You’ll want to dig into our blogs as we share monthly newsletters and profiles of success EXIT Southeast franchises. It’s important to dig deeper beyond a social media post to find inspiration and help to better your own business today.
Don’t be scared by new technology like artificial intelligence says real estate expert, speaker and trainer Marki Lemons Ryhal, because, technology will never replace a real estate agent. But, an agent using technology will replace an agent without it. Marki has now taught social media and technology tools to real estate agents in all 50 states and shared the latest.
An early adapter of the technology, Marki helped kick off our EXIT Southeast Rally 2.0 sharing the power of artificial intelligence in real estate, noting serial entrepreneur Gary Vee (Gary Vaynerchuk) predicted at the end of last year that AI was going to change the world. (Find him on Instagram here.) Marki and our other keynote speaker, Bill Storm, follow him as a business resource.
From assisting in writing a new bio, property description and marketing script to creating art for everything you do, leveraging the power of AI can help propel your business forward says Marki. She’s used AI to extend her brand world-wide by creating a virtual training avatar with Synthesia and the avatar can speak any language.
If you are familiar with Canva, Marki says they now offer four AI tools on their platform. Ultimately you need to pick one tool with the end in mind. “Ask yourself, what do you need to implement today to reach your long-term goal. How will you leverage AI into your business today to impact your tomorrow?”
Two areas of caution is creating content for your website which Google apparently doesn’t like says Marki and you definitely have to double check anything created to make sure there are no violations of licensing and fair housing law.
Dig in a little deeper with Marki’s recent story in Inman News here and connect with Marki via her website here. She has new classes on AI and ChatGPT designed to help real estate professionals stay ahead of the curve and improve their business practices while increasing their ROTI.
Stay tuned for more stories from the EXIT Southeast Rally 2.0 via our blog here.
Consistently earning #1 Franchise Sales in North America and honoredrepeatedly for #1 Region for EXITRealty Corp. International, Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Stroblalso broke the all-time corporate record for sales in2019. The award-winning region was named a 2021 Nashville BusinessJournal Best in Business honoree with Stacy Strobl named 2022 Top Executive,Women of Influence for the Nashville Business Journal, and recently honored NBJTop 50 Fastest Growing Company. Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee,and now Texas, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leadersin the real estate industry. If you are looking to join an award-winning teamof professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl atinfo@EXITSoutheast.com.
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Not many people can say they were in the hospital with COVID-19 facing a ventilator decision when they were driven to commit to a new franchise and this is EXIT Realty Bluegrass Broker/Owner Jackie Denton’s story. She now has three Kentucky franchises in Campbellsville, Glasgow and Hart County!
“Honestly, it was one adversity after another. Life will throw you punches to make you stronger. I have a fear of failure and was driven to launch this brokerage and be successful! You can’t give up,” says Jackie, EXIT Realty Bluegrass.
Jackie retired after being a school teacher for 28 years and actually feels led to being in real estate while regretting not starting sooner.
“I loved teaching and the kids but I really regret not retiring 10 years sooner to begin my second chapter in life. A family crisis led me to understanding the importance and value of a Realtor. I’m used to helping and teaching people and this situation confirmed my feelings that I’m where I need to be,” Jackie explained.
While attending real estate school with a renown instructor, Jackie was advised to research different real estate brokerages.
“I looked into the big brands and mom and pop brokerages, which didn’t suit me at all. By chance at a bridal fair, an EXIT booth was next to a photographer I was looking for. I got information, did my Google research, met the principal broker and signed on,” Jackie said.
The culture and family atmosphere of the EXIT office attracted Jackie.
“I found EXIT to be very down to earth and caring with agent support and residual opportunities. They care about beneficiary and retirement, something very different from other brokerages,” she said. “I was doing a lot of volume with 50 to 60 deals a year and knew it was time to do my own thing, take control and branch out. In 2021, I bought two franchises.”
As an owner, Jackie says the residuals are a cushion for her business, home and family giving her the liberty to use as investment or buying a boat she uses for entertaining or a getaway. Click here to learn more about this system unique to EXIT.
