Farm to City Hustle with Tina Larson

Keep Hustling

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with Tina Larson, a Swedish-born expert in New York City's condo and co-op market. Tina shares her journey from a farm in Sweden to thriving in NYC real estate, discussing how she pivoted from a career on Wall Street to founding a business that helps building boards operate smarter and save money. She dives into the challenges of building management, the importance of board involvement, and how hustling through personal experiences led her to a new entrepreneurial path. Tina also discusses her book, "Living the High Life," and reveals the behind-the-scenes work of writing and publishing. The episode is packed with insights for anyone interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, and taking bold steps to improve their own investments and communities.

Get To Know Tina Larson

Tina Larson is the co-founder and owner of The Folson Group, a leading consulting firm that helps NYC co-op and condo boards maximize property values and streamline operations across all five boroughs. With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Tina applies her analytical expertise to the real estate sector, ensuring buildings are managed efficiently.

A pivotal moment in her career came when she led the finance committee in her co-op, successfully preventing maintenance increases. By benchmarking financial data from other buildings, her team identified unnecessary services and secured competitive bids, resulting in $340,000 in savings.

Tina is also the author of "Living the High Life: How Smart Co-op and Condo Owners Protect Themselves and Their Investment," reflecting her commitment to educating property owners on real estate management.

Originally from Sweden, Tina moved to New York City in 1994 and has greatly influenced the local real estate landscape. She is dedicated to guiding property owners through the complexities of co-op and condo management, providing innovative solutions to enhance their investments.

LinkedIn Youtube Instagram The Folson Group

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Channel Your Inner New Yorker - Even If You Aren't One: Tina's journey from a Swedish farm to the heart of NYC real estate proves that courage and adaptability can take you anywhere. Her story shows that loving your new challenges and city opens doors to success, no matter your origins.

2. Get on the Board - Protect Your Biggest Investment: One of Tina's core messages is that condo and co-op owners must move beyond complacency. Taking an active role, such as joining the board, is the most effective way to safeguard your home and financial future. Don't let others steer your investment without your input.

3. Hustle Translates into Opportunity: Turning a personal pain point into a career is at the heart of Tina's hustle. She didn't just solve her own co-op's problems—she saw a market need and built a thriving business. The lesson: your unique experience and drive can become your springboard for entrepreneurial impact.

Show Overview: 00:00 Tina Becomes NYC Real Estate Expert

03:53 New York Ego and Homeownership Insight

09:10 Board Involvement in Real Estate

11:33 Effective Board Management Tools Needed

13:34 Co-op Savings Through Industry Analysis

17:15 From Challenge to Business Success

21:54 Doorman Duty Dispute

25:46 Podcast Finale: Subscribe & Engage