We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bri Bolling . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bri below.

Bri , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In October 2019, my career took an unexpected turn when I was laid off from my position at a marketing firm due to downsizing. This job had been a dream come true for many, as it was a women-owned business renowned for its innovative approach to the career industry. Among its enticing perks were unlimited vacation time and a weekly concierge service, with the added bonus of allowing employees to bring their children to work. Despite working for one of the top employers in my field, I found myself unfulfilled because my true passion was to become an entrepreneur.

Upon learning of my impending layoff, I faced a period of uncertainty, contemplating what my next steps should be. At that time, I had held a real estate agent license for almost a year but had only dabbled in real estate, thinking I could pursue it part-time alongside my corporate job.

However, the layoff swiftly altered my perspective. I engaged in a profound internal dialogue and consulted my higher power, ultimately deciding to fully commit to a career as a real estate agent on a full-time basis.

My first client happened to be myself; I set a goal to purchase my first home within my first year as a real estate agent. This decision was influenced by a prior negative experience I had when attempting to buy a home three years earlier, working with another agent. Today, I share this personal experience with my clients to emphasize my dedication to serving them diligently.

In addition to achieving my goal of homeownership, I successfully replaced my corporate income within my first year as a real estate agent and have continued to increase my income every year since then.

Had I not taken the risk of pursuing my long-held dream of becoming a real estate agent and business owner, I would still be working in a role that didn’t fulfill me or align with my true purpose. Today, as a business owner, I have the privilege of daily service in a field I am genuinely passionate about. While entrepreneurship certainly presents its challenges, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

To anyone who feels the urge to pursue their true purpose but is hesitating, I wholeheartedly encourage them to take that leap. Living a life full of “what ifs” does not allow you to live to your fullest potential.

Bri , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not be familiar with my background, I’d like to introduce myself and share my journey into the real estate industry. From a very early age, I possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, dabbling in various ventures, from selling cars to clothing, through various platforms. However, my true exposure to entrepreneurship came as a teenager when I worked alongside my uncle Melvin, who owned a restaurant. These weekends and summer breaks working with him provided me with invaluable firsthand experience in the world of business ownership.

Following my high school graduation, I embarked on a journey in the US Army, serving my country. Once my enlistment concluded, I received career opportunities that allowed me to gain practical experience in business management. I began as a payroll assistant and quickly found my passion for business management. Over the years, I progressively climbed the corporate ladder, occupying various roles within different business departments. Despite my success, I couldn’t escape the feeling that I was working to fulfill someone else’s dreams.

In 2016, I decided to further my education and attended North Carolina Central University, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. As I completed each business course, my passion for the business world continued to grow. During my senior year, I enrolled in an entrepreneurship course, and it was there that I encountered a life-changing assignment. Our task was to identify a business that could be started with an investment of $5000 or less. During my research, I discovered that becoming a licensed real estate agent fell within that budget.

Today, as the founder of Bolling Realty, I offer a range of residential real estate services, catering to buyers, sellers, and investors. However, what truly sets me apart is my specialization in assisting military veterans, leveraging VA mortgage loan products, and guiding investors in their efforts to flip properties or expand their portfolios. My passion is educating first-time homebuyers about the benefits of homeownership and how it can lead to generational wealth.

In addition to my real estate services, I have a particular affinity for working with relocation clients. This specialization is close to my heart because, as a service member, I’ve lived in various places throughout my lifetime. This unique background has provided me with a deep understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals and families when relocating. Whether it’s finding the perfect neighborhood, acclimating to a new area, or navigating the intricacies of a different community, I am dedicated to ensuring a seamless and stress-free transition for my clients.

One of my proudest achievements within my brand is my ability to use social media as a platform for education. I pride myself on staying relevant, and when I receive comments from individuals expressing that my content has helped them understand complex real estate concepts, I know I’m fulfilling my mission.

In closing, I want readers to understand that buying a home can be a daunting process, much like any significant accomplishment. It requires determination to move forward. I encourage them to take that first step and reach out to their local realtor. A great realtor will meet them where they are, provide the guidance and support needed throughout their journey, and ensure they make informed decisions regarding real estate and financial readiness. My clients have worked with me for extended periods, and I’ve been there every step of the way, ultimately helping them achieve their dream of homeownership. These clients are now not just homeowners but also friends, and I couldn’t be happier to have been a part of their homebuying journeys.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started my business in 2020, I didn’t have a social media page. A fellow real estate agent laughed at me and said, “If you are going to be relevant in real estate, you need a social media page.” I took their advice to heart and promptly created a social media page on Facebook. From the outset, my social media presence revolved around my business.

As I continued to grow my business on social media, I started noticing that my followers were eager to see more of my personal life. This led me to share more about my son and the daily aspects of my life. Throughout this journey, I’ve always stayed true to myself on social media, making sure I’m available to answer questions, even for those who may not be ready to work with me just yet.

One of my core principles is staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving landscape of social media. I’m not afraid to embrace new tools and post videos. The best piece of advice I can offer is to find your tribe on social media and tailor your content to speak directly to them. While it’s natural to admire other content creators in your industry, it’s essential not to try to mimic them. Always be authentic, because the people who resonate with your unique voice and understand your language are your clients, and nobody else’s.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Building a strong referral network has proven to be the most successful approach for expanding my client base. I take great pride in providing my clients with unforgettable experiences during our collaboration. As a result, when someone in their network requires assistance with real estate transactions, my previous clients frequently refer them to me.

My approach to real estate is rooted in forming meaningful relationships with my clients. This approach has not only facilitated successful transactions but has also allowed me to develop genuine friendships with those I serve. Nowadays, my clients often reach out just to catch up, and this ongoing connection ensures that I remain top of mind when they come across individuals seeking assistance in the real estate industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bribolling.fathomrealty.com
• Instagram: @realtorbribolling
• Facebook: @bribolling
• Linkedin: @realtorbribolling
• Youtube: @realtorbribolling