4 hours ago
Jordan Hurt: From Ohio Train Ride to Luxury Real Estate Star and LGBTQ+ Advocate on Netflix's "Owning Manhattan"
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
Jordan Hurt's rise in the competitive world of New York City real estate has captivated audiences through two seasons of Netflix's Owning Manhattan, where he transitioned from executive assistant to independent agent selling multimillion-dollar luxury properties. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Hurt arrived in New York City 15 years ago at age 22, boarding an overnight train with no job, no college degree, and just $1,500 in his pocket. He initially crashed on a futon in a Williamsburg apartment for three months before landing a bellman job at a luxury Tribeca hotel, eventually advancing to hospitality management.
Hurt discovered his passion for sales while upselling hotel rooms and guiding guests on property tours, prompting his pivot to real estate. He obtained his real estate license while working as an assistant to a top broker and soon met Ryan Serhant, the brokerage founder and show star. For over five years, Hurt served as Serhant's executive assistant, overseeing a 70-person sales team that generated more than $700 million annually and analyzing market trends for new developments, condos, co-ops, and townhouses. This experience gave him a unique perspective on Manhattan's luxury market.
On Owning Manhattan, Hurt's career evolution became a central subplot, highlighting his shift to a standalone agent amid the high-stakes drama of Serhant's SERHANT. brokerage. His journey started rocky but culminated in selling two penthouses at 75 Wall Street for $6 million total, a full-circle moment after early setbacks. "It’s like this full circle moment. There’s a redemption component to it," Hurt said in an interview at the building. The season ended with the team being fired from a 96th Street project, which Hurt viewed as validation of his instincts.
As the show's only out gay cast member, Hurt embraced representation, particularly when preparing for a Miami trip where Serhant suggested he target LGBTQ+ clients. "Yeah, he said, ‘You know, you have access to a certain demographic,’ and I was like, dot, dot, dot, the gays?" Hurt recounted. He affirmed the importance: "Representation matters, and I think that, yes, a lot of my clientele is LGBTQ+, and I think going down to Miami, there is a big demographic of people that we’re talking about: the wealthy gays." This visibility underscores how openly LGBTQ+ professionals like Hurt bring authenticity to luxury real estate, serving diverse clients with poise and cultural insight.
Hurt's openness about his sobriety resonated with viewers, who have reached out to him for inspiration. " wasn’t for me. It was for other people... know that there’s hope. If you are struggling with anything, there is help, there’s a way through," he explained. He also served as a trusted confidant for Serhant, offering non-judgmental support during emotional moments. Beyond the show, Hurt has over 11 years of experience, more than $200 million in sales, and expertise in high-profile projects like 67 Franklin Street, 219 East 44th Street, and 172 Madison Avenue. His features in People Magazine, TIME Magazine, The Advocate, and others highlight his influence.
Hurt volunteers regularly at the New York City LGBTQ Center , cycling through the city and supporting community initiatives. Reflecting on his Toledo roots, where growing up gay in the 2000s was challenging, he credits New York for allowing him to thrive freely. "I feel more free here to be who I am and there’s a lot less judgment for being different," Hurt said.
Entering 2026, Hurt continues building his real estate career while launching a passion project focused on the LGBTQ+ community. "I am in the process of launching another business. It’s a passion. It’s LGBTQ+-focused... that is for our community," he teased during a busy day of showings. Living in Downtown Manhattan with his French Bulldog, Pedro, Hurt enjoys world travel, concerts, and guitar playing, embodying resilience for LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing ambitious paths in business and media. His story illustrates how determination, combined with authentic representation, can transform humble beginnings into Manhattan dominance.
