Insignia's Haggarty dead at 60

Real Estate Weekly, May 28, 2003 by Sabina Mollotov

Kevin Haggarty, executive managing director of Insignia ESG's Capital Advisors Group, died suddenly of a heart attack on May 20, on his way to work.

The 60-year-old executive was "one of the most respected investment advisors in the business," said chairman and CEO of Insignia/ESG Stephen B. Siegel.

"He worked tirelessly, putting in long hours, and was highly respected by his peers and clients for his vast knowledge about every area of the investment sales industry. He was a man with a strong work ethic, exceedingly professional and committed to excellence," Siegel said.

Michael Sherman, longtime friend and business associate was shocked by the death of Haggarty, who he said had no health problems that he knew of and never smoked.

"This is a tremendous shock and a tremendous loss," said Sherman, who reported to Haggarty for eight years at Insignia/ESG and has known him since 1974.

"He was an extraordinary person and gentleman. He was one of those unusual guys highly regarded by everybody for his professionalism. He could adapt to and understand any aspect of the business. He was very bright and had a great deal of depth. A warm person and a wonderful father. No one had a bad thing to say about him. He'll be sorely missed by everyone."

Haggarty, who had over 25 years experience in the real estate industry, was also the founder of Insignia/ESG's CCAG and was responsible for its activities on a national basis. Before accepting that role in the nationwide expansion of Capitol Advisors in 1997, he founded and managed his own real estate investment-banking firm for five years. Prior to that, he served as founder and executive director of the Financial Services Group at Cushman & Wakefield Inc., which he joined in 1983. From 1980 until 1983, Haggarty was employed by Salomon Brothers, Inc. and was responsible for the formation of that real estate group and in charge of their activities and services.

Haggarty began his career with the Equitable Life Assurance Society and served at various times as manager of the Industrial and Special Purposes Portfolio; Assistant Vice President and Manager of the Office Building and Hotel Portfolio; and Vice President and Officer-in Charge of a pension fund separate account.

Among his numerous industry associations, Haggarty was a member of the Urban Land Institute, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Executive Committee of the Board of the National MultiHousing Council. He was a frequent guest lecturer and speaker at various real estate related venues in the U.S. and overseas.

Haggarty is survived by Cathy, his wife of 32 years; and children: Mark, Christopher and Lizzie.