By Jeff Mistretta, Broker/Owner – EXIT Realty Achieve, NY
I was introduced to the EXIT Realty brand by an agent who I worked with at Century 21 back in 2015, named Michael Keirsey. He left because he found a company with a better culture, and that company was EXIT.
He reached out to me and told me what he had found, and truthfully, I didn’t believe him. Then I started doing my own research, and everyone I spoke with had the same great things to say about EXIT Realty, no matter which EXIT office that they had joined or visited in the past.
I interviewed with Susan Hamblen, who was the founder of EXIT Realty Achieve, which I now own. I initially joined the office as a real estate agent and was introduced to Franchisee, Benny Diasparra through Susan, as they were friends and colleagues.
Several years ago, Benny’s partner, Rob Leggett was looking to retire and the two of them approached me about a partnership at EXIT Realty Premier. We started working together, and searching for a real estate space. Due to several unfortunate circumstances, we ended up losing a lot of time finding the right location for ourselves, until Benny purchased a building just over a year ago. It was a complete gut job, but that’s where the vision we created started to become a reality.
Many people in the real estate industry believe agents don’t need an office any longer. That’s like saying human beings thrive without community or interacting with other humans. Sorry, that’s just not biologically accurate. The real reason real estate brokers have convinced themselves that their agents don’t need community is because building it in an industry where everyone is an independent contractor isn’t easy.
It takes commitment, endless hours each week, each month, each year, providing endless value and endless support. Yes, those on your team will believe what you believe. So be careful as to what you believe. The greatest impact you can have on individuals has always been and will always be face-to-face.
I definitely changed when I found EXIT Realty, and I owe that to Michael Keirsey and EXIT MIND-SET Trainer, Rick O’Neil. The first year I joined EXIT I knew I wanted to help other people find the same gift that I did. These days I do that by helping to collaborate, offering support, as well as by providing cutting-edge tools and technology, all while being a very hands-on broker.
I’m 100% committed to the success of those aligned with EXIT Realty and my industry. True, it’s not easy. I’ve fallen so many times I cannot even count. But there’s always people within the EXIT family who come along, pick me up, and remind me of the vision. For them, I’m always grateful. So, if you find me laying on the floor, please give me your hand. And I promise, if you ever need mine, I’m right there to help lift you up.
