The Real Estate Godfather of Harlem

The Real Estate Godfather of Harlem is a short memoir written by author Jarrod "General" Whitaker sharing life lessons and business tips by showcasing his time in the music and entertainment industry before pivoting into a successful career in real estate development and management in New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia.

There is a shift an American thought amongst the Black Community where economic prosperity and gain is seen as being the catalyst for the achievement of freedom, justice, and equality. People who can be financially and socially exploited will continue to remain vulnerable to systemic injustices. The Real Estate Godfather of Harlem is a short memoir that seeks to educate and enlighten young men and women coming from underserved and marginalized communities of the power of self-reliance, self-determination, and cooperative economics. This memoir will take you on a journey of self-discovery and provide motivational encouragement for the achievement of your personal success.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jarrod Whitaker, Founder and CEO of Direct Managing Solutions LLC has worked in the real estate industry for the past 16 years. Jarrod has in-depth experience with predevelopment planning, mixed-use, and lease-up communities, as well as operational experience with luxury residential apartment communities, cooperatives, and condominiums. He has successfully executed ground-up construction projects and leases up of luxury residential projects over $3 Billion. Jarrod has proven success in generating profitable performance by pinpointing operational inefficiencies and resolutions and encouraging employee morale among a positive corporate culture. Jarrod received his Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Political Science from Columbia University, Master's in Real Estate Development from NYU's Schack Institute of Real Estate, and a Certification in Management Essentials from Harvard Business School. Jarrod resides with his wife and daughters in the Hamilton Heights section of Harlem in Upper Manhattan and is a New York County Committee Member and Licensed Real Estate Broker. For leisure, Jarrod enjoys traveling abroad with his family and mentoring young men and women who come from underserved communities.