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 question how may we produce for you is something EXIT Realty Producers franchise owners Debra and Terry Martin-Back say drives their passion for helping their agents and clients!
This question means different things to the duo as they prioritize serving their clients, supporting their agents and helping their real estate investors save and make money. Working with over a dozen agents and managing 150 doors, the couple who will be celebrating 39 years of marriage have seen a lot of ups and downs in the real estate market.
EXIT Realty Producers franchise owners Terry and Debra Martin-Back.
Based in Gainesville, Florida, Debra originally had a small independent office and wanted to grow the property management division. Approached by an EXIT broker, she ended up merging their business with Debra later becoming the sole owner in 2008. Anticipating the downturn, they grew from five to 50 doors that year. However, EXIT being agent centric is what really attracted Debra.
“My original real estate training was not learning how to do real estate but how to stay out of trouble. I received no training with the previous brokerage. EXIT offers training and support to get started. I feel like agents need to know what they are doing because you are representing a person’s biggest investment in life,” Debra said.
Terry was a successful general contractor and house flipper. He joined Debra in 2012 to help maintain the properties they manage. He brought to the partnership important experience previously serving on the code enforcement board for four years. “I know how to help keep property owners and managers abreast of what is going on to avoid code violations or if they exist, to protect the agent, owners and tenants.
On June 18, the duo renewed for additional five years as an EXIT franchise owner. Terry says, focusing on the EXIT Five Pillars is a big part of their operation.
“We focus constantly on training and reinforcing the five pillars of training, branding, technology, culture and finances while teaching our agents how to use the tools. We also show our customer how these tools benefit them whether they are buying, selling or renting properties,” Terry said.
Ultimately, the reason they renewed is they like what EXIT offers and appreciate the support they get from corporate to Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl.
“Everyone is so personable from Steve Morris and Tami Bonnell to Angel Tucker and Annette Anthony. No one seems unreachable or unapproachable. Also, Stacy just calls to check in. These personal relationships mean a lot and they have been very supportive of our charities,” said Debra.
Continuing education and training is something the Martin-Backs support.
We work hard, play hard and rest hard the duo says. “I think staying in our own lanes, staying focused and enjoying what we do is the secret to our success,” says Debra. “We are also involved and always look for ways to help and improve ourselves. We teach agents if you use the EXIT resources, you are improving yourself, and, this is something we do constantly to help ourselves and our agents so we are cutting edge.”
The advice they give their agents to be successful is to find a niche and work it. Terry says to focus on what you do best.
“Definitely avoid the hype that is constantly bombarding you from paying for lead generation to new technology because EXIT has already been offering that for years. So, take advantage of the technology and definitely stay in your lane. Work hard at what you do best,” Terry said.
When explaining to potential agents the benefit of EXIT’s unique single-level residual system, the Martin-Backs say it helped them during the hard times when the market changed and literally put food on the table. Residuals are also paying for their hobbies from new bicycles to cruises!
Honestly, if you focus on sales you aren’t going to make it says Terry. “We teach our agents to have more than one stream of income from property management, real estate investment and create diverse businesses. One of our agents has a side cleaning business as well as having residuals. It creates multiple streams of incomes,” he said.
We want our agent to make money and be successful Debra says. They agree that the EXIT Realty 4 Minute Million video explains everything perfectly and does the recruiting for them.
The Martin-Backs lead by example when they tell their agents to give back to their community. Terry served for 12 years of active service with the Army as well as eight years in the National Guard and Reserve. This drives their desire to support local charities which help veterans.
“We’ve raised thousands of dollars for local charities and most recently raised $5,000 through a bike-a-thon helping Soldiers Freedom Outdoors which is an all-volunteer non-profit where 100% helps veterans with PTSD,” said Terry. “In 2017, the suicide rate for veterans was 1.5 times the rate for non-veteran adults and was around 16.8 suicides a day. This organization supports veterans mental health and means a lot to us. We’re also very proud that through the Spirit of EXIT this was matched for a total of $10,000 donated. Tami Bonnell, who is also the mother of a veteran, understands this well. This really makes us proud to be part of the EXIT family.”
Debra has also been a commissioner for the Alachua County Housing Authority for the past eight years and Terry served for four years on the Alachua County Veterans Advisory Board.
“We live in a beautiful community and it’s all about the effort you put into it to keep it that way,” says Terry.
In the past two years, the couple have started bike riding for health even participating in races with Terry doing a triathlon and a duathelon and of course their bike fund raisers.
“Being active helps us stay together, going down the same path, with the same vision, while staying in our lane and helping produce for ourselves and others,” the couple explain.
Connect with EXIT Realty Producers and the Martin-Backs today at admin@exitrealtyproducers.com.
Consistently earning #1 Region and #1 in Franchise sales for EXIT Realty Corp. International, EXIT Southeast will be hosting an epic Rally for agents, brokers and owners in Orlando. Florida, October 20-22. Click here for more information. Connect with EXIT Southeast today for real estate opportunities in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and now Texas where Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl serve as Regional owners. Contact us today at info@EXITSoutheast.com.
EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Kenny Lynn and Stacy Strobl are expanding their Tennessee and Kentucky statewide operations with the addition of Georgia and immediately announced plans to rapidly grow brokerages.[caption id="attachment_3527" align="alignleft" width="300"]
EXIT Southeast Regional Owners Stacy Strobl and Kenny Lynn have added the state of Georgia to their Tennessee and Kentucky operations.[/caption]
