Patch Chat with Ryan Donnelly

Garden City native Ryan Donnelly has such an affinity for travel that it’s a wonder that he’s set up roots in his hometown.

Better yet, he’s set up shop in Garden City, debuting a new real estate enterprise, The Donnelly Group, specializing in Garden City and Long Island real estate. 

The new venture is a Ferrucci partnership. The Ferrucci family has lived in Garden City for over 20 years and are in the surety bond business. The firm opened its doors this past January and with Donnelly at the helm they are promising a new real estate experience.

Donnelly has sold over $150 million worth of real estate throughout the world and he’s ready to take on new challenges here in Garden City. Plans also include an expansion in Floral Park this May.

When asked what it feels like to start a real estate concern in a rocky real estate climate, Donnelly concedes he’s never worked in the glory days of real estate.

“I haven’t worked in a peak market,” said Donnelly. “I don’t have a problem with that, it’s actually a good thing, it’s challenging and makes you work harder.”

After graduating Garden City High School in 1998, Donnelly considered attending Fordham University but wasn’t ready to commit to a four-year institution. Donnelly spent a year at Nassau Community College and took off for parts unknown.

He traveled extensively and took advantage of many experiences including working with Volunteers For Peace, an international voluntary service movement where volunteers from multiple countries live together while working to improve local communities. He worked in Wales, France, Germany, Egypt, Thailand and Vietnam, building and working at summer camps for impoverished children where volunteers teach activities like sailing.

In 2002 he decided to venture down under and finished his college degree in Australia. It is here where he polished his sales and real estate skills. The Australian market was on the brink of adapting new technologies.

As a student, Donnelly secured an internship and discovered exciting tools and techniques. Specializing in the Sydney metropolitan area market, he and his team broke records in sales during the 2002 to 2004 calendar years.

“Web marketing was really just beginning,” said Donnelly. “It was an exciting time for real estate.”

He has every intention of utilizing the newest and latest media such as Twitter and pay-per-click advertising for better targeting and visibility. 

After earning his college degree, he returned to Garden City and joined Coach Realtors where he brought his record-breaking streak and was consistently honored as a top and award-winning sales agent. 

He’s sold real estate all over Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Sydney and referrals to London, Bulgaria and Dubai. He currently has 22 experienced agents working for him.

"I appreciate Ryan’s expertise, vision and leadership,” Sue Eigl, vice president, licensed associate broker for The Donnelly Group. “Ryan has a great understanding of today's selling and buying markets. The Donnelly Group is looking to the future. The results speak for itself. Our Garden City office has had an amazing launch.”

The Donnelly Group has been supporting and making the rounds at community events such as The Garden City Historical Society’s children’s art contest, The Garden City Teachers Association's “GC For A Cure” race and the recent Woodstick Classic.

“We’re not just going to take ads out in journals,” said Donnelly. “We want to participate in the community.”

Donnelly’s predictions for Garden City are positive. He feels that the market has stabilized. Community, lifestyle and convenience remain the strongest draws for the village.

“We’re a luxury real estate marketing firm where, regardless of a client’s real estate needs, everyone receives the same exposure and marketing,” advised Donnelly. “We believe in the business of being human. We value our clients and business partners, understanding that good working relationships need care and consideration.”

Purchasing a home can be stressful. Jennifer Keller, a client of Donnelly’s who, despite being eight-and-a-half months pregnant during her home buying process, said her experience was wonderful due in no small part to Donnelly.

“I can’t say enough wonderful things about him,” said Keller. “He was very accommodating, kept us up-do-date and was very ethical.”

Looks like the world traveler has found a home.

“I wouldn’t live anywhere else,” said Donnelly. “I have friends from all over the world and they marvel at what a unique and beautiful village Garden City is.”

The Donnelly Group is located at 730 Franklin Avenue. For further information, visit www.thedonnellygroup.net or call 516-741-4333.