Las Vegas-based real estate broker and former professional poker player Chris Lindh is placing a bold bet on the future of real estate. After running his successful independent brokerage, Battle Born Realty for six years, Lindh and his team of 20 agents have officially joined eXp Realty, bringing an impressive track record of 147 transactions and $73 million in sales volume in 2024.
Lindh’s journey to real estate is as unique as it is fascinating. Growing up in New York, he pursued a career in investment banking after college, landing at Bear Stearns during the height of the subprime mortgage crisis.
“I worked at Bear Stearns during the collapse, right at the epicenter of the subprime mortgage crisis — which was a bit crazy,” Lindh shared. “At the same time, I was going to Atlantic City to play poker as a hobby and doing pretty well. When Bear Stearns went under, I took my severance and decided to play poker full-time, which I did for almost a decade.”
Lindh’s poker career eventually brought him to Las Vegas, but after meeting his wife, he decided it was time for a change.
“I wanted something more career-oriented and not on a completely opposite schedule,” he explained. “I’ve always been interested in real estate and have been investing in it since I was about 24, so it made sense as a career path.”
Despite transitioning to real estate in 2015, Lindh still finds time to indulge his passion for poker. “I still dabble when I can, especially during the World Series of Poker in the summer. Poker as a hobby is way more enjoyable than as a day job!”
From Poker Tables to Real Estate Success
After building a name for himself as a professional poker player, Lindh brought the same strategic mindset and competitive edge to real estate. He launched Battle Born Realty, a brokerage defined by its focus on agent empowerment and exceptional client service. In 2024, the team closed 147 transactions for $73 million in sales volume — a testament to their expertise and commitment to excellence.
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Despite his success as an independent broker, Lindh saw the writing on the wall for traditional brokerage models.
“The industry is shifting, and it’s only a matter of time before more brokerages adopt or fold into cloud-based models,” Lindh said.
eXpcon and the Fast Forward Movement
Lindh credits much of his decision to join eXp Realty to the culture and community he experienced firsthand at eXpcon, eXp Realty’s annual conference, held in Las Vegas. Attending as an eXplorer – a program offering a free pass for prospective agents to experience eXp up close – Lindh saw the brokerage’s collaborative and forward-thinking ethos in action.
“The culture of eXp Realty was a major draw,” Lindh noted. “The connections I’ve made, especially within The Fast Forward Movement, have been invaluable. It’s a true sense of community among professionals pushing each other to be their best.”
Empowering Agents for the Future
Lindh was particularly drawn to eXp Realty’s agent-focused incentives, including its revenue share model and stock awards, which align with his vision for creating long-term wealth-building opportunities for his team.
“This move allows us to retain our identity while gaining the tools, collaboration, and support to thrive on a global level,” he explained. “It’s about creating a win-win environment for everyone involved.”
Looking Ahead With eXp
As he reflects on his journey from Wall Street to poker tables to the forefront of real estate, Lindh is confident that joining eXp Realty was the right move.
“Partnering with eXp Realty has already proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve made for Battle Born Realty and our agents,” he said. “We’re excited to serve our clients better than ever and to set our agents up for success no matter where they are in their careers. The future is bright, and we’re ready to thrive in this dynamic partnership.”
With his analytical mindset, innovative approach, and a growing team, Lindh is well-positioned to make his mark at eXp Realty while continuing to shape the Las Vegas real estate market.