Coastal Pearl Magazine

RYAN BROWN: BRANCH MANAGER & DIVISIONAL VP OF CROSS COUNTRY MORTGAGE

For more than two decades, Ryan Brown has been helping Floridians unlock the power of homeownership. As Branch Manager and Divisional Vice President at CrossCountry Mortgage in Palm Beach Gardens, Ryan has built a career on guiding clients through one of life’s most important financial decisions—buying a home. But his story extends far beyond mortgages. From competing in Muay Thai matches in Thailand to running a farm filled with alpacas and llamas, Ryan embodies a life defined by resilience, discipline, and a passion for community.

Buying smart in today's market

Ryan believes the time to buy is now. While many wait for interest rates to drop, he cautions that hesitation can cost more in the long run. Homes in Florida continue to appreciate 3–5% annually, and right now buyers often have the chance to negotiate concessions or price reductions—advantages that will disappear once rates decline and demand rises. “Most millionaires in America built their wealth through real estate,” he says. “Ownership builds equity and creates opportunity. It’s one of the most powerful tools for long-term wealth.”

A fighter's mindset

Ryan’s lessons in resilience don’t just come from real estate. For nearly two decades, he has trained in Muay Thai boxing, even competing professionally in Thailand. Though he no longer fights, he still trains weekly with his children. “Fighting teaches resilience,” he reflects. “Sometimes you get knocked down, you’ve got to get back up. That’s true in the ring and in real estate.”

Life on the farm

Perhaps most surprising, Ryan and his wife, Renata,  are also farmers. His Palm Beach Gardens property is home to alpacas, llamas, mini donkeys, emus, and more. The farm doubles as an Airbnb retreat where guests can enjoy a “farm stay” at The Blessed Lamb Farm among the animals. “It’s a passion project,” Ryan says. “We love the animals, and we love giving people a place to connect with something simpler and grounding.”

Looking Ahead

As rates shift and the market evolves, Ryan continues to guide buyers with a mix of expertise, empathy, and discipline. Whether helping a first-time buyer, a relocating family, or a seasoned investor, his message remains steady: prepare, be patient, and step forward with confidence. At work, in the ring, or on the farm, Ryan Brown lives by resilience—and shares it with everyone he meets.