“Friction” is a dirty word for every entrepreneur. And it was something that made Baltimore’s Vlad Kats, a veteran leader at a major brokerage, rethink his future and join eXp Realty.
“When you have a mission to serve others and you’re expanding a real estate business, environmental friction can be an unnecessary challenge,” said Kats. “In my opinion, your environment either supports your goals, or it thwarts them. I was drawn to eXp because it is clearly a brokerage platform designed to fully support its users — the agents.”
Kats joined eXp in March 2020 and has not looked back.
“Unfortunately, I fell out of alignment (with the brokerage)” said Kats. “As a former Team Leader and someone who participated in, and understood the franchise world, I was used to looking at eXp from a different angle — from a competitive intelligence point of view. And when I met with (eXp agent and influencer) Gene Frederick, (eXp Realty CEO) Jason Gesing, (eXp World Holdings founder and CEO) Glenn Sanford, (eXp agent and influencer) Brent Gove and (President of U.S. Growth) Dave Conord, it was obvious eXp was a good match for me and what I wanted to accomplish in the next phase of my career. Combine that with an ability to join forces once again with a great friend and business partner Devin Doherty, my decision became clear.”
Kats Was an Economist and Then Turned to Real Estate
Right out of college, Kats went to work as an International Economist for the U.S. government. After receiving his MBA in Entrepreneurship, he co-founded a tech outsourcing company. He got into real estate by flipping houses with a friend. And after getting his real estate license, he fell in love with the brokerage world, finding great satisfaction in helping others succeed. He spent time at various local brokerages before eventually joining a major national brand in 2011.
“The franchise model’s growth has stalled. It’s based on local leadership and the mothership. Ten-year leases, five levels of leadership, paying $100K for an office — why not just give it to your people?” said Kats. “ To me, eXp is not simply a brokerage, it’s a brokerage platform that allows us to build any business we want, wherever we want, with whomever we want. And just like Netflix and Amazon, it’s pioneering a new segment in the industry driven by wealth creation for all.”
Today, Kats is providing advisory services for top-producing real estate teams with over $1M in annual revenues, and serving agent leaders in his eXp network that is almost 250 strong.
Learn more about Vlad Kats:
Years in real estate: Since 2005
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (March 2020-current)
- Keller Williams (2011-2020)
- Passport Realty (2008-2011)
- RE/MAX (2006-2008)
Main territory: Baltimore, MD
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
CEO/Partner – Five Doors Network – 2018-2019
- Inc. 5000 List – #113 overall – #5 for real estate companies – #1 in Maryland
- Increased company’s profit by 160.2%
- Reduced HQ expenses by 39.5%
- Increased corporate reserves by 289.9%
Co-Founder/General Manager/Team Leader – Keller Williams Legacy – 2013-2020
- #1 in net growth – 2016 – entire Keller Williams system – February 2017
- #1 in units closed – 2016 – Growth category – Keller Williams
- #1 in profit share – 2016 – Growth category – Keller Williams
- #1 real estate office (all companies) in units closed in Baltimore City and County – starting 2015
- #1 real estate office (all companies) in units closed in Maryland – starting 2017
- #2 in net growth – 2015 – entire Keller Williams system
- #5 in net growth – 2017 – entire Keller Williams system
- Built an Executive Leadership Team that recruited over 1,000 agents
- Launched two KW offices
When and why did you join eXp?
“I joined eXp in March of 2020. I was looking for a brokerage platform that stood behind its agents and allowed us as agents to envision and build the sales organizations of our dreams without unneeded friction, politics, or geographic boundaries. I was also looking for a financial model that rewarded all agents, not just a select few.”
What makes eXp special to you?
“I have been pleasantly surprised just how much eXp cares about its agents and looks at them as customers. Every time I get an NPS survey, I get reminded of the company’s commitment. Generous revenue share and stock awards are also a plus and I love hearing from agents on how they are getting more without doing more.”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“Everyone is truly willing to help each other grow!”
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“Very high level. Everyone is literally a call/text away. I am amazed.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“eXp may not be the right brokerage platform for everyone. However, everyone deserves the chance to learn about its benefits and then make a powerful decision for themselves.”
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