Morgan Blittner, Luxury Real Estate Specialist, Brown Harris Stevens Miami Sunset Harbour
What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I’ve had many. I was a lifeguard in Rockaway Beach, NY which taught me responsibility at a young age. We had very active beaches with a lot of rescues. Many beachgoers were from out of town, so they were not used to the waves and rip currents. I also own and operate TKSMIAMI, a retail watersports operation and beach concession with the City of Miami Beach. We focus on kite boarding, foil boarding, surfing and paddle boarding – offering lessons, rentals and sales.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Park Slope, Brooklyn and raised in Rockaway Beach, NY
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I grew up in and around real estate and started tagging along with my father to the office at a very early age. I always knew I would end up in real estate. I’ve always had a passion for it!
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Watersports are my ticket to relaxation, specifically surfing and kite surfing.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Jerry Garcia would be at the top of the list. I caught the tail end of the Grateful Dead concerts when Jerry was still alive, so I am very lucky to have seen him perform. Of all the great touring bands I think they had the biggest following. Not only was he an unbelievably talented musician, but he continues to bring so many fans together from all walks of life though his music.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
The Moorings Village in Islamorada. I proposed there while out on the water. The place is magical!
What do you love most about the industry?
Meetings and networking with existing and potential clients take on all different forms, very often that means outdoor activities including kiteboarding and paddle boarding with them. Being in control of your schedule is great and allows me time with my family and kids.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
You must know who you can trust. In this market, off market properties are a huge part of my business and those must be guarded closely.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
For me, it is all relationships and trust, and the rest will follow. I am almost always on, and extremely responsive.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Last binge watch was Peaky Blinders and The Crown. I usually listen to podcasts while jogging. Lately I am listening to On Brand with Donny Deutsch. I’m currently reading Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
I am a food guy, so I have a few. Wabi Sabi for quick Sushi, Navé in Coconut Grove is great, and the family and I love to go to Lucali!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
I am a big fan of the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club. They did a fantastic job merging old with new.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Nothing too exciting yet.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am an artist and have spent years on the potter’s wheel and in the glass blowing studio. That has taken me to the Czech Republic and to Seattle to study at Dale Chihuly’s Pilchuck Glass School with some of the best glass maestros in the world.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
Other than visiting family in Colombia and New York, our favorite family trip is to a small town called Golden, BC. We do an annual ski trip to a mountain called Kicking Horse. It’s known as a mini–Jackson Hole. My wife and kids love it. We get great family time and unreal snowboarding and skiing.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Be prepared for the grind. You get out of this what you put into it.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
Heavy hitters in the industry in New York, Miami, Aspen as that’s my focus area.