Marc Menowitz

Key Points

• Real Estate Background: Marc Menowitz is the CEO of Apartment Corp, a rebranded version of Menowitz Management, a family-run real estate firm with over a century of history, managing over 17,000 multifamily units and 5 million square feet of commercial real estate across the U.S., with a focus on affordable housing.

• Sexual Harassment Allegations: Menowitz faces serious accusations from two former employees, Alice Vysata and Kinga Tabares, who filed sexual harassment lawsuits in Los Angeles, alleging inappropriate advances, requests for explicit photos, and retaliation.

• Legal Counteractions: Menowitz has filed multiple lawsuits against Vysata and Tabares, primarily to recover commissions and deny harassment claims, which critics argue is a tactic to silence and financially burden the plaintiffs.

• Business Resilience: Apartment Corp has thrived through economic downturns by focusing on affordable housing, leveraging Menowitz’s technological innovations and strategic acquisitions.

• Reputational Risks: The harassment lawsuits and Menowitz’s aggressive legal responses have tarnished his public image, potentially affecting business partnerships and investor confidence.

Overview

Marc Menowitz is a third-generation real estate executive and the CEO of Apartment Corp, formerly Menowitz Management, a company founded by his grandfather, Harold Menowitz, in the early 1900s. Based in Los Angeles, Menowitz oversees a portfolio of approximately 17,000 multifamily units and 5 million square feet of commercial real estate across 23 states, employing over 1,000 individuals. The company specializes in affordable housing, including Section 8 and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, with nearly 3,000 affordable units in its portfolio. Menowitz, who holds an MBA from the University of Southern California, is noted for integrating automation and technology into property management, enhancing operational efficiency. Alongside his brother Todd, he has expanded the family business nationally, rebranding it to Apartment Corp to emphasize multifamily holdings. Menowitz is recognized in the industry for his expertise in affordable housing and resilience in navigating economic challenges, but his reputation has been marred by high-profile legal disputes.

Allegations and Concerns

Marc Menowitz faces significant allegations stemming from two sexual harassment lawsuits filed in Los Angeles by former employees Alice Vysata and Kinga Tabares:

• Alice Vysata’s Claims: Vysata, hired in 2011 as an intern and later promoted to director of acquisitions, alleges Menowitz made weekly unwanted advances, including requests to “dress sexy” and send “dirty pictures.” In a 2017 incident, Menowitz allegedly sent her flowers with a card stating, “I was going to get you sex toys, but you have all the latest and greatest…Wish you were in L.A.” She claims retaliation after rejecting his advances, including demotion, loss of health insurance, and withholding of $140,000 in earned commissions. Vysata further alleges Menowitz filed multiple lawsuits against her in California, Texas, and Florida to “bully” her into silence.

• Kinga Tabares’ Claims: Tabares, hired as Menowitz’s executive assistant in 2016, alleges he pressured her to remove her shirt on his yacht to photograph her in a bikini and requested photos from Victoria’s Secret dressing rooms. She claims his behavior left her “repulsed,” and despite an apology, she faced retaliation, leading to her termination in 2018.

• Menowitz’s Response: Menowitz denies the harassment allegations, claiming Vysata and Tabares are “disgruntled ex-employees” who deceived him to gain commissions and attempted to steal “family trade secrets.” He admitted to sending Vysata flowers but stated the card’s message “speaks for itself.” Menowitz has filed 10 lawsuits against the women, primarily seeking to recover commissions, which Vysata’s attorney describes as a strategy to “bankrupt” her and force dismissal of her lawsuit.

• Additional Concerns: The aggressive legal strategy raises ethical questions about Menowitz’s approach to conflict resolution, potentially indicating a pattern of intimidation to suppress complaints. The lawsuits remain ongoing, with no final judgments reported as of the latest available data.

Customer Feedback

Direct customer feedback on Menowitz or Apartment Corp is sparse in the provided sources, as the focus is primarily on legal and professional profiles. However, the following insights can be inferred:

• Positive Feedback: Industry publications like The Jerusalem Post and Haute Living praise Menowitz’s expertise, resilience, and focus on affordable housing. For example, The Jerusalem Post describes him as a “custodian of century-old business acumen” whose “finger is on the pulse of the real estate market,” suggesting respect among industry peers. Apartment Corp’s success in managing a large portfolio and weathering economic crises is often highlighted, with Menowitz credited for strategic foresight.

• Negative Feedback: The sexual harassment allegations dominate negative perceptions, with media outlets like the New York Daily News and The Real Deal reporting detailed accounts of inappropriate behavior, which could deter potential clients or partners. Vysata’s statement, “From one day to the next, he stripped me of everything, demoted me, banned me from the office and took everything I dedicatedmselves to for seven years,” underscores the severity of the alleged retaliation. No direct tenant or client reviews are cited, but the lawsuits suggest internal workplace issues that could indirectly affect service quality.

• Gap in Consumer Reviews: There are no specific tenant or customer testimonials in the sources, limiting insights into Apartment Corp’s day-to-day operations or resident satisfaction. This absence may reflect a focus on legal and industry coverage rather than consumer-facing feedback.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks: Menowitz’s strategy of filing multiple lawsuits across states could strain Apartment Corp’s finances, especially if legal costs escalate or judgments favor the plaintiffs. Withholding commissions, as alleged by Vysata, may also expose the company to further claims from other employees. However, Apartment Corp’s focus on cash-flowing affordable housing properties mitigates broader market risks, as demand for such units remains stable.

