SPOTLIGHT ON: Ernest Chi

An Entrepreneur with Many Hats

From bartending, to owning a custom-design clothing business, to brokering a real estate firm, Ernest Chi has done it all and is now one of the newest members of the HGAR Board of Directors for 2025.

The Broker/Owner of Ernest Chi Real Estate in Riverdale and Yonkers, is excited to add his voice to the association leadership. After applying and being nominated, Chi received the awaited call. “I was surprised I was chosen—I guess my interview went well,” he quipped.

Having attended many HGAR events and making connections with other members, Chi said he’s ready to take on his new role. “I’m very honored to be able to share my perspectives and views. I think it’s important to get involved—in order to see progress, you have to be involved.”

Chi grew up in Harlem and spent many of his pre-real estate years as an entrepreneur. A custom clothing line he created featured t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and other apparel. “My mother is a seamstress, so we created a niche business that even included professional boxers’ robes,” he recalled. “Business was mostly word-of-mouth, and yes it was a lot harder than real estate.”

Years later, Chi earned his bartender’s license and one of his favorite haunts was a sports bar just outside of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. “Working as a bartender allowed me to earn a good living and travel,” he shared.

As someone who was always interested in properties, he pursued a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in 2010. He also took courses in plumbing, electrical, and clear air systems, then later earned a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) certification. In 2013, he passed the test for LEED Green Associate.

Just before entering the real estate industry, Chi switched careers again—this time to being a stay-at-home dad for his youngest son. Besides giving him the opportunity that many fathers don’t get, his full-time parenting position allowed him to make a lot of community contacts to ultimately help him kick-start his real estate career.

“I met a lot of parents, volunteered at my children’s school and coached little league,” he noted. “Real estate is a relationship industry, and it also gave me flexibility and the ability to control my own business.”

The 20-year Riverdale resident got his real estate license in 2014 and began working with a local brokerage. After just three years, he decided to branch out on his own. “Because of the tools provided through HGAR, as well as the state and national associations, I felt as though I had enough support where I could go it alone and not be afraid,” he said.

Chi admits it was challenging in the beginning, but besides his growing list of contacts, his “green” certifications also presented him with an advantage. Currently he focuses on residential real estate in the Bronx and lower Westchester, but he’s always willing to travel anywhere to get a deal done. “I’ve made co-ops my niche market—it allows me to be an expert in that type of housing and fully service that market,” he explained.

In his free time, he still coaches local little league teams and loves to travel with his wife and three sons. Over the last two years, he has traveled to many different international cities throughout Europe, Cuba and Columbia.

As for his goals with the HGAR Board of Directors, Chi would like to see more member participation in association events. “I want to encourage other members to come out, learn, and be more engaged,” he said. “It’s essential for both business and personal growth.”