Erik Elsea

Real Estate One

Photo by Stylish Detroit

Age:

35

Number of Years in Real Estate:

4

Why did you decide to get into real estate?

Real Estate One has been a part of my life since I was born. My great-grandfather founded Elsea Realty, which later formed Real Estate One in 1929. My grandfather worked for him and further grew the business; today, my dad and uncle — third-generation — own and operate the Real Estate One Family of Companies.

What do you do to stay grounded/centered/sane?

I travel all over the country to fish the many beautiful saltwater estuaries between North Carolina and Texas — this is a lifelong passion that most certainly keeps me sane!

How did your challenges shape who you are today?

My parents instilled a strong work ethic in my brother and me from a very young age. I had my first job when I was in sixth grade. We worked all throughout high school, started our own business in college, etc. This was not the norm in the community that I grew up in or amongst my peers but helped mold the work ethic that I believe has attributed to success in my adult life.

What drives or motivates you?

Career and workwise, a lot of what motivates me is to achieve “success” based on what success means to me. Beyond that, I am a work-hard, playhard person; so, to a certain extent, I “work to live,” and so much of what drives me is not related to my work life. Enjoying life with family and friends, and, most importantly, experiencing as much of God’s creation as possible is a huge motivator for me.

Who has helped you get where you are today?

My mom Judy, dad Stuart, brother Evan and my wife Sarah.

As a 2021 Best-in-Class honoree, what are your words of wisdom for the next generation of real estate agents?

Anybody can be successful selling real estate: You don’t have to try to become what you see on TV or what you think a stereotypical real estate agent is. I learned this very early on in my sales career. … You would be shocked at the different personality types that can truly excel in sales.

FAST FACTS & FAVORITES

Bucket list item?

Take a seaplane to fish the Chandeleur Islands in the middle of the Gulf

Guilty pleasure?

Wine, bourbon, lots of coffee

Most influential “teacher” or mentor in real estate?

My dad Stuart Elsea

If you wrote a book about yourself, what would you call it?

“Born Different: The 6-Foot, 8-Inch Left-Handed Twin”

Something you can’t live without?

Fishing

What is your theme song for life?

“All My Ex’s Live In Texas” by George Strait — kidding, but true

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Marine biologist like every other kid

Favorite TV show?

“True Detective”

Favorite school subject?

Statistics