Riley White has never strayed far from home — and that’s precisely what sets him apart.

“I grew up in Arnold and have never lived outside of Anne Arundel County, always within 15 minutes of DTA,” Riley says. “I grew up in a real estate family — a dad who was a broker, a mom who ran the family title company.”

Real estate wasn’t just a career path; it was part of everyday life. Riley recalls getting an early start in business, joking, “My parents gave me a BlackBerry in middle school, and I was sending emails before texting was big.”

That foundation, combined with deep local roots, shapes how he serves his clients today. “I know this county and specifically Arnold and Annapolis so well because I know what it's like to grow up here, be an adult here and help others find their piece of this amazing town too,” he explains.

Before committing to real estate, Riley explored a wide range of jobs. “What didn’t I do?” he says. He worked at a car wash, a marina, in restaurants, and even spent six months selling insurance — “not for me.”

Those experiences proved valuable. “I have had an incredibly diverse work experience and it’s immensely helped my customer service skills,” he says.

The turning point came during a trip halfway across the world. “I was on a trip in the Himalayas in Nepal, trekking to Everest Base Camp,” Riley recalls. “It was 2.5 weeks with no phone and lots of quiet reflection.”

At a crossroads, he made a decision that would define his career. “I decided that I wanted to join the family business,” he says. “It has been an amazing 11 years since that decision!”

Riley began as a real estate admin in 2015 and became licensed in 2016. Today, he serves as a Sales Manager and Realtor with The Gerdes Team at Real Broker, where he plays a key role on a collaborative team. His work has earned recognition, including BRP 30 Under 30 in 2019 and 2023, and BRP Agent to Watch in 2025.

For Riley, success in real estate comes down to authenticity and perspective.

“I offer a true local perspective,” he says. “I have lived in so many parts of Annapolis and Arnold that I really know these neighborhoods like the back of my hand.”

That firsthand knowledge extends beyond homes. “It’s so nice to have such an intimate look into the places I’m selling because I can often answer the questions that folks ask with firsthand experience, not just from what I’ve heard it’s like.”

From grocery stores to bike routes to where teens spend their time, Riley provides clients with a deeper understanding of the communities they’re entering.

Riley credits much of his personal and professional growth to a pivotal period in his life.

“I had a very lightswitch year when I turned 30. Everything just seemed to finally click,” he says. “I’m high ADD and this was the first year I really felt like I could turn it into my superpower.”

That clarity came after stepping away from distractions. “I took about a year away from being social as well as drinking. I needed a full reset and to get back to who I wanted to be, and not what my social circle expected of me.”

The impact was lasting. “I came out on the other end happier, more clear and with the people I knew I wanted around me,” Riley says. “I really believe that this reset saved my life.”

That focus now carries into his business, where consistency was once his biggest challenge. “Keeping my foot on the new business pedal while I was busy tending to my escrows” required intentional change.

Today, systems and support allow him to operate more effectively. “We have built an incredible tech stack and support structure that allows me to focus on bringing in new business,” he explains. “I am a rain maker and admin is better done by someone else.”

Outside of work, Riley enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with family — often alongside his rescue dog, Trevi, who “is my literal shadow” and a familiar presence to clients and colleagues alike.

Looking ahead, Riley is continuing to push himself with new personal goals. “I ran my first half marathon in May and plan to run my first full marathon this fall!” he says.

Through it all, his philosophy remains simple and direct: “Tell the truth, put your clients’ goals above yours,  and build your business wide, not far.”