By Maegan Carrasquillo, Staff Writer
Cindy and Mark Crutcher knew early on that EXIT was the company that checked all the right boxes. They were first introduced to the company at a National Association of REALTORS® Convention and were intrigued by the business model but, unfortunately, franchises weren’t being sold in their area at the time.
After a long search for a different franchise still left them wanting more, Cindy ran into EXIT’s regional owner for her area during one of her youngest daughter’s field trips. “We knew before the regional owner showed up that this was the company for us. EXIT cares about the agents, and we knew our agents are the asset of our company.” As Broker/Owners of three EXIT Realty Crutcher offices in Kentucky, two of which they’ve owned for over 15 years, it’s safe to say they were right.
As is customary with any business, the Crutcher’s have had both highs and lows. They survived the real estate meltdown of 2008 after just opening their second office. They consider that to be one of their greatest accomplishments and advise new or aspiring franchisees to, “Do what you say. Set expectations for your agents, clients, office, and yourself and stick to them. Be a person of your word.”
Cindy and Mark honor their word by playing to their strengths and leading the best way they know how, by serving others. As servant-leaders they focus first on the growth and well-being of those around them.
“We hope we have impacted many lives with our business. We love to help others, whether it’s our agents, a client, or just a friend in our community. We make every attempt to share what we know to help that person achieve what their heart desires,” Cindy shared.
Their offices are a good mix of both human potential and tech savvy, with agents who love people and know that technology is the way most do business now. They offer Tech Fridays in the office to keep everyone up-to-date with the newest technology and participate in several local events to foster connection within their community.
In times like these their passion to help drives them forward. The Crutchers feel like there’s nothing greater than taking someone who wants to be successful in real estate and building a plan with them to reach those goals, whether it be eight closings a year or 80.
Looking towards the future, they continue to set admirable expectations for themselves. While content in their current roles, when opportunities arise where they can lift others up, that’s what they’re going to do. Cindy says, “Our vision is to be the #1 real estate company in our community. We don’t measure that by market share, we measure it by how many people at the local grocery store, Walmart, or Chamber of Commerce say, “’Call EXIT, they love to help!’”
Love this!