U P S TAT E
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
DAMIAN DAVID HALL DAMIAN HALL GROUP AT BLACKSTREAM | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
NOVEMBER 2021
cover story
Playing DIFFERENT
IN A
League
Written by Elizabeth McCabe · Photography by Jerry Coli (CREM)
R
“My grandmother has been a REALTOR® for as long as I can remember,” explains Damian. “Growing up, I’d tag along with her to open houses and on appointments. She’d give me all of her old forms and MLS books and I had my first office set up at her house in the finished attic around the age of 8.”
L E A D I N G T H E WAY:
DA M IAN
DAV I D
H AL L
38 • November 2021
eal estate was always a profession that Damian David Hall wanted to pursue. From his childhood days, he wanted to follow in his grandmother’s footsteps in real estate.
@realproducers
Fast forward a few years, Damian took pre-licensing classes at night one semester during his sophomore year at college, getting his license in 2007. Damian says, “I started working part-time as an assistant for a top producing agent in Charleston at Carolina One Real Estate on Broad Street. I was a prelaw/political science major headed to law school, but after college decided to dive into real estate full time before law school.” Thirteen years later, Damian feels fortunate that he stuck with the real estate path. He started fulltime with the same top producer in Charleston as her assistant/buyer’s agent and eventually handled all aspects of marketing and team management. “I gave her marketing a refresh and launched her onto social media,” says Damian. At that time, they were selling 1-2 million dollar homes South of Broad, around downtown, and over into Mount Pleasant. “It was an incredible learning experience for me,” he recalls. Excelling in Property Management In 2009, Damian joined his grandmother’s RE/ MAX office, moving to Tryon, NC in late 2009.
realproducersmag.com
“I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside my grandmother. She’s been one of the top producers in Polk County since the early nineties and the RE/MAX she co-owns has held the majority of market share for two decades now,” smiles Damian. At the same time, Damian started a property management company Carolina Advantage Properties. He grew that into a company managing over 100 long-term rentals in northern Greenville (SC) and Polk County (NC). Damian managed higher-end rentals and equestrian properties. In 2015, Damian sold that company to RENTWNC. Excelling in Short-Term Rentals After selling Carolina Advantage Properties, Damian formed Tryon Retreats, a luxury shortterm rental company that managed properties around the Tryon/Saluda foothills, Lake Lure and surrounding the new Tryon International Equestrian Center. “We grew that company into managing 50+ vacation properties and sold it in 2018 to Yonder Luxury Rentals in Asheville,” says Damian. Joining Christie’s In 2017, Damian was invited to join Blackstream|Christie’s in Greenville and its sister office, Ivester Jackson Blackstream | Christie’s in Asheville. “This ended up complementing the direction and vision of the Damian Hall Group beautifully,” says Damian. That allowed us to cover areas from Greenville to Hendersonville/Flat Rock. Since then, Damian has grown into a five-person team and now works in Greenville, Lake Keowee, Highlands/ Cashiers, Tryon, and now Hilton Head markets.
Upstate Real Producers • 39
cover story
Playing DIFFERENT
IN A
League
Written by Elizabeth McCabe · Photography by Jerry Coli (CREM)
R
“My grandmother has been a REALTOR® for as long as I can remember,” explains Damian. “Growing up, I’d tag along with her to open houses and on appointments. She’d give me all of her old forms and MLS books and I had my first office set up at her house in the finished attic around the age of 8.”
L E A D I N G T H E WAY:
DA M IAN
DAV I D
H AL L
38 • November 2021
eal estate was always a profession that Damian David Hall wanted to pursue. From his childhood days, he wanted to follow in his grandmother’s footsteps in real estate.
