influence on the commercial real estate investment space. He has received a number of honors and public recognition for his impact on the industry, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2003 and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He is also regarded as one of the principal figures contributing to the increased appeal and accessibility of commercial real estate investments to individual investors. Personal life Nicholas Schorsch is married to Shelley Davis Schorsch and together they have five children; Nicholas, Sloane, Tessa, Zoey, and Victoria . He is an avid collector of American muscle cars, high performance cars and foreign sports cars. He is also an art collector, favoring colonial American art and antiques, as well as Modern art. Philanthropy Nicholas Schorsch, his wife Shelley and his family support the following academic institutions, charitable causes and charitable foundations: The Gateway Middle School – Nicholas Schorsch serves on the Board of Trustees for The Gateway Middle School, which he helped found in 2007. Along with his wife, Shelley, he is a contributor to the school's events and activities. Drexel University – A Drexel University alumnus, Schorsch joined the Board of Trustees, where his duties as board member include engaging in the strategic planning process of the university. Hearts of Gold – Nicholas Schorsch is a member of the advisory board and former honorary chair of the charitable organization Hearts of Gold, which fosters a sustainable change in lifestyle and levels of self-sufficiency for NYC's homeless mothers and their children. In 2011, Schorsch was honored with the Hearts of Gold's Angel of the Year award for his supporting the organization. Historic Williamsburg, Mount Pleasant – In 2000, Nicholas and Shelley bought the historic, 400 acre Mount Pleasant Plantation, and worked toward restoring its historic appearance. Following the restoration of the property, they created the Mount Pleasant Foundation to preserve, support and share with the general public the rich historical resources of the area. In May 2012, they opened their home to visitors as part of the tour of Thomas Jefferson's life. The Hewitt School – Nicholas Schorsch is a member of the Board of Trustees for The Hewitt School, an independent school for girls grades K-12. Sarah Lawrence College – The Alma mater of Nicholas Schorsch Jr., Shelley and Nicholas support Sarah Lawrence College, where Shelly also formerly served as