Potomac, MD June 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

JUNE 2020

Potomac Strong ISSUE

MOUSSA MOAADEL TEMPTATIONS TO ACHIEVE

POTOMAC COMMUNITY STRONG

JAY VOHRA INSPIRES FUN AND LAUGHTER WITH AWARDWINNING GAMES

RORY S. COAKLEY A MAN FOR OTHERS

YOU WILL THE MARKET REMEMBER HOW AT WE MAKE YOU FEEL RIVER FALLS

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2020 PUBLISHER

KC Cole | KC.Cole@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jess Bousa | Jess@Ordermychaos.com

Potomac Strong I WOULD NORMALLY BE SAYING FIRE UP THE GRILLS, TEE TIMES AND

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Bethany Steele | Bethany@Ordermychaos.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams

LET’S GET KID CAMP READY! This month was modified due to our conditions

LAYOUT DESIGNER

in our nation. While writing this letter back in April we are still in a lockdown, kids

Dana Rudolph

are home, toilet paper still hard to find, not to mention a barber and hairstylist was in great need! Many of our business were closed and our hardest hit was small businesses and even Potomac Lifestyle we all rely on community support to survive.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauri Gross, Marie Robey Wood, Danielle S. Tepper CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

I wanted to take some time to share some inspiring stories of a few POTOMAC

Jack Hartzman

Men right here in our backyard. We’ve taken this issue to highlight some of them and learn from their experiences in life and what they are doing onward to give back to our community.

Included in this edition is community as a whole “Potomac Strong” Read about our Potomac entrepreneurs and small business that have been here to serve and thank you for your support.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

The doctors and nurses who were on the front line of the nations pandemic espe-

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

cially humble us. See our digital edition June 1st on citylifestyle.com and read about

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

coverage on a local Potomacan named Dr. Sydney Liang who graduated from

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Holton-Arms School in Bethesda in 2009. She served as a first year resident/intern

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

and put others before herself during the fight of Covid-19 at a NY Hospital.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

While social distancing and self-isolation predictably becomes a thing of the past.

Let’s get out and shop local for Father’s Day. Pick out something he’ll love; see what our monthly advertisers have to offer that might make him happy!

Happy Father’s Day, & Let’s Keep Potomac Strong!

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

KC Cole , Publisher 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Moussa Moaadel, in front his Chevy Chase office with marble replicaZeus featured in The Louvre in Paris France.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK HARTZMAN 4

Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

Proverbs 3:5-6 Potomac Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Potomac areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Potomac Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JUNE 2020

FEATURES 08 Potomac Strong Local Businesses Share Inspiration and Hope for Thriving in a Coronavirus World

12 For the Fun of It! It turns out that admitting to poor life decisions is a fun way to bond

16 Moussa Moaadel Temptations to Achieve

16 12

24 A Man For Others Rory S. Coakley strives to serve community’s real estate needs

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08 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

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Inspired By

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Local Limelight

22 Culinary Creations 24 Giving Back

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UPPORT LOCA S S L

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Potomac Strong ARTICLE LAURI GROSS

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LOCAL BUSINESSES SHARE INSPIRATION AND HOPE FOR THRIVING IN A CORONAVIRUS WORLD

BESPOKE SOUTHERLY Bespoke Southerly offers made-to-order apparel for women, with an emphasis on investment dressing and sustainable, USA-made clothing.

Founder Sheri Turnbow appreciates classic silhouettes and launched the brand a year and a half ago with formal dresses. She said, “This is what women wear to some of the most special events in their lives and it embodies my vision of ‘one dress, beautifully made, that not everyone else is wearing.’” She added, “With the onset of coronavirus and parties/weddings on hold, we’ve introduced a line of casual tops perfect for working from home. Flirty but classic, these tops add a little fun to your look, with pompoms, ruffles, and fringe.” Sheri encourages everyone to use social media to share their favorite products from local companies. Favorite local business: Normandy Custom Cleaners.