One of the elements which makes EXIT Realty Bluegrass unique today is that Jackie is very selective on who she recruits.
“I don’t recruit people off the streets. I’m into quality, not quantity. I want integrity, loyalty and agents with compassion. When they are nurturing and loyal to their clients while being passionate about what they do, they are a good fit for us,” Jackie said.
Although Jackie says she doesn’t need anyone checking in every other day, regional support is important to her.
“I just discussed this with another broker recently. I feel like I don’t need Kenny or Stacy (EXIT Southeast Regional Owners) calling to check in every other day, but, I know I can reach out any time for that support if I need it. They really care about their brokers and agents and, with multiple states, they are juggling a lot. But, I know if I need to talk with them, they are there and Valerie (Evans) is all of that and a bag of chips! I’ve met other regional owners and know there is just something special about ours. They are caring, show it from their facial expressions and go above and beyond,” Jackie said.
Educate yourself is Jackie’s best advice for new Realtors.
“Just like the book, “212: The Extra Degree,” you need books that will help you lay a foundation, educate and drive you. EXIT has some of the best training. My son-in-law doesn’t get to the office often and can get all the training he needs online via the EXIT Resource Center,” Jackie said. “I tell new Realtors to brand yourself and put yourself out there. Make yourself known. Little things can turn into big and better!”
Make sure you are financially, mentally and physically ready to buy a franchise says Jackie.
“Put a lot of thought and prayer into it. I laid the stepping stones for my purchase by banking money ahead of time to be ready. To the best of your ability, try not to go into debt. Also, be sure you take care of your family and always make time for yourself. Family is a top priority,” she said.
Community festivals are something Jackie encourages her agents to support. Campbellsville has the fourth largest July 4th celebration in Kentucky lasting multiple days.
“From the big parade, where we bring out our EXIT float which looks like a house, to the hot air balloon race, we are always present there and in the community,” Jackie said.
A self-professed motor head, EXIT Realty Bluegrass will be sponsoring their first truck and tractor pull to support a local backpack program.
“I traveled all over the U.S. to pulls with my dad as a truck pulling family. My son-in-law, Andrew Savage, and daughter, Daley Savage, also have a pulling truck. Andrew is the sphere head of the championship pull and fundraiser pull supporting a local backpack program which sends home a backpack of food for families in need through the Family Resource Center. We are very excited about ours, Metcalfe County Super Pull Feeding Kids and Crowning Champions. It will take place October 21,” Jackie said.
Reach out to Jackie Denton and EXIT Realty Bluegrass by visiting their Facebook page or website. You can also connect with Jackie about EXIT opportunities – EXITRealtyJackie@gmail.com.
A pinnacle is the best of the best and this is something Kathy Hobbs, owner of EXIT Realty Pinnacle Group, aspires to daily as she serves her Texas community and real estate team.
“We chose the name to let our clients know we are one big team, experienced, supportive, and, if anyone needs something, we help each other out. We want to be the best of the best,” Kathy said.
Located 45 miles east of Dallas in the Quinlan community, EXIT Realty Pinnacle Group has 26 Realtors helping make a difference daily.
“I think our community knows what a big heart we have. Many times, we will be at area events and we are the only real estate brokerage present. I really love this community and I think they know this too,” she said.
As a college junior, Kathy was studying to be a paralegal and got a job as a real estate appraiser leading her to change her major to real estate. As a real estate appraiser trainee, she really enjoyed taking listing photos and fell in love with real estate. With two young sons, she wanted to raise them in a smaller town and moved to Quinlan earning her real estate license.
Today, she has been in real estate for 25 years. Originally, Kathy wasn’t really looking to start her own office and had worked for Century 21 for eight years. After being “talked into seeing Steve Morris” speak, Kathy says it was a game changer for her.
“Steve was so inspiring, and I liked how everything felt in the room. This is how I ended up buying an EXIT franchise in 2006,” Kathy said. “The reason I keep renewing is because EXIT is my family. I love working with our corporate leaders and appreciate the support of everyone.”
EXIT also gives Kathy a certain confidence.
