You can spot an exceptional luxury real estate advisor long before they set foot in a boardroom. It’s not something you pick up in a closing — more likely, you find it out on a rugged hiking trail or under stadium lights. Some of the sharpest skills get honed in those quiet, off-the-clock hours, where passion runs the show.
This time on Beyond the Broker (a series James Lane Post has partnered with The Agency on), we step away from the open houses and contracts and look at what really drives top advisors. Take Randi Ball — she finds her edge on strenuous mountain hikes, pushing through exhaustion until the world gets clearer and her sense of purpose snaps back into focus. Or Rylan Jacka, whose life has been spent chasing victory on fields and courts, which hasn’t just made him competitive — it’s baked in discipline, teamwork, and a steady nerve, all of which show up every time he represents a client.
Their paths couldn’t be more different, but together their stories underline a simple truth: for these advisors, the most valuable lessons come far from the business of real estate. Success, it turns out, starts long before you’re handed a set of keys.
Randi Ball
You spend a lot of time hiking. What draws you to the trail, and what does it give you that you can’t find anywhere else?
At this stage in my life, I’ve discovered that the more time I spend climbing mountains, the more centered I become. My mind is constantly moving, filled with thoughts competing for attention, and the only place I’ve found where I can truly let them all go is on a challenging trail. As each step falls into rhythm, the climb becomes almost meditative.
Hiking requires patience, preparation, and the willingness to take the long route for the best view. Do you see any parallels between that and representing clients in luxury real estate?
Long before I lace up my boots, the preparation begins. I map every route, count how many pairs of socks I’ll need, make sure I have enough bandages, and work from a carefully maintained packing list. When I set my sights on a summit, I’m fully committed. That same mindset has shaped my career in real estate. Success comes from preparation, anticipating challenges, exercising patience, and staying focused on the goal — never giving up when the path gets difficult.
Is there a particular hike or destination that changed your perspective or left a lasting impression on you? Where is your favorite place to hike on the East End?
Although I love climbing mountains, I rarely hike on the East Coast. Instead, several times a year I head to California, where I spend a week hiking the trails of Malibu every single day. It’s my reset button — a chance to disconnect from the demands of everyday life. My most unforgettable adventure, however, was a week spent hiking in the Dolomites. The terrain was demanding, but the experience was unforgettable. Along the way, we met incredible people from around the world, each with their own story and shared appreciation for the mountains.
When you’re on a mountain or deep in nature, what ideas or inspiration tend to come to you about your work or your life?
Somewhere along the trail, after the mental clutter has finally faded, clarity begins to take its place. My thoughts settle. Ideas come and go naturally. By the time I’ve logged 60 miles, I’ve usually reconnected with who I am, what truly matters to me, and what I want to accomplish next. If I’m fortunate, I’ve also set new goals and sketched out a plan for the road ahead.
If you could take one client on your favorite hike to show them a side of you beyond real estate, where would you go, and what would you hope they’d take away from the experience?
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer, it’s this: choose your hiking companions carefully. The people beside you can shape the entire experience. It’s important to be in the same headspace, especially when the trail becomes challenging. My career demands a high level of energy and focus, so I value companions who appreciate both the quiet reflection and the determination that hiking requires. Over the years, I’ve even met a few clients who I could easily imagine sharing a California trail with — because sometimes the strongest connections are built during downtime.
Rylan Jacka
You played competitive and semi-professional soccer from a young age. Looking back, what lessons from the field have stayed with you throughout your career in luxury real estate?
My competitive nature, strong work ethic, and ability to bounce back after bad news or a deal gone south. The highs and lows in a soccer season are similar to a summer in the Hamptons as a broker.
High-level sports demand discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Which of those qualities do you rely on most when representing clients in today’s competitive market?
Teamwork. I pride myself on the great working relationships I have with brokers and local professionals throughout the Hamptons.
You’re still an avid athlete, playing padel and platform tennis throughout the year. What keeps you coming back to competition, and how does staying active help you perform professionally?
I try to do some sports-related activity every day. I started playing padel a couple of years ago and now play that far more than tennis. It’s a great community, and sport keeps me recharged, happy, and positive
Every athlete has a defining moment, whether it’s a hard-fought victory, a difficult loss, or an unforgettable teammate. Is there a sports experience that continues to influence the way you approach life today?
I still have dreams about the deciding penalty I took at a final in the early ’90s. Being able to stay clear-headed and focused in those critical, pressurized moments is everything… Thank God I made it! I’ve applied that ability to stay calm and keep my eye on the ball with me and applied it in critical moments of the real estate game.
Whether you’re on the court, on the field, or negotiating a complex transaction, success often comes down to preparation and reading the moment. How has your athletic background shaped the way you navigate high-stakes situations for your clients?
Knowing your teammates’ strengths and weaknesses is super important on the soccer pitch. Knowing your audience, or client equally important in my business. With experience comes market knowledge and the muscle memory of putting complex deals together. I can’t believe it, but this is my 28th year in the biz!
