Eddie Shapiro
In this weekly column, real estate agents across the nation share stories of the lessons they’ve learned during their time in the industry.
In his two decades of experience in every aspect of the real estate industry, Nest Seekers CEO Eddie Shapiro has created a resume that includes everything from an early stint as an agent to project and tech development to management to branding and marketing.
That experience has helped him turn his luxury brand into a global powerhouse, with offices in New York City, the Hamptons, South Florida, LA and London — and there’s no end in sight.
While keeping a focus on the possibilities of tech, Shapiro also sees client service as central to Nest Seekers’ success. Find out how he seeks to bring balance to both sides of the tech and client equation.
How long have you been in the business?
When I was 18, I moved to the U.S. with a dream to become a rock star. I earned my real estate agent’s license at age 19 and decided that real estate would be my day job. It didn’t take long to realize that I was capable of huge success.
By the end of my first year, I decided to start my first company. I founded Nest Seekers right after 9/11, when the city was in turmoil and properties took great losses. I’m a firm believer in taking great steps to build and expand during downturns and recessions and carry that philosophy with me today. Now, at age 43, I’m continuing to look ahead.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
At Nest Seekers, I expect we’ll have 50 total offices in 30 of the key global cities around the world, as well as 5,000 agents and staff working under our unique proprietary tech platform and trading the best real estate in the world across markets.
What’s one big lesson you’ve learned in real estate?
I’ve learned that you can never lose sight of the people and relationships at the cornerstone of this industry. No matter how real estate evolves or what role tech will play, people and relationships will always be at the forefront.
How did you learn it?
We’ve experienced innovation in our industry for over two decades, almost exclusively around either eliminating or discounting the role of the agent or broker.
Over that same time period, our industry and roster of agents continuously expands, grows and becomes more relevant and integral to every step of the process.
From my perspective, our future is wide and bright.
What advice would you give to new agents?
I have the oldest advice in the world: work hard. From the mid-90s, when I first entered the industry, until now, no matter whether markets were good or bad, hard work has always been the most important part of every success story.
Of the thousands of agents I’ve known and worked with over the years, there isn’t one that isn’t a hard worker. The industry is one of the easiest to penetrate — you don’t need a college degree, prestigious connection, trust fund or top-notch skills in tech.
You need the willingness and drive to work hard 24/7. Everything else can be easily taught. The sky is the limit.
Are you an agent with a story everyone can learn something from? Reach out to us (contributors@Inman.com). We look forward to featuring more of our best agents and brokers in a future edition of “Lesson learned.”
Christy Murdock Edgar is a Realtor, freelance writer, coach and consultant with Writing Real Estate in Alexandria, Virginia. Follow Writing Real Estate on Facebook or Twitter.
