Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and this article is not intended as a substitute for advice from the appropriate legal, zoning, financial, construction and/or tax professionals. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is made without warranties or representations

Welcome to the eighth episode of the EZ Deals Podcast! I’m Eric Egelko, and this week, I’m thrilled to bring you an insightful conversation with Kenneth Herskind, Vice President of Top Gun Commercial Real Estate, one of San Diego’s premier multifamily brokerage firms. In this episode, Kenneth shares his fascinating journey from the corporate world in Japan to becoming a leading figure in commercial real estate in the United States. If you’re an aspiring real estate agent or investor, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and strategies to help you scale your real estate portfolio.

In this episode, Kenneth shares his fascinating journey from the corporate world in Japan to becoming a leading figure in commercial real estate in the United States. If you’re an aspiring real estate agent or investor, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and strategies to help you scale your real estate portfolio.

From Japan to San Diego: Kenneth Herskind’s Journey to Real Estate Success

Kenneth’s story begins with his time in Japan, where he worked his way up the corporate ladder after graduating with a degree in International Business. His experience abroad gave him a unique perspective on the differences between American and Japanese business practices, particularly in the realm of work ethic and company loyalty. Kenneth highlighted how Japanese workers take immense pride in their work, a stark contrast to what he observed in the U.S. This cultural insight laid the foundation for his disciplined approach to business.

After returning to the United States, Kenneth co-founded a telecommunications company in San Diego, which developed Japanese translation software. Despite the challenges, their hard work paid off when they were successfully acquired for a significant sum. This entrepreneurial experience was Kenneth’s first taste of the “wild west” of business, but it was real estate that would truly test his mettle.

Kenneth entered the real estate industry later in life, bringing with him a wealth of experience in sales and business development. However, as he candidly shares, real estate was no walk in the park. He faced unique challenges as a newcomer in an industry dominated by seasoned professionals with long-standing relationships. Despite the steep learning curve, Kenneth’s life experience and work ethic helped him persevere.

A key takeaway from our discussion is the importance of finding a mentor. Kenneth emphasizes that having a mentor—or even multiple mentors—can significantly impact your success when starting out in any new field. He credits a venture capitalist from his early days in the software industry as one of his most influential mentors, underscoring that mentors don’t always have to be within your current industry to provide valuable guidance.

We also delved into Kenneth’s first real estate deal, which, while straightforward, was a pivotal moment in his career. He recalled the effort it took—writing 75 to 80 offers before landing his first deal—illustrating the persistence needed in the competitive world of real estate. His big break came in his second year, with a major apartment listing in La Mesa that resulted in a significant payday, marking a turning point in his career.

Kenneth also offered insights into his recruiting strategies at Top Gun CRE, where he prioritizes entrepreneurial spirit over academic qualifications. For him, success in real estate is more about grit, determination, and a willingness to hustle than it is about formal education.

As our conversation wound down, Kenneth discussed his future investment strategies, favoring diversification and multiple income streams over large, singular investments. He also shared his vision for Top Gun CRE’s future, focusing on maintaining a close-knit team of agents who are passionate about their work and dedicated to growing their deal flow and property management portfolio.

Unlocking Real Estate Success: Insights and Inspiration from Kenneth Herskind

Kenneth’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and hard work in achieving success in real estate. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Don’t miss out—tune in to EZ Deals Podcast #8 and catch all of Kenneth’s invaluable advice. And as always, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast with your network. We’ve got more incredible guests and stories coming your way, so stay tuned!

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Erik Egelko

Erik Egelko is a veteran of the commercial real estate business with a specialized focus on Investment Property Sales. In 2021 and 2022, Erik was the #1 ranked Broker in California for one of the largest CRE Firms as well as ranked in the Top 1% of brokers nationwide. He has extensive experience in a variety of asset types including: Retail Shopping Centers, Medical Office Buildings, Industrial Properties, and Multifamily Apartment Complexes. Over the course of his career, Erik has closed over $100,000,000 of commercial property sales throughout Southern California.