Photo: Michal Czerwonka for The Wall Street Journal
In a recent issue of the Wall Street Journal’s Mansion section, real estate reporter Lauren Schuker Blum profiles the design business of veteran Hollywood manager Sandy Gallin, who in his next act has become a designer and home flipper to stars in his inner circle.
As Blum explains, Gallin began his career as a manager for such famous musical acts as Michael Jackson and Dolly Parton. He was also an executive producer in both TV and film, and on the side, Gallin began “flipping” homes in Malibu, Beverly Hills and New York’s Hamptons, reportedly pocketing as much as $15 million on one transaction.
When the housing market began its free fall, Gallin started what has become his third career: home design for A-list clients. “I really fell into this whole thing by accident—I mean, who starts a new business in their 70s?,” Gallin tells Blum.
Commenting on the value of Gallin’s, The Agency’s Billy Rose tells the Wall Street Journal:
“In the same way that buyers will pay a premium for a house by Neutra, or a Frank Gehry, or a Paul Williams, people are willing to pay more for a Gallin…it’s gotten to the point where he’s a brand.”
How much of a premium? Rose noted that a house designed by Gallin can sell for 10% to 30% more than would a comparable home.
Read more about Gallin at WSJ.com.
