Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Edwards

Hi Eric, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

I grew up in Margate, Florida in the 90’s. It was a place that was easy to get buried in a life that most wouldn’t be very proud of. Most of my friends would end up in and out of jails for various crimes and I wasn’t immune to it either. I grew up in a middle class neighborhood that was mixed with people from all over. No one was from an affluent family and most struggled but everyone was in the same position so we didn’t know anything different. One thing I will say, the music, food, culture, and energy of South Florida is second to none. I learned a lot and experienced a lot very quickly at a young age. Then the world changed in 2001 in front of everyone’s eyes. For me, it sparked something inside but didn’t realize what.
My parents soon there after would end up divorcing and I would move to Daytona Beach, FL where I felt absolutely alone and lost. With no real friends and no motivation I would end up dropping out of high school and entered the workforce. Working multiple restaurant jobs would keep me busy for the next 2 years, and then on my 18th birthday my life would change once again. The entire family went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday and I ask my grandfather a question about business and how he got started. He was a very successful business man and well respected in the community. With that being said I didn’t expect the answer I received. He said “I don’t need to answer that, you’ll likely end up living under a bridge begging me for money.” I was shocked and just got up and left the restaurant. Two days later I enlisted in U.S Navy without telling a soul.
Fast forward 10 years, still Active Duty, I went and got my Real Estate license. I hit the ground running and soon realized that I was better suited for the business world and not the military. At my 13 year mark, I left my active duty Naval career to pursue Real Estate full time. 2020, I opened my Real Estate company (Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads) with a couple partners and that is when business got very interesting. In the last 4 years, we have become the fastest growing Real Estate company in the region. Currently, we have roughly 300 agents, 7 physical locations, and have sold over a Billion dollars in real estate and have helped thousands of families achieve home ownership. The real estate company has been a Segway to other very successful auxiliary companies; Noble Title & Escrow and the Prestige Agency – Goosehead Insurance. The future looks bright with more expansion plans heading into 2025 and beyond.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The road to success is never easy. We have faced multiple changes to the industry which causes everyone to pivot and change the way we do business. We have also dealt with business partners heading in different directions to pursue their own agendas.

The biggest challenge I have faced is more of the mental/emotional side of business. We can please everyone and we must put the business before our feelings. We have to do what’s in the best interest of the company for it to continue to be successful.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

We are the fastest growing Real Estate company in our area. We specialize in residential real estate.

IVRE Hampton Roads is 100% Veteran Owned and we bring the same drive and dedication into our services as Real Estate Professionals.

We offer the simplest plans, top of the line training, the culture, ample locations throughout Hampton Roads, and mentorship that can be customized for each agents needs. We strive to live by our motto “Do Your Thing”. Agents are able to keep more in their pockets to build their businesses on Their terms.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

For anyone starting out new in the business, I’d highly recommend a mentor or a team.

For experienced agents, Id recommend getting a coach. A coach is a great way to continue to expand your knowledge and move outside the box,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://EricEdwardsVA.com
• Instagram: Eric_Edwards_Official
• Other: @EricEdwardsOfficial

Image Credits

Ryan Woolridge