Courtesy of Robin C. Wright
On April 28, 2025, the Entrepreneurship Club at Connecticut College had the unique opportunity to meet Daniel Neiditch at his penthouse in the Atelier condominium, the tallest solar-powered residential building in the U.S. In addition, we were greeted by his ten-month old pup Scruffy. Although I was unable to attend in person, I listened to the full interview and spoke in-depth with our e-board to reflect on what we learned. One thing became clear: true success lies at the intersection of impact and ambition.
Neiditch spoke candidly about his early struggles and how those experiences shaped the values behind his real estate empire. Like many successful entrepreneurs, he began in finance but grew disillusioned with the cold, impersonal nature of the corporate world. He made the bold decision to leave and build something of his own, something that would allow him to combine business strategy with lasting impact.
After thorough conversations with the e-board, each member shared what resonated most:
Christian Pappas ’25 (Vice President): “What inspired me most was Neiditch’s pragmatism. He pairs big dreams with grounded decisions, such as rolling commissions into equity or exiting furnished housing when the timing changed. His impact comes from strategy and heart, whether it’s building solar projects or hiring people off the street.”
Andrea Motekaitis ’25 (Treasurer): “That moment when he said, ‘I always knew I was enough’—it stuck with me. I’ll carry it with me going forward.”
Christina Degenhardt ’25 (Head of Communications): “He built himself up from nothing, and instead of turning bitter, he gave back. That generosity inspired me.”
Benjamin Chin ’26 (President): “The part that really touched me was when he reflected on how people grow. He said, ‘When you’re younger, you’re very selfish. A lot of people grow up thinking only about themselves. But as you live life, you realize there’s more to the world than just yourself. And when you can give back and help other people, that’s more important than any personal gain.’ That hit me hard—it reframed how I think about success.”
The Entrepreneurship Club’s meeting with Mr. Neiditch was the result of full team collaboration. Chin first heard about Mr. Neiditch from Christian, who had been inspired by his story. From there, the executive board worked together to coordinate logistics, secure funding, and finalize the schedule. Chin initiated the outreach, but the entire team played a role in bringing the visit to life.
Neiditch’s outlook on challenges inspired the group, and his benevolent nature shone through as he offered mentorship and advice, showing genuine interest in the growth of each aspiring entrepreneur present. The four key takeaways from our visit were his transition from modest beginnings to becoming a mogul, his insights for aspiring entrepreneurs (including wisdom on leadership), his commitment to sustainability, and his general philanthropic efforts.
Poster in The Atelier showcasing its rooftop solar array and other sustainability upgrades.
Neiditch’s background is a striking contrast to the larger than life character we see today. As much as it might stretch credulity, Neiditch was raised in serious economic hardship. He grew up in the Bronx, a childhood marked by welfare and food stamps, and transformed those early struggles into the foundation of a billion dollar real estate empire. He spoke at length about how he found solace and inspiration in television shows like Growing Pains and Family Ties, which he credited with giving him a glimpse into what a normal childhood could look like.
His early life experiences catalyzed his future ambitions. “We were on welfare; I still keep one of the old food stamp bills to remind me where I started.” These formative years galvanized him, giving him the drive to overcome every obstacle and take full advantage of every opportunity.
Neiditch also shared inspiring stories and words of wisdom that showcased how he developed resilience and ingenuity over the years, enabling him to navigate markets and industries without falling victim to challenges such as financial collapses or real estate downturns. He even offered career advice, which was especially timely given the volatility in today’s markets.
As a real estate pioneer, Neiditch built River 2 River into a multifaceted conglomerate encompassing brokerage, management, construction, and development. His foresight allowed him to weather market volatility with strategies like turning down early buy-out offers and buying back properties sometimes at 50 cents on the dollar after the 2008 crash. He also emphasized the importance of adaptability, citing how he pivoted his business model when external shifts, like Airbnb’s impact on furnished rentals, changed the market landscape. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs was clear: prioritize profit, cultivate resilience, and, once established, embed purpose and philanthropy into your business model and lifestyle.
On the topic of philanthropy, Neiditch’s deep and unwavering commitment to helping underprivileged communities, individuals with disabilities, minority groups, and countless others facing adversity stands as a core component of his mission. As Christina Degenhardt ‘25 mentioned, “I was inspired most by his generosity and empathy,” which drives his work with organizations such as the Promise Project, supporting children with dyslexia from underprivileged families.
Neiditch’s focus on homelessness is equally significant. He is deeply invested in eradicating street homelessness across the United States, especially in NYC (his hometown), believing that “jobs plus apartments cost less than hotel vouchers.” This practical yet compassionate approach reflects his understanding of both the financial and human aspects of these issues. His commitment to philanthropy is evident; he has signed a giving pledge, ensuring that the majority of his wealth will be directed toward charitable causes after his death.
Close up of the Atelier’s glass mounted solar panels—the tallest residential array in New York City.
Neiditch sees sustainability as a win-win that just makes sense. During our tour, he pointed out small but thoughtful features like hallway lights that shut off automatically when not in use that help cut energy costs without sacrificing comfort. Back in 2011, he installed the tallest residential solar array in New York City atop the 46 story Atelier, significantly reducing the building’s energy consumption. He also implemented green roofs, high efficiency systems, and low toxicity materials. For Neiditch, these are not just eco friendly touches—they are smart business decisions. His message to other developers is clear: even in tough economic times, sustainability is not a luxury; it is a long term investment that boosts both property value and tenant satisfaction.
In conclusion, meeting Neiditch was an invaluable experience for our group. His rise from humble beginnings to real estate mogul serves as a powerful reminder that obstacles can become stepping stones when paired with vision and perseverance. His commitment to philanthropy, particularly in the areas of homelessness and education for underprivileged children, stands as a testament to the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind. After feeling undervalued at Barclays despite strong performance, Neiditch chose to walk away, frustrated by being overlooked due to his age. He decided to invest his time into something of his own; without prior experience, but with sharp instincts and ambition.
If there’s one takeaway for our Executive Board and fellow students, it’s this: Think of something you’re passionate about that fits into today’s market, and then think of how you can give back; whether that’s volunteering your time or giving what you can. Just like Neiditch showed us, true success goes hand in hand with impact.
