Spotlight on Ryan Kaplan: Developer, Broker, New Yorker | Elliman Insider

Abstract

Currently a member of The Eklund|Gomes Team, Kaplan talked with Elliman Insider about his career trajectory, what developers and brokers can learn from one another and what movie he would watch if he were stranded on a desert island. What made you decide to make the switch from working in new developments to becoming a real estate agent? My old business partners retired in 2019, and the development market in New York had cooled substantially, so I didn't see much opportunity to continue developing at that time. What skills did you gain working in property development that you brought with you when you became a real estate agent? As a developer, you get a fairly strong sense for estimating and evaluating construction quality and costs, building proformas to value property, navigating the entitlement process and understanding city zoning laws. What kind of development projects have you been working on since starting your real estate career? I've been able to involve myself in a few different asset classes. If you had to choose one highlight of your career so far, what would it be? The highlight of my development career was buying my first project when I was 23. Everything from sourcing the deal to raising the capital was a marathon-and to have achieved it so early in my career was very exciting and, I know, pivotal to the trajectory of my career since. Most-used app on your phone Instagram Who-or what-you were in a past life Albus Dumbledore TV show you're binging The Gilded Age First car you owned I've never owned a car! Last book you enjoyed Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential How has living in New York City impacted your career path? Living in a city like New York gives you the opportunity for "Chance encounters." These are the unexpected shoulders you brush at a party, the new faces you meet at a group dinner or introductions at a networking event.