When brothers Joel and Jordan Tampien launched 4 Degrees Real Estate in 2015, they weren’t just building another brokerage – they were redefining what a full-service real estate firm could be. Their vision was clear: create a company that empowers agents, elevates client service, and serves as a one-stop shop for real estate success.
In 2016, seasoned real estate professional Steve James joined the Tampiens as a third owner of 4 Degrees, bringing two decades of industry experience, credibility, and a reputation as a top-producing broker. Steve’s deep expertise, combined with the entrepreneurial drive of Joel and Jordan, created a unique leadership team that fueled the brokerage’s expansion and success throughout Spokane and surrounding markets.
In 2024 alone, 4 Degrees closed $306 million in sales on 755 units, solidifying their status as one of Spokane’s top real estate teams. Now, after nearly a decade of independent success, Joel, Jordan, and Steve are joining eXp Realty, a move designed to give their 35 agents even more resources, opportunities, and room to grow.
From Army Leadership and Law to Real Estate Innovation
Jordan Tampien has always been driven by entrepreneurial vision and community impact. A serial entrepreneur in real estate, hospitality, and fitness, Jordan has built a career on identifying opportunities and creating businesses that catalyze growth. With over $250 million in career sales, he has worked across residential and commercial real estate, always with the goal of helping people understand, invest in, and leverage real estate to build wealth.
With an MA in Business Administration and a Law Degree from Gonzaga, Jordan took a strategic approach to the industry, using his deep understanding of contracts, negotiations, and development to gain a competitive edge. His passion lies in developing real estate projects that bring people together, strengthening Spokane’s economy and creating lasting value for the community.
His younger brother, Joel, took a different path before stepping into real estate. A U.S. Army veteran, Joel served as a Senior Logistics Advisor for a Special Forces Battalion, where he developed the leadership and operational skills that would later shape his career in business. He commanded hundreds of soldiers, managed multimillion-dollar operational budgets, and learned the tactical problem-solving that now defines his approach as a business leader.
After graduating from Whitworth University, Joel transitioned to the Army Reserves and returned home to the Inland Northwest. He was ready for his next challenge – building a business alongside someone he deeply respected: his older brother Jordan. As CEO of 4 Degrees Real Estate, Joel has used his military-honed leadership and logistical expertise to create a brokerage that is disciplined, forward-thinking, and agent-focused.
Their business partner, Steve James, took yet another path into real estate. After earning a B.S. from Washington State University in 2001, Steve spent his early career working in minor league sports in Southern California before deciding to pursue real estate in Spokane.
In 2010, Steve had a chance meeting with Jordan, where he referred his parents as buyer clients. This interaction led to a mentorship between the two, with Steve helping Jordan obtain his real estate license. They worked as peers at the same brokerage for several years before partnering in 2016 to formally build and expand 4 Degrees Real Estate. Steve’s passion for helping clients solve problems and reach goals they previously thought unattainable has been a driving force in the firm’s continued success. He now resides in Spokane with his wife and three children.
Joining eXp Realty Will Give Their Agents More Opportunity
For nearly a decade, 4 Degrees thrived as an independent brokerage, earning recognition as one of the best places to work in Spokane. But Joel, Jordan, and Steve knew that to continue growing and giving their agents the best opportunities, they needed to align with a company that offered more.
They first considered eXp Realty over a year ago but took their time researching whether it was the right move. As they explored the company’s model, it became clear that eXp could provide their agents with cutting-edge tools, unmatched networking, and long-term financial benefits that an independent firm simply couldn’t replicate.
“Partnering with eXp was an easy decision once we realized how it would allow us to continue supporting our agents while providing them with even more benefits, connections, and tools,” they shared. “It was clear that this partnership would allow our team to continue to thrive and grow their business to the next level.”
The transition has been exciting and fast-paced, and while shifting from an independent brokerage to a cloud-based model has taken some adjustment, eXp’s leadership and support have made the process seamless.
Expanding Their Impact
As 4 Degrees Real Estate becomes part of eXp Realty, Joel, Jordan, and Steve remain committed to what they do best – providing top-tier service in residential, commercial, and luxury real estate.
Their move to eXp isn’t about leaving behind what they built – it’s about expanding it. Their agents now have access to better technology, larger professional networks, and new opportunities to scale their careers. They are taking their core values – service, integrity, and innovation – and elevating them on a national stage.
“We weren’t looking for change just for the sake of it,” they said. “We wanted to make sure this was the right move for our agents, our clients, and our future. And we truly believe that eXp is the best place for us to continue growing and thriving.”
