We live in New York, which is the world's capital and one of the most beautiful megalopolises. It has the largest real estate market, with hundreds of thousands of houses, millions of private apartments, and millions of apartments for rent. Tens of thousands of new apartments come on the market every year, along with a huge number of stores, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, salons, and galleries, from small shops to the most expensive and prestigious retail properties. And in this incredibly vast and challenging real estate market, a significant role was played and continues to be played by Abo Ilyayev, our compatriot, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, «Man of the Year 2020-2021». My meeting with Abo and a conversation with him left me with very pleasant impressions. He is smart, handsome on the inside and out, kind, has good manners, and always has a smile on his face. He is the kind of person who can charm anyone.
Dear readers of our magazine, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to this charming and very promising man in our community, who doesn't ignore other people's pain or needs.
– Our readers have already met you when we recently covered the important event of the Man of the Year 2020-2021 International Competition, where you were awarded the honorary title, but they will be interested to learn more about you and your work. Can you tell us about yourself? Where were you born and who are your parents?
– My parents emigrated to the United States in the early '90s. My father is Yakov Ilyayev, a businessman, and my mother is Polina Mishaelova. I was born and raised here in America, and we lived in Forest Hills, Queens. I was 9 years old and my sister, Stella, was 6 years old when our beloved mother left this world because of a serious illness.
In remembrance of his mother, Polina Mishaelova, Abo crafted a priceless present in the form of a Torah Scroll, which is read aloud at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in New York City on Saturdays and holidays.
– Abo, can you tell me about the beginning of your professional journey?
– Since I was a child, I've always had the ambition to grow up to be a moral and successful person. After graduating from high school, I went on to pursue degrees in business management and finance at Queens College. It was just my luck that I ended up working as a volunteer for Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Because of this employment, I was able to acquire vital expertise in the field of marketing and it was all thanks to this opportunity. After that, immediately following my graduation from college, I was offered a position with the Donald Trump Organization. As time went on, I learned the ropes of the working world and struck out on my own. First profits started rolling in.
– What characteristics are required in your profession?
– To become a real estate specialist, you need neither specific experience nor training. Practice demonstrates that individuals from all occupations are successful here. In this profession, salespeople, negotiators, appraisers, psychologists, managers, attorneys, photographers, and analysts, among others, acquire their talents through experience. You must also possess communication skills, adaptability, resolve, courtesy, and tact. Real estate entrepreneurship is not as simple as it may appear at first look. Finding clients in the real estate industry is typically a very involved procedure that requires market knowledge and experience. This occupation demands constant use of the telephone. Putting the phone on silent is a luxury.
– What are your goals?
– I knew nothing and had no idea how to proceed. I started from scratch with everything. However, I established a target for the first six months of employment. It seems pretty concise and straightforward: to complete five transactions in six months. I accomplished this outcome as a result of my determination and diligence.
– What traits do you find most important in a person? Just mention two.
– If only two, they would be loyalty and honesty. I'd also add organization – the ability to accomplish things on schedule and solve problems.
– Abo, do you have a model to follow? Who do you aspire to be, and why?
– Yes, for a long time, I regarded Mr. Lev Levaev, our esteemed President of the World Congress of Bukharian Jews, as a role model because he did and continues to do so much for Jews all over the world, especially Bukharian Jews. In my opinion, no one appears to be comparable to him. He motivates us, the youth, to help our community by achieving our goals. The recent meeting and personal acquaintance with President Lev Levaev at the 22nd Congress in Dubai left a good impression in my heart, as well as the certainty that I am on the right track with faith in G-d and a generous helping hand to those in need. I am extremely proud of my people and eager to serve them!
– You have been named "Man of the Year 2020-2021" for your outstanding community service. Why did you decide to become a philanthropist?
– Everyone should assist those in need, and the world will become kinder and cleaner as a result. Every good deed you perform serves as a reward for yourself. Don't wait for thanks, and don't be disappointed if you aren't. To succeed, you don't have to be smarter than others; you just have to be a day faster than most. And, whenever possible, assist others. It's a wonderful sensation!
Abo Ilyayev has been involved in charitable work for more than three years, whether it is assisting someone in getting married or preparing someone who is critically ill for surgery. Abo feels fulfilled and energized while assisting others. Abo actively supports religious centers, a gymnasium in Queens, the Jewish ambulance Hatzalah, and numerous other organizations.
– What are your thoughts on our community, and how do you see it progressing?
– There are issues in our community that must be addressed immediately. One of them is our teenager. We have a lot of them, and in the evenings, all they have to do is go to restaurants, bars, and other places where they learn unsightly things. My ambition is to establish a "Youth Center" where teenagers can spend their free time participating in sports, listening to interesting lectures, and educating themselves. I intend to build the center not only in New York, but also on the coast of Florida.
I'd want to make a plea to our young people: in order to reach your goals, you must read a lot, improve yourself, and study our holy text. Torah demonstrates the correct path to the goal and aids in the discovery of answers to all life's questions. Hurry up and do some good for free! Never let your guard down. Every night before going to bed, we should reflect on what we did well today and how we can improve tomorrow. Above all, don't be afraid of anything in life, particularly change!
Abo believes that, with God guiding him through life, all of his dreams will come true. He is only 31 years old, is single, and by his own example demonstrates that the new generation of Bukharian Jews has already produced intelligent and courageous young people with realistic goals and a commitment to achieving them. Our community is proud of individuals like Abo Ilyayev, who have an active position and an open heart.
– Abo, how do you feel about our idea to make the magazine "Women's World" bilingual, and do you read it?
– I really like your idea that the magazine will now also be in English and that it is also available online. To be honest, I don't read Russian, but I often see your magazine and hear good things about it and its publishers. Now, if Women's World is bilingual, I will definitely subscribe and read it. I wish your magazine to prosper, expand, and increase its readership!
– On behalf of "Ladies’ World" magazine we wish you great success, happiness, and luck in your personal life!
– Also, thank you so much!
Raya Kandhorova-Davydova moderated the discussion.
