Inman is interviewing top producers in real estate. Here’s Josh Flagg, Estate Homes Director at Rodeo Realty and star of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.”
Describe your job — where are you located, what types of properties do you work with, what types of clients do you work with?
I specialize in buying and selling homes for clients in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills and the Sunset Strip. I work with many high-profile clients, including business managers and attorneys.
Where did you start?
I started when I was in high school at 17 years old interning for a top agent in Los Angeles. I closed my first sale of a $6 million property while I was still in high school and had just turned 18 years old.
Did you imagine when you were younger that you’d be a top producer?
Absolutely. Always.
What sets you apart?
My knowledge of the market, my marketing and branding know-how, and the team and culture I have cultivated.
How did you get there?
I have driven on every single street in Los Angeles, be it a cul-de-sac, an alley or a major throughway, at some point in my life. When I was 16, i got in my car and just started driving every street I could.
I remember it vividly. Instead of first driving to a friend’s house, I drove to the top of Doheny Estates.
Are you part of a team or are you doing it solo?
I have a team. I have Hilary Markus, my Director of Operations, who’s essential to my team and life. I would not be where I am today without her. I also have four-person team of sales and marketing professionals and a personal assistant.
Who are your heroes?
My grandmother.
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?
Call Hilary from the car to discuss that day’s agenda, including listing presentations, showings, PR interviews and the ad schedule. And I call Hilary before leaving the office, too.
Josh Flagg. Photo by Melissa Valladares.
What’s the first thing you do when you’re off work for the day?
Drive to Malibu for a day at the beach and an evening dining at one of the many great Malibu restaurants.
What’s your favorite place to unwind?
Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club Pool at Four Seasons Santa Barbara, watching the waves come in. I’m a constant traveller, though, and I actually love hotel life. I also collect rare automobiles, fine art and timepieces.
What areas of your business do you pay personal attention to? What have you outsourced?
I have a hand in everything related to my business and have assembled the best team to execute on everything we do. From my business manager and partner, A.J., to Hilary, my operations director, as well as my research, PR and marketing team. I do outsource some PR and marketing, but it’s with a dedicated team — focused on my business. I also use the resources of the brokerage I am affiliated with, Rodeo Realty.
What do you think is the biggest barrier to success in today’s real estate industry? How have you overcome it?
Age. Thankfully, I am no longer 18 selling houses. It was not fun.
How do you deal with stress?
I don’t put myself in stressful situations.
If you could change anything about your career path, would you? Why or why not?
I would have been a little less aggressive when I first started … but I grew up and corrected many character flaws.
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Are you a top producer who’d like to be featured on Inman? Email amber@inman.com.