Paul Kaulesar is a seasoned Real Estate Broker and a passionate advocate for community development, based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Paul’s journey from a young observer of his parents’ real estate ventures to a prominent figure in the industry is marked by a steadfast commitment to education, strategic thinking, and philanthropy.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Paul on a warm, sunny afternoon at his bustling office in West Palm Beach. The atmosphere was energetic, with phones ringing and agents discussing the latest property listings. Paul shared his first real estate memory with me—a vivid scene of him as a child, watching his parents transform a run-down property into a beautiful home. This early experience, he explained, was the spark that ignited his passion for real estate and his understanding of the importance of community investment. His stories, filled with enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for his craft, painted a picture of a professional who is not only skilled in his field but also deeply committed to his clients and his community.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Paul Kaulesar grew up in an environment steeped in real estate. His parents were real estate investors; his mother specialized in locating promising properties, while his father handled the renovations and sales. This early exposure to the intricacies of real estate investments laid a solid foundation for Paul’s future career. Reflecting on his formative years, Paul shares, “Watching my parents work together to transform properties taught me the value of hard work, strategy, and a keen eye for potential. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.”
“Watching my parents work together to transform properties taught me the value of hard work, strategy, and a keen eye for potential. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.”
Paul’s educational journey began at Royal Palm Beach High School after his family moved to Florida during his late teens. He furthered his education at Palm Beach State College, where he focused on Entrepreneurship. His passion for numismatics led him to the American Numismatic Association School of Numismatics, where he was honored with the title of Numismatic Scholar in 2020. Not one to rest on his laurels, Paul pursued further professional development at Harvard Business School, completing the Disruptive Strategy Program in 2023 and the Negotiation Mastery Program in 2024.
Career
Paul’s career as a Real Estate Broker at OnCall Realty in West Palm Beach, Florida, is marked by his strategic approach and deep knowledge of the real estate market. His early exposure to real estate through his parents’ investments influenced his career path significantly. “My parents’ real estate ventures taught me the importance of seeing potential where others might not. It’s about transforming opportunities into successful outcomes,” Paul explains.
His comprehensive understanding of the market, combined with his strategic approach to negotiations and investments, has made him a notable figure in the industry. Paul’s clients appreciate his dedication and his ability to navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes. “Paul’s ability to understand market trends and client needs is unparalleled,” says a colleague at OnCall Realty. “His strategic thinking and relentless drive set him apart in this competitive industry.”
“Effective communication is about understanding and addressing your clients’ concerns. It’s not just what you say but how you say it,”
Paul emphasizes the importance of persistence, positivity, and product knowledge in the real estate industry. He believes in giving maximum effort to achieve his goals and in learning from past failures to refine his approach. A major career lesson for him was the importance of effective communication, which he learned after losing a significant sale. This experience led him to focus more on understanding and addressing his clients’ needs. “Effective communication is about understanding and addressing your clients’ concerns. It’s not just what you say but how you say it,” Paul notes.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his professional life, Paul is passionate about powerlifting and boxing, enjoying the physical challenges these activities offer. He also enjoys playing dominoes, a game that reflects his love for both physical and mental challenges. Balancing his hobbies with his work helps him maintain a healthy and productive lifestyle.
Paul starts his day with a run to energize himself, followed by breakfast with his wife and some time for stretching or reading. His day at the office involves checking the latest property listings and engaging with clients and investors. This balance of physical activity, work, and family time is crucial for him to maintain productivity and focus. “Boxing and powerlifting keep me physically fit, while dominoes sharpens my strategic thinking. Both are essential for maintaining balance in my life,” Paul says with a smile.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Paul’s commitment to giving back to the community is evident through his active support of various charitable organizations. He donates to Action Against Hunger, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Amnesty International USA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, Ronald McDonald House New York, Sankara Eye Foundation USA, Save the Children, Special Olympics Florida, and Charity Navigator. “Philanthropy is a core part of who I am. I believe in supporting causes that make a real difference in people’s lives,” Paul emphasizes.
Paul is excited about technological advancements in the real estate industry, such as virtual tours and online listings. He sees these tools as game-changers that make the home-buying process faster and more convenient. “Embracing technology is key to staying ahead in this industry. Virtual tours, for instance, offer a new level of accessibility and efficiency for buyers and sellers alike,” Paul asserts.
Interview with Paul Kaulesar
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
What keeps me motivated and excited about my work in real estate is the constant opportunity for growth and the ever-changing landscape of the industry. Every day presents a new challenge, whether it’s helping a young family find their first home or negotiating a complex commercial property deal. I remember one particular instance where I helped a couple who had been looking for their dream home for over a year. They had almost given up hope, but I was able to find a property that perfectly matched their needs and budget. Seeing the joy and relief on their faces when they finally moved in was incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.
