Editor’s note: In celebration of Black History Month, we are featuring eXp Realty agents who are sharing their stories of service, values and commitments.

As an individual real estate agent with a mortgage license, too, Jessica Eldridge says eXp Realty has been exactly the right brokerage for her Columbus, Ohio-based business.

A real estate agent since 2016, Jessica made the move to eXp in 2017. She learned about eXp at the NAR Convention, then saw that a mega team from her previous brokerage was moving to eXp. A little research and prayer showed her the way to go. Now she has a global team behind her.

“I have met some amazing agents from all over who have championed my success. I told Glenn (Sanford, eXp World Holdings Founder, CEO and Chairman) this when I met him that this company has changed my life and has been a blessing to be a part of,’’ Jessica said.

The eXp model is unlike any others due to that global community of collaboration.

“If a brokerage consists of mainly local agents, it can be challenging to find collaboration because other agents can be seen as competition. At eXp, I have the opportunity to connect with agents from all over the world with various levels of experience. It’s great to see so many agents so willing to share what they are doing to be successful,’’ Jessica said.

What really puts eXp over the top is the company’s commitment to not only making everyone welcome, but an intregral part of the brokerage’s vibrant DNA.

“I was surprised to learn that eXp had diversity and inclusion groups. You don’t see that too often within a real estate brokerage,’’ Jessica said of the ONE eXp initiative.

“When Fee Gentry created the Black eXp Network, I think I was agent #4 to join! It was a pleasant surprise to see, and reflective of how eXp focuses on the agent. I was also excited to see other groups take off. I joined the CORE group Christian of Real Estate next. My faith is important to me and it was awesome to connect with other agents with similar values in life and business. I then helped grow Young Professionals. There is so much value in positive collaboration.”

Learn More About Jessica Eldridge:

Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?

“I am the co-founder of the eXp Young Professionals, originally created by Tyler Roicki and Sonnie Nye. I came on board to the team early on and took a leadership role to help grow eXp YP. It’s so great to see how much it’s grown and to play a part in what I think will be one of the best Young Professional groups around.”

What makes eXp special to you?

“eXp is special to me because of the global influence it has. I love traveling the world with my family and connecting with people. The fact that I can make connections with agents in other countries is pretty special. I also love the agent-centric principles that the company was founded on. Glenn’s idea of wanting to give back to agents (through stock, ownership, equity, and events), paid off in a big way now that eXp is one of the fastest-growing brokerages. It’s a great example of how if you do good for others, it comes back to you.”

Best tip to share with other agents:

“As a real estate agent, make giving your clients great service your top priority! In a short period of time I’ve been blessed with a 100% referral-based business with 5-star reviews across the board. The type of videos and testimonials that my clients leave means more to me than any award that could be given. To know that I impacted a client’s life and helped with a pivotal process is a blessing. I would also say, take care of your health, as the real estate agent’s life can be extremely busy. Don’t sacrifice the things that matter most in life along this journey. It’s OK to refer that client out instead of overloading your plate!”