Meet Gary Lanham

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gary Lanham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gary below.

Gary, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I found my purpose in real estate through a blend of my passion for community engagement and a genuine desire to help others succeed. After earning my Master’s degree in Hospital and Health Administration and spending over 20 years in healthcare, I encountered a particularly disappointing experience during one of my real estate purchases. It made me question: What would it be like for clients to work with a realtor who truly cared about them and the outcome of their transaction? What if they had someone who not only helped them buy or sell a home but also guided them toward building equity and creating financial stability?

Those questions inspired me to enter real estate. I began selling properties in Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and Fort Lauderdale. To accelerate my learning and differentiate myself from more seasoned agents, I started writing articles about real estate. These articles were initially picked up by local community newsletters and eventually by a publication owned by the Sun Sentinel. Today, I’ve been writing for The New Pelican for four years, sharing insights and advice with the community.

As I built my career, I focused on staying ahead of industry trends, particularly in technology. I embraced AI and other tools to analyze market trends, target buyers effectively, and market properties with precision. Video marketing became a cornerstone of my strategy, allowing me to showcase homes in ways that connected with buyers on a deeper level. Coldwell Banker took notice of my production and marketing innovation, including my use of technology, and acquired my company, Lanham & Associates, Inc., over a decade ago. I joined their Fort Lauderdale Beach office, where I led the #1 team for seven years.

Over time, I discovered that my love for teaching and mentoring fit seamlessly within this field. While running a high-performing team was rewarding, my greatest fulfillment came from coaching other agents and watching their success grow. By focusing on trust, skill-sharing, and being a true advocate for both clients and agents, I found that my purpose in real estate goes far beyond transactions. It’s about empowering others, building lasting relationships, and making a meaningful impact in my community.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a realtor based in Fort Lauderdale, dedicated to helping homeowners sell their properties by combining genuine personal care, strong community connections, and innovative marketing strategies. With over 20 years in real estate, I’ve learned that success comes from truly understanding my clients’ needs and providing them with a positive, stress-free experience.

What sets my marketing apart is the integration of cutting-edge technology with personalized service. I utilize AI tools, social media, and video marketing to maximize exposure for listings, ensuring they reach the widest audience of potential buyers. AI allows me to analyze market trends, optimize property visibility, and deliver targeted strategies that secure the best price in the shortest amount of time. My goal is to make every client feel confident and supported while achieving outstanding results.

Beyond my work as a realtor, I am passionate about mentoring newer and seasoned agents, helping them navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to their growth and celebrate their successes.

I am also deeply invested in my community, having served as president of The Corals of Oakland Park Community Association and now leading the Coral Ridge Isles Community Association. Community engagement has always been important to me, and I remain committed to causes close to my heart. For example, I continue to support individuals living with HIV, an area where I previously volunteered during my healthcare career. After losing my mother to pancreatic cancer, I’ve also been an advocate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

As the real estate market evolves, I aim to stay at the forefront of technology and explore sustainable housing solutions. With climate change and recent hurricanes impacting Florida, I am a strong advocate for hurricane-resistant homes. Sellers who invest in making their properties more resilient not only protect their assets but also stay competitive in today’s market.

In addition to my real estate work, I write for The New Pelican, offering insights and advice for home sellers. I am always looking for new ways to expand my services and better serve my clients and community. Whether it’s staying ahead of market trends, using the latest technology, or being a trusted advocate, my focus remains on doing what’s best for the people I work with.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three most important qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been impactful in my journey are:

Genuine Care for Clients: Real estate is about more than just buying and selling properties—it’s about understanding and prioritizing the needs of clients above all else. Success comes from building trust, truly listening, and ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way. For those early in their journey, I’d encourage focusing on empathy and always putting the client’s goals before your own. This approach not only builds lasting relationships but also creates a foundation for a meaningful career.

Adaptability and Embracing AI: The real estate industry continues to evolve, and staying adaptable to new technologies is essential. AI, in particular, has been transformative—providing insights into market trends, enhancing property marketing, and helping clients make more informed decisions. Learning to embrace AI and other tools without fear allows you to deliver better results for your clients. My advice is to remain open to change, continually educate yourself, and use technology to add value to your services in a way that benefits your clients first and foremost.

Community Involvement: Being part of the local community has been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Engaging with the community builds connections and offers a deeper understanding of the local market. For those starting out, I’d suggest becoming actively involved—whether it’s through local events, associations, or volunteering for causes you care about. This not only strengthens your network but also reinforces the value of serving others.

For anyone beginning their career, focusing on these three principles—empathy, adaptability (especially with AI), and community engagement—will provide a strong foundation for long-term success, always grounded in putting clients’ needs above your own.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I am always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals. My primary focus is assisting homeowners who are looking to sell their properties in today’s challenging real estate market. If you’re seeking a realtor who leverages innovative marketing strategies, including AI-driven tools to analyze market trends, optimize property listings, and connect with potential buyers effectively, I’m here to help.

I also offer my expertise as a consultant and thought leader to anyone writing about real estate in the Fort Lauderdale area, including newspaper columnists and authors. Additionally, I am eager to collaborate with developers who need more than just an order-taker for new construction projects and are seeking a local expert to guide them through the complexities of the area’s real estate landscape. By utilizing AI, I provide data-driven insights to help developers make informed decisions.

Whether you’re a seller, a seasoned agent, a developer, or a writer, I would be delighted to explore how we can work together. If this resonates with you, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Let’s join forces, harness the power of AI, and achieve great things together!

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