@realproducers
Fast forward a few years, Damian took pre-licensing classes at night one semester during his sophomore year at college, getting his license in 2007. Damian says, “I started working part-time as an assistant for a top producing agent in Charleston at Carolina One Real Estate on Broad Street. I was a prelaw/political science major headed to law school, but after college decided to dive into real estate full time before law school.” Thirteen years later, Damian feels fortunate that he stuck with the real estate path. He started fulltime with the same top producer in Charleston as her assistant/buyer’s agent and eventually handled all aspects of marketing and team management. “I gave her marketing a refresh and launched her onto social media,” says Damian. At that time, they were selling 1-2 million dollar homes South of Broad, around downtown, and over into Mount Pleasant. “It was an incredible learning experience for me,” he recalls. Excelling in Property Management In 2009, Damian joined his grandmother’s RE/ MAX office, moving to Tryon, NC in late 2009.
realproducersmag.com
“I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside my grandmother. She’s been one of the top producers in Polk County since the early nineties and the RE/MAX she co-owns has held the majority of market share for two decades now,” smiles Damian. At the same time, Damian started a property management company Carolina Advantage Properties. He grew that into a company managing over 100 long-term rentals in northern Greenville (SC) and Polk County (NC). Damian managed higher-end rentals and equestrian properties. In 2015, Damian sold that company to RENTWNC. Excelling in Short-Term Rentals After selling Carolina Advantage Properties, Damian formed Tryon Retreats, a luxury shortterm rental company that managed properties around the Tryon/Saluda foothills, Lake Lure and surrounding the new Tryon International Equestrian Center. “We grew that company into managing 50+ vacation properties and sold it in 2018 to Yonder Luxury Rentals in Asheville,” says Damian. Joining Christie’s In 2017, Damian was invited to join Blackstream|Christie’s in Greenville and its sister office, Ivester Jackson Blackstream | Christie’s in Asheville. “This ended up complementing the direction and vision of the Damian Hall Group beautifully,” says Damian. That allowed us to cover areas from Greenville to Hendersonville/Flat Rock. Since then, Damian has grown into a five-person team and now works in Greenville, Lake Keowee, Highlands/ Cashiers, Tryon, and now Hilton Head markets.
Upstate Real Producers • 39
IF PEOPLE AREN’T CALLING YOU CRAZY, YOU AREN’T THINKING BIG ENOUGH. – Richard Branson
40 • November 2021
MY TEAM IS ALSO VERY
“We’re known for selling the ‘trophies,’” he says. “We’ve sold island resorts, two castles, B&Bs, mansions, estates, plantations, and many other cool properties.” Damian continues to set record sales, most recently by representing the most expensive home ever sold on Lake Lure.
IMPORTANT TO ME, & I’M FOCUSED ON THEIR
His career volume is 100 million dollars and Damian is on track for 32 million dollars this year.
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
“We were just awarded the sales and marketing contract for new development of 25 high-end oceanfront homes that will have a sellout of $125M over next two years,” says Damian. “We have redefined the way luxury properties are sold, and the results are stunning. We began with the simple, yet powerful belief that luxury homes deserve better marketing.”
& HOW WE CAN BE BETTER FOR THEM.
Pushing the Envelope In today’s digital age, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. “The internet has changed the way people make purchases. However, most real estate agents haven’t evolved to meet the demands of today’s sophisticated buyers, explains Damian. In today’s hot market, Damian and his team are setting a new standard for luxury real estate. He and his team are the complete package – a unique blend of REALTORS®, marketers, and artists setting a new standard in luxury real estate. “We treat every home like a masterpiece,” points out Damian. “For each listing, we create custom branding, gorgeous websites, cinematic films, architectural photography, extraordinary events, captivating press, and more.” Every ounce of effort matters. As Damian says, “Ultimately, our clients earn a greater return and a faster sale.” Going Above and Beyond “It’s exciting watching our market share in the luxury sector expanding. I’m focused on keeping our foot on the gas there,” says Damian. He is eager to provide more value to clients. Currently, he offers a complimentary condo downtown that’s available for his clients to use while house shopping or if they need somewhere to land for a week or two before closing on their next home. Damian also has a concierge who will help our clients pack or unpack and offer a laundry list of other services.
