Inman is interviewing the top producers in real estate for this new profile series. Here’s Ryan Serhant of Nest Seekers International.
Describe your job.
I’m a real estate broker based in New York City working with high net worth clients to help them purchase and sell property in and around New York.
Where did you start?
I started Sept. 15, 2008, at Nest Seekers, the same company I work for today, as a rental agent in our Midtown office.
Did you imagine when you were younger that you’d be a top producer?
Absolutely not. I knew I would always do something big, but never anticipated it having to do with real estate.
What sets you apart?
My tireless work ethic and high expectations for myself and those who work with me.
How did you get there?
I worked my ass off every single day without taking vacation and positioned myself to utilize opportunities to their fullest extent.
Ryan Serhant’s office
Are you part of a team or are you doing it solo?
I lead a team of 25.
What does your admin support team look like, or do you have one?
I have three assistants. I have an executive assistant, a director of marketing and a director of operations.
Who are your heroes?
My dad.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning? What’s the last thing you do before you leave?
I check my schedule for the day to make sure I know exactly what I have on my plate. I answer any emails that have come in overnight. I start assigning tasks to my team so that the first thing they do in the morning is to see what their tasks are since I wake up before everyone else.
What’s the first thing you do when you’re off work for the day?
I sleep.
What’s your favorite place to unwind?
The gym.
The gym where Ryan Serhant works out.
What areas of your business do you pay personal attention to? What have you outsourced?
I pay personal attention to client service and client feedback. I don’t believe in email auto-replies, but I have outsourced busywork, like scheduling.
What do you think is the biggest barrier to success in today’s real estate industry? How have you overcome it?
There are two barriers. One is lack of focus and the other is a lack of endurance. The biggest deals that you will do, no matter what, are always five years in the future, so the focus on client service today in the business is based on referrals and is instrumental to success, and every successful real estate agent must have endurance. Focusing on deals that don’t work out is poison.
How do you deal with stress?
I write things down and I make whatever issue it is I’m dealing with relative.
If you could change anything about your career path, would you? Why or why not?
No. I am incredibly lucky, very fortunate and am having the time of my life!
Ryan Serhant’s television show, “Million Dollar Listing New York,” is back on the air on Bravo.
Are you a top producer who’d like to participate in our profile series? Email amber@inman.com.