Devoted to real estate, real estate agents, and all things property related

Leona Hemsley, died in New York on Monday, at 87 years old.  Long known as the "Queen of Mean" for her personality, Ms. Hemsley is a pioneer for women, in real estate.

Leona Hemsley was really, the Queen of New York, through and through.  She was born in Marbletown New York, raised in Brooklyn, died in Connecticut and will be buried in New York.  And, she was truly a force in New York real estate.  Hemsley began in real estate as a condominium broker, but she was also a model. What's fascinating about Hemsley is that she continuously made brave, and bold power moves.   When she met and married millionaire real estate broker, Harry Hemsley in 1968, she joined his real estate firm-- as a Senior Vice President.  

The Hemsley real estate empire was huge.  It started with apartment to condominium conversions, and included hotels (Hemsley Palace Hotel-tallest hotel in NY upon completion), along with the Empire State building.  When you think of famous towers in New York, it is safe to think of "The Queen of Mean".  

Her "mean" moniker was developed as a result of her extreme attitude when it came from making money.  She was also known for being mean to her employees, demanding perfection.  She once sued her son's estate when he died, for money and property, and evicted and bankrupted her son's wife. 

In an interesting turn of events, Hemsley spent close to two years in prison after being sentenced to sixteen years for tax evasion, and mail fraud.  Upon her release, she went right back to work, but soon buried her husband who died of heart complications.  She sold off some of their assets, and making close to $2 billion dollars in cash, is said to be one of the wealthiest women in the world. 

Ms. Hemsley, the "Queen of Mean" will be remembered in a lot of ways, but it was said that she didn't want her reputation to be her memory.  Here, we make note that although she was mean, she was a pioneer in real estate!  She was courageous, and  knocked down plenty of doors in leadership for women in the real estate industry. That should be remembered, too.