Bespoke Southerly founder Sheri Turnbow holds a color card near one of her company’s custom dresses. www.bespokesoutherly.com

THE DAVID AND MIKEL BLAIR FAMILY FOUNDATION The David and Mikel Blair Family Foundation is providing Creative Learning and Activity Kits for kids. “Our kits provide fun activities, interactive games and creative, independent learning opportunities, plus information on safety and public services during this crisis. Our hope is to provide a bit of happiness for children and provide parents a chance to exhale and take care of themselves,” said David Blair. “We’re happy to play a small part in unifying communities where we live,” added Mikel Blair. To contribute and/or donate children’s toys, books or arts and craft supplies,

The Blair Foundation helped create and distribute 300 Easter baskets filled with toys, candy, puzzles and more with the hope of bringing some joy to families and individuals during national crisis. Theblairfamilyfoundation.org

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Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

contact Info@ capsmd.org, to schedule a pickup. The David and Mikel Blair Family Foundation made a contribution to supply materials for the kits and the Council for Advocacy and Policy Solutions will prepare and deliver them to local communities.

Favorite local business: David: Lia’s Restaurant. Mikel: Potomac Grocer

KAUFMANN JEWELERS Kaufmann Jewelers considers itself a small family business but the company has a huge history standing behind it. Currently owned and operated by George Kaufmann (the father) and Corey Kaufmann (the son), the family’s jewelry experience dates back

Wendy Brack Fritz (owner), Abby Goldman (North Bethesda Manager) and Devon Gardner (Loudoun Manager), of Scout and Molly’s. www.Scoutandmollys.com/north-bethesda

to the 1940s, when George’s father ran the original Kaufmann Jewelers, and where George helped out. Eventually, with a friend, George opened Robert Bernard Jewelers, and then five years ago, George opened today’s Kaufmann Jewelers with Corey, a Gemology Institute of America graduate gemologist. George said

SCOUT AND MOLLY’S NORTH BETHESDA

he and Corey “are experienced goldsmiths, specializing in cus-

Fans of the clothing boutique Scout and Molly’s love that the store

and we are eager to serve the community again.” Favorite local

tom hand-made pieces, repairs and antique jewelry restoration.

We also have a large collection of high fashion jewelry and estate pieces.” He added, “We plan to reopen as soon as we are able to

offers style that brightens their wardrobe. Owner of the North

business: Brooklyn’s Deli.

Bethesda and Loudon stores, Wendy Brack Fritz said, “Our goal is to create a shopping experience that empowers and celebrates women.” Wendy’s stores often host trunk shows and pop-up event to showcase the work of local designers and artisans. Wendy said they also, “team up with local charitable organizations to raise awareness and give back a portion of our proceeds to their cause.”

During the coronavirus, Wendy said customers are continuing to shop from the store’s website and are enjoying their weekly giveaways on Instagram. Favorite local businesses: “Several of the local small business entrepreneurs we regularly collaborate with are Bella Jenna, By Marcela, Karmic Sparkle, Barbara B, Artfully Designed, LZC Style, and Sandy Squires Jewelry.”

Corey and George Kaufmann, owners of Kaufmann Jewelers. www.kaufmannjewelers.com

SERENITY GARDENS Serenity Gardens Assisted Living is located on two acres nestled in a tranquil setting with a home-away-from-home environment.

Dr. Claudia Warren-Taylor, Nurse Practitioner (with more than 10 years’ experience in intensive care nursing), and Founder of Serenity Gardens Assisted Living, said,“COVID-19 brought several challenges with a higher health risk to seniors and individuals with underlining medical needs. We were uniquely positioned to take the appropriate steps early. We instituted patient protective mechanism very early and as of today have recorded no COVID-19 cases in our facility. We are still open, accepting new patients and continue to provide quality care as usual. Our weekly entertainers deliver their performance from outside, our care team now resides onsite while our healthcare providers work via telemedicine. Yes, you can still see and interact with your love one via skype or zoom.” My favorite place for fish in Potomac is The Market at River Falls.

