Hedgerow Exclusive Properties, founded in the summer of 2020 by Gary Cooper and Preston Kaye, has quickly become a symbol of sophistication in the Hamptons’ luxury real estate market. The firm expanded its footprint when top-producing agent Terry Cohen joined as a partner, and several new corporate and independent agents were brought on, rounding out the roster to roughly 20 members. It stands out not just for its impressive portfolio but also for its unique philosophy and dynamic leadership, which drive its success.
Hedgerow’s distinctive techniques include a robust off-market inventory and a non-traditional approach to listing new properties, setting them apart from conventional real estate firms.
Recently, the firm has grown its footprint on the East End with a handful of hand-selected new agents and Cohen. The firm has also made impressive partnerships with leading companies across various luxury sectors, such as private aviation and travel. According to the firm’s Director of Business Development, employing a strategy focused on tasteful and organic expansion, Hedgerow has significantly enhanced its service offerings, elevating the overall client experience.
Operating with a curated team and a dedicated in-house staff, Hedgerow emphasizes a personalized, seamless client experience. With active listings like the newly marketed 43 E Dune, offered at $120 million, and over $500 million in off-market inventory, Hedgerow has distinguished itself in the industry by seamlessly combining heritage with innovation.
What shared vision or pivotal moment led you both to establish Hedgerow Exclusive Properties? Was there a particular gap in the luxury real estate market you aimed to fill?
Gary Cooper & Preston Kaye: The shared vision that led us to establish Hedgerow Exclusive Properties was a desire to create a boutique real estate firm that focused on personalized service, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
We noticed a gap in the luxury real estate market, where clients looking to buy, sell, or rent their homes weren’t receiving the level of personalized attention and customized service they wanted and deserved.
We asked our clients for feedback on what was lacking in the marketplace and where we should focus our efforts. We aimed to fill this significant gap by providing a unique, exclusive experience for all our clients. Thus ensuring their needs were understood and met throughout the real estate process.
Terry, you joined Hedgerow as a partner in 2021. Since joining the team, what changes have you seen in the market, specifically within your business?
Terry Cohen: The real estate market is experiencing unprecedented inventory shortages, making it increasingly challenging to find quality properties. Off-market deals are becoming more crucial, and having access to reliable information is essential for success in this competitive environment.
The Real Deal recognized Hedgerow as a top 10 performer in home sales volume for 2023 and regularly includes your team in the rankings for the most expensive sales per year. Working with a smaller firm, how do you cultivate such high levels of productivity and efficiency?
Terry Cohen: We cultivate exceptional levels of productivity and efficiency by creating and building trusted relationships within the Hamptons and other markets, so we have a close network to drive information and product through.
Jamie, before joining Hedgerow, you had extensive experience leading Human Resources for financial firms. How has your background influenced the company’s operational structure?
Jamie Nolan: Having managed the Human Capital and Global Relocation departments for various Wall Street firms, I have developed a solid background in organizational management, strategic planning, and talent development. This experience has equipped me with valuable insights and best practices that I have brought to Hedgerow, making an impact in areas such as talent acquisition, team member development, and performance management. Through my expertise, skills, and knowledge, I have been able to drive operational excellence at Hedgerow, playing a key role in the company’s overall success and growth.
Christian, as one of Hedgerow’s first members, how have you seen the firm evolve since joining, and how have you grown over the last few years?
Christian Reynolds: Since joining the firm in 2020, I’ve witnessed significant evolution within Hedgerow. Initially, we focused on delivering exceptional service to our clients during the uncertain days of the pandemic. In hindsight, our newness and unstructured nature gave us a competitive edge, allowing us to be nimble and vertically integrated in challenging market terrain. This agility enabled us to deliver results faster than others, helping us establish a strong reputation quickly during a dynamic period in the industry.
Since then, the firm has grown organically in a more stable environment. We’ve added key team members, thoughtfully implemented new technologies, and expanded our agent roster. This growth has increased collaboration and enhanced our market intelligence, allowing us to scale both our informational resources and processes effectively.
Personally speaking, there are natural aspects of growth as a real estate professional, such as market knowledge, client relationship building, and skill development. However, the nature of this work is also a personal journey, as you intrinsically work for yourself. While this can be intimidating at first, it uniquely encourages constant self-reflection on how to improve not only as an agent but also as a person. The feedback I’ve received in my work has pushed me to continually aim higher while maintaining strong integrity and a sense of self — qualities that are invaluable to me.
Salina, we know that Hedgerow has landed some impressive new partnerships and creative functions this summer. As Director of Business Development, can you touch on a few of these?
Salina Breer: At Hedgerow, our strategy for expanding our presence is grounded in a commitment to tasteful and organic growth. One aspect of this is partnering with other leading luxury companies. These collaborations enhance our service offerings, providing clients with exceptional resources. For example, our partnerships in private aviation and tailored travel offer a direct concierge and preferred rates in the Hamptons and beyond. These efforts broaden our reach and enrich the overall client experience.
Tyler, Greg, and Dominic, as brokers with a combined 40 years of real estate experience in the Hamptons, working at larger firms along the way, what motivated you to make a shift and join the boutique firm recently?
