50 Days of Leaders: Destined for Real Estate

By Stephanie Andre

RISMEDIA, August 6, 2007–While his high school classmates may have been hanging out at the mall, Brandon Buckley was attending antique auctions and catching the eye of mentors who would teach him the trade. Today, Realtor Buckley is on the success path doing business by referral only through Vanguard Realty Inc./GMAC in Jacksonville, Florida. RISMedia recently interviewed Buckley as part of its second annual Realtors on the Rise contest, published recently in the August issue of Real Estate magazine. Here, a closer look at why he was chosen as one of this year’s winners.

Brandon Buckley
Vanguard Realty Inc./GMAC
Jacksonville, Florida

Early drive: During high school, Buckley attended antique auctions, catching the attention of some mentors who helped him learn the trade, while profiting from his discoveries. These experiences were the foundation of his negotiation skills. Sole traveler: The summer before he began college, Buckley took a trip by himself across the U.S.; for 53 days, he explored the East Coast for antiquities. Merry Christmas: Last December, Buckley traveled to Brazil where he dressed up as Santa, and delivered food, toys, and clothing to the homes of two families he adopted.

Some may not perceive Brandon Buckley as a traditional Realtor. He says his business model is based on relationship development and customer service, rather than the traditional methods of the real estate business. Buckley does not personally market himself through the customary means of advertising—his business is only through referrals; he bucks the current trend by not having a large Internet presence.
This year’s Realtors on the Rise winners reflect a sizeable showing of quality agents who have entered the market within the past five years.
From their impressive sales figures, to their innovative marketing strategies, to their community involvement, Real Estate magazine’s editors have chosen 50 Realtors on the Rise, selected from hundreds of candidates. We congratulate this year’s winners on stepping up, pushing forward and committing to the real estate marketplace.

For more information or to read the entire feature visit www.rismag.com/2007/08/

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