CONTINUED >

The living is good at Serenity Gardens assisted living. www.serenitygardensliving.com

Photo By Jack Hartzman

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

TALLY-HO RESTAURANT Loved for its pancakes, plus subs, pasta, and Greek and Italian specialties, Tally Ho restaurant is also considered by many to have the area’s best pizza. The family-run business will be marking its 50th anniversary in the fall. Andreas Vellios is the son of the founder. He said, “During this pandemic we are lucky to have our regular customers that support us. Curbside pickup and ordering, as well as contactless deliveries are available.”

Through their Care for the Caregivers program, they have served 700 free meals to the area’s healthcare workers and first responders. Contributions are welcome through Venmo @tallyhorestaurant. Favorite local business: Breadsmith of Potomac.

navirus pandemic. We are also offering Covid-19 cleaning buckets that contain a variety of cleaning products that we are selling, and donating to families in need.” They also donated a $10,000 college scholarship to a local resident. As an essential business, Two Maids & A Mop is still open for residential and office cleanings, plus move-in and move-out service. Favorite local business: Renato’s Italian restaurant.

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Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

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there is a great need for a clean, sanitized, and disinfected home, especially during this coro-

LOCAL B US

than $4,000 of free cleaning services to cancer patients. Marnie said, “For cancer patients,

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cancer patients through free home cleaning, Mari and Marnie’s company has donated more

T R O P P SU LOCAL!

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passion for giving back. Through a partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit serving

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In 2016, Mari Millard and Marnie Hamel launched Two Maids & A Mop of Rockville with a

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TWO MAIDS & A MOP OF ROCKVILLE

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Marnie Hamel, co-owner of Two Maids & A Mop of Rockville, with her coronavirussafe Bernedoodle named Gatsby. www.twomaidsrockville.com

SUPPORT LOCA LS

Andreas Vellios takes a delicious pizza from the oven at Tally Ho Restaurant. www.tallyhorestaurant.com

ULTIMATE AMUSEMENTS From major charity functions to small private birthday parties, Ultimate Amusements has been making every event more fun for over two decades.

The family-owned and operated company rents carnival games, interactive attractions and inflatables, mechanical rides, virtual-reality devices, casino tables and equipment, water slides, Skee-Ball games, cotton candy

Photo By Jack Hartzman

The Cutler Family www.ultimateamusements.com

machines, photo booths, and much more, for events across the country.

Owner Howard Cutler said he and his team have “sanitized each and every ride, game, attraction and all the way down to casino gaming chips, video and arcade games, balls, joysticks, consoles, etc.” The company is working with clients to reschedule events. With everyone anxious to reconnect with co-workers, family and friends, Howard said, “Clients are wanting a bigger, much larger bash than ever before.” Favorite local business: “Too many to name. Small businesses are the back bone of our community.”

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CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Jay Vohra Founder & CEO

FOR THE FUN OF IT! 12

Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

"It's All Fun and Games at the 2020 NYC Toy Fair"

THE NEVER HAVE I EVER… CARD GAME FOUNDER JAY VOHRA SURE KNOWS ALL ABOUT THAT! Jay had it good! He was the Federal Sales Manager at Wyle Systems, Inc. and Vice President of Business Development for Federal Programs at Quality Software Services, Inc. a successful professional at successful companies in a thriving industry. Jay always knew he wanted to own his own business and change the world with his inventions but could never find it in himself to pursue his passion.

In college, Jay had many ideas that he thought could be marketed but he never got past the design thinking stage. “We all have these dreams and million-dollar ideas, but executing on them is where I fell short,” he said. Years later, Jay’s sister in-law had told him of a drinking game she played called I’ve Never. “She said she had the best time playing. There was lots of laughter and countless stories about each other,” Jay recalled. A few years later, Jay played the game with his family and friends. “It was so fun to hear stories of when we were younger and just reminisce. It was a great bonding experience and it made me realize how short life was,” he said.

Still more years went by when Jay found himself at his dad’s funeral. That’s when I told my wife I wanted to pursue my passion as an entrepreneur. In 2003, Jay became the founder and CEO of Ideas

IT TURNS OUT THAT ADMITTING TO POOR LIFE DECISIONS IS A FUN WAY TO BOND AND LAUGH WITH GOOD FRIENDS!

