What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Definitely being a car salesman. I worked at one of the few dealerships where BMW and Mercedes (along with Volvo and Lincoln) were allowed to be sold under the same roof.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small area in Virginia called Long Island, not to be confused with New York.
Growing up, what did you want to be?
When I was growing up, I had aspirations to be a surgeon. Those plans quickly changed when I donated blood for the first time in high school and nearly passed out at the sight of it.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
When I’m stressed, I like to put on music and think through my frustrations. Cooking and allowing my creativity to flow also helps.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Steve Jobs. After graduating college, I worked in corporate America within the tech field and his foresight as a visionary always inspired me.
What is Houston’s best kept secret?
I think Houston’s best kept secret is the amazing food you can find at a random food truck on the side of the road.
What do you love most about the industry?
Helping others build wealth through real estate, as well as a legacy for their families. I came into real estate after successfully being an investor for 7 years, so I’m able to leverage those insights to better assist my clients on their home search and sale.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
I think the most difficult part of the job can be finding new clients and ensuring them that you are the best choice for them. There’s a lot of other qualified realtors out there, and you need to show what separates you from the rest.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Put yourself out there. I’ve been able to find clients, in and out of state, by stepping outside my comfort zone and posting relatable and informative content frequently on social media.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to?
My guilty pleasure is reality TV. Any sort of competition show usually draws me in.
What’s your favorite meal in Houston?
My favorite meal in Houston is currently the lamb hummus at Rumi’s Kitchen.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
My favorite building in Houston is probably Texas Tower.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
The weirdest thing that has happened to me on the job has probably been insistently being mistaken for someone else at a broker open. They almost had me convinced I might be the other person!
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I sometimes get anxious in social settings.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Puerto Rico. The weather, food, views and people continuously make we want to visit.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Never doubt yourself and do not change who you are.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
A few of favorite people to follow on social media are J.Nieto Team, Serhant and Houston Chronicle.
What are your social media handles?
Instagram: @the_dapperagent
TikTok: @the_dapperagent
Facebook: Phil Gilbert – Austin & Houston Realtor