By Melanie Robitaille, Sr. Staff Writer & Graphic Designer
Many companies say they have good culture, but few actually demonstrate it in the ways seen at EXIT Realty. One of the most common reasons why professionals make the switch, aside from the brand’s unique Formula of sponsoring income, is its people-centric model and network of camaraderie.
Bolstered by the corporation’s annual events like Broker/Owner Training, and their EXIT International Convention, individuals from across the EXIT nation come together and create relationships that are quite unheard of in what is still considered to be a very cut-throat business. And when you combine these connections with that sponsoring income, you get experiences of a lifetime.
The Man with a Plan
For several years now, Franchisee, Kel Williams of EXIT Realty Elite in Nashville, TN has been saving his residual income and putting it towards travel to ancient and historical destinations. He’s become known as a down-to-earth, globetrotter and adventurer who started inviting fellow EXIT associates to join him. During one such trip to Egypt in 2023, when a dozen EXIT associates travelled together for 16 days, many wondered where he was off to next.
“About halfway down the Nile River, the question came up,” he recalled. “Our next stop was four nights in Luxor and every time we entered our rooms from a day of exploration, the TV was always on the Hilton World Travel channel, and it was always Peru. So, after a few days, the question of where to go next year came up again and I asked, ‘Is it just me or does it feel like we’re getting a message to go to Peru?’ We all agreed and six of our group from Egypt went to Peru together with a few new ones mixed in.”
Next Stop Peru
The group included several Canadians such as EXIT Realty South Western Ontario Regional Owners, Lynn and Greg Findlay, long-time Owner turned Associate Broker, Jon Walker of EXIT Realty Inter Lake in Nova Scotia, as well as one of EXIT’s newest Franchisees, Kim Smiley Wiley of EXIT Realty Strategies in Ontario.
Having travelled with Kel to Egypt, Lynn and Greg jumped at the chance to visit Peru for the first time with him, as it was a long-time bucket list destination for the two of them. They too had residuals they could use for this, making the decision to go that much easier.
“Travel is one of the activities we cherish the most in our free time, so it’s a key part of our annual planning. Having residual income takes some of the pressure off when opportunities like this arise, allowing us to say, ‘yes’ to experiences that enrich our lives without worrying too much about the financial aspect,” Greg said of what turned out to be 11 unforgettable days spanning the many wonders and hot spots of Peru.
They started by exploring Lima, Peru’s bustling capital, then experienced a breathtaking flyover tour of the Nazca Lines. They spent an exhilarating day sandboarding and dune buggying at the Huacachina Oasis, followed by private tours discovering the rich history and high altitudes of Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray. The trip’s crescendo was a challenging visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, where the most adventurous of the group took on the narrow, steep “Stairs of Death,” climb up Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountainous backdrop behind Machu Picchu. The final excursion was the popular Rainbow Mountain, where the group braved the low oxygen levels at some 17,000 ft. to capture the rainbow-colored minerals for which it’s known. Their last day was one of leisure in Cusco, before heading home.
For the full story about how they would return forever changed, check out the latest Integrity Issue of The EXIT Achiever today!
