Community Servant: Spotlight on Long Island Agent Randy Katakofsky | Elliman Insider

Abstract

Long before he decided to embark on a career in Long Island real estate, Randy Katakofsky had his sights set on the executive suite. While working as a valet parking manager at a Long Island mall, Katakofsky helped to thwart an attempted car theft when he answered the victim's cry for help and chased the would-be thief across several lanes of traffic to a nearby electronics outlet, eventually corralling him with the help of other bystanders until the police arrived. "I still got my degree, but almost immediately after, I took the test to go into law enforcement." Since retiring from law enforcement in 2015, Katakofsky has found a similarly gratifying line of work in real estate. Whether it's closing a case or closing a deal, Katakofsky thrives in helping people to solve problems. "But Douglas Elliman has an enormous training division and hands-on management team, so you are never really alone here. There are agents everywhere that will work with you and guide you to the finish line." For Katakofsky, that sense of support and presence is palpable across Long Island. "It's my all-access pass into any DE office to do what I have to do. I like the fact that we have brick-and-mortar offices with managers that you can reach out to when you need help to solve a problem." As a participant in a technology task force convened by Ann Conroy, the CEO of Elliman's Long Island Division, Katakofksy appreciates that the company provides the opportunity for "People like myself, who are technologically inclined, to discuss solutions and find ways to improve." It's an ethos of camaraderie and generosity that aligns with Katakofsky's own commitment to going above and beyond for clients and giving back to the community. Whether he's chasing down a crime suspect, guiding a client through a challenging sales process or donating to a worthy cause, Katakofsky chalks it up to "Selfishness." "I enjoy the feeling," he said.