Spotlight On: Brendan J. Skislock From The Skislock Frezzo Team

Brendan J. Skislock Like anyone who follows his or her calling, real estate agents face both challenges and personal victories while pursuing their dreams. Elliman Insider sat down with Hamptons agent Brendan J. Skislock to find out more about when he knew real estate was his calling to why he believes in avoiding anyone who claims something is impossible. Elliman Insider: When did you know real estate was your calling? Brendan J. Skislock: While working at Kidder Peabody & Co., then Dean Witter & Co., I became fascinated with real estate finance development in commercial and single-family homes. Clients in the financial industry gave me a fantastic opportunity to start a fully funded development company in Connecticut. I first developed medical office condos which were purchased by doctors and were adjacent to hospitals. Doctors relished the idea of installing MRIs and services that were competing with hospitals located next door. Then, I developed flexible sales office space which utilized shared support services. Fortune 500 companies rented these office spaces for their satellite sales offices. Lastly, I purchased an interest in a small real estate company in Litchfield County, growing this business organically. These businesses were packaged and sold off separately to monetize the business; these were all novel concepts at the time of development. EI: What is your biggest challenge as an agent? BJS: Clients generally know what they desire in a dream home. The key is listening to the client and bridging the gap between desire and budget. There are always trade-offs no matter what level the budget. EI: Do you live by a personal mantra or favorite saying? BJS: My two favorite are: “If you don’t like where you are standing; step forward, you are not a rock” and “Never give up on your passions! Just work smarter.” One of my favorite empowerment stories was about a student George Dantzig who showed up late at the end of class. He copied two statistical problems from the board thinking they were homework. Mr. Danzig solved those problems not realizing the teacher had given these as example of unsolvable statistical problems. Avoid people who say something is impossible. EI: Why did you choose Elliman? BJS: I chose Elliman because of the culture. From the chairman to the front desk, the culture at Elliman is one of a family wanting everyone to succeed to their fullest. Douglas Elliman provides unlimited training to learn the skill sets to move you forward and succeed. It offers the opportunity to work alongside other highly professional agents locally, throughout the country, and globally. Also, the powerhouse of Douglas Elliman’s marketing and Public Relations reputation was a big draw for me. These have allowed me to excel and increase the Skislock Frezzo Team’s business exponentially. EI: Any advice for new agents? BJS: If you need help with something just ask anyone at Elliman. We are all in this together. If the new agent looks good, we all look good. We all have a vested interest in your success. If a client asks you a question, and you don’t know the answer, the best answer you can respond with is “I don’t know the answer, however, I will get you the correct answer.” You look smarter and gain others’ trust immediately. If you are just starting out in the business, I suggest you join a team to learn both your craft and the culture of the workplace. EI: Where can we find you when you’re not working? BJS: For my brain—reading a great historical book or solving statistical problems. For body, biking or on my Peloton, weight training, or any outdoor activity I can participate in. And for soul, spending time with my husband of over 25 years and our puppy, Coco. Brendan J. Skislock’s Listings: 11 Nicholas Ct., Southampton | $3,800,000 You don’t want to miss out on this 6-bedroom, 6.5 bath, +- 5,400 s.f. home with an open floor plan home & nestled on 2.2 acres. It’s an ideal location within close proximity to Southampton village, beaches and world class golf courses.This luxurious home is designed for the comfort of discerning individuals who enjoy contemporary living. The eat-in chefs kitchen features top stainless-steel appliances including a Viking 6 burner gas range, Gaggenau refrigerator, two Miele dishwashers and a butlers pantry with a wine refrigerator.This home features an elegant living room with a wood burning fireplace perfect for cozy nights at home. The large, light filled dining area is cheerful and inviting. An additional living room is large enough to showcase a grand piano and perfect as a home entertaining area.There are six generously sized bedrooms with well-proportioned en-suite bathrooms. The home office is the perfect solution for todays work from home and home-schooling needs.The expansive outdoor area is a private oasis where you’ll enjoy a heated 40ft. saltwater pool, a tennis court with pavilion and a spacious deck area. The grounds are lush and manicured. The 4-car garage, professional laundry room and inspiring Hamptons views from the roof top decks complete this home you’ll want to call your own. 2055 Albertson Lane, Greenport Village | $2,750,000 Newly constructed modern farmhouse with meticulous attention to craftsmanship, construction and materials located on one of the most charming roads on the north fork. Between Southold and Greenport, this 6-acre property offers a unique opportunity for privacy and accessibility. From its grand entryway, you can see through the house out to the pool and the meadow beyond. The open floorplan boasts 1,000 sq. ft.  and includes island kitchen, dining area and living room and features 10′-ceilings and oversized windows. The top floor offers a master suite with a deck facing the pool and meadow, a guest suite plus two bedrooms and a full bathroom. Other amenities include a 20’x40′ gunite, heated, saltwater pool surrounded by an elaborate pool deck and landscaping as well as a pool house with cathedral ceilings. The outlying 4 acres of undisturbed meadow provides an opportunity to plant a small orchard, vineyard, or keep horses. Close to all that the North Fork has to offer. 68 South Essex Street | $1,950,000 Newly constructed beach house with modern finishes located one block from the village and two blocks from the ocean. Ideally situated to enjoy everything that Montauk has to offer from world class ocean beaches & surfing to dining & shopping, all just steps away! The home features 3 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms with ocean views from the master suite and room to expand. The vaulted, open living space features a bright, open kitchen with stainless steel appliances, white oak floors and a spacious deck overlooking the grounds, village and ocean. There is also a secluded back yard with open seating, farm style dining, outdoor shower and all abutting protected land, remaining forever private. And the house is Energy Star rated. The perfect MTK beach house. Also, there is a bonus room used as a 4th bedroom; wood floors are solid rift sawn white oak; 10+ foot basement ceilings with a roughed in bathroom & legal egress already in place for expansion; 2 washerdryers; all rooms wired with ethernet; all gutters and drainage run to a dry well on property. Contact the Skislock-Frezzo team for all your real estate needs today.