Never Implemented, LLC. Jay hired a graphic designer to give his game idea a physical presence with a box, game pieces and more. A lawyer helped him trademark the phrase “I’ve Never” and Jay wrote the game rules and instructions, along with the questions (I’ve Never broken something at a friend’s house and not told them, I’ve Never talked to my pet about my problems, or I’ve Never had sex with a co-worker? And so on.) He then went on to present his game to a

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS

buyer at Spencer’s. The buyer loved the game, and after a successful

PHOTOGRAPHER JACK HARTZMAN

test run; Spencer’s did a national roll out in 600 stores.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

In 2005, like all good entrepreneurs, he left a thriving career to pursue his passion. He quit his job to run INI full time. In 2009, he rebranded the original game to “Never Have I Ever - The Game of Poor Life Decisions.” He started with one product and was able to grow INI into a successful game company. Today, INI offers more than 65 products sold worldwide in retailers, including Target, Barnes & Noble, Spencer’s, Amazon and more. The games are also sold in Australia, Spain, the U.K. and Canada.

He runs the company from his Potomac home with his wife, Ritu. Their grown kids contribute ideas for new games, social media marketing, game content, as do professional comedy writers Jay occasionally hires.

Happy with his level of success, Jay is not looking to grow into the next Hasbro. “I love my work-life balance and being able to spend time with my family and watch my kids grow up,” he said. In addition, he also helps other would-be-entrepreneurs explore the possibility of bringing their concepts to market, to hone on his core values of why he started his company, Ideas Never Implemented.

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Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

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ARTICLE MARIE ROBEY WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN

Moussa Moaadel TEMPTATIONS TO ACHIEVE

DREAMS CAN LEAD TO GREATNESS.

Moaadel with a smile, his hazel eyes light-

Just ask famed Potomac Real Estate

ing up. Travel anywhere in Bethesda, Chevy

Broker Moussa Moaadel, the founder of a

Chase, Potomac or upper Montgomery

renowned real estate firm bearing his name

County or Frederick County and there is a

that began in 1968 and specializes in the

good chance you will see properties sold or

sale of high-end homes, land, and invest-

developed by Moussa Moaadel Realtors.

ment and commercial properties.

Not only does he have the title of Emeritus

As a young boy Moaadel dreamed that

of National Association of Realtors, Moaadel

the late Shah of Iran presented him with a

is a caring and compassionate voice in his

dazzling gift: a glittering sword bejeweled

medical community, and he has a genuine

with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. The

concern for the well-being of others. He

regal logo for Moussa Moaadel Realtors

recently has been appointed to the Board of

does in fact pay tribute to Iran’s previous

Directors for Holy Cross Health Foundation.

imperial logo: two crowned lions adorn a

He remembers as a child “I always wanted

gilded crown and the real estate broker’s

to help people in need. Serving as the

initials. Moaadel’s father took his son’s

Ambassador of Holy Cross Hospital is one of

dream as a sign of promise for the young

the highlights of my life.” He adds, “This is a

boy and encouraged him to move to the

great hospital, my grandson was born there.”

United States to map his future. With only

Moussa Moaadel has had transactions

$137 in his pocket and just one suitcase

with dignitaries, celebrities, ambassa-

upon his arrival to America, Moaadel would

dors, prominent community leaders and a

become, through perseverance and hard

president of the United States. Adorning

work, one of the most successful real estate

the walls of Moaadel’s office, located in a

brokers in the country. “If you have reso-

gleaming black glass building in Friendship

luteness of purpose and persistence, you

Heights, Maryland, are framed newspaper

are bound to succeed in any field,” remarks

articles chronicling the firm’s success.

