2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Eli Gold, RTL

“Determined. Creative. Solution-oriented. These are just a few of the words to describe Eli Gold, one of the most promising up-and-coming brokers I’ve had the privilege of working with and mentoring. In an industry that demands so much, Eli embraces every challenge as an opportunity to grow. His unrelenting commitment to client service has allowed him to accomplish tremendous success in his tenure with RTL. I am proud of all his achievements and grateful to have him on my team.” - Michael Shkreli, EVP & Partner, RTL

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? One of the things I pride myself most on is my ability to successfully execute deals for a wide range of clients, whether it’s tenant representation for local New York City operators, or on behalf of our large, institutional clients like Related, which I work on across the city. With regards to the former, I recently spearheaded and secured two restaurant leases for tenants in Williamsburg that I’m incredibly proud of – the Matsunori Sushi Club at 340 Metropolitan Ave., and Pally, a wine bar at 223 Kent Ave. It’s rewarding to be part of deals that add to the vibrancy and culture of NYC.

Who has been pivotal in your professional development, and how have they influenced you? Being a strong, boutique firm, RTL is highly dedicated to career development and fostering the next generation of talent. I felt this first hand through my mentor and manager, Michael Shkreli, EVP and partner at RTL. He and the entire leadership team have given me the skills and training I need to succeed, while also providing opportunities to stretch and grow independently. I appreciate Michael’s continued mentorship as he guides me through the incredibly dynamic retail real estate sector in NYC.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? Regardless of where they are in their career, any broker will tell you one thing is for certain: deals always fall through. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a verbal commitment and take your foot off the gas. Fortunately, I’ve learned early on the importance of staying persistent, diligent and hungry when it comes to showing spaces. Until the deposit is made and the keys are in hand, I know how critical it is to see things through. I’m grateful to have learned this at an early juncture in my career – it’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue to navigate my career.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Do your research and be intentional with where you want to work. Being a broker is hard, taxing work, you are only rewarded based on your own efforts. The right mentor and environment can make all the difference in your happiness, long-term growth opportunities and overall success. Someone once told me if I wanted to be in this business, I needed to find a rabbi, a mentor, someone to learn from first hand. Pairing great mentorship with a strong work ethic are the key ingredients to my formula. RTL has given me a tremendous environment to capitalize that formula.