SAM KAPLUNOV best-in-class honoree Photo by Stylish Detroit
Age: 33 Number of Years in Real Estate: 9 Why did you decide to get into real estate?
Honestly, because it was in front of me at the time. I stumbled across Oakland University’s Career Counseling Center in 2012. I was new to Michigan and deciding between getting a
@properties
second degree in engineering, going to law school or becoming a teacher. Instead, I decided to give real estate a try. It completely stuck, and I found a perfect fit wherein I was able to flex the teaching muscle by previously being the office educator for my brokerage and advising my co-workers on their career goals, and am now able to lead the @properties Birmingham office. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
My family. I love to work, but I also love to live. Having three kids age 4 and under and a kickass wife has brought a whole new meaning and purpose to why I strive for success and growth in the real estate industry. What do you do to stay grounded/centered/sane?
That’s the hardest part of the job — the off switch! Having boundaries and accountability are key elements to control the craziness that comes with a profession in real estate. Designating time to pour into my family and focusing on them allows me to be my best, both at home and in the office. I also find the time I spend on the soccer field to be a therapeutic release.
life,” I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Sarah, my wife. She helped me to not just stay on track but also was a constant support system. Additionally, I credit my previous brokerage, Hall & Hunter, REALTORS®. The incredible family there welcomed me and raised me in the real estate industry. As a 2021 Best-in-Class honoree, what are your words of wisdom for the next generation of real estate agents?
I once had a mentor explain and break it down this way, and I’ve found it to be so true: The first year sucks. Even if it’s great, it still is difficult. Around year three is when you start to understand the business. Really, year five is when things come into focus: You know your strengths, weaknesses, patterns and where your strengths lie. Even still, the real estate sector is the long game. Run the marathon, not the sprint. FAST FACTS & FAVORITES Bucket list item? Drive the
Autobahn and Nurburgring Guilty pleasure? A box of
How did your challenges shape who you are today?
I feel that the challenges I unintentionally faced allowed me to endure the initial learning curve that comes with entering the real estate sector. Coming into the business with no connections, no market knowledge, no geographic knowledge and with my back against a wall … These are the reasons I was forced into learning and success. I said “yes” to every opportunity and soaked up knowledge and experience at every turn.
Double Stuf Oreos Most influential “teacher” or mentor in real estate? Oh man, I would
default this to my previous brokerage of Hall & Hunter, REALTORS®. If you wrote a book about yourself, what would you call it? “Sam I Am” If you could have a two-hour conversation with one person, dead or alive, who would it be? Myself, 50
years from now Habit you want to shake? Pop. And maybe some Jet’s Pizza. I’m a helpless sucker for BBQ chicken pizza and Coke. What did you want to be when you grew up? Definitely a professional
soccer player Who has helped you get where you are today?
While it’s easy for me to say “everyone in my 40 • June 2021
Favorite movie? “Up” — who doesn’t
love a feel-good Disney/Pixar movie? @realproducers
