January – Success
Randy Carey-Burg is the Managing Broker and Owner of National Realty Guild, one of the top real estate brokerages in the Twin Cities. Below, Randy shares how he has perfected his formula for success by providing value and compassion for agents and working with great people to build a company with a solid foundation.
Every business has a story, tell us yours.
I earned a real estate license in 1997 and came up with a niche idea a few years later which allowed me to start a real estate brokerage. To accommodate and thrive during our market’s turbulence, I’ve changed the business model slightly over the years by creating niches. For example, during the downturn, I wrote a continuing education course on negotiating short-sales for clients that were under water on their mortgages and how at times it would make sense to purchase the home and resell for a profit. Since the market today is traditional, I’ve moved to a traditional brokerage model offering exceptional commission splits coupled with a support staff that consists of a virtual help desk team and the local presence that OffiCenters provides. There are over 100 people on the roster at National Realty Guild and we’re growing fast because we have great support, great people and an awesome payout. About 5 years ago, one of the agents in my company asked about a business loan. Today we are partners of a prominent trauma and crime scene clean up business in the metro named Scene Clean. As I’ve been thankful for him partnering with me in that endeavor, I’ve offered him to be a partner of Title Works which is a full-service title company for real estate closings.
You were chosen as this month’s Success Client. Tell us about your most recent Success.
We’ve added about 40 real estate agents to my company in the last half of this year, am looking at opening with partners in WI, FL and AZ and was recently featured as the main article in Hall of Fame Magazine.
No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . .
This company has the support and technology to continue to grow. From the logo to the support infrastructure this is all my creation like and artists work and I’m feeling good about what I’ve accomplished, and the direction we’re going. It’s a great compliment to hear people say they like the name, like the logo, like what they see and want to be a part of it.
We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom.
About a decade ago, I merged my company for a short-time with a larger group that is now out of business. Since I took my tax ID back my company has continued to succeed. Follow your ideas, your heart and don’t waiver. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams alone as you’ll take the most pride and care in making them a reality.
Share the best advice you ever received.
Don’t get distracted and change your focus. Manage profit, loss, growth potential and stay the course.
Describe your perfect day off.
Bumming around Lindstrom and my cabin/lake home with a round of golf when the weather is perfect, boating around the lake, using the 4 wheeler to collect wood and having a big fire.
Together we are stronger. Tell us something you like about being our client.
I can’t possibly put it all in words. This relationship has worked so well for me, has helped grow my businesses and best of all its scalable. When I have staffing demands, there is someone at each center that could learn how to do any set of tasks in lieu of a hiring a full-time staff. Each office is in AAA condition and the staff are totally awesome. Each employee is helpful, cheerful, accommodating and a pleasure. I’ve used the space for the virtual areas, have had physical offices, conference rooms for a few people and classroom setup for 35 people. I just can’t wait for a location on the east side of the metro!
If you could work anywhere under the sun, where would you choose?
Outside of the new Minnetonka location with ice cold Grain Belt on tap? Somewhere with an Ocean View. I’d like to put Minnetonka on a white sand beach with a marina out front.
How can people CONNECT with you?
Email: randy@randyburg.com
