Ryan Serhant is a man of many talents: actor, real estate mogul, author, and reality TV personality. At just 40 years old, Ryan has amassed an impressive net worth of $40 million, thanks to his remarkable journey from a struggling actor to one of the most successful real estate brokers in the world. Let’s explore how Ryan Serhant built his empire and balanced it all with his family and creative pursuits.
Early Life: Roots of Ambition
Born on July 2, 1984, in Houston, Texas, Ryan Serhant grew up in Topsfield, Massachusetts. He was raised alongside his younger brother, Jack, by a father who instilled in them the value of hard work. As children, Ryan and Jack earned $1.50 an hour collecting firewood, which they sold to neighbors—a small but formative glimpse into Ryan’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Ryan’s early years were enriched with creative endeavors. He attended the Pingree School and spent summers at the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp in Colorado. After high school, he pursued theater and English literature at Hamilton College, where he joined the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. With big dreams in tow, Ryan moved to New York City after graduation in 2006 to chase an acting career.
The Acting Years: Lights, Camera, Action
Ryan’s acting debut came in 2007 when he landed the role of Evan Walsh on the soap opera As the World Turns. He appeared in 19 episodes, gaining valuable exposure and experience. However, like many actors, Ryan faced the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. To make ends meet, he worked as a hand model and participated in stock photo shoots while continuing to audition for roles.
Though acting didn’t provide a steady income, Ryan’s time in the spotlight wasn’t over. His transition from acting to real estate would become a story of resilience and reinvention.
Real Estate: From Humble Beginnings to Record-Breaking Deals
In 2008, Ryan took a leap into the world of real estate, starting his career during the financial crisis. His first year was tough, earning just $9,000. But Ryan’s perseverance paid off. In his second year, he sold an $8.5 million property, setting the stage for his meteoric rise.
Ryan joined Nest Seekers International, where he eventually became managing director and executive vice president. In 2012, he launched the Serhant Team, which grew to include over 60 employees across New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and other major markets. The team achieved over $4 billion in sales and played a significant role in selling more than 80 new development projects.
In 2020, Ryan took another bold step, founding his own real estate firm, SERHANT. The firm quickly made headlines with high-profile sales, including a $33 million Miami penthouse and a $69 million property on Madison Avenue in NYC. Today, SERHANT is a leader in luxury real estate, blending traditional brokerage with innovative marketing strategies.
Reality TV Fame: Million Dollar Listings
Ryan’s charisma and sharp business acumen caught the attention of Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing New York. Premiering in 2012, the show gave viewers an inside look at the competitive world of high-end real estate. Ryan quickly became a fan favorite, known for his wit, determination, and ability to close deals.
In 2018, Ryan starred in and produced the spin-off Sell It Like Serhant, which focused on helping struggling salespeople improve their techniques. His natural on-camera presence and relatable advice further cemented his status as a TV personality.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Beyond Real Estate
Ryan’s entrepreneurial spirit extends far beyond real estate. In 2018, he published Sell It Like Serhant: How to Sell More, Earn More, and Become the Ultimate Sales Machine, sharing insights from his career. The book became a bestseller, inspiring sales professionals worldwide.
In 2021, he followed up with Big Money Energy, a motivational guide to building confidence and achieving success. Ryan also launched a real estate sales course that became the most commercially successful of its kind, earning over $100,000 daily upon its release in 2019.
Personal Life: Family First
While Ryan’s professional achievements are impressive, his personal life is equally fulfilling. In 2014, Ryan proposed to lawyer Emilia Bechrakis in a grand gesture that involved shutting down Times Square. The couple married in a stunning ceremony in Greece in 2016, which was featured in Million Dollar Listing New York: Ryan’s Wedding.
The Serhants welcomed their daughter, Zena, on February 26, 2019. Ryan and Emilia have been open about their journey with IVF, sharing their experiences to support others facing similar challenges. The family resides in a luxurious Brooklyn townhouse that Ryan purchased in 2018 for $7.6 million. The property boasts eight bedrooms, exposed brick walls, and an enviable 26-foot-long master bedroom closet.
Today, with a thriving business, a beautiful family, and a $40 million net worth, Ryan Serhant continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate professionals alike. Whether he’s closing multimillion-dollar deals or sharing sales tips with his audience, Ryan’s energy and passion remain unmatched.
