In this week’s BHS Agent Spotlight, we’re featuring Shanna Katz, the new Head of Operations for The Louise Phillips Forbes Team at our East Side Office. Formerly the VP of Operations at William Raveis NYC, Shanna brings a sharp operational mindset and deep industry experience to one of the most respected teams in luxury real estate. In her interview, she shares what drew her to Brown Harris Stevens, the best advice she gives agents looking to grow in the business, and much more.
What separates BHS from firms like William Raveis in your opinion?
What separates firms like Brown Harris Stevens and William Raveis, in my opinion, is that both have incredible reputations, but they each bring a very different culture and perspective to the business.
Brown Harris Stevens represents the timeless elegance of New York real estate, built on generations of trusted relationships, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to luxury service.
In your time managing agents, what is the most important word of advice do you have for someone working their way up in our industry?
Real estate is ultimately a co-broke community, and relationships matter more than anything. This business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel lonely at times. The people who succeed long term are the ones who lead with integrity, treat others well, and build genuine relationships along the way. No matter how competitive the market gets, you always want to be someone people trust, respect, and want to work with, because those relationships are what carry you through every stage of your career.
What excites you most about working with a real estate icon like Louise Phillips Forbes?
Louise’s reputation truly precedes her. Throughout the interview process and after accepting the position, every person I spoke with had incredible things to say about her, not only about her success in the industry, but about the way she leads with generosity in both her business and personal relationships. I’m excited for the opportunity to learn the business from a completely new perspective and to grow under someone who is truly a master of her craft.
Favorite dining Spot on the Upper East Side? What are you ordering?
I’m a huge fan of old-school New York Italian, so my answer has to be Canaletto. I order the linguini and clams every single time, but here’s a little secret: you have to ask for only clams and no mussels. I order this everywhere and truly they do it the best.
Favorite building in Manhattan and why?
My favorite building in Manhattan is One Sutton Place South. I live in the area currently, and I’ve always been drawn to its pre-war charm. Every time I walk by the entrance, I still find myself wanting to go inside. The building has incredible river views and that rare, timeless character that makes Sutton Place feel so quietly special.
Share with us a photo in your camera roll that means a lot to you and why?
This picture means the world to me because family is my world. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a supportive family, my daughter’s smile is so contagious, at least to me… one little grin from her and I’m smiling right back without even trying.
Share something that few know about you.
I fully enjoy “mindless” TV while snacking on chips, sour candy – the whole thing. And I also play softball, which is my favorite way to get outside, reset, and have some fun.
Connect with Shanna at skatz@bhsusa.com and the Louise Phillips Forbes Team at lphillips@bhsusa.com.
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