Following Thursday’s news that Hilton & Hyland Co-Found Jeff Hyland had passed away following a year-long battle with cancer, tributes have been pouring in from colleagues, remembering the man many considered to be a real estate giant in a town of legends.
“He created the top luxury real estate brokerage in our city and was so highly admired for his knowledge and passion for real estate. He was the author of The Legendary Estates of Beverly Hills, which is the ‘bible’ of trophy properties in our city,” said Linda May, Estates Director of Linda May Properties at Hilton & Hyland. “His community leadership in the City of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles was outstanding. He was part of the great evolution of professionalism in our industry. Jeff was loved by all and will be greatly missed.”
Kofi Nartey, California Listings expert agent and founder/CEO of Globl Red, shared his memories of Hyland, telling us:
“Jeff Hyland was an industry icon and his influence and impact on the independent brokerage model will continue to be impactful for years to come. He once told me to always fight for what I am worth and what I deserve. Those words stay with me to this day.”
Todd Simons of Hilton & Hyland and Partner at the David Kramer Group posted on Instagram: “The world, and our team, los an incredible man this week. May Jeff’s memory always be meant for a blessing.”
Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency, called Hyland a legend and “the gatekeeper” when it came to luxury L.A. real estate.
Joyce Rey wrote on Instagram upon learning the news: “I am deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of my friend and colleague of 45 years, Jeff Hyland. Jeff was the embodiment of the best of our real estate community. He was admired and respected by all, and has left a wonderful legacy.”
Rayni Williams, CEO and agent, the Beverly Hills Estates shared a statement via the Beverly Hills Courier that read, in part: “I don’t know a single person in the industry that was as active and involved in the politics, building, zoning and safety. He truly cared about the city. Jeff Hyland was a mentor to so many and a father figure to even more. It’s a very sad and tremendous loss to our community.”