The picturesque city of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York is a fountain of history. Literally. It is home to mineral springs that spawned an enclave of baths, spas and colorful Victorian homes. By the 1800s it became a mecca for fun and gambling, thanks to Saratoga Race Course and the old Canfield Casino.
Conner Roohan, far right, showed eXp founder Glenn Sanford (second from right) and the eXp leadership team a good time at Saratoga Race Course. From left, eXp Realty agent Tom Truong, CFO Jeff Whiteside and Chief Growth Officer, Michael Valdes.
No wonder Conner Roohan exudes such enthusiasm about selling real estate in his Saratoga Springs hometown and surrounding region.
“Saratoga summer is undefeated. Between Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the State Park, Congress Park, Broadway and all of the bars, restaurants and shops, there is something going on every single day and night. Did I forget to mention we have a thoroughbred race course too – the oldest sports venue in North America?” Conner said.
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Conner’s connection to Saratoga Springs comes with a famous real estate family. In 1969, his grandfather founded Roohan Realty, one of the city’s original real estate brokerages. His uncle later took it over, and Conner learned the business as a young agent with the firm. Why not? The Roohan name has been synonymous with residential and commercial real estate sales in Saratoga for decades.
But as a competitive athlete – Conner played lacrosse at top-ranked St. Michael’s College in Vermont – Conner said he could see it was time to up the ante on his real estate sales game.
“The way that you found business back when my grandfather started his brokerage and then through the years was a lot different. It was word of mouth, it was community connections. Maybe a little more local. Now there are so many different ways people choose their agent,’’ Conner said.
“Also, our business at eXp is done entirely in the cloud, which is a lot easier and more simple than it sounds. The old way works, but there are other ways. The way I see it: Would you rather own 10 shares of Ford? Or Tesla?’’
A cloud-based brokerage, a virtual “world” that connects agents across the globe, and a premium on social media outreach – all of that was in Conner’s wheelhouse.
“I went viral on social media in June for the first time. That was pretty wild. People stop me on the street. That might happen if I was on a billboard or on TV, but social media for the most part is 100% free. I try to do things differently than other agents. A lot of their posts are pretty much the same. If you’re reading this, shoot me a follow on IG/TikTok @connerroohanexp!’’
Since joining eXp in 2020, Conner’s social posts and sales have drawn attention from buyers and sellers in this upstate real estate market. The Roohan name means something in this neck of the woods, thanks to Conner’s grandfather and uncle. But this Roohan is next generation eXp all the way.
Learn More About Conner Roohan:
Years in real estate: Since 2014
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty 2020 – present
- Roohan Realty 2014-2020
Main territory: New York state’s Capital District region and greater Saratoga Springs area.
When and why did you join eXp?
“I joined eXp in late 2020. I joined because I felt a sense of freedom at eXp, and I was attracted to the collaborative nature of the company. Also, having a personal relationship with Jeff Whiteside – I played sports with his kids! – I felt it was the best fit for the next stage of my career, based on the commission split, stock options and ability to cap. That didn’t hurt either!”
What makes eXp special to you?
“I think the people involved in eXp make it special. Being tuned into an international network of professionals has shown me there is a better way. Agents can work together and help each other for the greater good of a company in which we all have a stake.”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“I would say that hosting (eXp founder) Glenn Sanford, (eXp Global president) Michael Valdes and (eXp CFO) Jeff Whiteside in my hometown of Saratoga Springs last summer was certainly a highlight! Eastern New York (the Albany-Saratoga area) only has a population of around 1,000,000 people. It was really impressive that the leaders of our company came to one of the smaller markets in the United States to share their vision for the company.”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“I was just surprised about how helpful everyone was. It might sound silly but I figured being in the cloud I would have no contact with anyone else in our company and I would be on an island. It really hasn’t been the case, the administrative team, state brokers and everyone throughout the cloud really works hard and is extremely helpful to the agents. Also, other agents in our area have been super collaborative, and we are building something really special here.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“I played defense growing up. In lacrosse and in soccer. You get scored on all the time, but the important thing is to make adjustments and move on to the next play. It’s kind of a cliche, but your failures will lead to your successes. Being able to move on is key.”
10 Fun Things About Conner Roohan
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sunset in Key Largo.
Who is the person you most admire?
Teddy Roosevelt. He worked so hard, and did so much for our country and the state of New York.
One thing you can’t live without?
I guess my iPhone? It’s kind of an embarrassing and borderline addiction but in this business you need your phone on you at all times!
One trait that has led to your success?
Genuinely enjoying what I do for a living.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
I would love it to be Richard Gere, or Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Day-Lewis would be wild. Christian Bale?
Pet peeve?
Warm beer!
Little known fact about yourself?
I majored in Spanish in college, and can speak fluently.
Song you never tire of?
“Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis.
Favorite meal?
Steak/lobster/creamed corn/a nice wedge salad/vanilla ice cream.
Your epitaph will say:
“I’ll see you up here!”
__________
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