Good things come in pairs. And good pairs make great things happen. Take Dustin Lewis and Matt Colón.
Partners in life and in business, this Atlanta-based couple fused their unique gifts and work backgrounds to launch their own real estate company, Create Realty Partners. They’re a pair of bright stars in the eXp Realty galaxy – something to really celebrate this Pride Month.
“Like any marriage or relationship, there are ups and downs, compromises and growth that takes place over time. We are getting there and are continually learning. Most of the time it is really fun!’’ Dustin said.
Matt has a background in the airline industry, veterinary management and IT.
Dustin is a card-carrying member of the Screen Actors Guild with an entertainment industry career that spans more than 25 years. He’s appeared in more than 30 major films and TV series including “First Man” with Ryan Gosling, “Come Sunday,” “Good Girls,” “Sleepy Hollow” and the Netflix smash “Ozark.”
“We also have a production company, Chipper Dog Production, named after our first-born fur baby,’’ Dustin said.
Atlanta Has Become Base Camp for the Couple
The couple met in 2007 when Dustin was in Atlanta for the summer – and he never left. “Atlanta has a thriving food scene and we take complete advantage of it,’’ Dustin said.
The city’s booming entertainment production industry gave Dustin plenty of runway to continue his successful acting, teaching, producing and directing career. At least until the brakes hit in 2020.
“Real estate is something I have always wanted to do, but the timing was never right for me. With the pandemic and much of the entertainment industry shutting down, it gave me the opportunity to focus on my dream of having a real estate business,’’ Dustin said.
“I needed something I could do full time but with a somewhat flexible schedule so I could still do TV/film – which is not always consistent. We both realized that we could fulfill our other dream of being our own bosses, and Matt joined me a few months later. The rest is history! ‘’
After Researching Brokerages, eXp Was the Perfect Fit
The newly minted agents did extensive research on brokerages. Everything came up eXp Realty, with the couple joining in 2021.
“Dustin interviewed with different brokerages. He brought back what their models could do for us and what it would cost. With my business and financial manager background, comparing eXp to all the other models was a no-brainer. eXp offered us an opportunity to make more money and to work independently while still being in a collaborative environment rather than competing with each other, in addition to not having to pay office, franchise fees, etc.,’’ Matt said.
In their first quarter with eXp, Create Partners Realty was awarded Top in Attraction and Team Sales. Their first year in business, they closed $2.5 million on seven transactions. They’re equally proud of their Flawless File Award from their eXp brokers.
“I have to admit that is mostly because of the exceptional care Matt takes with each file,’’ Dustin said with pride.
eXp Allows Them Flexibility to Pursue Other Interests
While their clients span the gamut of housing needs, Dustin and Matt eagerly help those in the Atlanta entertainment industry, too. Matt handles commercial and relocation deals, and is a certified probate specialist. They are also proud of their eXp | Elite team that they organized with Atlanta-based agent Collette McDonald. They are also certified mentors.
As a former power tumbler, Dustin said he and Matt are “thrilled at the flexibility to brand themselves as they choose, and to not be boxed into any corner. Because Matt and I are a domestic team, this allows me to be a full-time agent and continue to work in the TV and film industry, which many of our clients are as well. As we always say, ‘Once you see the eXp Realty model, you can’t unsee it.’‘’
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