The Fredrik Effect

On the hit television show “Million Dollar Listing New York,” Fredrik Eklund is known for his trademark high kicks, colorful socks and larger-than-life personality. 

The 42-year-old native of Sweden has also established a solid reputation as a broker to the stars, selling properties to some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Britney Spears, Leonardo DiCaprio and John Legend.

“I’ve always tried to have fun in my career and not take myself too seriously,” Eklund says. “My goal has always been to create the best possible future for myself and my loved ones.”

As part of the Eklund/Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, he and his business partner, John Gomes, oversee agents in New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

“We’re building the first national real estate super-team,” Eklund says.

After calling New York City home for the past 16 years, he and his family made a big move to the West Coast last year. Settling into a Beverly Hills home with his husband, Derek Kaplan, a self-taught abstract artist, and their 2-year-old twins, Milla and Fredrik Jr., will allow him to expand his real estate business and capitalize on Los Angeles’ strong luxury market. And, although he continues to spend much of his week traveling among the different offices, Kaplan and the twins remain his top priority.

He has fond memories of his own childhood in Sweden and tries to recreate the same loving environment for his kids. After several years of trying to become parents and having their first surrogate experience two miscarriages, the couple welcomed the twins by a different surrogate and revealed that Eklund is the biological father of Milla and that Kaplan is the biological father of Fredrik Jr.

Eklund says that, while having twins is double the work, it also means double the immense rewards.

“I want them to feel loved and safe and to know how great they are,” says Eklund, who describes himself as the fun parent and Kaplan as more of a disciplinarian. “It was a big adjustment to have twins. But, as they’ve grown older, it’s become easier, and I’ve become a much calmer and more confident parent.”

Born To Sell

When Eklund moved from Sweden to New York in 2003, he had no real estate training. But he knew he was a good salesman. At the tender age of 7, he sold Christmas calendars and finished the year as the company’s top seller.

When a friend told Eklund he thought his outgoing personality would lend itself well to a career in real estate, he enrolled in a course at New York University and worked to earn his real estate license. In his first year as an agent, he sold $50 million worth of property. Eklund reveals his favorite sales tactics and tips in his best-selling book, “The Sell: The Secrets of Selling Anything to Anyone.”

“Every day, no matter what line of work you have, you’re selling yourself,” he says. “You are your brand and your product, and you have to know the unique qualities you bring to the table.”

After being asked to join Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing New York” in 2012, Eklund says the reality show – which follows high-profile agents as they broker sales – forced him to feel comfortable showing both the serious and silly sides of his personality. This included performing the high kick, which Eklund does after securing a sale.

“It’s something I started doing as a kid. I’m 6’4” and all legs,” he says with a laugh. “People have accused me of stealing that move from ‘The Karate Kid’ movies, but I was doing the high kick three to four years before the first movie was released, so I say they stole it from me!”

Despite his immense success in real estate, Eklund was scared of failing in the industry for many years, he says.

“If I had to give my younger self advice, I’d say be thankful not only for the good times but also for the difficult ones. Because, in the end, they made me the person I am today.” 

To South Florida And Beyond

Last year, the Eklund/Gomes Team celebrated its expansion into Miami Beach.

“Our business is growing fast in Miami, with many of our clients looking to buy homes in Florida to take advantage of the 2017 changes in the tax law,” Eklund confirms, admitting that South Florida has always held a special place in his heart. 

In 2013, he and Kaplan were married on the beach of Little Palm Island in the Keys, and, in 2015, they purchased a vacation home in Miami.

Over the past two years, the Eklund/Gomes Team has expanded its business in both the Miami and Los Angeles markets, growing to more than 65 people total.

A self-confessed health freak, Eklund makes wellness a priority in his daily life. 

“I work to make sure I get eight hours of sleep each night and to eat well,” says Eklund, who is also an investor in the exclusive Dogpound gym in New York. 

With Dogpound opening a second location in West Hollywood last year, Eklund plans to continue his intense workouts that combine cardio, weightlifting and boxing.

“I don’t have a six-pack; I have an eight-pack,” Eklund jokes about his toned physique. “Working out at Dogpound kicks my ass every day.”

With season eight of “Million Dollar Listing New York” wrapping last October, Bravo hadn’t announced at press time whether the show would be renewed for a ninth season. Regardless, Eklund is staying busy with his family and his growing business – and has recently started writing scripts with his brother, Sigge Eklund, a best-selling Swedish author who also lives in Beverly Hills.

No matter what comes next for Eklund, we’re sure he’ll approach it with his signature authenticity, ambition and – without a doubt – an enthusiastic high kick. O

Photo by F. Scott Schafer/Bravo