With a successful blueprint already implemented in Tennessee and Kentucky, EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl said they are customizing EXIT’s expansion for thousands of Georgia agents.“Kenny and I have been so impressed with the caliber of real estate agents in Georgia who are excited to work with a company providing opportunity from retirement and beneficiary benefits to a greater return on their investment as REALTORS® which is unique to EXIT,” Strobl said.  “The three-dimensional EXIT formula is considered revolutionary, and, with over 60,000 agents in Georgia, we predict a big increase in franchises.”
In less than four years, Lynn said EXIT Southeast in Tennessee increased from 10 franchises to 52, and, in Kentucky, the number of franchises doubled since the team was named regional directors in 2016.“Georgia is the perfect complement to our EXIT operations in Kentucky and Tennessee and a great addition to our Southern border. In the Chattanooga area and northern Georgia, many agents have reciprocal agreements. The EXIT Southeast expansion will make it convenient to sell real estate in both states,” Lynn said.  “It is important to agents to have a company with a winning formula that provides technology, training and franchise owner and agent support.  We are excited EXIT makes this all possible and with such a positive, family-oriented culture.”
On a recent visit to Tennessee for EXIT Southeast’s annual Smart Car Race benefit, EXIT Realty Corp. International CEO Tami Bonnell said Lynn and Strobl will provide incredible leadership for the state of Georgia.“Kenny and Stacy are terrific leaders who offer great support and assistance to their franchise owners and put their heart into it.  Georgia will have the benefit of people who have the experience as agents, brokers and regional owners and have led this region in growing exponentially,” Bonnell said. “Georgia is a very franchise friendly state.  Kenny and Stacy have a proven track record and what they have done is very duplicable.”Here's more on her interview:
EXIT Realty Southeast is the regional office for Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia founded by regional owners Strobl and Lynn. The team was named EXIT Realty Corp. International’s top regional owners for North America in 2015. In 2016, they earned No. 1 in franchise sales as well as earned the Leaders’ Leader award for regional leadership and “developing a cohesive team of unstoppable professionals," according to EXIT Realty Corp. International Founder/Chairman Steve Morris.  For more information on franchise or agent opportunity, contact stacy@exitsoutheast.com or fill out the form below.[contact-form][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Website' type='url'/][contact-field label='Comment' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]
The EXIT Southeast region of Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee continues to see an influx of new residents and Nashville’s daily newspaper, The Tennessean, asked EXIT Realty experts why the area is so popular.
EXIT Regional Owner Kenny Lynn said Southern hospitality, quality of life and business opportunity are some of the top reasons so many people are moving to the area.[caption id="attachment_3602" align="aligncenter" width="233"]
EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Kenny Lynn said the Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky areas have so much opportunity for franchises and business.[/caption]“The entire EXIT Southeast territory of Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky is experiencing an influx of new residents as people realize for themselves how great our Southern hospitality is.  It’s an honor for EXIT agents to help people find their dream home in such a pretty part of the United States,” Lynn said.  “As people look for new opportunity within EXIT Southeast, we are helping grow business through franchise opportunities daily.”Lynn said the real estate market is being directly impacted by so many new residents. “People are vacationing in the region, experiencing what the area has to offer and are staying to create opportunity for themselves or family,” Lynn said.
Travel + Leisure magazine just released their latest reader poll of top urban cities with one “clear answer: Southern crowd-pleasers.” Eight of the top 15 cities were Southern with Savannah, Georgia in the #3 spot and Nashville in the 5th spot. The area is ripe with opportunity says EXIT Southeast Regional Co-owner Stacy Strobl.
“Kenny is exactly right. Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky have so much opportunity for people seeking to create their own real estate businesses but looking for the EXIT advantage,” Strobl said. "People are looking for new business opportunities with good training and technology options while planning for their future. We're excited about the EXIT difference and the support we provide franchise owners."
Lynn said EXIT Realty is revolutionizing the real estate industry with a three dimensional concept of taking listings, making sales and sponsoring agents.“Now you can “EXIT” conventional real estate and open the door to unlimited income potential by using the EXIT formula for single-level residual system. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own real estate franchise, you owe it to yourself to find out why EXIT Realty is growing,” Lynn said.As a real estate franchise owner, Lynn said these are the EXIT resources and business solutions available. “Ask yourself, could you make this a success?” Lynn added.
Here’re some of the EXIT Southeast advantages outlined by Lynn:
EXIT Southeast is exploding with opportunity and if you find this EXIT formula for residuals and specialized training perfect for your business goals, contact EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Stacy Strobl at stacy@EXITSoutheast.com or 412-LOVEXIT.
When you can grow a business by 400% in three short years, you know a thing or two about starting a new business.  EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Kenny Lynn has years of business experience and shares his best business advice as he helps put EXIT on the map in Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee for the game-changing real estate company.
[caption id="attachment_3615" align="alignnone" width="400"]
Under EXIT Southeast Regional Owner Kenny Lynn's leadership, the team earned EXIT Realty Corp. International’s top regional owners for North America in 2015. In 2016, they earned No. 1 in franchise sales as well as earned the Leaders’ Leader award for regional leadership.[/caption]
“I’ve been starting and growing businesses for years. When working with my EXIT Regional Co-owner Stacy Strobl in the mortgage industry, we immediately recognized in EXIT a unique opportunity for incredible long-term growth with the company’s revolutionary three dimensional concept of taking listings, making sales and sponsoring agents,” Lynn explains.  “As with any industry, it is about retaining that growth through support, training and mentoring to help everyone succeed.”
 
