Brown Harris Stevens has scored a major win in the city’s competitive brokerage landscape with the addition of the Skyline Advisory Team. Led by John Dugan and Mick DiStasio, the team has officially joined the firm’s Union Square office, bringing a combined history of more than $400 million in career sales and millions in rental transactions.
For Brown Harris Stevens, which has been on a steady streak of high-profile hires, the move signals both momentum and strategy. For Dugan and DiStasio, it represents what they describe as the natural next step in a career built on collaboration, leadership and strong results for clients.
Skyline Advisory arrives with eight agents: Rogan Mason, Jasvir Bal, Howard Hauptman, Rosa Teves, Val Loxhaj and Jonathan “Will” Wade, along with Dugan and DiStasio at the helm. Their reputation has been shaped by professionalism, creative deal-making and a knack for navigating the complexities of New York’s real estate market.
“I am so pleased to welcome John, Mick and the dynamic Skyline Advisory Team to Brown Harris Stevens,” said Bess Freedman, CEO of the firm. “Their remarkable backgrounds combined with their proven success and leadership make them a wonderful addition to our Union Square office and to our firm as a whole.”
A Marine, Michelin-starred chef and top agent all in one
Dugan’s career path has been anything but conventional. Before entering real estate, he served as an Infantry Combat Team Leader in the United States Marine Corps, a role that honed his discipline, resilience and ability to lead under pressure.
After his military service, he transitioned into the culinary world, rising to the position of Chef de Cuisine in Michelin-starred kitchens. He credits those experiences with shaping the creativity and precision he brings to every real estate transaction. “Joining Brown Harris Stevens is an exciting next chapter for our team,” he said. “We’re eager to leverage the firm’s deep resources, powerful platform and collaborative culture to continue delivering the very best service to our clients.”
From basketball star to real estate savant
DiStasio also carries an uncommon backstory. A former professional basketball player, he has built his real estate career on the same principles that guided his athletic life: teamwork, strategy and perseverance. “From the moment we met with the leadership at BHS, we knew it was the right fit,” he said. “The firm’s commitment to excellence and its reputation for integrity perfectly align with our own values and goals as a team.”
Big moves for Brown Harris Stevens
Skyline Advisory’s move comes at a time of significant talent migration in New York brokerage. Brown Harris Stevens has been a visible beneficiary, recently welcoming several executives and top producers from Elegran.
Ben Willig joined as Managing Director of Agent Growth and Strategy, Jared Antin as Executive Director, and Shawnalee Tamayose, co-founder of APT212, as a leading producer. Each cited the firm’s management support, marketing tools and technology as reasons for the transition.
With Skyline Advisory now in its Union Square office, Brown Harris Stevens is not only strengthening its sales force but also reinforcing its position as a privately held firm with staying power. In an environment where agents are increasingly seeking firms with robust resources and strong leadership, the addition of Dugan, DiStasio and their team underscores the firm’s role as a destination for top talent in New York real estate.