CONTINUED >

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Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

17

MOUSSA MOAADEL (CONTINUED)

Prominently displayed is the deed of sale to Moaadel

it provides you with the same type of happiness we

of a home in Alexandria, Virginia owned and occupied

enjoyed.” For Moaadel, being able to live in the home

by President and Betty Ford. His purchase meant more

of the former American president was its own reward.

than just another real estate transaction: “Twelve years

He respectfully maintained the residence as a sort of

after I came to this country I ended up buying President

homage to the former president. The real estate broker

Gerald Ford’s house!”

moved in and kept the house for 22 years and the home

The fact that Moaadel actually succeeded in buying the

was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

property is a tale in itself. Gerald and Betty Ford custom

What is the driving force for his success? The irrepress-

built the colonial-style brick house in 1955 when Ford was

ible Moussa has an interesting climb-to-success story.

a congressman from Michigan. The Fords decided to sell

He recounts an incident from his childhood that may help

it when he lost the election in 1976 and planned to move

account for his ambition to be successful: When he was

to Palm Springs. During that time Moaadel was working

eleven his mother promised him that if he read the Bible

as a real estate agent in the office of Shannon & Luchs

out loud to her she would buy him his favorite thing to

in Rockville. As soon as he heard the Alexandria house

play with, a scooter. He complied and finished reading

was for sale he immediately sent in a deposit and a con-

the Bible to her whenever she was available to listen.

tract. Sight unseen. At first he was told that another buyer

And, as promised, his mother took him to buy his reward.

had already sent in a contract that was accepted. Upon

Sadly, she discovered that she could only afford to buy

hearing that Moaadel was devastated, but not for long.

him a ball. He still recalls that incident vividly.

He remembers exactly what happened a short time later

The sale of President Ford’s home to Moaadel was the

that January: “I was driving late in the morning, with sev-

culmination of an amazing journey. With his father’s encour-

eral of my co-workers, when an announcer interrupted

agement Moussa became the first in his family to leave Iran,

the music we were listening to on the radio and stated

traveling to Tel Aviv, and then bordering the S.S. Israel for an

that “President and Mrs. Ford have decided to sell their

adventurous 16-day trip in the sea from Haifa, embarking in

home to Moussa Moaadel!” “I immediately returned to

New York in 1964. Later he brought his parents to this coun-

the office when there were 12 lines on the phones, all

try during the Iranian Revolution. Moaadel went to Kentucky

blinking.” Foster Shannon informed me that the press,

State University, studied Liberal Arts and then came to

including reporters from NBC and CBS, were on the

Washington D. C. finding employment at the Occidental

phone, as well as the White House. “They all wanted to

and Rive Gauche restaurants. He worked hard, saved his

tell me how to deal with the media,” The resulting pub-

money, attended the real estate school at The American

licity was worldwide: “The news was on the front page

University and plunged into the real estate business during

of every newspaper all over the world,” he remembered.

a downturn cycle. His first transaction was the sale of a

Gerald Ford wrote to Moussa: “... your cooperation

house for $18,000. “It is not just about relentlessness and

and discretion was appreciated. Betty, the children

perseverance; success is about the passion to achieve your

and I had many wonderful years in that home. I hope

goal,” says Moaadel with a glimmer in his eyes.

Moussa’s mother always told him the story of King Nader, the Persian King, whenever she found him discouraged after failure. After being defeated in war three times, King Nader watched an “ant” carrying a stick to the top of a short wall in his court yard,12 times dropping it midway until succeeding on the 13th try. He decided he is not less than an “ant”... he determined to try to go to battle for the same war for the fourth time and found triumph.

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Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

Moaadel with daughter Penelope in front of his backyard breathtaking 50’ wide by 25’ tall waterfall.

The real estate magnate has developed and sold 800 lots in Maryland and Virginia. Moaadel maintains that real estate is the solid foundation of the U.S. economy. Through the years he has been involved in the sale and hands-on development of residential, commercial and investment real estate. Now his company is a family affair: his son, Sean, works as an associate broker for him. He is also busy raising two younger daughters he obviously adores: nine-yearold Scarlett and seven-year-old Penelope.

