Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Raumaker.
Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in real estate has been anything but conventional. I didn’t come from a background in business or sales; instead, I learned through hands-on experience, hard work, and hustle. I started by putting myself in rooms and situations that pushed me to learn and adapt quickly.
Before entering real estate, I had a background in acting, which gave me a unique perspective on storytelling, presentation, and connecting with an audience. These skills have proven invaluable in the real estate world, where creating compelling narratives and engaging clients is crucial.
I began my real estate career on a team with Keller Williams, where I honed my skills and gained invaluable experience. Sarah and I were part of that team, and as we grew in our roles, we saw the potential to do more. This led us to take the leap and start our own team, The Home Squad, with eXp. Our approach was media-first, leveraging my background in acting to create engaging content that stood out in the crowded real estate market. This focus on media and storytelling allowed us to build a team recognized in the Orlando market for its innovative marketing strategies and client-first approach.
But as our team continued to grow, I started to feel like we were hitting a ceiling. I began researching other brokerages, thinking about moving our team and my license to see if there was something different out there. But honestly, everything felt the same. Whether it was a cap model focused on who could provide the most revenue share and stock with minimal support, or an uncapped model where I’d just be another number, nothing stood out as the right fit. I was looking for something that could offer true support and growth, something that would help us take our business to the next level.
That’s when I started reaching out to Ryan Serhant via Instagram, sending direct messages in the hopes of connecting. After some persistence, I finally got a meeting with him, and when we sat down, I knew I had found the answer. Ryan talked about building Brokerage 3.0—a model where the brokerage actually supports the agent, pouring resources back into your personal and business growth. It wasn’t just another uncapped model; the more you sell, the more the brokerage invests in you. It was exactly what I’d been looking for.
This vision led Sarah and me to co-found SERHANT. Orlando, a move that allowed us to merge our passion for real estate with our desire to innovate and elevate the industry. The transition from The Home Squad to SERHANT. was a significant step, driven by the belief that we could revolutionize Orlando’s real estate market by leveraging SERHANT.’s brand power, resources, and commitment to agent success.
Throughout this journey, Sarah and I have worked side by side, combining our skills and experiences to create a thriving business that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our clients and agents. Our media-first approach continues to set us apart, ensuring that we not only sell homes but also tell the stories that resonate with people. Today, we’re focused on expanding SERHANT. Orlando, recruiting top talent, and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in real estate.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it. One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was figuring out how to run a team in a way that truly supported our agents. We made the decision not to provide leads directly, but instead to focus on helping our agents build and grow their own businesses. It’s like the old saying goes: If you teach someone how to fish, they’ll fish with you forever. But if you just give them the fish, they’ll think you’re great for a while and then move on. We wanted to create a culture where our agents were empowered to succeed on their own terms, not just reliant on us for leads. But that approach also meant we had to find the right people who were willing to put in the work and truly invest in themselves, which wasn’t always easy.
Transitioning from running a local team to leading an entire market with SERHANT. Orlando has brought its own set of challenges. Suddenly, the scale of everything is much bigger—more agents, more responsibilities, and higher stakes. To be honest, some of these challenges were things I didn’t even know I was looking for, but I’m taking them on head-on with my wife, Sarah. It’s been exhilarating to see our vision come to life on such a grand scale and to know that we’re not just impacting our local market, but potentially redefining real estate in Orlando and beyond.
Every challenge has taught us something new, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been incredibly rewarding. We’re constantly learning, adapting, and pushing ourselves to be better—both as leaders and as a team.
We’ve been impressed with SERHANT. Orlando, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When we started SERHANT. Orlando, we weren’t just building another real estate brokerage—we were creating something different. My wife Sarah and I had this vision of what real estate could be if it embraced the future while honoring the craft. We wanted to take everything we’d learned from running The Home Squad and scale it in a way that still felt personal, but on a much larger stage.
One of the things that truly excited us about joining SERHANT was the opportunity to leverage incredible in-house resources like ID Lab and SERHANT Studios. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re game changers. ID Lab allows us to craft marketing that doesn’t just show a home; it tells its story in a way that resonates with people. And SERHANT Studios? It’s like having a Hollywood production team in your back pocket. We can create content that makes even the most modest property feel like a luxury listing.
What really struck me when we transitioned to SERHANT was the philosophy behind the brand. In a way, it’s a lot like how Nike operates with its athletes. Yes, you’re part of something bigger, something that’s instantly recognizable and respected, but there’s also this incredible freedom to build your own brand within that framework. You’re supported by all these resources, but at the end of the day, you’re still you—just a more polished, powerful version.
And that’s what sets SERHANT apart. It’s not just about having a bigger megaphone; it’s about what you’re saying into it. Every agent who’s part of this brand is among the best in the industry. The resources we have—like ID Lab and SERHANT Studios—elevate everything we do, making sure that the homes we sell and the stories we tell are seen by the right people, in the right way.
But it’s not just about selling high-end properties, even though we certainly do that. In Orlando, we’re here to serve everyone, whether you’re buying your first home or your dream home. The idea is that no matter what your price point is, you’re going to get the same level of service, the same attention to detail, and the same passion.
Running a market as dynamic as Orlando has its challenges, but the journey has been exhilarating. We’re constantly evolving, finding new ways to connect with people, and pushing the boundaries of what real estate can be. And through it all, Sarah and I are still here, hands-on, making sure that what we’re building isn’t just another real estate firm, but something that leaves a lasting impact.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I Like Best About Our City: Orlando is such a vibrant and dynamic place—it’s got a little bit of everything, and that’s what I love most about it. There’s this energy here that’s hard to describe but easy to feel. It’s a city that’s constantly growing and evolving, with new neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural spots popping up all the time. Whether you’re into outdoor activities, great dining, or a strong sense of community, Orlando has it all.
One of the things that makes Orlando truly special, especially when you’re raising a family, is the incredible access to world-class theme parks. Having places like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld right in your backyard is something unique to this city. It’s not just about the entertainment—although that’s a huge perk—it’s about the memories you get to create with your family. Weekend trips to the parks become part of your routine, and it’s something that both kids and adults can enjoy together. And, of course, the weather doesn’t hurt either—most of the time, it’s pretty much perfect.
What I Like Least About Our City:
If I had to pick something I like least about Orlando, it would be the traffic. As much as the city is growing, it seems like the infrastructure hasn’t always kept up. During peak times, getting from one side of the city to the other can be a real challenge, and sometimes it feels like there’s construction on every other road. It’s part of living in a growing city, but it’s definitely something that can get frustrating, especially when you’re trying to make it to appointments or meetings on time. But even with that, it’s a small price to pay for all the amazing things Orlando has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://serhant.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.raumaker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mraumaker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markraumaker
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@orlandohomesquad