“I appreciate the technology and EXIT branding. I feel so confident everywhere I go because of EXIT. We have a wow factor and what we do is impressive in my community. I fit right in and love it,” she said.
Kathy also attended the last EXIT Southeast Rally in Florida and thinks training and networking is important.
“The last EXIT Southeast Rally was great. We had been corporate owned and it was great to get the regional support and expand our family. Kenny and Stacy are at the top of their game and you can see it. You really come away from the Rally feeling great, renewed and learn a lot,” Kathy said.
The sky is the limit for success in real estate says Kathy. No day is ever the same!
“I love being in the field, seeing different homes and helping people through the process of selling or buying in good and bad situations. You are helping people and many times it is sad and sometimes I cry right along with them,” she said.
Ultimately, this care and devotion has earned her a ton of referrals, the heart and success of her business.
“The biggest reason I’m successful is I work my referrals. We treat people the same no matter the price of the listing. They are all important. Because we treat people that way, we earn so many referrals and I’m so thankful. Having a big heart and treating people well makes a difference,” she says.
Kathy’s advice for Realtors is to wake up every day like you are unemployed and you have to decide if you are going to work!
“Everyone is excited in the first six weeks, but you have to stay motivated and work hard. With EXIT, explore everything we offer. I educate my agents, sit with them and show them how to use the technology and then get them to practice and use the tools. The EXIT resource center has everything you need from how to do Facebook ads and great training videos to purchasing everything you need for your business,” Kathy said.
Training her agents is also important to their success. In addition to her one-on-one training, she now has an engagement leader and sales coach.
“Classes, training and coaching are important to agent success. I’ve been the broker, admin, trainer and top producer. I used to stay at the office until three in the morning, shower and go back to the office. I’ve been doing this for sixteen years and this help is essential. Steve (Morris) says you can’t do it all yourself so get help. That’s what I’m doing,” says Kathy.
For anyone considering an EXIT franchise, Kathy says visit an EXIT office.
“Visiting an EXIT office is a great way to get an idea of the EXIT difference and see the support we all have. It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen. I’ve worked for another brand and we have so much more to offer that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Support is amazing and you can pick up the phone and anyone will help. You are not alone,” Kathy said. “When I bought a franchise, the training was so helpful. You have all the information and tools to get started and you walk away like you could conquer the world.”
If you aren’t familiar with the sponsoring and residual system of EXIT, click here to learn more. For Kathy Hobbs, the bonus from sponsoring new agents has helped in good times and tough times.
“The unique EXIT residuals income can be used in so many different ways. It can help grow an office. I’ve used it to hire a Realtor to help train people. And, in 2008, when things were so bad and I didn’t know how we were going to make it, a $4,000 sponsorship check was how I kept my office going and paid the light bill. It is a bonus that seems to be there at the right time when you need it.” Kathy explained.
As Kathy mentioned, supporting her community is something that comes from the heart.
“I think everyone knows I have a giving heart. We go out and help where we can. It is a big thing for us to help kids and means a lot for us. One of our causes is supporting Hunt County Tunes for Tots. Through a local church, 16,000 toys were made available to families in need and corporate has matched it. And, we have a drop off at our office too.
Connect with Kathy and her EXIT Realty Pinnacle Group today by visiting Tawakoni Lake Real Estate’s website, Facebook page or email Kathy at TexasLakeHomes@gmail.com.
Consistently earning #1 Franchise Sales in North America and honoredrepeatedly for #1 Region for EXITRealty Corp. International, Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Stroblalso broke the all-time corporate record for sales in2019. The award-winning region was named a 2021 Nashville BusinessJournal Best in Business honoree with Stacy Strobl named 2022 Top Executive,Women of Influence for the Nashville Business Journal, and recently honored NBJTop 50 Fastest Growing Company. Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee,and now Texas, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leadersin the real estate industry. If you are looking to join an award-winning teamof professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl atinfo@EXITSoutheast.com.
With over four decades of hard work and experience to her name, EXIT Rocky Top Realty Broker Donnita Hill remains motivated. Based in the Cookeville, Tennessee area, Donnita says one of her favorite quotes is “The only substitute for hard work is a miracle!”
