The Dynamic Partnership of Fredrik Eklund and John Gomes: A Journey to Real Estate Success

Fredrik Eklund and John Gomes, two of the most prominent figures in the luxury real estate industry, have built an empire through their partnership, which began in 2005. Today, they lead a team of approximately 100 agents under the Douglas Elliman banner, with operations spanning from New York City to Miami. Over the past four years, their team has consistently averaged $4 billion in annual sales, solidifying their position as leaders in the competitive world of luxury real estate. Their journey to success was further amplified by their appearances on Bravo’s reality show Million Dollar Listing: New York, which brought them into the spotlight and cemented their status as household names. Together, they have worked with high-profile clients such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Chrissy Teigen, showcasing their ability to cater to the needs of the ultra-rich and famous.

The Yin and Yang of Partnership: Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses

The foundation of Eklund and Gomes’ success lies in their complementary personalities and working styles. As John Gomes reflects, “We really are the yin and yang. There are things that he’s really good at that I’m just really bad at, and vice versa.” While Fredrik Eklund is a self-proclaimed “doer,” someone who thrives on action and intensity, John Gomes tends to be more reflective, often getting caught in his thoughts. This balance has proven to be a winning formula, allowing them to navigate the challenges of the real estate industry with ease. Eklund admits that when his intensity becomes overwhelming, Gomes is always there to reel him back in, ensuring the partnership remains grounded and productive.

Their partnership has not been without its challenges, however. Over the years, they have faced moments of conflict, particularly when their differing approaches to organization and communication clashed. One such incident involved Gomes’ reluctance to meticulously plan every aspect of his schedule, which led to a heated disagreement. Eklund recalls, “The biggest fight we’ve ever had was when I felt like there wasn’t enough in his calendar. In retaliation, he completely removed his calendar so I didn’t have visibility anymore.” This tension ultimately led to a resolution, with Eklund conceding, “I’m going to release you from the calendar,” allowing Gomes the freedom he craved while maintaining a level of collaboration essential for their shared success.

The Power of Social Media in Luxury Real Estate

In the ever-evolving world of luxury real estate, social media has emerged as a powerful tool, reshaping how agents market properties and connect with clients. Fredrik Eklund acknowledges the importance of social media, noting that it has grown organically over the past 15 years and become a cornerstone of their business strategy. The turning point came when they hired an in-house graphic designer, enabling their team to stand out on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The ability to share high-quality listing photos instantly with a global audience has been a game-changer, allowing their team of 100 agents to amplify their reach exponentially.

However, social media is not without its challenges. Eklund confesses that maintaining an active online presence brings a significant amount of pressure and anxiety. “When you have millions of followers, there’s pressure to post more and more,” he says. This pressure to constantly produce content can be overwhelming, especially when balancing the demands of a large team and multiple developers. Despite these challenges, Eklund recognizes the benefits of social media, noting that it provides unparalleled exposure and global reach, allowing their team to achieve millions of views on listings without any cost.

Looking ahead, Eklund believes the key to successful social media engagement lies in authenticity. “I think it’s about becoming more authentic — showing more vulnerability — and less bragging,” he says. This shift towards genuine connection over overt promotion is something he also observed during his time on reality TV, where viewers craved realness and relatability.

Predicting the Next Hot Luxury Market: Why Nashville is on the Rise

When it comes to identifying emerging luxury markets, Eklund and Gomes are always on the lookout for the next big thing. Their ability to anticipate trends has been a key factor in their success, allowing them to expand their operations into lucrative regions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, they witnessed a surge in Florida’s real estate market while New York experienced a slowdown. This ability to diversify geographically — operating in New York, California, Florida, and Texas — helped them weather the storm and continue to thrive.

Currently, they are setting their sights on Nashville, Tennessee, which they believe is poised to become the next hot spot in luxury real estate. Eklund is so confident in Nashville’s potential that he is currently studying to obtain his Tennessee real estate license. The city’s vibrant energy, coupled with its appeal to buyers from Los Angeles and New York, makes it an attractive destination for luxury shoppers. Gomes notes that many of these buyers have ties to the music industry, drawn to Nashville’s rich cultural scene, while others are simply looking for a more affordable and tax-friendly alternative to major cities like New York.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

Throughout their careers, Eklund and Gomes have faced numerous challenges, both personal and professional. One of the most significant hurdles came when Gomes found himself in a slump, struggling to maintain his usual productivity. It wasn’t until Julia Spillman, the CEO of the Eklund Gomes team, and Eklund staged an intervention that Gomes realized he needed to make a change. He recalls the heart-to-heart conversation, saying, “It turned me around completely.” This experience highlights the importance of having a strong support system, particularly in a competitive industry where burnout and complacency can be detrimental.

Their ability to recognize and address these challenges has been instrumental in their growth and success. Eklund and Gomes have learned the value of collaboration, using each other’s strengths to overcome weaknesses. Their partnership is built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future, qualities that have enabled them to navigate even the most difficult times.

Advice for Young Brokers: Patience, Hard Work, and Authenticity

For young brokers hoping to follow in their footsteps, Eklund and Gomes offer some sage advice. Gomes reflects on their early days, stating, “I never imagined we’d have 100 people who work with us in five different states.” Their success was not overnight but the result of years of hard work and determination. He emphasizes the importance of patience, cautioning against the misconception that success can be achieved quickly. “Social media hurt young agents in many ways because they think everything is supposed to happen super quickly,” he says. In reality, building a successful career in real estate requires time, effort, and perseverance.

Eklund adds that finding the right team and fostering meaningful relationships are crucial. “Find a group of people that you have fun with,” he advises. “Find a group of people who you are allowed to criticizing you and who grow with you. It’s very much like a family or a marriage.” This emphasis on collaboration and mutual support underscores the importance of a strong team dynamic in achieving long-term success.

Finally, Gomes encourages young agents to embrace their fears rather than letting them hold them back. “Don’t think too much about the future. Don’t lean into fears. Rather, allow it to propel you to success. It will take you very far,” he says. By staying focused, working diligently, and remaining authentic, aspiring brokers can carve out their own paths in the competitive world of luxury real estate.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Partnership and Innovation

Fredrik Eklund and John Gomes’ journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of luxury real estate is a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and hard work. Their ability to adapt to changing market trends, leverage social media effectively, and foster a supportive team environment has set them apart in the industry. As they continue to expand their operations and explore new markets, their influence on the world of luxury real estate is sure to endure. For young brokers and aspiring agents, their story serves as a reminder that success is not just about individual talent but also about collaboration, resilience, and a relentless drive to achieve greatness.