Alumni Career Spotlight: Ryan Kanfer '15

Elon Graduation year??

2015

Your current neighborhood/location in New York?

Hudson Yards

What did you do immediately post-grad

Production of West Side Story at Signature Theater

Where are you now professionally and what are you doing??

Real Estate Agent at Douglas Elliman on The Katzen Team (#2 team transactions, #4 team nationwide)

Are you hiring in NYC?

Not currently, but always open

What advice do you have for someone looking to land a career in in your field?

Honestly, Elon taught me that kindness and curiosity go a long way. Active listening, reading social cues, and the genuine desire to help someone is crucial in any business, especially in real estate. Whether you’re moving to New York for the first time and looking for a rental or have been a resident for a decade and looking to purchase your first home, the best way to advise is to listen and ask questions—of course staying up to date with all the goings on in the market and having crucial education in the real estate world. It’s way too hard to guide someone if you are only looking at dollar signs. I got into real estate because I genuinely love meeting new people and having new experiences. And let me tell you, being a real estate person in this city is always exciting.

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What was your experience like changing companies and what advice do you have for others looking to do the same thing?

I was honestly terrified. I've always understood the significance of personal branding and the crucial role of consistency within it. The idea of transitioning from entertainment to real estate was daunting; I hesitated for a long time, primarily because I was worried about others' perceptions. However, the moment I figured out that integrating my background in production could be the key to embracing this new path, I felt a wave of relief. Trusting that I was enough was a massive moment for me and I realized the only way to move forward was to move forward.

Professionally, where do you see yourself in 5 years and does your current role accommodate?your desired growth??

In five years, I envision myself well-established within the real estate industry, a position that not only offers me professional fulfillment but also supports the lifestyle I aspire to lead, including the freedom to travel, explore new cultures, and welcome more family time. Beyond the foundational success in real estate, I am deeply committed to nurturing my creative passions. I aim to leverage my expertise and financial stability gained from real estate to continue producing shows, writing, and engaging in creative projects that resonate with my interests.

What is the best way for Alumni to engage with you? - I.E. LinkedIn, IG, etc (whatever you are comfortable with)

Email is always best: [email protected]

IG: ryankanfer

Bonus:

What are the underlying qualities that have made your mentors/successful people you've encountered stand out professionally?

During my time at Elon, I had the privilege of working closely with Linda Sabo. Over three years, I served as her Teaching Assistant, contributed as an assistant choreographer, and was fortunate to have her as my mentor for the Fellows program. Linda played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to learning and critical thinking. She encouraged a mindset of perpetual curiosity and the importance of viewing situations from diverse perspectives. This approach profoundly influenced my academic work, particularly my thesis on media manipulation. Through a unique interpretation of the musical "Chicago," I illustrated the persistence of media influence over the last century, using a live-streamed production set on a soundstage to symbolize the discrepancy between perceived and actual realities, thus highlighting the human tendency to accept constructed truths.

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More recently, I’ve had the privilege of learning from Frances Katzen, a powerhouse in the real estate industry. Her mentorship has been invaluable, emphasizing that real estate is not about merely showcasing properties, but about guiding clients through the complexities of their decisions. Frances's commitment to setting her team up for success and her hands-on approach resonate deeply with me. Her ability to lead by example and her emphasis on support, trust, and success for her team members mirror the values instilled in me by Linda Sabo. Both mentors have underscored the importance of curiosity, active listening, and deep understanding in achieving excellence in any field.