We See You: Building a Brokerage That Cares

In today’s real estate world, it’s easy to focus on numbers. Listings, deals, closings, commissions—they’re the lifeblood of our industry. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the last few years, it’s that numbers alone don’t sustain a thriving real estate business. People do. And that means putting our agents first, not just as professionals, but as human beings.

Our industry is full of high achievers. People who pride themselves on being self-starters, on pushing through, on never letting anyone see them sweat. But beneath the surface, many of our agents are struggling. With uncertainty in the market, global instability, and the ever-present pressure to perform, it’s no surprise that stress and burnout are at an all-time high.

This isn’t just anecdotal. I hear it directly from agents in our coaching sessions and in the hallways of the office.

More importantly, I feel it in the room. The tension. The worry. The sheer emotional load that many of our people are carrying. It’s not unlike the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic—that same sense of disorientation, isolation, and collective anxiety. So when I hear that leaders of provinces and states are treating this time as one of heightened emotional care, and when grief counselors say we’re in another wave of widespread coping and actual greiving, it resonates. 

Deeply.

The question for us, as real estate leaders, is simple: what are we doing about it?

To me, this isn’t just a moral obligation—though it absolutely is that. It’s also smart business. Agents who feel heard, understood, and supported stay longer, produce more consistently, and contribute to a healthier, more positive culture. When we show up for our people, they show up for their clients.

And so, we’ve made a clear commitment in our brokerage: to actively prioritize our agents’ mental and emotional well-being. Not as a one-off initiative, not as a buzzword, but as a central part of our culture. We are asking ourselves daily how we can be more present, more thoughtful, and more helpful to our agents.

This means more than just having an open door. It means listening deeply. It means recognizing that performance isn’t always a reflection of potential, and that sometimes what an agent needs most is someone to simply check in. It means taking the time to build relationships, not just track results. You can feel this when you come to my office, or Vanessa’s, or Andrew’s – we don’t dismiss anyone; we want to know how you, the person, is feeling and coping with today’s realities.

While we’ve always kept the wellbeing of our people at the forefront of what we do every day, we like to behave as though we’re in the early stages of shaping how this will look within our company. Our intention is clear: to build a brokerage where agents feel truly supported. Where leadership is approachable. Where vulnerability isn’t punished, but respected. Where it’s okay not to have all the answers, and where asking for help is a sign of strength.

We are exploring tools and touchpoints that help foster connection. We’re looking at better ways to create safe spaces for conversation. We’re talking about how we can bring mental health resources to the forefront. We’re asking our agents what they need, and then listening without judgment.

What have we done so far?

• Brought in outside speakers to learn about anxiety and how to deal with it over time
• Host monthly sessions that we call Coffee Lab. Agent driven sessions where you get to talk about whatever is on your mind and learn from each other
• Facilitate Mastermind sessions where we not only talk about best practices but we also dig into what keeps your motivated and fulfilled
• Numerous team building events including our ever-popular Mystery Tours, Awards Nights, and Summer Parties
• Our doors are always open – you need something from a member of management – we try our best to be available, even after hours
• Provide one on one coaching for any and all agents, no matter what level they are at in their careers. If you’ve taken advantage of this, you know that it’s part business coaching, and a lot of life coaching! The number of people that have wondered aloud why I don’t have a stereotypical psychiatrist’s ‘couch’ in my office would astound you!

More than anything, we’re committed to leading with humanity. We understand that the success of our business isn’t just about productivity. It’s about people. And if our people are struggling, we’re not succeeding.

So no, we don’t have all the programs in place yet. But we’re starting with what matters most: intention, attention, and heart.

If you’re part of our brokerage, know this: we see you. We hear you. And we are building this with you, not for you. We want your input, your experiences, and your ideas to shape how we move forward.

Because when we prioritize people over pressure, connection over competition, and support over silence, we all rise.

Let’s make this more than a business. Let’s make it a community that truly has each other’s backs.

That’s the kind of brokerage I want to be a part of.

And I think our agents do too.