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.
The national I AM CEO Podcast interviewed EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl on secrets to EXIT Southeast success, their secret sauce, leadership hacks and more.
Passionate about helping franchise owners, brokers and agents grow business and empowering them to own their future, click here to listen to the full podcast and interview with host Gresham Harkless.
EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Interviewed For National Podcast
Work on it, not in it and then duplicate that success says Kenny Lynn. Once owners step out of their business and work it, they soar, he explains in the podcast.
The duo began by purchasing an EXIT Realty franchise in 2011 in Madison, Tennessee and went on to purchase the subfranchisor rights to the entire state in 2012. Here’s more about this successful journey which now includes a region of Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas!
Here’s more from their interview with host Gresham Harkless.
Passionate about growing businesses and empowering franchise owners and REALTORS® to own their present and future, EXIT Southeast Regional. Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl launched their regional company in 2012 immediately establishing it as one of the fastest growing real estate companies in Tennessee. They acquired the EXIT Realty subfranchisor rights to Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida and Texas and have consistently earned #1 in Franchise Sales, #1 Region in North America, the Superior Growth and Development Award and broke the all-time corporate record for franchises sold in 2019. EXIT Southeast has repeatedly earned the Nashville Business Journal’s Best in Business finalist, Stacy was named a 2022 NBJ Woman of Influence and EXIT Southeast was just awarded Top 50 Fastest Growing Company for 2022 by the Nashville Business Journal.
· CEO Story: Stacy and Kenny have always been passionate about everything about the home industry whether it's a mortgage, titles, or real estate. They started in
the mortgage industry 13 years ago. They found their lane when they got into the real estate industry and helped grow real estate businesses and realtors.
· Business Service: Selling franchise opportunities. Train professional realtors.
· Secret Sauce: Coaching. Putting the right and coachable people in the business.
· CEO Hack: Establish your own lane and do what you are best at. The system, schedule, and routine-oriented. Support, strategy, and game plan.
· CEO Nugget: Slow down where you are be present where you are at the moment. Keep in the right lane and keep the right people around you.
· CEO Defined: It's about the people, setting the culture. Connecting and knowing your people, building relationships. Life changer.
Consistently earning #1 Franchise Sales in North America and honored repeatedly for #1 Region for EXIT Realty Corp. International, Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl also 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. Across Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and now Texas as Regional Directors, 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 Owner Stacy Strobl at info@EXITSoutheast.com.
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Located in Champions Gate, Florida, near numerous Orlando resort and vacation home communities, EXIT Realty Champions’ owners Steve and Deirdre Humphries have a smart, international perspective when supporting their agents and helping clients buying investment properties, vacation homes and new residences.
Why EXIT?
The Humphries are about to celebrate 20 years of marriage and began in real estate over 15 years ago after taking the huge risk and coming to America to start a business. After arriving, they saw the potential of launching a real estate business and accepted the challenge. The duo have now signed two renewals with EXIT Southeast and explained the reasoning; “it was a smart choice to join forces with a great company with a great culture, where they offer the most while taking the least, compared with the competition.”
“If it is not broken, don’t fix it,” says Steve, a native of Plymouth, England. “Like most agents and brokers, we were constantly being courted by others, wining and dining us during the pandemic. EXIT already had all that the other companies were offering and more. One example is our superior, joined up, technology and strategies. Leaving EXIT would also upset our agent base and their sponsorships/residuals would be lost with any move. I strongly believe that loyalty has to work both ways.” Click here to learn more about the EXIT residual program.
For Deirdre, originally from Manhattan, New York, the culture is important.
“I like women in charge. I like the idea behind EXIT, the work ethic and culture. It is more like a family and there are people there to support you. We don’t get that feeling with other companies,” she said.
The Humphries appreciate knowing they have immediate regional support if they need it which is an important part of EXIT culture.
“As EXIT Southeast expands from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida to Texas, we know Kenny and Stacy are very busy but we can call them anytime. And, they throw a great party! We like them and they are good motivators,” Steve says.
The Humphries have the 2023 Rally on their calendar which will be held in their backyard again.
“Having an army background, leadership and comradery is important to me. At the EXIT Southeast Rally, we will see people we haven’t in a while. It is good to hear other people’s stories, and, every time you find a new challenge, someone else has faced it. It’s great getting that support from other owners and agents,” Steve says. “The Rally is important because agents feel like they are part of something bigger and it lets them see other successful people, make connections and gain referral sources. While our office is a team, we are also part of the bigger EXIT SE and International Teams”
Click here for more information on the EXIT Southeast March 2023 Rally in Orlando.
