Get to Know the Broker: Joshua Young of Brown Harris Stevens

Having joined Brown Harris Stevens (BHS) in November 2021 as an executive vice president, Joshua Young went on to found his own team at BHS in June 2025. He leads the firm’s Young New Development Group, which focuses on marketing, leasing and sales of new development projects.

The former Division I baseball player for St. John’s University began his career in 2006 as a project manager for Cantor Pecorella, a luxury residential development advisory and sales firm. Over the last 20 years, Young has established himself as a leader in residential sales, leasing, commercial leasing, property management and asset management, having represented properties in New York and Miami Beach.

“Josh has forged an impressive career over the many years I’ve known him, and I was hoping to bring him to BHS when the moment was right,” BHS CEO Bess Freedman said in a 2021 statement about his hiring. “He has experience in every facet of commercial and residential real estate.”

Commercial Observer spoke with Young in September for a series called “Get to Know the Broker,” where we learn more about residential brokers and what makes them tick.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Commercial Observer: What has been the biggest deal of your career so far?

Joshua Young: I worked on some of the most incredible spec homes built on North Bay Road in Miami Beach while with To Better Days Building. They were sold for record numbers at the time, and it was quite a learning experience. Building such large-scale homes on the waterfront brought many challenges. We worked very hard to overcome it while trying to keep the focus on Miami Beach.

What is your career Everest?

My career Everest hasn’t been centered around a specific building or sales number. It’s more about continuing to earn a seat at the table with the biggest and brightest developers.

After more than 20 years in the business, the part I find most rewarding is helping shape a project from the beginning, working on everything from unit mix and layouts to amenities, positioning and pricing, then seeing those decisions translate into success when the project reaches the market.

For me, the ultimate achievement would be to look back at my career and know that I helped shape what was built, not just how it was sold or rented. That’s what we are building toward with Young New Development Group with our current and pipeline projects. We are grateful to be able to work with Douglaston Development, Atlas, Tavros, Vornado, Rockefeller and others.

We’ve just launched sales at Douglaston’s 175 East 82nd Street, and the building is incredible. It’s the ultimate convergence of location, design and craftsmanship.

Who has been your biggest influence?

Personally, my family. My father Bob, who is a disabled Vietnam veteran, taught me that there is no substitute for hard work no matter how hard the work is. My mom, Randy, worked seven days a week in real estate her entire career and always found time to make family dinner, something very important to me as a husband to Awi and father to Sonny (4), Jones (8) and Sophie (16). And my sister Jamie, the toughest of all of us, is selfless and shows it by her drive to rescue every dog under the sun who needs a home.

Professionally, there are quite a few who have taught me most of the lessons I carry with me daily. Steven Charno, president of Douglaston Development, taught me that you can be successful and still treat people with kindness, understanding and patience and still meet deadlines and budget. Peter Fine, founder of Atlantic Development Group, taught me that tough decisions need to be made in business, so you do what you think is right, and move on. Andy Cohen, founder of Atlas Capital, taught me to “let things die a natural death,” and Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, taught me that compassion and connecting to people is a gift. Doing so will only increase your circle and your business, but standing up for what you believe in is paramount above all.

Who is your favorite architect/interior designer?

This is such a tough question. I, along with Dominique Ramirez, my director of operations, have so many incredible projects with the most talented architects and designers in the pipeline.

I will say what John Cetra and Nancy Ruddy of CetraRuddy have done at 175 East 82nd Street is incredible. The brick façade and the level of detail, inside and out, make me proud to be a part of it. My career started in 2005 working with them on other projects, and I can say it’s been one of the most rewarding business relationships. To come full circle and work with them on a project of this scale is meant to be.

What’s your most entertaining deal story?

My cousin and I ordered and had delivered a very expensive and massive Sub-Zero fridge while sitting at a closing table because the sellers decided they were taking the old fridge with them at the last minute. Our buyer (and close friend) was so upset, he was willing to walk from the deal or litigate. Working with developers and having relationships with certain vendors saved the deal, and probably our friendship.

What’s your go-to takeout order?

I eat healthy and clean, but I will destroy Chinese takeout. You could close your eyes and point to anything on the menu, and I will eat it.

What TV show are you currently binging?

As a former DI baseball player at St. John’s University, I am a baseball junkie. I watch as many games, highlights, podcasts and interviews as possible. My daughter thinks it’s a serious problem — it just might be. Go Yanks!

What is your silliest pet peeve?

Spelling errors. There is no excuse with the technology we have available. Also hearing people say, “I think,” before answering a question. Be confident in your answers.

Amanda Schiavo can be reached at aschiavo@commercialobserver.com.