Undoubtedly Moussa Moaadel’s impressive sale of major properties makes him well known and respected in his profession. From the sale of 150 acres he developed 357 lots in Potomac Chase and from the sale of 149 acres on River Road he developed 29 lots, which he named “Rive Gauche Estates” after the Rive Gauche Restaurant where he worked as the headwaiter during his college days. Among his multiple other land development transactions, Moaadel has sold: 321 acres on Piney Meeting House Road; 42 acres on River Road, resulting in the Ardnave development; the 125-acre Corcoran Estate, which is the present site of the Glenstone Museum in Potomac; 400 acres on Darnestown Road; 52 acres on Signal Tree Road; 90 lots on Quince Orchard Road; an assemblage of 14 buildings in Rosslyn Virginia; sale and development of 39 lots on Travilah Road named Natalie Estates after his firstborn; sale of 177 acres in Buckeystown, Frederick that he developed into 22 lots; and the sale of 42 acres for the Belle Terre development. These are only some of the major properties with which Moaadel has been involved. He has re-sold photo provided

some of these properties several times after their initial sale.

A man of many interests and talents, Moaadel has build a spectacular 50-foot x 25ft waterfall in his backyard, where the soothing music of the fall helped to put his infant daughters to sleep. He loves traveling and has collection of sand samples from over 100 beaches around the world.

photo provided

Moaadel in his office with published featured sale activities and developments, including a copy of President Gerald and Betty Ford’s deed of their home conveyed to him.

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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CULINARY CREATIONS

Gregorio's Trattoria offers an extensive menu of Italian classics plus New York style pizza and many other varieties.

One Order of Community Support: To Go

DURING THE CORONAVIRUS UPHEAVAL, GREG KAHN IS FEELING MANY EMOTIONS BUT PERHAPS NONE AS STRONG AS HIS FEELING OF GRATEFULNESS. “I’m really grateful we are part of this community,” said Greg,

who co-owns Gregorio’s Trattoria (in Reston and Potomac), with his dad, Donald Kahn. A Potomac native who is raising his three sons in the area, Greg added, “This is home. We appreciate all of the support from the community.”

CORONAVIRUS CAN’T SEVER THE TIES THAT BIND GREGORIO’S TRATTORIA TO THE COMMUNITY

Like all restaurants, Gregorio’s is now strictly offering delivery or curbside pickup. Sometimes 20 cars are seen waiting for their pickup outside Gregorio’s. The restaurant is loved for their extensive menu of Italian favorites, as well as for

ARTICLE LAURI GROSS | PHOTOGRAPHY JACK HARTZMAN 22

Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

their community involvement. Even before the virus struck,

Greg Kahn (left) and his dad, Donald co-own Gregorio’s Trattoria in Reston and Potomac. Greg’s sons Bobby and Nathan “help” in the kitchen.

Gregorio’s regularly welcomed community groups for fundrais-

Switching to all take-out and delivery has been a challenge. “I

ing events (or, as they call them: FUNraising). For these events,

miss the connection with the guests,” said Greg as he went on to

Gregorios’ donates ten percent of the sales generated by the party.

describe some logistical challenges. For instance, all five phone

Now, they’re going even further. “Organizations (such as

lines often become busy at once, and Greg now needs upwards

Churchill High School lacrosse) that we have helped raise funds

of ten delivery drivers each weekend night, whereas he previously

for in the past, are now helping others,” Greg said, as he explained

only needed a few. Most of Greg’s staff accepted his offer to stay

that he is selling meals at 50 percent off to community groups that

on, even though it meant changing roles. “Nearly all servers and

send the food to feed essential workers. Greg estimates that he

bussers and hostesses have chosen to stay on as delivery drivers,

has provided more than 500 meals this way so far.

cashiers and curbside runners” said Greg.

While no one knows what the situation will be when Father’s

Despite the challenges, Greg said, “It’s been great. People I have

Day rolls around, Greg is planning to offer special family-style

known since I was a kid or people my wife knows or my parents know;

dinner packages for customers to enjoy at home (or possibly in

they come out to support us. Organizations we supported come out to

the restaurant) on Father’s Day.

support us. It’s stressful but it’s mostly heartwarming and fantastic.”

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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GIVING BACK

A MAN FOR OTHERS THE DECISION TO BUY A HOME OR OPEN A BUSINESS—OR BOTH — IS THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION A PERSON MAKES IN THEIR LIFE, BOTH PERSONALLY AND FINANCIALLY. This is precisely why Coakley Realty specializes in residential and commercial real estate: to offer a one-stop, full-service shop, to meet those needs all across the D.C. Metro Area.

