We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Servello recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success, to me, is a combination of persistence, resilience, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone. It’s not just about hitting milestones or making deals, but about having the mindset and work ethic to keep going even when things aren’t easy. To be truly successful, you have to embrace discomfort and failure, use those moments as learning opportunities, and stay driven by your vision, even when the path isn’t always clear.

I’ve had several experiences that shaped my understanding of success. One that stands out is when I first started in the real estate industry at 16. At that age, I was hungry to learn but also knew I had a lot to prove. I started in pre-construction sales, which was both exciting and overwhelming. There were times when I doubted myself, especially in an industry dominated by seasoned professionals. But I quickly learned that success isn’t handed to you – it’s earned through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to risk it all.

When I moved to the admin side of a brokerage, it was a humbling experience. I wasn’t yet an agent, but I was gaining valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of real estate. I shadowed top agents and saw firsthand the level of discipline and hustle they put in, the late nights, and the sacrifices they made. Those years were instrumental in shaping my mindset. I wasn’t just learning the mechanics of real estate; I was learning the mindset of successful agents – and the most important thing I learned was that patience and resilience are non-negotiable.

Getting my real estate license at 19 while I was still in university was another turning point. Balancing school with starting a new career was a grind, and I can’t say it was easy. There were moments when I felt like I was juggling too much, but I had to remind myself that growth comes from being uncomfortable. I took on projects that pushed me beyond my limits and quickly realized that success requires being willing to risk it all. Sometimes that meant turning down short-term comfort in exchange for long-term growth.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my journey so far is that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a continuous process of building trust, honing your skills, and pushing through the difficult times. Building my personal brand has been a big focus of mine in recent years. I’ve intentionally grown my brand to reflect who I am, rather than just being a salesperson or an agent. That authenticity has been critical because it allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level. It’s not about selling; it’s about building relationships.

Being a leader, whether in real estate or in any industry, requires empathy and the ability to put others’ needs before your own. Success, in my view, is about lifting others up as you rise. That means having the courage to make tough decisions, the patience to build lasting relationships, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks.

Ultimately, success is about the journey. It’s about never giving up, even when it feels like everything is against you, and continuing to evolve. You’ve got to trust the process, take risks, and always keep pushing forward, because those who are willing to face discomfort and keep showing up are the ones who make it in the end.

Samantha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born into the industry – literally. My family was always involved in construction, so real estate was a natural extension of that for me. Growing up, I was always surrounded by projects, whether it was flipping homes, building from the ground up, or working with developers. I was involved in every aspect of it, and over time, I fell in love with the dynamic landscape of real estate. From pre-construction sales to residential resale and commercial properties, I got a front-row seat to the intricacies of the business, and I knew this was where I belonged.

I started working in real estate at just 16, learning the ropes of pre-construction sales, and quickly moved up to various roles in the industry. From administrative roles at brokerages to shadowing top agents, I gained an insider’s perspective on every part of the business. By 19, I had my real estate license, juggling school at the same time. And in the six years since then, I’ve achieved nearly $100 million in sales, which has been a testament to the passion and drive I bring to the table.

What really sets me apart, though, is the fact that I see real estate as more than just buying and selling property. I’m a true people person, and I thrive on building relationships. I believe in providing a solution, not just a sale. My approach goes beyond helping clients make the right move; I’m here to solve problems, whether that’s securing financing, finding the right contractors, navigating the pre-construction process, or even giving advice on design and construction.

I offer a full-service, end-to-end experience for my clients. From financing and contracting to construction and beyond, I am a resource and guide for every part of the real estate journey. My goal is to be more than just your agent—I want to be your go-to for anything real estate-related. I’ve intentionally built my brand to reflect that, and it’s why I’m known as a “one-stop shop” for all things real estate. When people think of me, I want them to think of someone who is truly knowledgeable, authentic, and always has their back. My clients aren’t just clients—they’re partners. I build real, lasting relationships, and I’m honored to be trusted with one of the most important decisions of their lives.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the brand I’ve built around my name. “Sam is my Realtor” is more than just a catchy slogan; it’s the foundation of everything I stand for. Just like the saying “Kim is my lawyer” get it (wink wink – if you know you know) —that’s the level of familiarity I want to create with my clients. I want to be known as your realtor, someone people turn to for advice, guidance, and expertise. My goal is to create a brand that is trustworthy, bold, authentic, and 100% myself. I’m not trying to be like anyone else. I’m not here to follow the trends—I’m here to set them.