“The more I work, the luckier I continue to get. I don’t think it is actually luck; I work hard, back it up with results, and let my clients know I am their voice in getting the best possible results for what they want. First and foremost, I treat all of my clients with the utmost respect and consideration. The joy of accomplishing the heart’s desire of my buyers and sellers is my number one goal,” said Donnita.
Donnita loves a challenge and is always looking for one. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a Minor in Business from Tennessee Technological University. She began her career as an Affiliate Broker for a small, local brokerage and has the utmost respect for Dan Turnbow, the brokerage owner, and will always consider him family.
Donnita chose to join EXIT Realty in 2016, where Tom Parham owns the franchises in her area. Her operation is located at 818 East 10th Street, Cookeville, Tennessee in a building that she custom built in 2007, where she loves to work and calls it her second home. This was another challenge during a time where bankers were discouraging the building and opening of new businesses due to the recession.
Over the years of her current real estate career, she understood investing in real estate would provide financial security for many years to come. She has lived by the truest of words and applies them to both her personal and professional life. “Tough times don’t last but tough people do. Whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger!”
Donnita has consistently earned top Realtor for Upper Cumberland for the past 41 years, for EXIT from 2016-2022 and EXIT Southeast’s #1 Realtor in 2020 and 2021. Connect with her today via cell at 931-261-1500, office at 931-526-4455 and visit her website at DonnitaHill.com.
For the eighth year in a row, EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl, based in Middle Tennessee, have earned 2022 top real estate franchise sales in North America for EXIT Realty Corp. International.
The announcement was made at the recent awards event in Amelia Island, Florida with the five-state region being honored for selling the most franchises. Regional Owners Lynn and Strobl were on hand to accept the honor which Strobl said is a reflection the Southeast region’s strength which encompasses Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas.
“Earning this award for the eighth year in a row demonstrates how our entire region is growing together while exhibiting incredible professionalism, integrity and unstoppable determination while building a brand and serving our community,” she said.
The duo have previously broken the all-time corporate record for franchise sales in 2019 which Lynn said demonstrates the team’s tenacity and was accomplished by establishing a grassroots approach.
“Year after year, earning this award, which is based on numbers of successful franchise sales, has been achieved with consistency, perseverance and creating a duplicable system for our region,” Lynn said. “Our owners, brokers and agents tell us often we have the best brand which benefits them the most. Sharing this along with the unique technology and tools makes a difference in their success. Ultimately, we look for individuals who are coachable and provide these resources.”
Lynn said training people on how to sell and market real estate has been key to retention, helping owners and agents attract and grow business while teaching them to invest in themselves and curate good support staff.
“Coaches like Brian Buffini, Michael Burt and long-time EXIT trainer Key Yessaad can make a big difference in how an owner structures their business and creates strategies for success which is why we like to bring in experts of this caliber at our annual training events and conferences,” Lynn said.
The partners launched their business in 2012 as owners of a Tennessee franchise before acquiring Tennessee regional ownership and later adding Kentucky, Georgia, Florida and Texas forming EXIT Southeast
“The trajectory of our success and earning #1 in franchise sales for almost a decade has not been easy. It is challenging finding people with the desire to be in business who are flexible, coachable and dig into the tools, technology and support being offered,” said Strobl. “Ultimately, culture has been a big part of our success. We care deeply about the people who make up EXIT Southeast and this is the foundation for our passion and success,” Strobl said.
Consistently earning #1 Franchise Sales in North America and honored repeatedly for #1 Region for EXIT Realty Corp. International, Regional Owners Lynn and broke the all-time corporate record for sales in 2019. The award-winning region was named a 2021 Nashville Business Journal Best in Business honoree with Stacy Strobl named 2022 Top Executive, Women of Influence for the Nashville Business Journal, and recently honored NBJ Top 50 Fastest Growing Company. Offering cutting-edge industry opportunities for agents, brokers and franchise owners through technology, training, branding, culture and a unique residual system, visit EXITSoutheast.com for more information.
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