By Robin Jovanovich
Richard Neuman multitasks with the best of them. The father of three is a realtor, a property manager, and a conciergist, which means he handles everything as if it were his own.
A few years ago, through real estate referrals, he was asked to take over the management of two homes in the area. “More and more people in Rye go away, part of the year, every summer, and they want someone who is personable and capable to watch over their home while they’re gone,” he said in a conversation in his kitchen last week. That’s why he started Rye Concierge.
Having grown up in Rye and moved back to Rye in 2020, Neuman knows everyone, and, if he doesn’t, he will find them for you. He gets clients estimates for projects big and small, finds the right contractor, brings in the best electrician, shows up to open the house for the plumber, the alarm company, the cable guy. He locks up when they leave.
While concierge service sounds exclusive, Neuman said, “Many people just want to enjoy their lives and their families and not waste time waiting for servicepeople. That’s where I come in. I don’t mind the grunt work and I am sometimes the bearer of bad news — ‘you need a new sewer line’ — but clients appreciate having someone they can trust on the job who responds quickly and professionally and makes their lives easier.”
If a client is coming back from vacation, Neuman makes sure there is fresh food in the refrigerator. “I’m better than FreshDirect,” he quipped.
If you’re away and the temperature drops below freezing, he’ll stop by and turn on the faucets.
“In your absence, I’ll make sure everything works. I love being able to protect homeowners and save them money,” said Neuman, who just completed an online course on property management through Cornell.
Neuman has a lot of interests and an interesting resume. In his past life, he worked for CBS Sports in TV production; he was a party planner at The Rainbow Room; and he spent a few years in the restaurant business. In 2004, he started working with his father, Michael Neuman, in the oil and gas business. In 2016, he followed his mother Nancy’s advice and got his real estate license (she got hers over fifty years ago).
Some of his Rye Concierge clients take advantage of his la carte service because their needs change; others pay a monthly fee. He takes a percentage of contracting fees.
When you need someone to watch over you, and your home, you only have to make one call. Richard Neuman will take care of everything else.
