. Incidentally, I know that Jay went down to Alabama. His onsite inspection and the effort he put forth is what made this work so smoothly. He knew his product. He knew what he was doing, and he had the answers.
David: Thank you. Do you have any final comments or suggestions about Jay?
Howard: Bottom line, he really did an excellent job. I've invested many times over many years. I've not always had the type of service and follow-through that Jay has provided.
He's done everything that I could have expected of him. I'm extremely satisfied with Jay, and I look forward to future transactions with him.
