The 47-year-old utility contractor and engineer has been named the winner of Apartment.com's "Rent For Life" sweepstakes. Watch video
WOODBRIDGE - When Martin Hudak says his rent check is in the mail, you'd better believe him.
The 47-year-old utility contractor and engineer has been named the winner of Apartment.com's "Rent For Life" sweepstakes. He was presented with a check this week for $545,000.
Hudak, who lives in Woodbrook Village Apartments, won the contest by writing a helpful apartment review. He was chosen from 155,000 other candidates.
Reviews designated as helpful were eligible for the grand prize. In addition, one winner was selected to win free rent for a year, Apartments.com stated in a news release.
More than 1,700 new reviews were generated daily during the sweepstakes period.
Hudak's review included property, neighborhood and community insights. The review was deemed "helpful" by a number of site users, making him eligible for the Rent for Life grand prize, and illustrating the fact that reviews are relied upon, and trusted.
"Authentic, first-hand user reviews are critical to the search process. They help prospective renters make informed choices about apartments and neighborhoods that can change their lives," said Andrew Florance, CEO of CoStar Group, which owns Apartments.com along with ApartmentFinder.com and ApartmentHomeLiving.com.
Hudak said he plans to use some of his winnings to help others, including his mother.
"It's always been important to me to try to influence people's lives in a positive way," said Hudak, who describes himself to Apartments.com as a mentor and a counselor to friends. "Winning Rent for Life means an amazing opportunity to do a lot of the things I've always wanted to."
When asked exactly how he'll use his winnings, Hudak said he would "invest some money toward retirement and help out my mom, and will donate some to charity as well."
"And maybe I'll buy a new bike," he added.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.