Veterans Day Spotlight: John Engel
by ELLIMAN INSIDER TEAM
November 2025
In celebration of Veterans Day, we invited members of the Douglas Elliman community who have served in the armed forces to reflect on how their service experiences have shaped their lives and careers in the real estate business.
John Engel, Agent, New Canaan, Conn.
Please briefly describe your military service.
I served as a Lieutenant and Platoon Leader on the front lines of Operation Desert Storm, the First Gulf War. Leading a platoon in that environment demanded clarity, decisiveness, and trust—lessons that continue to shape my approach to leadership and service today.
In what ways, if any, has your service experience shaped the way you approach your life and career in real estate?
The military taught me to take the best information available and make a confident decision quickly. It reinforced the value of teamwork and the critical importance of clear communication. In real estate, that translates to picking up the phone, taking initiative, and staying proactive for clients and colleagues alike.
What would you like your colleagues to know or understand about your service experience and what it means to you?
Serving in the military taught me that leadership is about responsibility and accountability—to your team, your mission, and your values. I’m proud to carry that mindset into my work every day and to be part of a community like Douglas Elliman that recognizes and honors service.
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