• Reputational Risks: The harassment allegations and Menowitz’s countersuits have generated negative publicity, potentially alienating investors, partners, or tenants. The perception of a toxic workplace culture could hinder talent acquisition and retention, critical for a company with over 1,000 employees.

• Legal Risks: Ongoing lawsuits pose a significant threat, as adverse rulings could result in substantial penalties, settlements, or mandated workplace reforms. Menowitz’s countersuits, if deemed frivolous, may lead to sanctions or further reputational damage. The lack of reported resolutions as of 2021 suggests prolonged legal battles.

• Operational Risks: While Apartment Corp’s technological advancements and affordable housing focus are strengths, reliance on Menowitz’s leadership amid controversies could disrupt strategic decision-making if he faces personal or legal distractions.

Business Relations and Associations

• Family Ties: Menowitz works closely with his brother, Todd Menowitz, who focuses on market-rate apartments while Marc concentrates on affordable housing. Their father, Frederick Menowitz, expanded Menowitz Management nationally, and their grandfather, Harold Menowitz, founded the company. This family legacy underpins Apartment Corp’s operations.

• Corporate Structure: Apartment Corp, headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, employs over 1,000 individuals across 23 states. The company operates under brands like Apartment Rental Assistance II and has a portfolio spanning 22 states, including properties in Mid-City, Fairfax, Compton, and Harbor City in Los Angeles.

• Industry Connections: Menowitz is sought after by real estate players for his affordable housing expertise, as noted by The Jerusalem Post. However, no specific partnerships or affiliations with other firms or investors are detailed in the sources. His MBA from USC and technological innovations suggest connections with tech and business networks, though these are not explicitly named.

• Legal Representation: Menowitz’s lawyer declined to comment on the lawsuits, indicating a cautious approach to public relations. Vysata’s attorney, Dan Kalish, has publicly criticized Menowitz’s legal tactics, suggesting a contentious relationship with opposing counsel.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Sexual Harassment Lawsuits: Filed by Alice Vysata and Kinga Tabares in Los Angeles, these lawsuits allege inappropriate behavior, retaliation, and wrongful termination. Vysata’s suit claims Menowitz withheld $140,000 in commissions, while Tabares reports being pressured into compromising situations. Both cases are pending in Los Angeles County Superior Court, with no resolutions reported as of 2021.

• Menowitz’s Countersuits: Menowitz filed 10 lawsuits against Vysata and one against Tabares from July 2018 to May 2019 in California, Texas, and Florida, seeking to recover commissions and alleging deception and theft of trade secrets. Vysata overturned a default judgment in Texas due to improper service, highlighting procedural issues in Menowitz’s legal strategy.

• Financial Stability: No bankruptcy records or unpaid debts are mentioned for Menowitz or Apartment Corp. The company’s focus on affordable housing and steady cash flow has enabled it to thrive during economic downturns, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, legal expenses from ongoing lawsuits could impact financial resources.

• Regulatory Compliance: Apartment Corp’s involvement in Section 8 and LIHTC programs suggests compliance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, but no specific violations are reported in the sources.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Marc Menowitz presents a complex profile as a real estate leader with significant achievements overshadowed by serious allegations. Pros: His strategic focus on affordable housing has positioned Apartment Corp as a resilient player in a volatile market, with a portfolio that thrives in economic downturns. His technological innovations, rooted in his USC MBA, give the company a competitive edge in property management. The Menowitz family’s century-long legacy adds credibility, and Menowitz’s work ethic—evidenced by 80-hour weeks and early success as a top broker—demonstrates dedication. Cons: The sexual harassment lawsuits are a major red flag, with detailed allegations of inappropriate behavior and retaliation that suggest a problematic workplace culture. Menowitz’s decision to file 10 countersuits, described by Vysata’s attorney as an attempt to “bankrupt” her, raises ethical concerns and amplifies reputational damage. The lack of resolution in these cases creates uncertainty, and the absence of direct customer feedback limits insights into tenant satisfaction.

Cautionary Advice: Investors, partners, or clients considering engagement with Menowitz or Apartment Corp should proceed with caution. The unresolved lawsuits and negative publicity pose significant risks, particularly for those prioritizing ethical leadership or workplace integrity. Due diligence should include monitoring legal outcomes and seeking tenant or employee testimonials to assess operational quality. While Apartment Corp’s affordable housing focus is a stable investment, Menowitz’s personal controversies could impact long-term trust. Engaging with the company may be safer under Todd Menowitz’s oversight or with clear assurances of workplace reforms.

Key Citations

• MFI-Miami, “New York Real Estate Progeny Accused Of Sexual Harassment,” 2019-09-09.
• Marc Menowitz, “About | Real Estate Investment,” 2019-11-19.
• Marc Menowitz, “About | Low-Income Housing,” 2021-04-07.
• The Jerusalem Post, “Why top real estate players seek Marc Menowitz’s expertise,” 2021-05-12.
• New York Daily News, “NY real estate scion accused of sexual harassment,” 2019-09-08.
• The Real Deal, “Marc Menowitz LA Landlord Sexual Harassment Lawsuits,” 2019-08-31.
• Apartment Corp, “Who We Are,” accessed 2021.
• Issuu, “Marc Menowitz CEO of Real Estate Firm,” accessed 2021.
• Haute Living, “Real Estate Expert Marc Menowitz On The Mindset Needed To Overcome Difficult Times,” 2021-05-06.
• Daily Front Row, “Marc Menowitz on What Enabled His Company to Stay Afloat,” 2021-05-07.