We were lucky to catch up with April Harrington recently and have shared our conversation below.

April, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?

When I first launched my real estate firm, it was just me. Starting alone felt like diving into a deep blue ocean with no shore in sight—exhilarating but nerve-wracking. I had a vision of creating a people-first firm rooted in ethical practices authenticity and community impact, but in those early days, I wore all the hats—from marketing, recruiting, selling, listing, finances, client meetings and administrative tasks. It taught me resilience and gave me a deep understanding of every facet of the business, which I still carry with me today.

Bringing on those first few team members was one of the most exciting and challenging parts of growing the firm. I wasn’t just looking for skilled agents; I wanted people who shared my values—authenticity, ethical professionalism, and a commitment to our community. My first hires were a mix of people I’d met through networking, recommendations from mutual connections, and even a few I mentored through their early real estate careers. I remember sitting across from people like Bill , Karen and Ashton during interviews and asking not just about their experience, but about their goals, their passions, and how they wanted to make a difference in the industry and in the lives of the people they serve. I was looking for a spark, a shared commitment to our mission, and I found it in every single one of them who are still with me today. Some of us even cried together over shared relief that the universe brought us together.

One of those first agents worked her way up over the years and is now my business partner. Together, we opened our second firm, EXIT Real Estate Experts East. Watching her growth from a client, to a friend, to a new agent into a leader, a Broker and now a Partner has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey. My very first admin has also had an incredible evolution—starting as my right hand to keep operations running smoothly, she eventually earned her real estate license and is now thriving as part of a team. These success stories represent the core of what I wanted to build—a firm where people can grow and thrive, both personally and professionally.

One unconventional approach we’ve taken since the beginning is our focus on nurturing the whole person, not just the agent. From day one, I’ve incorporated mindset coaching and community-building into our training process. We offer quarterly master classes that bridge the gap between theory and practice, along with monthly Contracts Classes to ensure everyone is confident with their clients. I also prioritize one-on-one sessions and a human-centered approach to mentoring. For me, it’s about empowering my team to grow not just as agents but as leaders and entrepreneurs in their own right.

Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled to say I’ve opened my third real estate firm, EXIT Real Estate Experts South, and actively hiring agents for it. My partner in this office is an incredible leader in our industry, someone I feel humbled to have found through the law of attraction. It’s amazing to work alongside Furtesha Woods who shares my vision and brings their own brilliance to elevate the team.

I’ve learned that a firm’s strength lies in the quality of its people, not just the quantity. I’d also give myself more grace to accept that mistakes and missteps are part of the journey—they’re opportunities to learn and improve.

Looking back, those early days were tough, but they were also incredibly rewarding. Seeing how far we’ve come, with a team that feels like family and a culture I’m proud of, makes every challenge along the way worth it. And as I open this third firm, I’m more excited than ever about the future and the talented agents who will help us write the next chapter.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who don’t know me yet, my name is April Harrington, and I’m the Principal Broker and Owner of EXIT Real Estate Experts. I’ve been in the real estate industry for over a decade, and during that time, I’ve built a career centered on helping people not just find homes but achieve their dreams and create legacies. I now own three real estate firms, including EXIT Real Estate Experts, EXIT Real Estate Experts East, and the newly launched EXIT Real Estate Experts South.

My journey into real estate began with a desire to create something meaningful—an industry that could often feel transactional needed more human connection. I grew up in a small, hardworking family, raised by my single mother and grandparents, who were pig farmers. That foundation taught me the importance of grit, community, and integrity. I’ve carried those lessons into my business. Before real estate, I worked as an operations manager at FedEx Ground, where I honed my skills in leadership and organization. Transitioning into real estate felt like the perfect blend of my skills and my passion for helping others.

At my firms, we provide a full spectrum of real estate services, from helping first-time buyers and seasoned investors to assisting with international properties—I’m a Certified International Property Specialist, and I have dual citizenship in Costa Rica. Beyond buying and selling, we also solve challenges for our clients, such as navigating complex transactions, finding creative financing solutions, and providing clarity and confidence throughout what can be a stressful process.

What sets us apart is our people-first philosophy. My team is dedicated to providing not just professional expertise but also emotional support during one of the most significant decisions of our clients’ lives. We also focus on ethical professionalism and creating a culture of empowerment. For example, we offer our agents mindset coaching, one-on-one mentoring, quarterly master classes, and even community-focused initiatives like Local Artist Gallery Night and fundraisers that give back to the community.

I’m proud of many things, but what brings me the most pride is the incredible people I work with and the culture we’ve built together. One of my earliest agents grew into a leader and is now my business partner at EXIT Real Estate Experts East. My very first admin became a licensed agent and is now a valued member of a team. Watching others grow and thrive in this environment is incredibly rewarding.

Another point of pride is the recognition I’ve received for our commitment to diversity and community impact. From being named a “40 Under 40” award recipient by the Nashville Business Journal to helping establish the Nashville Industry Fund, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance for creative workers, I’ve worked to make our firm more than just a place where deals happen. It’s a place where lives are changed.

What I want people to know about my brand is that we are not just here to sell homes—we’re here to build futures. Whether you’re a client, an agent, or a partner, you’re joining a culture of authenticity, respect, and community. My firms are places where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their goals.

As we continue to grow, I’m excited to open our third firm and bring this vision to more people. The best is yet to come, and I’m so grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey so far.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that my clients are more than just transactions—they are friends. I never leave their lives after the sale. I genuinely care about their success and happiness long after the deal is closed. This approach has been a cornerstone of my business and is something I’m incredibly proud of.

To keep in touch, I make it a priority to build real, lasting relationships. I regularly check in with my clients, not just for business reasons but to see how they’re doing and how their lives have evolved since we worked together. I stay connected through phone calls, messages, and, of course, social media, where we can share moments and milestones together.

One of the most fun ways I celebrate my clients is through two huge parties every year. These aren’t just “client appreciation” events—they’re celebrations of the relationships we’ve built. I host these parties to thank my clients for their trust and support, and to create an environment where we can all connect, have fun, and celebrate the milestones in our lives. It’s a way for me to show my appreciation for them and to make them feel special, because they truly are.

I also invite them into my world, sharing experiences and offering them opportunities to be part of something bigger than just buying or selling real estate. Whether it’s hosting local events or supporting community causes, my clients are a part of everything we do. They’re more than customers—they are part of the family.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source for new clients is, without a doubt, referrals. I’m proud to say that my business is 100% referral-based, and that’s a testament to the relationships I’ve built over the years. Every client I work with is treated like family, and I believe that care and commitment shine through in everything we do.

I don’t rely on traditional advertising or cold calling—instead, my clients refer their friends, family, and colleagues because they trust me to provide the same level of care, dedication, and results that they experienced. This word-of-mouth business model is the greatest compliment I could ever receive.

It’s the result of building genuine relationships, being there for my clients through thick and thin, and celebrating their successes long after the deal is done. When someone refers me to a friend or colleague, it’s because they know I’ll treat them just as I treated them—with respect, authenticity, and a focus on what’s best for them.

I’m incredibly grateful for the trust my clients place in me, and I never take that for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.destinationfindersinternational.com/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broker_april_harrington/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajourneywithapril/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajourneywithapril/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@exitrealestateexperts