Tyler Mattson: For me, the shift came from seeing the amazing success that Hedgerow has had since its inception. I have known most of the team from working on deals with them over the years, and seeing the energy and collaboration that they have made me want to be a part of it. The other contributing factor is that the industry keeps evolving, and being at a smaller firm allows us to be much more nimble and get ahead of the shifts in the industry and the market. It’s so refreshing to be in an office that is one team, not an office full of competitors. We share information and support each other. It’s also one of the most motivated and inspired groups I’ve been a part of in my 23 years in the business. The energy is infectious. This all translates to the highest level of customer service for our clients.
Greg Gould: I decided to join Hedgerow Exclusive Properties because I am drawn to the company’s culture of innovation and leadership. Surrounded by like-minded individuals who are shaping the future of the real estate industry, I am excited to be part of a boutique luxury brokerage that sets itself apart through its private offerings, discretion, and creative solutions. Hedgerow has facilitated some of the most significant transactions not only in the Hamptons but also nationwide, showcasing a brand and marketing approach that exudes sophistication and elegance. In today’s competitive market, it is essential to align oneself with the right partners and collaborators while embracing a progressive and unconventional mindset.
Dominic Couzens: I felt that a more niche boutique firm was the best fit for me at this stage in my career. I like the leadership, creative marketing strategies, and out-of-the-box thinking. Hedgerow is leading the way in demonstrating how a brokerage firm providing top-notch customer service with transactional results to back it up fills an essential need for anyone seeking to achieve the highest and best results for all their real estate transactions. This is especially critical during the current dynamic period of change in our industry. Their success challenges all others to aim higher and do better.
Barry and Jake, both of you joined Hedgerow early in your real estate careers and have already been involved in multiple trades over $10M+. How has working at Hedgerow enabled you to enhance your client service and thrive in the highly competitive East Coast real estate market?
Barry McGovern: Working at Hedgerow has been instrumental in my growth and success in real estate. The firm’s robust network and reputation provided me with immediate credibility and access to high-end clients. Additionally, Hedgerow’s commitment to excellence and its comprehensive training programs equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex transactions. The collaborative environment fostered by Hedgerow has encouraged me to learn from seasoned professionals, allowing me to refine my strategies and approach. This supportive culture, combined with the firm’s innovative tools and resources, especially off-market inventory, has enabled me to build strong, lasting relationships with my clients and consistently deliver exceptional results in a competitive market.
Jake Colucci: Hedgerow has a creative and outside-of-the-box way of thinking. We have a very supportive team that I can always count on in any situation and we focus on collaborating with brokers at any firm, which has helped me to elevate services to all of our clients. Hedgerow has instilled in me that maintaining relationships holds far more significance than any singular deal. All of this has helped me to expand my skill sets and become even more confident in a competitive industry where I am significantly younger than other senior brokers.
Raffael and George, as integral members of Hedgerow’s corporate team, can you both share some information on how the Hedgerow machine functions? You both contribute to the creative and data analysis for the Hedgerow Gazette publication and Neighborhood Watch reports. What inspired the creation of these, and how have they become useful tools both internally and for clients?
Raffael Ehlers: Since joining Hedgerow in 2020 and being heavily involved in the creative aspect of our marketing, Hedgerow has always prioritized evolving the way our information is being presented to our audience. We constantly ensure that our marketing has a different look and feel while staying true to our core brand values. Data analysis is essential to the real estate business, making these two publications invaluable tools. They not only provide our clients with ongoing insights into the Hamptons market but also give our agents a competitive advantage.
George Wlodarczyk: The Hedgerow Gazette contains information that is valuable for our clients like key market insights for each Hamptons hamlet. This data analysis has become a useful tool, both internally and for our clients, allowing for informed decision-making during pre-purchase diligence and at the negotiating table. This competitive advantage of local expertise and market knowledge allows our clients to better navigate the nuances of the Hamptons residential real estate market.
After working together in the past, you both, Jon and Bayard, landed at Hedgerow in 2021. How is the market today, and what are you projecting as we wrap up the summer season?
Jon Vaccari: The current real estate market is highly active, with strong buyer interest. However, inventory in the Hamptons remains limited, resulting in competitive bidding and elevated prices, particularly for high-quality properties. I think that buyers will continue to be selective when choosing the home that is right for them, and will strike when that product comes to market.
Bayard Fenwick: The market has been busy since early July, after a lethargic, yet productive, Spring and early Summer. It’s recalibrating with a post-Covid hangover. Today’s buyers meticulously conduct market research and transact with conviction for the numbers. Between the folds, buyers are frustrated with low (but growing) inventory, and a general seller base buyers feel grossly overestimated in their property’s value in the post-Covid world.
In this market, that translates to opportunistic initial bids, if not deemed “fair market” asking price. However, a new-to-market, well-priced property should expect initial bids close to the asking price, at full price, or competitively bid over the ask. When altruistically priced, properties sit, and I/we/brokers hear everyone’s frustration. Buyers are more educated than before. If July speaks to the balance of Summer, we have a strong finish ahead of us.
To learn more about Hedgerow Exclusive Properties, visit www.hedgerowexclusive.com.