What’s the EXIT Realty Champions Difference?
With Steve’s 24 years of military service in England as well as serving as Buckingham Palace’s Transport Operations manager, this commitment to service and understanding the importance of support has served their agents and community well. The motto at Buckingham Palace, straight from The Queen was “service before self.” Steve believes that “Example” is the only true form of leadership.
Steve explains, “in the military, we take care of our people regardless of the situation, the many obstacles and competition.”
Deirdre has had that same experience flying with TWA for 26 years.” They know that every agent is different and has different needs, Steve likes to refer to his Army Leadership training where Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was taught. DISC works well up to a point, you can really better help agents achieve more when you understand where they are on the Maslow scale,” Deirdre said.
This untypical background serves their franchise well.
“We have an international background and a very diverse office where multiple languages are spoken helping us serve international clients and people within our community. Ultimately, we care about people and it shows,” Deirdre explains.
Steve said their franchise slogan is “we champion your realty needs,” a clever play on location and their passion for service.
“We champion the customer in getting what they need and are their advocate. You can’t just sell a person a random house. We get to know the person and find out their specific needs,” Steve says.
The couple see their agents mirroring this with their clients too, making sure the right deal is found and understanding this is the foundation for developing long-term relationships.
Advice to New Realtors
It’s important to treat your job as a Realtor as a business says Deirdre.
“Don’t come in and sit with your hand out. Learn the ropes, work the phones, build your sphere of influence. Don’t be shy and don’t be a secret agent. Put something on your car, wear your nametag, talk to people in line at the supermarket,” Deirdre advises. “It’s not as easy as you might think but once you treat it as your own business, there is no limit to success. You have to be an entrepreneur.”
Steve agrees and says you have to work hard, be consistent, and prime the pump. Real Estate is a contact sport and very competitive, meet the challenges head on use the competition to make you stronger.
“When you compare real estate to starting in other businesses, it can be a low entry cost with fast returns. However, it is important to look at it in the long-term and have the mind set and strategy of running your own business. And, with EXIT, there are a lot of tools that go along with it to support you, from technology and branding to training,” Steve explains.
Advice To Potential Franchise Owners
The Humphries consider themselves relationship creators who have seen agents leave and come back again. Now, two of their agents are about to start their own office which is a testament to what the couple is growing within the Davenport, Kissimmee, Clermont, Haines City areas.
Their advice includes to beware of organizations that want to take 6 to 8% off the top before anything happens. Make your franchise selection carefully.
“With starting any franchise, select good people, not just numbers, quality over quantity and watch your budget. I found when we first started EXIT, everyone was trying to sell us something and it’s easy to buy into every shiny thing. Be cautious and understand the tools and support EXIT offers. Also, leverage and meet other franchise owners, brokers and people in the area. EXIT is a dynamic but very supportive community in helping one another we all win,” Steve said. “Most Realtors are salespeople so have faith in your abilities but keep an eye on the bottom line.”
Bright Future For EXIT Realty Champions
The Humphries remain excited about all the challenges the future will bring.
“Our previous experience required both leadership and management skills and also attention- to-detail which is important to our business today. In the end, so much of our success comes down to people skills; listening to find the right people and discovering whether we need to challenge or nurture them for their success as we continue to move ahead and grow,” said Steve.
Connect With EXIT Realty Champions
Click here to connect with Steve Humphries and reach out to Deidre today at floridadlh@gmail.com. You’ll find their website here or follow them on Facebook at EXIT Realty Champions.
Join A Team Of Unstoppable Professionals
Consistently earning #1 Franchise Sales in North America and honored repeatedly for #1 Region for EXITRealty Corp. International, Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl also 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. Across Florida, Georgia,Kentucky, Tennessee, and now Texas as Regional Directors, 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 EXITSoutheast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at info@EXITSoutheast.com.
Growing up with families in the construction industry, it makes perfect sense Mike and Debbie Murdock would have their own real estate franchise, EXIT Realty Pro, with a passion for community service and supporting their agents with being professional, progressive, productive at the top of their minds daily.
The couple just celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary, and, looking back on their careers, the Murdocks first started buying, fixing and flipping houses in the Canton,Texas area, way before there was a Joanna and Chip Gaines! At the same time, Mike was a long-time Dallas area fireman. He actually injured his back lifting drywall which led the couple to becoming Realtors, less physical than home construction and something they could do together. They earned their licenses in 2003.
