In the latest episode of Agent Brew Executive Sessions, host Eric Zollinger sits down with Stephen Larkin, Chief Communications Officer at Douglas Elliman, to go behind the curtain on the PR and communications engine that helps luxury agents win listings, build brands, and stay top-of-mind in a crowded market.
From Stephen’s journalism roots to the strategies that land meaningful press (and avoid pointless pitches), this conversation is a masterclass in storytelling, data-backed media strategy, and why—at the end of the day—people still matter most. Listen as Stephen and Eric unpack:
What a luxury brokerage communications leader actually does (internal + external comms, crisis, social, IR, agent support) Douglas Elliman’s differentiator right now: a “pure play” luxury focus + following the client across key markets The biggest challenge agents face today—and how strong PR helps agents stand out
How Stephen approaches press like a newsroom: real ideas, real data, real substance
What a “win” looks like in PR (and the stories that became viral cultural moments) Giving back at scale: the Ride for Love / God’s Love We Deliver partnership and why community leadership matters
Career advice worth stealing: “Be teachable,” stay curious, and let younger voices help you see what’s next Stephen’s perspective is a reminder that PR isn’t fluff—it’s strategy, relationships, and story discipline. If you’re an agent, team leader, or operator trying to grow in luxury real estate, this episode will sharpen how you think about brand, press, and what actually moves the needle.