In a recent episode of my podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Brad Hopkins, a realtor who has taken the Tennessee real estate market by storm. Brad is not just a familiar name in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, but he’s quickly become one of the most successful agents in the area, earning the titles of Rookie of the Year to Realtor of the Year.
When I first invited Brad to join me on my podcast, I knew his story would resonate with our listeners, especially those who are just starting in the real estate world. His journey from a new agent to a leader in his industry is inspiring, and it’s packed with lessons about hard work, mentorship, and community involvement. If you’ve ever wondered how some agents achieve rapid success, Brad’s experience offers great insight into what it takes to stand out in the competitive world of real estate.
Watch the entire podcast episode here.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the key moments that shaped his career and what other agents can take away from his journey.
Brad Hopkins’ Road to Success: Useful Insights for Other Agents
Brad’s story is one of dedication and learning from every experience. His success wasn’t handed to him—he worked hard for it.
Brad’s Beginnings
Brad entered the real estate world in 2018, and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. He earned the title Rookie of the Year within his first year and soon after was named Realtor of the Year.
His rapid rise can be credited to a combination of factors, including his ability to build relationships, stay active in the community, and continually improve his skills.
Unlike many agents who struggled in their first year, Brad found success by diving headfirst into the industry and doing what he was naturally good at—connecting with people.
Key to Brad’s Success
From the start, Brad was actively engaged with the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors (MTAR) and worked closely with his mentors to ensure he was constantly learning and growing. And, these relationships weren’t just about networking. They helped him stay accountable and pushed him to be better.
His community activities, including serving on charitable boards, gave him the visibility he needed to build trust with potential clients.
Brad also emphasized how important it was to focus on serving others rather than just closing deals. He believes that real estate is a service industry, and that mindset has been key to his long-term success.
Exit Realty and Ownership
Brad has been with Exit Realty Bob Lamb & Associates since day one. It’s where he started, grew his career, and now, as of 2023, has become a co-owner.
He shared with me how exciting it was to be asked to join the ownership group and how proud he is to be part of a locally-owned, agent-owned franchise.
As a co-owner, Brad’s goals have shifted slightly. He’s no longer just focused on growing his client base but also on helping the brokerage grow by bringing in new agents and fostering a supportive environment where they can thrive.
The Learning Curve
Every realtor has those first few deals that teach them valuable lessons, and Brad is no exception.
He recalled one of his first transactions: a century-old farmhouse that received 17 offers. It was an overwhelming but rewarding experience that taught him a lot about managing client expectations, navigating multiple offers, and the importance of technology in streamlining processes.
Brad admitted that, in the beginning, he wanted to be hands-on with every part of the transaction, even scheduling showings himself. However, through trial and error, he realized the value of leveraging the tools available to real estate agents to save time and be more efficient.
Marketing and Client Retention
Brad follows the Ninja Selling system, which emphasizes building strong relationships with clients through consistent, personalized touches. He does this by sending out monthly postcards, offering market updates, and organizing client appreciation events, like movie days and laser tag. These events aren’t just fun—they help keep him top of mind with clients, ensuring that when they’re ready to buy or sell again, they think of him first.
Brad also mentioned the importance of personalized service. Whether it’s helping a client find the right mortgage broker or making a competitive offer in a hot market, he believes in going above and beyond to make sure his clients are happy.
This level of care has earned him repeat clients and referrals, which are the backbone of his business.
Personal and Professional Growth
As we wrapped up, Brad spoke about his personal and professional goals.
Professionally, he’s focused on growing his brokerage and helping other agents succeed. Personally, he’s preparing for some exciting changes—he’s getting married next year and balancing his family life with his career. He also finds time to give back to the community through charity work.
From my perspective as both a realtor and a podcast host, Brad’s journey also highlights the benefits of using platforms, like podcasts, to broaden your client base and establish yourself as an authority in your local market. I’ve found that working with a professional real estate podcast production company is key to making the most of this medium, and I’d encourage any agent looking to grow their brand to consider it.
Subscribe to The Key to All Things Real Estate Podcast for More Valuable Tips and Insights from Industry Icons!
Brad’s journey from rookie agent to brokerage co-owner is filled with insights that can benefit any real estate agent, whether you’re just starting or have been in the business for years.
If you want more valuable tips from real estate professionals, like Brad, be sure to subscribe to the Key to All Things Real Estate Podcast. We have new episodes every week, featuring interviews with industry leaders who share their secrets to success.
And, if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Nashville, Tennessee, reach out to me and my team at Classic Key Realty. We’d love to help you navigate your real estate journey with confidence. Contact us today to get started!