Lynn shares some of his best business advice and some of the keys to EXIT Southeast’s growth and success in this Q&A: 
 
Work on your business, not in it. You can’t let fear dictate your progress.  It will slow you down.  How are you going to grow your business if you are doing the day-to-day minutia?  I always suggest to business people to find good administrative support. It is key.  In the real estate industry, this person helps agents by taking away the paperwork which bogs down their ability to sell.  Find support with someone who excels with detail so you can get out and grow your business!
 
For over two decades, EXIT Realty has been in the business of retaining what we are building by supporting and mentoring.  This has been an important element for EXIT Southeast for the past three years.
I like to tell franchise owners, I’ll be your wingman and you never leave your wingman.  We work individually with each person providing business advice, mentoring and training.  My goal is to help people succeed and never let you fail.
 
[caption id="attachment_3617" align="alignnone" width="600"]
With a National Hot Rod Association license since he was 16, Kenny Lynn knows the importance of mentoring teammates and being competitive.[/caption]
Mentoring and training are a top priority and something we do custom to the person and the level at which they are operating. It grows exponentially with any company when the top leaders are well-trained and equipped.  In turn, the owners then train the agents and the result is a strong organization. 
 
For EXIT, training and technology is a priority like our exclusive mobile business card and Smart Sign Technology.
 
In addition, we have broker/owner training, are bringing in EXIT’s top technology expert for fall sessions and support our international convention, which takes place this October.  I strongly encourage business owners to seek additional training and education.  We have seen a huge result for folks attending our annual convention and have seen production increase afterwards at 20%.  You can’t stand still in this busy real estate market.  And, right now, due to market demands, we need smart, producing agents throughout our entire region. 
 
For more information on EXIT Southeast, use the contact form below or stacy@exitsoutheast.com. 
[contact-form-7 id="3825" title="Contact Us"]
Most homebuyers, after seeing the listing for a home that interests them, will drive past the home for a brief look before deciding whether to request a showing. If you’re like most agents, you know that the importance of curb appeal can’t be overstated. If your clients are feeling overwhelmed by their pre-sale to-do list, have them start with these basic curb appeal tips.
Cleaning is the first step. Ensure that all windows sparkle, the porch is swept, concrete is clean and the home’s exterior is free from dust and grime. Renting a power washer can be an excellent investment here. Additionally, the porch light should be clean, bright and free from cobwebs and dead bugs.There’s also a lot to be said for making the minor repairs that are so easy for busy homeowners to put off. Touching up paint, patching cracked or pitted concrete and replacing torn window screens are a great way to show buyers that the home is well maintained.[caption id="attachment_3627" align="alignnone" width="600"]
Curb appeal is an important element when selling a home.[/caption]
A new door or a fresh coat of paint on the existing door can transform the look of a home. Other ways to make the entryway entice homebuyers to want a closer look include:
Not only should the yard look neat and uncluttered, it should appear easy to maintain. Fresh mulch in all planting beds is a must, and consider using mulch in a tree ring to cover bare dirt beneath any trees. Keeping the lawn mown, edged and free from weeds will make yard care look effortless—a huge selling point for many buyers.
In honor of Curb Appeal Month in August, EXIT Southeast is giving away 5 pairs of tickets to Tennessee’s largest and longest running home event, the Nashville Home Show. HGTV Curb Appeal expert John Gidding will be hosting multiple sessions at the event, September 8-10, at the Music City Center with 300+ home experts, DIY inspiration, popular food blogger demos and more. To enter, like and share this post on Facebook or email stacy@exitsoutheast.com. We will draw random names to win and mail tickets for personal use or to give to potential clients. Deadline for entry is September 1, close of business.
As a hard-working real estate agent, you deserve the support of a network of experienced industry professionals. Invest in your future by considering your own EXIT franchise today. Contact EXIT Realty Southeast today for opportunities in Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky at stacy@exitsoutheast.com or click this form.[contact-form][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /][contact-field label="Website" type="url" /][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea" /][/contact-form]