I’m incredibly grateful for all of my past, present, and future clients who have helped shape me into the agent I am today. Their trust and support have been the driving force behind my growth and success. They’re the reason I’m able to continually evolve and improve, and why I’m able to be the best version of myself every day.

As I continue to grow my brand, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when you work with me, you’re working with someone who is committed to you. Whether it’s residential, pre-construction, or commercial real estate, I am fully invested in finding the best solution for your needs. I’m here to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible, and to help you make informed, confident decisions.

I want to be known for my work ethic, my commitment to my clients, and my authenticity. I’m not just selling property—I’m building relationships, providing solutions, and creating a brand that people can trust. My focus is on making every client feel like they are my number one priority, no matter the size or scope of the deal. My brand is who I am—it’s my life, my passion, and my commitment to excellence. And that’s exactly what I bring to every transaction, every relationship, and every interaction.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of my career, and one that truly highlights my resilience, happened when I was 22 years old and still relatively new to the industry. At the time, I was a struggling realtor—young, eager, and full of ambition, but facing a lot of doubt from others, and honestly, from myself as well. I was trying to break into the luxury market, which felt like a far-off dream for someone so early in their career. But there was this one listing I really, really wanted. A property—over $2 million—and I knew this could help me enter new levels in my career.

This story actually starts a couple of years earlier, during my first year in real estate, when I hosted an open house for another agent. I met a client there who, at the time, was just looking around. But something clicked between us. I stayed persistent, kept in touch with them, and we built a great relationship over the years. For nearly two years, I followed up, checked in, and was consistent without being pushy. I knew they were a potential client, but I also knew I needed to earn their trust and prove that I could handle the big leagues. I think what I really learned from this was that persistence, paired with authenticity, could go a long way.

One day, out of the blue, I got a call from them. They said, Sam, I know you’re young, but something tells me you can do this. I’ve had a lot of other agents reach out to me, but none have been as persistent or as dedicated as you. I’m giving you a shot, I know you will not let me down. That was the moment I had been working for— the follow had finally paid off but the work had just begun.

I took the listing, but I’ll admit, at first, I was terrified. At that point, I had never sold a property near that price range. The market was tough, and many people doubted me, including myself. But I couldn’t back down. I knew this opportunity meant more then just the sale—it was a chance to prove myself and set the stage for the agent I wanted to become.

I worked harder than I had ever worked in my life. I marketed the property like crazy, creating my very first viral property tour video, which was a huge milestone for me. I reached out to other agents with similar listings, knocked on doors, and flew flyers. I even cold-called nearly 1,000 potential buyers. There were days when I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle—the market wasn’t exactly in my favour, and the property wasn’t selling as quickly as I had hoped. But I kept at it. My client was patient and trusted me, allowing me to take the listing off the market for a few months while the market corrected, and stabilized, I used this time to rework my approach. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I was determined to make it work.

Nearly six months later, I was able to relaunch the listing with a fresh perspective and stronger market. Within just one week, I sold the property. I hosted an open house that attracted nearly 50 people, and from that one sale, I was able to scale three more deals. Those were the first luxury transactions I ever closed, and they were a direct result of the work and persistence I put into that one listing. Best part my clients were ecstatic!

What this experience taught me was that resilience isn’t about not facing challenges or setbacks—it’s about refusing to give up when things get tough. The key is to keep going, keep learning, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. That listing was a turning point for me because it showed me that I could do things I didn’t think were possible. It gave me the confidence to take on bigger challenges, to trust my instincts, and to put in the work—even when the odds were against me.

Fast forward to five years later, and I can honestly say that moment shaped the agent I am today. I now believe there is nothing I can’t do if I put my mind to it. And that resilience—knowing that I can bounce back from any setback, that I can face any challenge head-on—is something I carry with me every day in my business.

