David Serle

Leading Empathy with Kindness

David Serle is more than just a real estate broker—he's a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of perseverance. Born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida, David's journey into the real estate world was shaped by his family's legacy in the industry. "I grew up in Boca Raton, FL since I was 4 and am a few and far between native Floridian," he fondly recalls. "My parents were both in the real estate business," he shares, "but my father wasn’t keen on me getting in." Despite initial hesitations, David found his path, starting as a copy boy and working his way up to become a successful broker.

Throughout his career, David has embraced qualities like sincerity, empathy, and a thirst for learning. "I am always inspired by those who are smarter, more courageous, and willing to learn despite how successful they are. Too often real estate agents, when they become successful, they forget what got them there," he notes. "You need a tremendous work ethic and consistency to survive in this business." 

His dedication paid off, but like many, David faced his share of challenges, particularly during the 2008 mortgage crisis. "I suffered significant financial loss both professionally and personally," he recalls. "But I overcame it by getting back to the basics – and doing lots of short sales. I worked extremely hard and got out of that period with a newfound respect for the challenges of real estate."

For David, setting goals has been instrumental in his journey. "Without goals, it’s very difficult to measure success," he emphasizes. "Every successful business person sets goals." Whether it's daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly, David believes in the power of goal setting to drive progress and keep him focused on growth. "My daily goals depend on what I am working on that week," he explains. "Maybe I need more customers so I will work on prospecting that week. Maybe I will absorb 2 books that week or listen to a podcast or 2." 

His commitment to continuous improvement extends beyond his personal achievements—he also serves as the president of the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors Association, representing nearly 43,000 realtors – the third largest in the nation.

David's typical workday has undergone significant changes in 2024, reflecting the demands of this role. His schedule is a whirlwind of board meetings, Zoom calls, and various events, both during the day and at night. While he used to maintain a more traditional office presence, David now finds himself in the office only 2-3 times a week, as most of his board activities require him to be on the move. This shift in his routine allows him to remain agile and responsive to the ever-evolving needs of the organization and its members, while still fostering strong community connections.

As a leader, David values humility, advocacy, and empathy above all else. "I am inspired by those that lead with kindness, humility, and civility," he shares. "I strive to be a better person and leader every day." And while he doesn't have a formal mentor, David finds inspiration from everyone he encounters. "You learn from everyone," he explains, crediting his parents as his greatest coaches.

David's core strengths lie in his ability to empathize with others and approach situations with an open mind, even in the face of disagreement. His capacity for empathy allows him to connect with clients on a deeper level, understanding their needs and concerns with genuine compassion. Moreover, David's willingness to see the other side of an argument, even when his own convictions are strong, sets him apart as a thoughtful and diplomatic leader. By embracing empathy and open-mindedness, David continues to make a positive impact in both his personal and professional endeavors.

Beyond his professional endeavors, David's "why" is clear: his three daughters. "I am a girl dad," he beams, sharing snippets of their morning sing-alongs to Taylor Swift and cozy movie nights. His love for his children is the driving force behind everything he does, including his podcast, "Breakfast With the Broker." For over six years, David has used the platform to promote professionalism and collaboration within the real estate industry, earning four-time recognition as a trendsetter and influencer.

Looking ahead, David has aspirations beyond real estate, including a potential foray into politics. "I do have some aspirations into politics," he reveals. "I can see myself as a county commissioner or mayor within the next five years. I am currently on the Palm Beach County Planning Commission and enjoy it." With his track record of resilience, dedication, and a heart full of love for his family, there's no doubt that David Serle is destined for continued success, both in business and beyond.