Teamwork makes the dream work is one of the driving mantras for EXIT King Realty whose owners Steve and Izabela Forbes say they are creating a family culture with a healthy work environment where agents can feel safe, thrive and be successful.
It’s been our priority to make sure people feel like this is something bigger than themselves says Izabela in the EXIT Southeast profile. . “We are a big family and we spend most of our time with our agents!”Helping agents fulfill their dreams is what prompted Steve to launch his own franchise.  Today he and Izabela have offices in Venice, Sarasota and Bradenton.“There is truly nothing more satisfying than seeing an agent get their first commission check.  In our office, it is an EXIT King Realty tradition to ring a bell to celebrate.  We have a bell in every office and we take a photo too to mark the occasion,” Steve said.
In our interviews, we always asked what drew you to EXIT Realty.  For Steve, it is a family tradition.“My dad was the first person to bring EXIT to the U.S. and he ran the region for 20 years – the largest in the country.  I’ve been in real estate for sixteen years now.  Izabela and I were going to be a husband and wife real estate team but people kept wanting to join our brokerage.  This shifted our focus and today we have over 280+ agents in three offices,” Steve said.
Residual income is the common denominator for successful owners, brokers and agents.“With residual income for agents, they have the ability to earn over 100% without desk fees. EXIT is the best option out there.  As far as retention, the single level residuals help retain agents. And, with the right mentor, the chances of a new agent succeeding are much better,” Steve explained.This is our passion says Izabella who loves helping new agents. “Some brokerages don’t offer marketing support and training.  We offer tools and training to help people succeed,” she said.
With 80% of new agents out of business in the first two years, this is something the Forbes take very seriously.  “Our retention rate is much, much better and it has to do with our culture, training and lead generation,” explains SteveIzabela loves marketing, advertising and supporting the agent’s listings while Steve assists with geo-farming and targeting. “Before anyone registers you are a Realtor, you have to get in front of them eight times. Consistency and brand awareness can take up to a year. We really believe geo farming makes the difference for our agents and some brokerages don’t offer it,”  he said.
For Steve, his best advice for agents it to make sure the broker they select to work with is hands on, available, easy to talk with and supportive.Steve also advises to never stop recruiting – especially in a pandemic year.  “Even at 280+ agents, we keep recruiting and it is never ending.  There’s always attrition so keep on recruiting.The same goes for agents says Izabela.  “Constantly be prospecting and working on lead generation.  Remember, the things you do today won’t come into fruition until three or five months down the road. This should always be a priority.The Forbes also say teach your agents to sponsor which impacts their income and leads to retention. “We feature a residual Monday where we highlight any new sponsorships and welcome people,”  he said.
Connect with Steve Forbes at 941-204-7402  and connect with Izabela Forbes at 941-204-7048 and be sure and follow them on Facebook here. 
EXIT Southeast just earned #1 Region and #1 in Franchise sales again for EXIT Realty Corp. International, after breaking the all-time corporate record for sales in 2019.  Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, EXIT Southeast owners, brokers and agents are respected leaders in the real estate industry. If you are looking to join an award-winning team of professionals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl at 412-LOVEXIT (412-568-3948).
