Harnessing her niche equestrian roots and connections within the elite sport, high-end realtor Kathleen Gannon has her sights set on selling from land to sea.
Growing up in Metairie, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans, Kathleen Gannon recalls being in diapers the first time she rode a horse. “I never wanted to get off, I always wanted to be riding,” Gannon says. “It’s the way they smell and the beautiful energy that they emit. Horses are like poetry in motion.” By the time she was 15, her polo-passionate family moved to the posh equestrian enclave of Wellington, Florida, further fostering Gannon’s love of riding. She immersed herself in playing polo and show jumping, even training with Olympic riders. Watching her father Tim Gannon, who famously founded Outback Steakhouse, win numerous U.S. Open Polo championships, and constantly being surrounded by horses at home, planted a future dream in Gannon’s heart: “I always knew that I wanted my own farm one day with horses in my backyard, and I was willing to work for it,” she says.
After graduating from the University of Miami, the horse enthusiast continued to compete and even won the Women’s World Cup Polo in 2009. But after suffering from back injuries, Gannon took an extensive break from riding, eventually starting a boutique specialty real estate company in Wellington that’s aptly named Fleur-De-Lis International Realty, a nod to her Louisiana roots. While her valuable equestrian experience and knowledge of living in horse country gives her an extra edge in selling real estate, Gannon continues to expand throughout Florida and has listings from the Hamptons to the Bahamas. She’s also tapped into another exclusive market that often intermingles with the affluent horse world: yacht-style living.
The day I speak with Gannon, she’s just returned from Monaco, where she’s a global brand ambassador — meaning she’s tasked with marketing and selling — for the uber-luxe residential superyacht Njord that’s set to debut in 2026. Exclusively catering to adventurers and avid travelers, the superyacht flaunts 117 private residences ranging in price from $8.5 to $70-million and makes it possible for residents to easily reach coveted locales around the globe while living in opulence. Along with bespoke interiors fashioned by renowned designers, rich amenities range from private helicopters and jets to an onboard partnership with Chenot, a lauded spa from Switzerland that’s known for its revolutionary approach to wellness and antiaging. Onboard experiences will be tailored to its residents that already include athletes, tech magnates, race car drivers, and horse owners. For instance: they could have rare access to a Formula 1 race car simulator as well tutelage from a professional driver, or mingle with a high-profile polo player like Nacho Figueras. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everyone has been blown away by the idea,” says Gannon, who’s equally impressed with the eco-conscious yacht’s green practices and devotion to giving back to science.
Following the recent loss of her husband, adversity is further pushing the female entrepreneur to add more international listings to her already impressive portfolio, with plans to open a Monaco office. The tragedy has even reignited her love of riding. Her days are now a high-paced mixture of high-end home showings and working with her trainer, along with playing polo for fun and regular show jumping competitions. She’s also part of The Cherie Group who owns Fleur-De-Lis Cherie, a prized mare that’s won several Grand Prix with rider Jad Dana. Gannon feels that when she succeeds, so does everyone around her. “I really pride myself on working hard to make dreams come true for people, whether that’s finding my clients the perfect farm or home or helping Jad Dana and our horse reach the Olympics.”