Owner Rory S. Coakley could be your neighbor—born in D.C. and raised in Montgomery County, he prides himself on the fact that his business is both local and family-owned. He worked in his family’s business, Coakley and Williams Inc., from 1983 to 1992 and branched off in 1989 to start Rory S. Coakley Realty Inc. with his wife, Nancy. Centrally located in Rockville, the company maintains strong ties to the community it serves.

“I grew up in a real estate and construction family, so I have real estate in my blood,” says Coakley. “And we have a local feel.”

Even his staff fosters that family-friendly atmosphere. He has four core staff members—most of whom have been with the business for more than a decade; some more than two!—and 32 independent contractors. “It’s not the kind of place where people are coming and going,” he says.

That reliability and stability has allowed the business to flourish: “Almost three years ago this July, we hired a sales manager for the first time and we’re in growth mode as far as adding more real estate agents.”

Coakley’s education had great influence in making him the businessman he is today. During his time at Georgetown Preparatory School, he learned the mantra of St. Ignatius (founder of the Jesuit order), which is to be “men for others.”

“To be a man for others means to help people out; don’t just look out for yourself,” says Coakley. “It may sound corny, but it’s kind of engrained in my brain. It made me want to share my time and my skills.”

He went on to study finance at Georgetown University and got his Master’s in real estate and urban development from American University. He then began applying what he’d learned, living up to that 24

Potomac Lifestyle | June 2020

Rory S. Coakley

RORY S. COAKLEY STRIVES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY’S REAL ESTATE NEEDS

“ I t ’s j u s t g o o d b u s i n e s s to try to help charitable organizations. It can create teamwork among your employees because y o u ’r e a l l w o r k i n g t o w a r d a g o a l . . .” mantra and continuing to do so by giving back to his community through various charitable organizations.

“In college, I took a course, ‘The Social Responsibilities of Business,’ when I was 19 or 20 years old and remembering thinking to myself, ‘What is that all about?’ And it’s all about raising money for people and helping people,” explains Coakley.

“It’s just good business to try to help charitable organizations. It can create teamwork among your employees because you’re all working toward a goal,” he continues. “We’ve been involved in organizations like Stepping Stones Shelter in Rockville, Community Reach of Montgomery County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area and we’ve had coat drives, canned food drives and we support all types of schools.” (SEE SIDEBAR) As far as ensuring that everyone who turns to them gets the “Coakley Realty Experience,” Coakley is confident that his clients can expect the excellence, integrity, and tradition they promise to deliver.

“You’re not going to satisfy everybody, but we have a good track record of helping people make very important decisions,” he says. “We have roots in the community; and we are committed to giving back as well as leveraging our local expertise to help our clients move forward toward their goals, day in and day out.”

ARTICLE DANIELLE S. TEPPER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

To learn more, visit coakleyrealty.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Potomac

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GIVING BACK (CONTINUED) L to R: Senior Associate Athletic Director from Georgetown Dan O’Neil, Masada Johnson from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area, Rory S. Coakley

Over the years, Coakley Realty has given back to the community in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to …

+ Community Reach of Montgomery County: Rory Coakley was on the board for many years. | cmrocks.org + Gaithersburg Sports: Coakley Realty sponsors youth league

+ Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area: Rory Coakley has been Chairman of the Board for six years. | bbbsnca.org

teams. | gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/sports + Catholic Business Network: Member; Rory Coakley was inducted into the Youth Coach Hall of Fame and named

+ Coakley Realty Speaker Series: Benefits the Positive

Businessperson of the Year in 2001. | cbnmc.org + Rockville Chamber of Commerce: Named Rory Coakley

Coaching Alliance. | positivecoach.org + Stepping Stones Shelter: Raised funds through events with lots of employee participation. | steppingstonesshelter.org + Coat drives.

“Rockville Citizen of the Year” in 2004. | rockvillechamber.org + Georgetown Preparatory School: Rory Coakley was awarded the St. Ignatius for sharing skills and volunteering. | gprep.org

+ Canned food drives.

+ Potomac Community Resources: Supports this nonprofit serving people with developmental differences. | pcr-inc.org

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