As the Murdocks were making their decision on a real estate franchise talking with various companies, Mike was on Founder/Chairman Steve Morris’s email list and received this Morris Code email message, ‘never look down on someone unless you are offering a hand up.’
“As a fireman and being very active in our church and community, I thought this guy gets it. If he can deliver, we don’t need to go anywhere else,” says Mike.
The Murdocks opened their franchise in September 2006 and they are now celebrating their 16th anniversary with EXIT. “We spent money we didn’t have to buy something we didn’t know we needed,” said Mike. “The others competing against us bought a RE/MAX and another a Century 21 franchise. The guy who bought Century 21 eventually came to work for us!”
During the difficult years of 2007 and 2008, a good banker and corporate support was crucial for the couple. Today, they see this market as a correction and an opportunity for hard-working agents.
“We are in a transitional market moving toward a balanced market where neither the buyer nor seller has an unfair advantage. One of our top producers said the previous two years made us lazy as agents. Today’s market gives us an opportunity to do our jobs as we research, market and guide our clients in making good decisions,” Debbie said.
There are a lot of mantras or phrases which have special meaning for the Murdocks. Their three Ps mean being professional in everything they do, progressive in staying on the cutting edge and productive in the work they do daily. You can also add passion to this list of Ps.
“We are very passionate about supporting our agents and doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do,” says Mike. Debbie adds, “we are real and we are who we are.”
The couple are also very selective in who they invite to join their office. In the beginning, they had around six or seven agents. After Mike retired after 32 years of public service, in the past five years they have grown to around 55 to 60 agents.
“We’ve had tremendous growth due to our culture and as our agents understand the benefits of inviting people to join EXIT with the sponsorship bonus. But, we’ve been picky too,” explains Mike. “I tell my agents, if you don’t think they share our culture, don’t invite them in. The agents who are here can pick out really quickly someone who is going to fit in.”
Here’s more on how EXIT Realty is changing the real estate landscape through single-level residuals. (Insert video)
“We have had some agents earning up to an additional $80,000 a year which can have a huge impact on their lives, Mike said. “When they see other agents checks, then they understand how EXIT Realty benefits them."
An important part of the EXIT Realty Pro culture is the broker support Mike offers his agents, says Debbie.
“We offer a lot of training and support which is an important part of our culture. Mike is a very hands-on broker and is on the phone most of the day helping agents. We don’t put people off. We also offer multiple events throughout the year to help our agents and to offer recruitment opportunities. Support is definitely a part of our culture and so is community service,” Debbie explains.
Community service is a passion for the Murdocks and something they model with their franchise. “Being a community servant is who we are, giving back through our church and supporting our community. We bought this franchise because we never look down but offer a hand up,” says Mike.
Throughout the year, EXIT Realty Pro gives back to their communities through a variety of ways including an upcoming community health fair on the first Friday in October. It will be their third one.
“We will have all sorts of vendors there from checking hearing, teeth and blood pressure to mammograms and the blood mobile for donations – anything having to do with health. We’ll also have a firetruck, ambulance and helicopter to educate the public on how these people serve our community. This is our gift to the community that we do with our agents,” Mike said.
A food drive is part of the event and a cookbook has been added this year. Debbie and Mike, who was also the full-time cook at the firehouse, are creating a cookbook with recipes curated from the agents and the Murdocks. Proceeds will benefit the local Children’s Advocacy Center and they will be applying for matching funds through the Spirit of EXIT.
Relationships is Mike’s word of the year and it’s what gets things done he says. “When the chips are down, you have to be able to count on that person,” Mike said.
Corporate and regional support has also been important to them. “We love Kenny and Stacy and it has been fun getting to know them,” Debbie said. “We also appreciated the Rally and after being locked down with the pandemic, it came at a much-needed time. We are social beings and it helped our agents reconnect.”
Take advantage of the resources and training available say the Murdocks. “Be consistent and stay with it. Longevity is the key to being successful in this business. We offer EXIT Realty’s eight week success plan and you will get out of it what you put into it,” Debbie says. And, don’t be a secret agent.
“A recently retired agent with 48 years in the industry said my best advice to new Realtors is don’t be a secret agent. Wear your name badge, let people know what you are doing and share your mobile business card,” Mike advises.
