Like many independent real estate broker-owners, Southern Oregon’s Jake Rockwell saw eXp Realty’s business model as a no-brainer. Not only could eXp help with the risks, liability and huge overhead, but also with retaining good talent.
“We made the move because we wanted to offer our team members more in the way of training and support and the stock and revenue share were the bonuses,” said Rockwell. “Plus as a team leader, I can now get excited when team members want to leave the team and start their own team. I’m the first to help!”
It’s true that many brokerages struggle with retaining good talent and top producers. But at eXp, Rockwell found he didn’t have to worry about losing anyone, because he will always benefit from agents he sponsors into the company.
> Read why revenue sharing is better than profit sharing
Rockwell is no novice when it comes to risks. He is a true entrepreneur whose passion for business is third only to his family and golf. After a stint managing an Enterprise Rent-A-Car franchise, he bought a brewpub, but it was a lot of hard work and not a lot of money. He then started selling billiards products as well as unique pet training products on eBay and built websites for both — SafePetProducts.com and RockwellBilliards.com. He sold both sites in 2007 for over $2 million, achieving his dream of becoming a millionaire at age 30, only to see it all disappear due to “living like a 20-year-old.” After a couple of other investments, he turned to real estate in 2013 — first with John L. Scott for three years and then he started his own independent, Rockwell Real Estate.
“Our team is thriving. We have people lined up to join us,” said Rockwell. “Everyone is excited about the stock, which makes it easy to share with potential agents.”
Learn More About Jake Rockwell:
Years in real estate: Since 2013.
Gross sales and transactions in 2019: $92 million on 292 transactions. On pace for $125 million in 2020.
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (May 2018 – current)
- Rockwell Real Estate (Jan. 2017 – May 2018)
- John L Scott (2013 – Jan. 2017)
Main territory: Medford-Ashland area of Southern Oregon
Main focus: Residential for the team but Jake personally focuses on investors.
Number of people on team: 23 agents and 3 staff.
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- Featured in “Entrepreneur” magazine for previous success with online businesses.
- “Keep Doing You Award” from Realtor.com 2018
- eXp’s ICON Agent award in 2018, 2019, 2020
When and why did you join eXp?
“I was introduced to eXp in 2018 by Joe Yates, a fellow agent and friend. Once I finally fully looked at the model and the benefits of eXp I realized it was the right move. I didn’t just make the switch overnight. We had over 50 listings at the time and close to 60 transactions in escrow. But, I didn’t want to be standing on the sidelines in 10 years watching this company explode knowing that I had an opportunity to be a part of it. I also saw other high-producing agents across the country joining the company. eXp allows us to basically build a brokerage within a brokerage with no limitations for expansion. The ability to operate in other states and countries was incredible. After long discussions with my team in May 2018 we made the leap and never looked back!”
What makes eXp special to you?
“The people. Leadership and staff listens and works really hard to improve the agent experience. The level of collaboration that exists among agents is not seen in a typical brokerage. The way the eXp model was built it created a natural agent collaboration unseen in the industry.”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“The ability to collaborate with other high-caliber agents. I really enjoyed being able to teach a class on team building at one of the X camps. (eXp Founder and CEO) Glenn Sanford even showed up!”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“The culture, collaboration and overall feeling of togetherness with the people that doesn’t normally exist in a cloud-based brokerage.”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“There have been several instances where I have reached out to Sam Rodriguez (Vice President, U.S. Growth) to help with a team or an onboarding situation in which he was very quick to respond and help connect me to the right people. Sam even made a trip to Southern Oregon to discuss eXp with our team and other agents considering eXp as their new home.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“I always share with other agents that this business is really easy…. If you let it be. You must have consistent actions. It all comes down to “conversations.” You either have conversations with people you know or people you don’t know but you have to have them to sell real estate! Stay consistent in weekly activities that provide opportunities for those conversations. Track your results!”
10 Fun Things About Jake Rockwell
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Golfing with friends and family!
If you could add a tattoo, what would it be?
My son’s initials on my arm.
One thing you can’t live without?
Unfortunately my cell phone 🙂 But golf would be the other.
One trait that has led to your success?
Constant drive and always wanting to do more.
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
Alec Baldwin.
Pet peeve?
Full email inbox.
Little known fact about yourself?
I love carrot cake.
Song you never tire of?
“Sweet Child O’Mine,” by Guns N’ Roses
Favorite meal?
Surf and turf.
Your epitaph will say:
Worked hard, played hard and wouldn’t stop!
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*These figures are not a guarantee, representation or projection of earnings or profits you can or should expect. They also do not include expenses incurred by Agents in operating their businesses. eXp Realty makes no guarantee of financial success. Success with eXp Realty results only from successful sales efforts, which require hard work, diligence, skill, persistence, competence, and leadership. Your success will depend upon how well you exercise these qualities.
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