Black History Month Spotlight: William Etheridge

In celebration of Black History Month, Elliman Insider invited Douglas Elliman agents to share their experiences and reflect on the role their identity and heritage have played in their real estate careers.

William Etheridge, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, New York City

What aspects of your identity or experience as a Black person are most meaningful for you? Are there traditions or other aspects of your experience that are a particular source of pride?

As a Black American man, every aspect of the Black experience in America carries a special memory and meaning. These ultimately shape every aspect of my narrative. I take great pride in the resilience of my ancestors and the immeasurable contributions we have made throughout American and global history. 

How did find your path to success in this field?      

Success is a relative term, but I have been able to make a living for myself and family in this business. I've always viewed commercial brokerage as something that highlighted some of my core strengths. Over time I saw a need for brokers who could understand not just numbers, but people—who could connect vision to execution. That mindset has shaped everything I do.

Are there values or elements of your identity that you draw strength from in your work as an agent? 

Absolutely—adaptability, perseverance, and vision. These are very necessary traits in a highly volatile, fast paced, and sometimes unforgiving business.

What impact, if any, has your identity had on your experience in the real estate industry? Are there specific moments or episodes from over the years that illustrate that experience?

Who I am has helped me build trust in places where trust isn’t a given. I’ve learned how to read a room, bridge gaps, and keep deals moving, even when dynamics get complicated. These have been very helpful throughout my career.

What would you like your industry colleagues to understand about your experience as a Black real estate professional?

Identity is key as it relates to perspective. My value as a broker hasn't just been in what I close, but what I've been able to see and how I translate between stakeholders.

How do you think brokerages like Elliman can help foster greater diversity and understanding in the industry?

Fostering diversity starts by valuing depth, not just in deals, but in people. A valued resource brings much more than market insight. Any organization takes great leaps forward when they listen to said resources and factors them into their strategic decision-making. I strongly believe that the future of real estate isn’t just about what’s built—it will be more about why it’s built and who we build with.