‘Million Dollar Listing’ star used to sling paninis, but now leads a team closing $15 billion in deals—because someone was ‘stupid enough’ to hire him

Fredrik Eklund (Credit: Bravo / Contributor / Getty Images)

• Million Dollar Listing New York icon Fredrik Eklund came to NYC with no job, connections, or family help. He started off handing out paninis outside David Letterman’s late-night show, earning $15 hourly and one penny per sandwich, before a friend recommended real estate as a career. A boutique agency was “stupid enough” to hire him with no experience, and the rest is history. Now, his team of around 100 agents has closed more than $15 billion in property deals, and his celebrity clientele includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Jonas, and John Legend. 

Fredrik Eklund has made it in U.S. real estate—the Million Dollar Listing New York star has helped close more than $15 billion in sales all across the country.