R
yan Serhant, the former Bravo star, founded his eponymous brokerage five years ago and now operates in 14 states with a roster of 1,300 agents. His firm’s rapid growth began during the pandemic, when Manhattan’s market collapsed and he seized the opportunity to launch a new company. The gamble paid off, and his brand exploded after the first season of Netflix’s *Owning Manhattan* entered the top‑10 in 40 countries in 2024.
Serhant’s career is built on taking risks that others dismiss. He entered real estate after an acting career stalled, earning his license the week Lehman Brothers collapsed. He joined *Million Dollar Listing: New York* in 2010, using the show to amplify his personal brand. The series gave him exposure that translated into client leads, and the early YouTube tours he posted helped him find an audience within 24 hours of posting.
In 2020, as COVID forced people to rethink living arrangements, Serhant launched Serhant Signature, a high‑net‑worth division. He secured a $133 million sale in 2021, the second‑most expensive single‑family home in U.S. history at the time, and later listed a $250 million penthouse in Central Park Tower. He also acquired the Estée Lauder lot in Palm Beach, assembling a $300 million portfolio.
The firm has diversified beyond brokerage. Serhant raised $45 million from Camber Creek and Left Lane Capital to build S.MPLE, an AI‑powered agent orchestration platform that automates administrative tasks, freeing agents to focus on selling. Earlier ventures included a metaverse concept and a real‑time MLS video editing app, both of which failed to gain traction.
Serhant’s 2026 real‑estate forecast hinges on falling interest rates. He predicts a surge in inventory driven not by traditional market forces but by a spike in divorces. Lower rates will make it easier for individuals to buy separate homes, especially those who previously locked into high‑rate mortgages. He sees a niche opportunity for divorce attorneys and real‑estate professionals who can facilitate these transitions.
His leadership style is described as “momentumous,” emphasizing rapid movement and continuous growth. He encourages his team to adopt a “yes‑and” mindset, pushing beyond comfort zones and building a machine that can operate independently of his personal involvement. Serhant’s brand now spans brokerage, content creation, and technology, positioning him as a creator‑enabled commerce pioneer in the luxury real‑estate market.
