What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Bartender, Nike/Jordan sneaker reseller, also owned an e-commerce store called Flag Collab.
Where did you grow up?
Cooper City, Florida
Growing up, what did you want to be?
NBA player
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Play basketball, padel, spend time with my girlfriend of 5 years.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Elon Musk, to learn and observe his future goals and learn from his mistakes. Would love to gain insight from a mind that is so advanced compared to the rest. Elon is known for thinking big, which is what makes people different.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
North Miami/Biscayne Park. Great value, single-family properties with large lots and centrally located to everything. Close proximity to Sunny Isles, airports and Brickell.
What do you love most about the industry?
The people you meet. I love that I meet people from every part of the world and clients from literally every industry. Growing up in South Florida, you’re used to being around a diverse group of people who all share different backgrounds and experiences. Real Estate allows me to keep being exposed to that and I love it.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Learning when to flip the switch and relax. I love what I do, so I catch myself working literally 24/7. Sometimes it’s hard to navigate personal time vs. work time.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
People and relationships are everything. As a young broker, I focus on these principles because at the end of the day, it’s more about the relationship than one commission or transaction.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
I don’t really watch TV. I will listen to real estate podcasts or music when I’m at gym or on my way to the gym.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
Tira de asado (steak) with fries and salad.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
Armani Casa in Sunny Isles. I have a bias since I worked for Related Group and was on site during the construction of the project.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
I had a client looking for luxury pre-construction. He claimed he wanted multiple units and was willing to pay all of it in cash as soon as he signed the contract. I did some research and found that he was a known scammer in his industry. Never spoke to him again.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
That I come from a first-generation American background. I am the first person in my family to go to college and grow up in the United States.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
Buenos Aires. I have family that lives there, there’s so much to see between each city, and the food is absolutely incredible.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Go outside, meet people, and get involved.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
All real estate news outlets, House of Highlights for basketball highlights and my girlfriend, of course.
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: Kevin.Rutois