Jacob Freedman knows what it means to take a leap of faith. Fresh out of Tulane University with a political science degree, he had no clear plan—just a strong work ethic and a willingness to try something new. Eight years later, he’s a thriving real estate professional with FQR Realtors in New Orleans by simply doing one thing very well: listening.

“People think real estate is a sales job—it’s not,” says Jacob. “It’s a service job. When you really listen, you learn what your client needs. When you act on that knowledge, you get extraordinary results. That’s what leads to trust, referrals, and lasting relationships.”

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Jacob attended Brooklyn Technical High School, one of the city’s most rigorous academic institutions, where he majored in Law and Society. “With 6,000 students, I learned how to work with people from all backgrounds—and how to work hard. That experience shaped how I relate to people today.”

A service trip through the St. Bernard Project after Hurricane Katrina first brought him to New Orleans—and changed the trajectory of his life. “We came to help rebuild homes, and I fell in love with the city. I kept coming back,” he shares.

Graduating from Tulane in 2017, Jacob found himself at a bit of a crossroads. Politics no longer appealed to him, so he turned to his father for advice. The answer was blunt but effective: get a tough in-person sales job and learn the ropes. That’s how Jacob found himself selling solar panels door-to-door—often in the blazing New Orleans sun, sweating head to toe for a commission check that barely covered groceries. “I spent many long days knocking on doors around Uptown New Orleans that summer to mixed results,” he recalls. “But I kept going, kept listening, and I started to make some sales.”

While canvassing, Jacob met someone who introduced him to Sylvia Roy of Gardner Realtors, which led to an opportunity with top producer Chris Smith. “He didn’t want to hire me at first,” Jacob admits. “But I kept showing up until he did.”

He worked with Chris for six years, soaking up everything he could about the real estate business. In 2024, Jacob launched his solo career. With the support of George Jeansonne and FQR Realtors, Jacob has flourished as a full-service Realtor serving buyers, sellers, and landlords across the greater New Orleans Area. “FQR believed in me, and they’ll be my brokers for life.”

Jacob genuinely loves his occupation. “Real estate is always changing. A lot of people see that as a negative, but I think it's exciting. Our job is to adjust and solve problems creatively—especially when the rules of the game keep shifting.”

His passion for New Orleans shines through every transaction. From its architecture to its culture, Jacob thrives on being part of the city’s evolving story.

Jacob stays grounded thanks to his close-knit family. He talks with his dad daily, remains tight with his mom, and often hosts visits from his sisters Sylvie and Helen, all of whom still live in Brooklyn. His girlfriend, Mariah, shares his love for food, fun, and entertaining friends at home.

When he’s not working, Jacob enjoys running (he and Mariah recently ran the Crescent City Classic), exploring new restaurants, and collecting art. “Art runs in my family,” he says. “My dad is a painter, my sister is a painter, and my parents run a gallery in downtown Brooklyn.”

He also has a creative side of his own—he used to do glassblowing at Tulane and plans to get back into it soon.

Jacob’s biggest lesson? Find someone who knows what they’re doing and learn everything you can. “Chris taught me the value of hard work. He was always the first in the office and the last to leave. He made sure his clients were taken care of. That’s the most important thing—put the client first and listen.”

Jacob Freedman proves that by doing right for your clients with consistency, humility, and hustle, even the most unconventional career path (like selling solar panels) can lead to success.