Skyline Advisory’s Next Chapter: Why John Dugan and Mick DiStasio Chose BHS

This week we spotlight Skyline Advisory, a top-producing team led by John Dugan and Mick DiStasio who recently joined BHS’ Union Square office. Formerly the top team at Elegran, John and Mick bring a proven track record in the luxury market. In the interview, they discuss what drew them to BHS, their strategies for long-term success, and their favorite spots to dine around the city.

You both officially joined BHS this week coming off of being the top Agent Team at Elegran | Forbes by Sales Volume and Number of Sales.  Why did you decide to make the move to BHS?

We sincerely valued our time at Elegran and experienced a remarkable journey together, rich with valuable lessons and growth. Ultimately, it was these very values that guided our decision. Our commitment to expanding our business and remaining active in the luxury market convinced us that BHS is the ideal environment for our next chapter. In addition to their stellar reputation, the warm, family-oriented culture profoundly resonated with us.

What impact will the quarter point benchmark interest rate reduction have on the market in your opinion?

We are hopeful and believe this will enhance activity and improve buyer sentiment. While the immediate financial impact may not be substantial, especially since some factors were already reflected in pricing – this development serves as an important indicator and should bring a positive shift to the market. It suggests that interest rates have peaked and are now beginning to trend in a more favorable direction, which is precisely what many buyers have been waiting for.

You along with the 8+ members of your team are considered one of the top producing teams in NYC, share your best sales skill tip with our agents to continues to help you reach your level of success?

Wow, what a question! What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to consistently exceeding expectations across all dimensions of our service. This encompasses our responsiveness, our focus on nurturing long-term relationships, and our provision of detailed data and insightful analysis throughout every phase of a transaction. We pride ourselves on making informed decisions rather than acting impulsively, which has created a ton of value for our clients.

Where is your favorite place in New York City to dine and why? What are you ordering?

John: I love everything, but steak and Italian are my favorite. I recently had a great meal at Strip house on 12^th and University. I like to start with shrimp and oysters, them a wedge salad, followed by a strip cooked medium and some type of potato.

Mick: Such a hard choice as I love to try new places! I am breaking the rules… 4 Charles has been my favorite experience, and their burger is as good as you read about. My wife and I also love the eclectic steak menu at Vinyl and getting our Asian food fix at Pranakhon and Oiji Mi. 

Share something few know about you.

John: I love the song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” more than I should.
Mick: I grew up in Maine! 

John, thank you for your service as an Infantry Combat Team Leader in the United States Marine Corps, what can you share with us that you take most from that time and apply in your business life?

John: My pleasure and thank you for your kind words. I think the two most important things I try to apply, sometimes poorly, are the leadership and team-building skills I learned, and the perspective that experience gave me. This business can be incredibly tough at times, and situations can feel unbearable in the moment, but they’re rarely as bad as they seem. The more  acceptance or  letting  go of needing to have the last word or specific outcomes the better…. I try remind myself of that often..thinking back to moments where I realized, there are Marines dying in Iraq right now, and here I am stressing over a rental…chill.

Mick, you used to be a professional basketball player in England, what did you learn from that experience that helps you in real estate?

Mick: I thoroughly enjoyed my time overseas and took full advantage of the rich experiences it offered. Immersed in a different culture and engaging with diverse individuals from around the globe, I was able to broaden my perspective and connect with a wider range of people. Through my travels, I developed a profound appreciation for architecture and how it reflects the distinct characteristics of various cultures. It also helped me to maintain a strong work ethic and the discipline required to excel in a competitive environment. The need for teamwork and collaboration on the court has also instilled in me the importance of building relationships and fostering trust, which are crucial in real estate transactions.

Share a photo that means a lot to you both and share why.

John: This is a recent family Pic from my sister’s wedding- other than being a wonderful occasion with great weather it was the end of a wonderful summer with lots of quality family time.

Mick: My wedding day in Costa Rica. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to spend such quality time with all of the people I love on the best day of my life.

Connect with John at [email protected] and Mick at [email protected].