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Upstate Real Producers • 41
IF PEOPLE AREN’T CALLING YOU CRAZY, YOU AREN’T THINKING BIG ENOUGH. – Richard Branson
40 • November 2021
MY TEAM IS ALSO VERY
“We’re known for selling the ‘trophies,’” he says. “We’ve sold island resorts, two castles, B&Bs, mansions, estates, plantations, and many other cool properties.” Damian continues to set record sales, most recently by representing the most expensive home ever sold on Lake Lure.
IMPORTANT TO ME, & I’M FOCUSED ON THEIR
His career volume is 100 million dollars and Damian is on track for 32 million dollars this year.
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
“We were just awarded the sales and marketing contract for new development of 25 high-end oceanfront homes that will have a sellout of $125M over next two years,” says Damian. “We have redefined the way luxury properties are sold, and the results are stunning. We began with the simple, yet powerful belief that luxury homes deserve better marketing.”
& HOW WE CAN BE BETTER FOR THEM.
Pushing the Envelope In today’s digital age, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. “The internet has changed the way people make purchases. However, most real estate agents haven’t evolved to meet the demands of today’s sophisticated buyers, explains Damian. In today’s hot market, Damian and his team are setting a new standard for luxury real estate. He and his team are the complete package – a unique blend of REALTORS®, marketers, and artists setting a new standard in luxury real estate. “We treat every home like a masterpiece,” points out Damian. “For each listing, we create custom branding, gorgeous websites, cinematic films, architectural photography, extraordinary events, captivating press, and more.” Every ounce of effort matters. As Damian says, “Ultimately, our clients earn a greater return and a faster sale.” Going Above and Beyond “It’s exciting watching our market share in the luxury sector expanding. I’m focused on keeping our foot on the gas there,” says Damian. He is eager to provide more value to clients. Currently, he offers a complimentary condo downtown that’s available for his clients to use while house shopping or if they need somewhere to land for a week or two before closing on their next home. Damian also has a concierge who will help our clients pack or unpack and offer a laundry list of other services.
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Upstate Real Producers • 41
“My team is also very important to me, and I’m focused on their growth and development and how we can be better for them,” adds Damian. Fortunate for Family Damian can’t say enough about his grandmother, Jean Skelcy. “She’s the reason I’m in this business today. She taught me that honesty, integrity, and tireless dedication to your client are the keys to success. She has had a very successful career and is the embodiment of putting client’s interests ahead of her own each and every transaction,” says Damian. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff In his years of real estate, Damian has learned to develop thick skin and not let things faze him. “The sooner you take your own emotion out of this business and learn to shrug things off and move on, the better your 42 • November 2021
mental state becomes and the quicker you can rebound,” says Damian. Deal fell through? Seller turned into a nightmare? Made a mistake? Co-op agent is insufferable? “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Those things happen in this business and it’s inevitable. Just roll with, find a solution and shift your focus onto the next thing. Having an abundance mindset in this business will take you a long way,” says Damian. Popular Pastimes When Damian isn’t working, you can find him with his partner, Tyler James, who also acts as the operations director at Damian Hall Group. “We are often found dining at many of Greenville’s great restaurants. We call Hall’s Chophouse ‘DHG Headquarters.’ We love going to events downtown like Euphoria and Artisphere and anywhere there is a wine dinner. Lately, we’ve enjoyed cooking classes at the new Cooks
Station around the corner from our house. We also love hitting the lake whenever we can (Keowee),” says Damian. Expect Damian and Tyler to enjoy weekends in Charleston or Highlands. They also like spending quality time with their “son” Wellington, a 5-yearold Wheaten Terrier. To unwind from real estate, Damian likes playing golf, tennis, and riding horses. Boating, hiking around the upstate, and biking the swamp rabbit are enjoyable during the cooler months. Reading Garden and Gun and books on business, marketing, and mindset are also a nice way to kick back and relax. “I’m always consuming books, articles, or videos by Gary Vee, Tom Ferry, and Simon Sinek. Anything and everything I can get my hands on,” says Damian. His partner jokes that real estate is his hobby too! @realproducers
Damian has a heart for the community and likes to give back to others. “I was fortunate enough to have just joined the board for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. I also support the Greenville Humane Society,” he says. Final Thoughts “If people aren’t calling you crazy, you aren’t thinking big enough.” – Richard Branson Damian is an inspiration with his work ethic, drive, and determination. He has accomplished great things in real estate and has made a name for himself here in South Carolina. Check out Damian’s properties on his YouTube channel – Damian Hall Group at Blackstream|Christie’s International Real Estate. realproducersmag.com
FOR EACH LISTING, WE CREATE CUSTOM BRANDING, GORGEOUS WEBSITES, CINEMATIC FILMS, ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY ,
EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS, CAPTIVATING PRESS, & MORE.
