From Humble Beginnings to a Real Estate Empire
In the heart of Beverly Hills, surrounded by luxury and a sense of boundless possibility, we sat down with one of the most prolific figures in real estate, Aaron Kirman.
With a staggering $19 billion in career sales and a well-earned reputation as the top agent in Los Angeles, Aaron’s journey is a testament to vision, tenacity, and a love for the craft.
But what truly makes his story remarkable is where it began.
“My mom was a school teacher. My dad was a trucker, so I didn’t come from the world that people see me in today,” Aaron shared, reflecting on his “very humble beginnings.”
His ambition was sparked at just six years old, riding his bike from his modest neighborhood to the beautiful, expansive estates. It was there he had a pivotal thought: “One day I’m either going to own them or sell them or both.”
The Power of the Brand
After 25 years in the business and a career with some of the industry’s most respected names, Aaron made a deliberate choice to align his brand with Christie’s International Real Estate.
For him, the brand is “synonymous with luxury, international national presence,” and he views it as the perfect partner for the next chapter of his company’s growth.
The name recognition and global reach of Christie’s provide a powerful foundation for his team.
From Competition to Partnership
When you operate at the highest echelons of a competitive industry, rivals are inevitable. But Aaron has a unique perspective on this. “I would say there’s a handful of agents, probably 10, that are the multibillion dollar level, which is what we do,” he explained.
He sees these other top agents not just as competitors but also as partners. This nuanced approach allows for collaboration and strategic alliances, even while striving to be the best.
Aaron’s confidence in his team’s formula is unwavering.
He believes the combination of his company’s unparalleled marketing, advertising, and database makes them truly unique. “Nobody has the same formula that we have,” he stated, and this is what allows him to go into listing interviews with the firm belief that his team is the best.
The Marketing Disruption
Aaron’s marketing philosophy is a masterclass in modern disruption. He isn’t focused on a single “one-hit wonder,” but rather on doing everything amazing all the time.
This includes a robust print strategy, because sellers still like to see their homes in magazines, as well as cutting-edge technology and social media. His team has the ability to make properties go viral, reaching billions of potential buyers and allowing them to track who is engaging with the content.
He sees this as a democratizing force in the industry. Where real estate was once about “who you knew,” today’s tools mean “you could have access to anybody as long as you’re using the right forums.”
This empowers agents to take control of their business and not just wait for referrals.
Dolphins, Not Sharks
For Aaron, the culture of his brokerage is everything. He describes the Aaron Kirman Group as a “family,” not just a team. “Sharks die alone, dolphins get to live as a family and so we consider ourselves dolphins not sharks.”
He is fiercely protective of this family, carefully selecting agents who possess a strong work ethic and a track record of success, but also “do it right,” with kindness and integrity.
This culture creates a safe and supportive environment where agents can thrive, collaborate, and grow together, knowing they have the full support of the entire group.
It’s a powerful model that turns a competitive industry into a collective effort.
