How Tomasz Skublak turned a viral soccer celebration into real estate exposure

Tomasz Skublak’s viral moment (source: Instagram).

When Tomasz Skublak made a goal for Inter Toronto FC at a recent home game, his moment on the soccer field translated into as much of a score for his real estate career. 

Moments after finding the back of the net, the real estate agent reached into his sock, pulled out a business card and held it up to the crowd and cameras.

Skublak, a solo agent with Dundas-based boutique brokerage Platinum Lion Realty, said the idea came from wanting to make the most of a national audience.

“I figured, if I’m at a home game in Toronto, sure there’s thousands of fans watching the game, but how can I get more exposure than that?” he told Real Estate Magazine.

“I thought if I score a goal, I get 10 seconds of TV fame, and this is broadcasted all over Canada and elsewhere in the world.”

The clip quickly spread across social media and sports pages, leading to radio interviews, newspaper coverage and an increase in online engagement. The breadth of the exposure is hard to quantify, but on Instagram alone the clip has been shared by accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers. 

Skublak said his social media following has increased by roughly 30 to 40 per cent across platforms since the moment circulated online.

More importantly, he said the exposure translated into real leads.

Previous clients reached out – some who were surprised to learn he has a professional sports career – while new prospects contacted him after seeing some of the coverage. He said the attention has already led to two in-person meetings with potential clients.

The maneuver came at a cost, however.

“There were repercussions, because you’re technically not allowed to advertise during a soccer game,” he said.

While Skublak would not confirm whether he was fined, he said the exposure was worth it.

A different career path

Skublak grew up in Hamilton in a Polish household where soccer was a major part of life, starting at age four.

His career took an unexpected turn while he was playing in a European league and the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Back in Canada, Skublak began working in furniture sales at age 24, where he discovered he had a natural ability for sales and client interaction.

“I was breaking top five per cent, top 10 per cent in the country selling furniture,” he said.

“I think I’m just naturally good at meeting people, having conversations.”

All of the business came from walk-in traffic, giving him constant practice with customers and sales conversations. He eventually found a niche selling mattresses, which carried higher commissions.

“That’s where all the money was to be made,” he said.

During slower periods at work, Skublak began reading investing and business books. One book in particular — Rich Dad Poor Dad — sparked an interest in real estate investing and eventually led him to pursue his real estate licence.

Growing the business

Now three and a half years into the industry, Skublak has steadily grown his business while balancing a professional soccer schedule.

In his second year in real estate, he completed $9.2 million in sales volume across 13 transactions. In 2025, he closed $6.1 million over 11 deals. So far this year, he said he has completed more than $7 million across eight deals, with another $7 million currently active on the market.

While residential real estate remains the core of his business, he has started expanding into commercial opportunities and development-related transactions. Skublak said his sports background has naturally helped him connect with clients and opportunities tied to athletics and recreation.

“The majority of the business that I have done thus far has been residential. That’s my bread and butter,” he said. “But I’m starting to diversify myself into those bigger transactions that take a little bit more time, but it comes on a grander scale.”

Some of those projects include a proposed 20,000-square-foot soccer facility, karate studios and land acquisitions for developers.

Balancing soccer and real estate

Managing both careers requires consistency. Soccer only has a two-month off-season, said Skublak.

Skublak trains in the mornings and then turns his attention to his day job.

“I’m with my clients from noon until 9 p.m.,” he said.

Outside traditional networking, he has also focused heavily on marketing and online visibility. His strategy includes paid advertising, Google ads, referral business and educational content through his YouTube channel, which he said has helped drive organic growth.

Skublak said he is thinking of another creative way to merge both of his worlds for a marketing play, but next time, he’ll stay within the rules.

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