Upstate Real Producers • 43
“My team is also very important to me, and I’m focused on their growth and development and how we can be better for them,” adds Damian. Fortunate for Family Damian can’t say enough about his grandmother, Jean Skelcy. “She’s the reason I’m in this business today. She taught me that honesty, integrity, and tireless dedication to your client are the keys to success. She has had a very successful career and is the embodiment of putting client’s interests ahead of her own each and every transaction,” says Damian. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff In his years of real estate, Damian has learned to develop thick skin and not let things faze him. “The sooner you take your own emotion out of this business and learn to shrug things off and move on, the better your 42 • November 2021
mental state becomes and the quicker you can rebound,” says Damian. Deal fell through? Seller turned into a nightmare? Made a mistake? Co-op agent is insufferable? “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Those things happen in this business and it’s inevitable. Just roll with, find a solution and shift your focus onto the next thing. Having an abundance mindset in this business will take you a long way,” says Damian. Popular Pastimes When Damian isn’t working, you can find him with his partner, Tyler James, who also acts as the operations director at Damian Hall Group. “We are often found dining at many of Greenville’s great restaurants. We call Hall’s Chophouse ‘DHG Headquarters.’ We love going to events downtown like Euphoria and Artisphere and anywhere there is a wine dinner. Lately, we’ve enjoyed cooking classes at the new Cooks
Station around the corner from our house. We also love hitting the lake whenever we can (Keowee),” says Damian. Expect Damian and Tyler to enjoy weekends in Charleston or Highlands. They also like spending quality time with their “son” Wellington, a 5-yearold Wheaten Terrier. To unwind from real estate, Damian likes playing golf, tennis, and riding horses. Boating, hiking around the upstate, and biking the swamp rabbit are enjoyable during the cooler months. Reading Garden and Gun and books on business, marketing, and mindset are also a nice way to kick back and relax. “I’m always consuming books, articles, or videos by Gary Vee, Tom Ferry, and Simon Sinek. Anything and everything I can get my hands on,” says Damian. His partner jokes that real estate is his hobby too! @realproducers
Damian has a heart for the community and likes to give back to others. “I was fortunate enough to have just joined the board for the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. I also support the Greenville Humane Society,” he says. Final Thoughts “If people aren’t calling you crazy, you aren’t thinking big enough.” – Richard Branson Damian is an inspiration with his work ethic, drive, and determination. He has accomplished great things in real estate and has made a name for himself here in South Carolina. Check out Damian’s properties on his YouTube channel – Damian Hall Group at Blackstream|Christie’s International Real Estate. realproducersmag.com
FOR EACH LISTING, WE CREATE CUSTOM BRANDING, GORGEOUS WEBSITES, CINEMATIC FILMS, ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY ,
EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS, CAPTIVATING PRESS, & MORE.
Upstate Real Producers • 43