For people considering being franchise owners, the Murdocks say you can’t go wrong.
“The pros outweigh any cons and I’m very open about this and can validate it,” says Mike. “Being an EXIT Realty franchise is like a fire house. We laugh and have a good time, but, when the bell rings, we go to work!”
EXIT Realty Pro has been voted Van Zandt County’s Favorite Real Estate Agency for the Readers’ Choice Awards four years in a row. Connect with this award-winning team via email debbie@exitrealtypro.com or mike@exitrealtypro.com or visit their website today EXITRealtyPro.
With a family-owned business taking pride in their name and service, EXIT Realty McCauley owner, Larry McCauley says the personal touch makes a difference in how he serves clients in Lebanon and the Marion County Kentucky area.
Real Estate School Led to EXIT Franchise – Personal Touch – The Difference
A long-time businessman, Larry previously owned a successful food vending company he sold to a competitor and began looking for his next venture.
“I had bought and sold a lot of properties in my lifetime and I woke up one morning and told my wife, Martha, I want to sell real estate. I found GC Real Estate School and Vickie Grimes, founder of the school and owner/broker of EXIT Realty Heartland. It jump started my career,” Larry said. “I originally started with another company in South Central Kentucky before following up with Vickie who helped me connect with Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl and begin EXIT Realty McCauley in Lebanon. Vickie still serves as my broker today, five years later.”
When he started real estate school, Vickie says she could tell after two weeks because he understood business and was good with people.
“I could tell from the get-go he didn’t need to work for anyone else. Larry has a mind for business, personality to work well with people and the heart of an EXITeer. I knew owning a franchise would be the right choice,” she says.
Today, Larry says the personal touch makes all the difference in his business.
“With Martha by my side, serving as admin, I think the personal touch makes a difference. We try to treat everyone as a relative and I train my agents to do the same. It’s worked out well for us,” Larry said.
The parents of three, busy children, Martha worked with Larry in their prior business but is not there every day in the real estate office “so she doesn’t threaten to kill me,” he says with a laugh.
Advice To New Realtors
Don’t sell a house or property just for the commission, says Larry, do it to help the buyer or the seller.
“This is when the personal touch is important. If you sell just for the money, you won’t be successful. Look out for the best interest of your buyers or sellers,” Larry says.
With over a dozen agents today, Larry says supporting the agents is important.
“We help them learn the process of being a good agent and are there to support them and answer question. The EXIT training and technology helps an agent starting fresh to understand there is someone who has been there before you and can help you,” Larry said.
Training and technology are part of the five pillars of EXIT which also includes financial freedom through residuals. Larry said the residuals helps agents. “They get very excited about that check. They realize we aren’t just taking from them but giving back.”
Larry uses the residuals to invest in his business and brand awareness including billboard, radio and newspaper advertising.
Here’s more on the EXIT Realty difference. (Insert video)
Advice To Anyone Considering A Franchise – Culture of Support
“Owning a franchise is a smart move and I know some of the new EXIT franchise owners in the area and have worked with them on several deals,” says Larry. “When I started, I didn’t really have a lot of other owners to talk with. Kenny and Stacy have done a great job in building the name and the brand in Kentucky which helps us out tremendously and gives us name recognition across the state.”
Regional and corporate support have been important to Larry as a franchise owner.
“Anytime I have a problem, I can call Stacy and Kenny and they are very supportive. The same goes with our corporate leaders. They are quick to respond and that’s why we are sticking with the EXIT family and will soon be renewing,” he said.
Community Support
Giving back to his community is important to Larry and his EXIT Realty McCauley office.
“We do a lot of youth sports sponsorships including baseball, basketball and soccer. I think it all starts with the kids. Take care of them first or you have no future,” he said.
Future of EXIT Realty McCauley
If there’s one slogan that describes EXIT Realty McCauley, Larry says it is they are the “I’m Sold” company.” It’s not sell time here, but it is sold time, he explains. And, that’s exactly what they do for their clients!
Connect with EXIT Realty McCauley
Connect with Larry and his team today via email larry@exitrealtymccauley.com or 270-692-8800.
EXIT Ryan Scott Realty serves clients in Miami, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties while making a difference in lives daily throughout their community says company president and broker of record, George Corey.
