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“I thought it was for business owners,’’ said Landsman, who is a Realtor for Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty. “I found out it was for anybody. I thought they were doing great work, and I’ve been there ever since.”
In his first few months as a member, Landsman organized a dinner and silent auction that raised over $4,000 for club projects. He also helped organize a fund-raising dinner in 2012 with the Rotary and the Yonkers Fire Department that supported the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center and raised $9,000.
“It’s good to be involved with a group that focuses on local charities,’’ Landsman said. “We have our own fundraisers and whatever we raise, it’s 100 percent give back. Everybody is giving from the heart.”
Yonkers and East Yonkers Rotary merged in July to broaden the base of the club. Both groups had seen dwindling numbers, but the organization has been revitalized by the consolidation.
“We picked up some more members and they come from all walks of life,’’ Landsman said. “There are doctors, lawyers and real estate professionals. We meet for lunch once a week and discuss our projects. We’re trying to do as much for the community as we possibly can within our budget.”
Landsman also serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals in Yonkers, and has been a Realtor for 12 years. He worked in a dry cleaning business with his father before switching to real estate.
“I didn’t want any part of the business for myself,’’ Landsman said. “The hours in real estate are pretty flexible, but your time isn’t your own. When you think you’re off, you’ll get a call and you’re not off anymore. It’s a very stressful business but it has great rewards, not only monetarily!"
Landsman has been the top-producing agent at his office location nine out of the last 12 years. He has lived in Yonkers for 20 years.
“We’ve seen a big improvement recently,’’ Landsman said. “Yonkers has been a little slow coming back, but it’s moving in the right direction now.”
