Ryan Nickell
Return on Relationships & Return on Investment
Ryan grew up on the East Coast in an incredibly close family of six. Growing up, he watched his father, a Nuclear Engineer and former Naval Nuclear Officer, build their family home while he “helped” as a little guy. He also saw this mom and dad manage rental properties with kindness, love, and integrity. These early experiences sparked an interest in real estate that only grew stronger over time.
Ryan went on to attend the United States Naval Academy, drawn to the emphasis on the strong character needed from future teammates — prioritizing moral, mental, and physical toughness. Graduating from the Academy 29 years after his dad graduated was a significant milestone in both of their lives and he went on to also serve as a U.S. Naval Officer for eight years.
“My dad is my hero and role model. All I wanted to do growing up was be like him. Growing up in a tight-knit, loving family has been a blessing. My mom and dad’s experience as landlords, especially their kindness towards tenants, left a lasting impression on me. Their example of hard work and loving others has shaped my attention and focus on relationships when it comes to loving others and always improving.”
Ryan went on to attend the United States Naval Academy, drawn to the emphasis on the strong character needed from future teammates — prioritizing moral, mental, and physical toughness. Graduating from the Academy 29 years after his dad graduated was a significant milestone in both of their lives and he went on to also serve as a U.S. Naval Officer for eight years.
“My dad is my hero and role model. All I wanted to do growing up was be like him. Growing up in a tight-knit, loving family has been a blessing. My mom and dad’s experience as landlords, especially their kindness towards tenants, left a lasting impression on me. Their example of hard work and loving others has shaped my attention and focus on relationships when it comes to loving others and always improving.”
During Ryan’s military deployments, he got his first taste of real estate investment by renting out his condo while away on deployment. It wasn't long before he began diving deep into 1031 exchanges, vacation rentals, and multi-unit properties. Initially, Ryan’s military career took him to San Diego, where he fell in love with California.
After Ryan’s military career, he transitioned into the tech industry and landed a job at Google working with Google Maps in South Bay. This period of his life honed his analytical and leadership skills which would later become invaluable in navigating the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley real estate.
After Ryan’s military career, he transitioned into the tech industry and landed a job at Google working with Google Maps in South Bay. This period of his life honed his analytical and leadership skills which would later become invaluable in navigating the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley real estate.
In 2015, a move to the Bay Area marked the beginning of his professional real estate journey. Encouraged by local agents who quickly recognized his potential, he and his teammate, Tim Pasken, became licensed real estate agents, not just investors. Years later, they co-founded R.O.I. Real Estate, a veteran-owned brokerage dedicated to maximizing returns for their clients. Their team stands out amongst the competition, selling for more than other agents, thanks to a combination of military precision helping their clients “win” through negotiation prowess and a deep understanding of the local market. Every year of their career, they were awarded the top 1% of agents by the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® for their objective performance.
“We approach each client with the same dedication and precision as a mission, ensuring their success. I have a passion for helping unlock a home’s potential and getting the maximum return on investment for my sellers. This principle drives my work and is reflected in the name of my company, R.O.I. Real Estate.”
Their results speak for themselves. With over 100 five-star reviews on Zillow, it's clear that their clients appreciate the comprehensive approach and attention to detail they bring to the table. More than 98% of the homes they sell receive multiple offers, often going for more than 10% above neighborhood averages. These results are no accident; they are the product of a strategic approach that includes expert negotiation skills.
“Unlike many REALTORS®, both Tim and I are credentialed negotiators. I really enjoyed Harvard Business School’s Negotiation Mastery program, and Tim has extensive legal experience as a licensed attorney. This expertise significantly benefits our clients during negotiations.”
“Unlike many REALTORS®, both Tim and I are credentialed negotiators. I really enjoyed Harvard Business School’s Negotiation Mastery program, and Tim has extensive legal experience as a licensed attorney. This expertise significantly benefits our clients during negotiations.”
But beyond the numbers and accolades, Ryan is driven by the joy of helping clients unlock the full potential of their homes. Whether it’s through strategic remodeling, luxurious staging, or simply understanding the market better than most, he takes great pride in seeing homeowners achieve results beyond their expectations. For Ryan, real estate isn't just about buying and selling properties; it's about helping people level up and net more in their pockets.
Throughout his success in real estate, he remains deeply rooted in the values instilled in him during his time in the military and his upbringing in a close-knit family. Ryan continues to put his relationships with family, friends, and clients at the heart of everything he does.
When he's not closing deals or helping clients maximize their investments, he enjoys spending time training and loving on his dog — the "pawsitive" mindset coach Hero, competitive swimming on the National Championships and World Aquatics stages, or embarking on new international adventures with his family and best friends.
Looking ahead, the future looks bright for R.O.I. Real Estate. With plans to expand their reach in the South Bay and help even more sellers maximize their returns, the sky's the limit. For Ryan, success isn't just about numbers; it's about making a lasting relational impact, both in the lives of his clients and within the community. His dad’s words and influence from childhood still ring true today, “The top three priorities in life are: relationships, relationships, relationships.”