The series follows six real estate agents from Nest Seekers International, one of whom is JB Andreassi.
If he happens to look familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen him on reality TV before.
What was it that convinced you to make the career change and go into real estate specifically?
Yeah, I think you nailed it.
I think it’s inherently in me to be part of this real estate world.
When I was at the NHL, I was not really fulfilled.
I was like, you know, where’s this going?
I have to climb the corporate ladder.
I have that entrepreneurial spirit within me, so I figured why not explore other opportunities out there.
She basically pitched me on why I should leave.
I can make four times as what I’m making in sports, you know?
I’m really good at that, I found.
So yeah, there’s a variety of different things that led me on this path.
What made you want to take that path?
I didn’t want to.
[Laughs]
Really?
And I sat down with my parents and I said, “This is an opportunity of a lifetime.
If I don’t take this, then I’ll probably be regretting it the rest of my life.
I finally found that, little bit of swag and confidence, and hopefully it comes through.
You said you learned a lot about yourself.
What are some of the things that you learned?
I learned that I’m a hard worker.
I learned that I’m loyal.
I also learned that I’m pretty damn good at talking to billionaires and making things happen.
So I’m really glad I was able to overcome those fears, I guess.
Now on “Selling The Hamptons,” you’re one of the top agents in your office.
How has your life progressed between these two shows to get you to that point?
We’re pumped about this one, but I was really green.
I look back, and I’m … it’s almost awkward.
I remember looking at myself, I’m like, “Come on.
What are you trying to say?
I think that’s just because I was so new to it, right?
And I think it takes time.
This time around, I’m the guy, you know?
This is my backyard.
I’m comfortable with who I am as a person, but also as a businessman.
I’m hoping it’s conveyed on the show.
I’m hoping so.
What were some of the most difficult moments that you had to shoot in “Selling The Hamptons”?
I’ve learned that [drama is] a natural part of our world out here.
It’s always going to be high stakes.
And it’s all, most of the time, justified.
We hug it out at the end, and it’s all good.
How did you meet?
He sort of took me under his wing.
I didn’t know anyone.
I come from South Hampton.
School was an hour away, so I didn’t know anyone.
He was just there … this big, humongous, framed person and he took me under his wing.
He’s like, “All right, buddy, I got you.
He’s really helped me.
I was shy back then, and now he’s helped me break out of that.
What is it like working with your best friend in such a competitive environment?
We have different styles.
He’s a little more loosey goosey.
I’m a little more rigid [Laughs] and anal at times.
Is there someone that you’re most competitive with this season on “Selling the Hamptons”?
Peggy.Peggy [Zabakolas].
You’ll see that throughout.
Yeah, it’s kind of bubbled up since a few years ago now, and yeah.
In the first episode, you’re hosting a big event there.
Do you have a moment from that party that sticks out in your mind?
Yeah, my boss coming in and telling me it wasn’t good enough.
[Laughs] Yeah, that’s what sticks out the most.
I mean, it was ultimately an awesome event.
We had everyone show up.
I was nervous going into that event just because it was the first one of the year for us.
Coming out of the pandemic, we hadn’t really done events in a while, too.
He has his own opinions.
We still got an event to throw.
So just let it go, and have fun.
Some people love it.
[Laughs]
Oh, God.
I have a few that are just like, “JB, love what you do for me.
Love you as a person.
The Hamptons, it’s funny.
It’s a mixed bag.
[Laughs]
I understand that.
Reality TV is a look inside your life.
You’re opening up to the world, and everyone gets to see it.
The contracts are like, we can really make you out to be whatever we want.
They are immediately standoffish and don’t want to be a part of it.
Because that’s a whole new world.
I think back to my initial interviews where I was, like, sweating.
I was so awkward.
I used to hate the camera.
Now, what’s funny is, I kind of like it.
There’s so much that goes into making a high quality show like this.
That was good.”
If you hadn’t told me that you were nervous, I would’ve not been able to tell.
You’re not just saying that?
I’m honestly surprised that you said that.
You get a whole new perspective behind the scenes.
It goes back to playing football, where I’d be so nervous.
You just do what you do.
Camera’s up, let’s go, you know?
It’s that jot down of thing.
How did the experience shooting “Million Dollar Beach House” compare to shooting “Selling the Hamptons”?
Would you say that you’re a lot more adjusted to the cameras and comfortable now?
We’re much more comfortable in front of the cameras.
We’re also much more versed and experienced in our businesses, and that comes across.
I’m like, it’s [streaming now].
you’ve got the option to see I’m pumped.
All eight episodes of “Selling the Hamptons” are now streaming on discovery+.
