Just as his name suggests, Alabama’s Gusty Gulas is a whirlwind of energy and ideas. But mostly he is occupied with ways to reward his agents with the best outcomes possible, which is why he moved his team, Gusty Gulas Group, and his brokerage, Brik Realty, to eXp Realty in August 2019.
“Every decision I make is for what is best for my agents,” said Gulas. “I felt eXp was the best choice because it gives my agents more opportunities for many things including training, collaboration, stock portfolios, and growth.”
Gusty’s formal name is William “Gus” Gulas II, but since his father was also known as “Gus,” his mother decided there would not be “two Gusses running around” so he became Gusty, which he describes as being long for Gus.
Gulas has been working in real estate since 2006 and started his own independent brokerage, Brik Realty in 2015. He grew it into a 137-agent team at one point until he felt he could grow no more. With eXp’s borderless business model, Gulas says he can grow outside of the market and the state and now even globally.
“I felt like it made more sense for our agents and myself to join eXp,” said Gulas. “I made a name for myself in Birmingham, but we can now expand globally. If you have relationships overseas, we can share eXp model with them. We can all benefit.”
Learn More About Gusty Gulas:
Years in real estate: Since 2006.
Gross sales and transactions in 2019: The Gusty Gulas Group, Birmingham, Alabama’s No. 1 team, closed 405 homes for $96 million.
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (Aug. 2019-current)
- Brik Realty (2015-2019)
- RealtySouth (2009-2014)
- Select My Space (2008)
- Abana Realty (2006-2007)
Main territory: Birmingham, Alabama
Main focus: First-time homebuyers and first-time home sellers. We also work with many investors due to Alabama having some of the lowest property taxes in the country.
Number of people on team: 25 agents including myself and 8 support staff.
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- Realtor of the Year for the Birmingham Association of Realtors
- No. 1 Large Team in Alabama, according to REAL Trends in 2020
- No. 1 Team in Birmingham since 2017, according to REAL Trends
- No. 3 Team in Alabama 2017-2018, according to REAL Trends
- 2020 Past President – Birmingham Association of Realtors (BAR)
- 2019 President – Birmingham Association of Realtors (BAR)
- 2018 Vice President – Birmingham Association of Realtors (BAR)
- 2016-2017 Treasurer – Birmingham Association of Realtors (BAR)
- 2015 Secretary – Birmingham Association of Realtors (BAR)
- 2014 Director – Birmingham Association of Realtors (BAR)
- 2013 Best Realtor – Birmingham Magazine
- 2011 Top 40 Under 40 – Birmingham Business Journal
- 2008 – Finalist – Rookie of the Year – Birmingham Association of Realtors (BAR)
When and why did you join eXp?
“As a student of the industry, I am always doing research on what is happening in technology, brokerage and team trends. As a former independent broker, it was my responsibility to put my agents in the best position possible and to give them the most opportunities available. Even though we had a top-four brokerage in our market and a Top 500 REAL Trends brokerage it was in my agents’ best interest to partner with eXp. We merged our brokerage, Brik Realty, in August of 2019.
“My agents now have much more training available, they have growing stock portfolios and a few are taking advantage of the revenue share opportunities.
“Partnering with eXp is allowing me to grow not only throughout the state and the U.S. but also allowing me to grow globally. I am confident that we will meet or exceed our goal of 25% market share by 2025 in Birmingham while becoming the No. 1 brokerage in the world.”
What makes eXp special to you?
“I am able to partner with brokers in my market that I have always wanted to because of the unique structure of this model. We can now grow our brands under the eXp umbrella and win together. #25×25
“I also have built great relationships with our leadership and many top agents across the country. It’s amazing how willing leadership is open to feedback. I feel like my voice is heard!”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“At EXPCON last year I was asked to join a team leaders panel in front of 2,500 people. Pretty cool moment that I will forever cherish.”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“We are more connected than people think. We are also more collaborative than I thought it would be.”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“The agents in our market have come together to help each other and know that we are a part of something special and bigger than us. We are doing training together both in person but more recently virtually. We can all learn from each other!”
Best tip to share with other agents:
Be yourself. Have fun. Remain focused. Stay consistent.
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