Additionally, the real estate industry is always evolving with new technologies and market trends. Staying ahead of these changes keeps me on my toes and constantly learning. For instance, the rise of virtual tours has revolutionized the way we show properties. I was initially skeptical about how effective these would be, but after implementing them, I saw a significant increase in interest from out-of-town buyers. It’s exciting to see how technology can enhance the buying and selling experience, making it more efficient and accessible. This continuous learning and adaptation keep me engaged and enthusiastic about my career.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
My go-to way to relax and enjoy myself during downtime is a mix of physical activity and quiet hobbies. I’m an avid powerlifter and boxer, and I find that these activities are excellent stress relievers. There’s something about the discipline and focus required in powerlifting that helps clear my mind. A few years ago, I set a personal goal to deadlift twice my body weight. It took months of dedicated training, but the sense of accomplishment when I finally achieved it was unparalleled. Boxing also helps me release any pent-up energy and keeps me fit, which is crucial given the often hectic nature of my work.
On the quieter side, I enjoy playing dominoes. It might seem like an odd choice, but the strategic thinking required in a good game of dominoes is both relaxing and mentally stimulating for me. I often play with my family or friends on weekends. There’s one particular game night that stands out, where we played into the early hours, discussing everything from business strategies to personal anecdotes. It’s these moments of connection and strategy that I cherish. Additionally, I love spending time reading, especially books on history and strategy. This combination of physical and mental activities helps me maintain a balanced lifestyle and ensures I’m always ready to tackle whatever comes next in my professional life.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
The single most crucial trait for my success has been persistence. The real estate industry can be incredibly challenging, with its ups and downs, market fluctuations, and the occasional difficult client. There was a time early in my career when I lost a major sale because I didn’t fully understand the client’s needs. It was a tough blow, and I questioned whether I was cut out for this profession. However, instead of giving up, I took it as a learning opportunity. I enrolled in a series of communication and negotiation workshops, determined to improve my skills and avoid making the same mistake twice.
Persistence has also helped me navigate the more unpredictable aspects of the market. For instance, during the housing market crash, many agents were leaving the industry due to the lack of sales and opportunities. I decided to double down on my efforts, investing in further education and reaching out to clients more frequently. It was a tough period, but my persistence paid off. I managed to build a stronger client base and emerged from the crisis with more knowledge and resilience. This trait has not only defined my career but also my approach to life in general. No matter the obstacle, I believe in pushing through and continuously striving for improvement.
What’s the weirdest thing that has happened in your career?
One of the weirdest things that happened in my career involved a historic property with a reputation for being haunted. I had a listing for an old Victorian house that had been on the market for quite some time. Despite its beautiful architecture and prime location, potential buyers were deterred by the local legends surrounding the property. Curious myself, I decided to spend a night there to see if there was any truth to the rumors. The experience was definitely eerie, with unexplained noises and flickering lights, but nothing that couldn’t be attributed to the house’s old wiring and creaky floors.
Determined to sell the property, I decided to embrace its spooky reputation rather than shy away from it. I marketed it as a “historic home with character” and even organized a Halloween-themed open house. To my surprise, the event drew a huge crowd, and people were fascinated by the house’s history. One particular couple, who were enthusiasts of historic and supposedly haunted properties, fell in love with it and made an offer on the spot. This experience taught me the importance of creative thinking and turning potential negatives into unique selling points. It was a bizarre situation, but it ended with a successful sale and some great stories to tell.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
Handling negative feedback is never easy, but I’ve learned to see it as an essential part of growth. Early in my career, I received some harsh criticism from a client who felt that I wasn’t communicating effectively. Instead of getting defensive, I took a step back and really listened to their concerns. This feedback led me to enroll in a series of communication courses, which not only improved my professional interactions but also made me more empathetic and attentive in my personal life.
One particular piece of feedback that sticks out was from a long-time client who pointed out that I sometimes seemed too focused on the big picture and overlooked small but important details. Initially, it stung, but I realized they were right. I started implementing a more detailed checklist system for my transactions and double-checking every step of the process. This change not only improved my efficiency but also reassured my clients that every aspect of their sale or purchase was being meticulously handled. Accepting and acting on negative feedback has made me a better professional and has strengthened my relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
The hardest obstacle I’ve overcome in my career was during the housing market crash of 2008. At the time, I was still relatively new to the industry and didn’t have the extensive client base or experience to easily weather such a financial storm. Many of my peers were leaving the industry, and I seriously considered doing the same. However, I decided to take a different approach. I dedicated myself to understanding the new market dynamics and sought out mentors who had survived previous downturns.
One mentor, in particular, shared invaluable advice: focus on building relationships rather than just making sales. I took this to heart and started offering free consultations and market advice to potential clients without expecting anything in return. This approach helped me build trust and credibility, and slowly but surely, clients began to come to me for their real estate needs. Additionally, I invested in furthering my education, completing certifications that set me apart from others in the field. It was an incredibly tough period, but by focusing on long-term relationships and continuous learning, I managed not only to survive but to thrive. This experience reinforced the importance of persistence, adaptability, and the value of genuine connections in business.