Making Positive Differences In Lives Daily
With almost four decades of real estate industry experience as well as a proven businessman, George was the keynote luncheon speaker for the Harvard Business School Alumni Association, the real estate editor for the Palm Beach County WPBT Weekly Business Review and executive vice president of Coldwell Banker, instrumental in growing 3,700 offices.
His story is also about surviving cancer, living to tell the tale and dedicating his life to making a positive difference in the lives of his 60+ agents, clients and community
“On June 7 of this year, it has been 22 years since that first cancer diagnosis with 30 days to live. Because I lived for some reason, I wanted to spend the rest of my life making a positive impact on others and had to find a company that didn’t just talk about supporting agents but does it,” George said.
In the early 2000s, multiple companies wanted George to open a franchise and he actually signed an agreement with GMAC.
“A couple of my former brokers at Coldwell joined EXIT and said George please don’t do anything until you talk with EXIT. I thought, what a silly name, not interested. They asked me to trust them. I found out more, and, during my right of rescission period, I canceled my deal with GMAC because EXIT was giving me an opportunity to do what really mattered – make a positive difference in people’s lives. The money is important but that is not what drives me. What really drives me is looking at the difference I might make in an agent’s life. This is the reason I’m still working,” George said.
George said there are several ways in which EXIT RSR operates differently as a franchise.
“We are fiduciaries not facilitators. Other companies have customers, we have clients. We are required by law to be obedient to our client, give them full disclosure, full confidentiality and to be loyal to our client and no one else – something you won’t see with transaction brokers,” George explains.
EXIT Culture of Support Matters
A culture of support means a lot to EXIT RSR from local to regional and corporate.
“At EXIT RSR, we are family and I don’t just say that I mean it,” says George. “As Regional Owners, Kenny (Lynn) and Stacy (Strobl) are a breath of fresh air. They are aggressive, supportive, responsive and they are always rocking and rolling which motivates the rest of us. Last year’s EXIT Southeast Rally was important to us. I’ve been doing this for 39 years and it gives me a shot in the arm and reminds me of why I am here. I’ll be trying to get as many agents there as possible in 2023. I want my agents to see that EXIT is much more than our office of 60+ agents and to says, ‘wow, look what I am a part of.’ The whole set up was great and we will have a big representation at the next one.”
Corporate support also means a lot in the EXIT culture of caring. George said, “it is nice to be able to pick up the phone and call the chairman/founder (Steve Morris) or co-chair (Tami Bonnell). I told our CEO Craig Witt at the EXIT Southeast Rally that it doesn’t happen at other companies and we really appreciate that.”
Advice To New Realtors
When working with a potential new Realtor, George said he is very honest about the career.
“I’m honest with people about what you have to do to make a living. The bottom line is if they are willing to work hard, they can make it. I consider it a business partnership and the agent is president of your own company. Act like and run your business every day and take advantage of the support your partner is offering you from marketing and an office to technology and training support,” he said.
With over 60 plus agents, George never says, “go get ‘em!”
“With decades of experience, we don’t just throw agents into the real estate world and say go get ‘em. I do a personal business plan for each agent which fits their comfort level, talent and budget which we review every quarter. We find a way to make it work. On-going training is also provided for every aspect of the business. And, we have monthly business meetings with the entire company to reinforce this,” George said.
Advice To Anyone Considering An EXIT Southeast Franchise?
“Just buy it!” says George to anyone considering an EXIT franchise. Also, make sure your agents understand the value.
“EXIT has so many wonderful tools and support which makes this so valuable to the franchise owner. But, you have to make sure your agents are aware of it and teach them how to use the tools professionally to service prospective clients. Some people resent paying real estate commission because they don’t understand the value. Owners need to understand the value EXIT offers and agents need to help clients understand the difference as well. It helps agents become more productive,” George said.
Community Support
If an EXIT RSR agent has a connection with a decision maker at a local nonprofit, we can add them to our Affinity Program says George.
“If someone comes to us, through that affiliation, we will give the client a credit of 10% of our commission at closing. The client then signs a form at closing donating this amount back to the nonprofit. It’s a win/win because now the client gets a tax benefit for donating this money to their worthy cause,” he explains.
The franchise also adopted an area daycare center for around 275 under privileged kids, supplying them each year with school supplies. Pre-COVID, they also have a special holiday party making sure each child receives something special from agents dressed as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves and angels. The plan is the return to this good will event this year!
How to connect?
Connect with George today! He loves a phone call or text at 954-249-8547. Or, email him at gcorey@monopoly.net. He says he is always available!