That experience also helped me understand what sets me apart as an agent. It’s not just about selling property; it’s about building trust, being resourceful, and showing up every single day with the same level of dedication. It’s about believing in yourself even when others don’t—and sometimes, it just takes one person to see the potential in you before you can see it in yourself.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been an evolution. I actually started my social media journey the day after I got my real estate license, back when Instagram was just starting to take off. At first, I didn’t really take it seriously—I wasn’t active, and I didn’t fully see the potential of using it as a business tool. Social media felt like more of a personal space, and I didn’t quite understand how I could leverage it for my real estate business.

It wasn’t until around the time of COVID-19 that I started to see the true value of social media. With the world in lockdown and in-person interactions limited, I realized I had to get creative to keep my business going. I began using Instagram more actively, posting consistently and engaging with my audience. At the same time, I jumped onto TikTok, which was booming in popularity, and started to experiment with videos to promote myself and my business. I began to show more of me, not just as an agent, but as a real person who had something valuable to share. The response was gradual but encouraging, and I began to see how social media could open up new opportunities and build connections that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

However, it wasn’t really until 2023 that I took my social media presence seriously. Up until then, I had been using my platforms primarily for lead generation. But I came to realize that in this business, your social media isn’t just a tool—it’s your resume. Your profiles are a reflection of who you are, your brand, and the value you provide. I wanted my audience to know me, understand my journey, and see exactly what I stand for. It became about more than just posting; it became about creating a lasting impression.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that building your social media organically is key. It’s about consistency, but also about authenticity. Your content should reflect who you are, and it should attract the right kind of clientele—people who resonate with your message and vibe. I started leaning into video content, particularly Reels and TikTok videos, because they’re powerful tools for engagement. I’ve shared everything from property tours and market updates to behind-the-scenes glimpses of my personal life and business. And you know what? Some of the most “wild” things I’ve posted—things that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone—have actually led to real business.

My advice for those just starting to build a social media presence would be:

Don’t be afraid to get in front of the camera: This is a big one. I used to be self-conscious about it, but getting on camera and showing your face is one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience. People want to do business with people they can relate to, and they need to see the real you. If you’re consistent and authentic, the right people will find you.

Content needs to convert: It’s not just about posting for the sake of posting. Your content should be designed to attract your ideal audience, whether that’s potential buyers, sellers, or even other agents. Ask yourself: How does this post provide value? How does this piece of content make me stand out? Create content that speaks to your strengths, your expertise, and the lifestyle you represent.

Consistency is key: Don’t just post once and disappear. Social media success comes from consistently showing up, engaging, and staying visible. Even if you’re not seeing instant results, trust that it’s building over time. Think of it as a long-term investment.

Don’t be afraid to get help: For a long time, I tried to do everything myself, but I quickly realized that partnering with content creators, photographers, and even brand agencies is a smart move. I work with a great team now to help manage my content, plan photo shoots, and ensure everything flows seamlessly. If you can, invest in your social media presence—it’s worth it.

Create a brand you’re proud of: Your social media is an extension of you and your business. Build a brand that’s authentic and reflects who you are. Don’t just post because you feel like you have to. Post because you want to connect, build relationships, and offer value. And don’t be afraid to work with professionals who can help you refine your message and design a brand that flows and resonates with your audience.

The journey of building my social media presence has taught me that there’s really nothing to fear. The only thing standing between you and your success is your willingness to create and be consistent. Social media is a platform where you can make mistakes, learn, and grow—all in real-time. And the best part? It’s where your audience can get to know you on a deeper level, building trust even before they reach out to you.

I’m proud of what my social media has become—not just a lead generation tool, but a true reflection of my business and who I am as a person. It’s a platform where I can showcase my expertise, my personality, and the hard work I put into everything I do. My biggest piece of advice: don’t wait until everything is perfect to start—just dive in, be yourself, and stay committed. It may take time, but if you stay consistent and true to your brand, the results will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samanthaservello.com
• Instagram: @sservellorealestate
• Facebook: samantha servello
• Linkedin: samantha servello
• Youtube: @sservellorealestate

Image Credits

Yes I have permission from my photographer who is Luca Delle Donne — @crossfirejpg