Tomasz Skublak’s viral moment (source: Instagram).
When Tomasz Skublak scored for Inter Toronto FC at a recent home match, the on-field celebration also became a major boost for his real estate career.
Immediately after finding the net, the real estate agent reached into his sock, pulled out a business card and held it up to the crowd and broadcast cameras.
Skublak, a solo agent with Dundas-based boutique brokerage Platinum Lion Realty, says the stunt was an attempt to maximize exposure to a national audience.
“I figured, if I’m at a home game in Toronto, there are thousands of fans watching in the stadium, but how can I get even more exposure?” he told Real Estate Magazine.
“I thought if I score, I’ll get 10 seconds of TV attention, and this is broadcast across Canada and internationally.”
The clip spread quickly across social media and sports outlets, generating radio interviews, newspaper coverage and a jump in online engagement. While the total reach is difficult to measure, on Instagram the clip was reshared by accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers.
Skublak says his social media following grew by roughly 30 to 40 percent across platforms after the moment circulated online.
More importantly, the attention generated tangible leads.
Past clients reached out—some surprised to learn he also plays professional soccer—while new prospects contacted him after seeing the coverage. The exposure has already led to two in-person meetings with potential clients.
The maneuver carried some risk, however.
“There were repercussions, because you’re technically not allowed to advertise during a soccer game,” he said.
Skublak would not confirm whether he received a fine, but said the publicity was worth the potential consequences.
A different career path
Raised in Hamilton in a Polish household, Skublak grew up with soccer playing a central role and began playing at age four.
His trajectory shifted when he was playing in a European league and the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted his career.
Back in Canada, he began working in furniture sales at age 24 and quickly discovered a knack for sales and client interaction.
“I was breaking top five percent, top 10 percent in the country selling furniture,” he said. “I think I’m just naturally good at meeting people and having conversations.”
Most of his early business came from walk-in customers, giving him constant practice with sales conversations. He later specialized in mattresses, which offered higher commissions.
“That’s where the money was to be made,” he said.
During slower periods at work he read investing and business books. One title in particular, Rich Dad Poor Dad, sparked an interest in real estate investing and led him to pursue his real estate licence.
Growing the business
Now three and a half years into the industry, Skublak has steadily expanded his real estate business while balancing a professional soccer schedule.
In his second year as an agent he recorded $9.2 million in sales volume across 13 transactions. In 2025 he closed $6.1 million over 11 deals. So far this year he reports more than $7 million across eight deals, with an additional $7 million currently active on the market.
Residential real estate remains his primary focus, but he is branching into commercial opportunities and development-related transactions. His sports background has helped him connect with clients and projects tied to athletics and recreation.
“Residential is my bread and butter,” he said. “But I’m starting to diversify into larger transactions that take more time but operate on a bigger scale.”
Examples 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 discipline and consistency. Soccer offers only a two-month off-season, Skublak notes.
He trains in the mornings and dedicates his afternoons and evenings to his real estate clients.
“I’m with my clients from noon until 9 p.m.,” he said.
Beyond traditional networking, he invests in marketing and online visibility, using paid ads, Google campaigns, referral business and educational content on his YouTube channel to drive organic growth.
Skublak says he is considering another creative way to blend his two careers for a marketing stunt, but next time he plans to remain within the rules.