We recently connected with Bryan Coward and have shared our conversation below.
Bryan , appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams, says every entrepreneur has two jobs?! Their chosen profession and lead generation. In my last company, I made the mistake of becoming a lead-receiving business. I remember sitting there with this new truck and all this new equipment, having been in business a while, expecting the business would come to me. I thought, “Well if they want top-notch service on top-notch gear, they will call me!” How wrong I was.
I dedicate time daily to speak, reach out, and engage with people; I am positioning myself as a proactive and reliable resource in my field. This approach increases the likelihood that people will think of me when they have real estate needs rather than relying solely on passive marketing or expecting business to come to me.
Consistent and strategic lead generation efforts is essential for sustainable business growth and success, as they help ensure a steady flow of opportunities and clients.
Bryan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Can you take from this Article about me??
Rising Star: Bryan Coward at Keller Williams Realty
From Behind the Lens to Going Center Stage in Real Estate
Written by Elizabeth McCabe
“Real estate is a business that I really love,” says Bryan Coward at Keller Williams Realty. Interestingly, he transitioned to real estate after being a successful entrepreneur in video production. This background was foundational and formative to the Rising Star he is today. As Bryan says, “The real skills that I grew in real estate were that of being an entrepreneur.”
With his entrepreneurial spirit, passion, and relentless pursuit of growth, Bryan is an inspiration that it’s never too late to change or to reinvent yourself.
Early Beginnings
Originally from Philadelphia, Bryan moved to the Tampa Bay area at the age of 14. A proud alumnus of the University of South Florida, Bryan graduated with a degree in Mass Communications, emphasizing media production. His early career saw him dipping into the creative field, working as a director of photography, videographer and producer, including working for Channel 10 in their “Daytime” show. However, the challenges of a non-scalable business led him to explore new horizons.
Before venturing into real estate, Bryan, along with his wife, ran Lucky Lemon Films for an impressive 14 years. Getting to produce work for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Blue Jays, Bob’s Carpet Mart, Tyson Foods, Complex and Vogue. He took the advice of his friend seriously, “You will never be happy until you are your own boss.” These words led him to start his own company.
Bryan also led the local Tampa Bay Area Professional Videographers Association (TBAPVA). Despite being successful in his field, Bryan envisioned more for himself. He wanted untapped potential and unlimited income as well as a rewarding career helping others. He realized he was destined for more than video production..
Reading Led to Real Estate
Knowledge is power. When Bryan read “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and Gary Keller’s “The Millionaire Real Estate Agent,” he saw a better life for himself. Inspired by these books, Bryan decided to obtain his real estate license, marking the beginning of his transformative journey.
“I realized I had been wrong about money my whole life,” he admits. “That was really eye-opening.” Interestingly, Bryan initially wanted to go into real estate to be a better investor before realizing that residential real estate could help countless individuals.
“I feel totally blessed to have read those books when I did,” he admits. “Real estate was what I wanted to do.”
Transitioning into real estate at the end of 2018, Bryan dedicated himself full-time in 2019, aligning with Keller Williams Realty. Guided by Keller’s ethos and vision, Bryan found a perfect match for his sense of purpose and values.
Rising in Real Estate
Bryan has a heart of gratitude for his team, including his executive assistant Jasmine and his virtual assistant named Sarah in the Philippines, and his invaluable support system. He emphasizes the importance of these individuals, stating, “I couldn’t do anything without those people.” They have helped to make him the success he is today, catering to his clients and helping them achieve their homeownership goals.
In contrast to his previous creative endeavors, Bryan acknowledges the distinctive challenges and responsibilities that come with real estate. Every conversation has the potential to lead to business opportunities, making it a vastly different and rewarding venture. Bryan’s passion for the business is evident as he talks about growing his team, achieving goals, and attaining financial freedom.
Fun + Family
Apart from his professional pursuits, Bryan is a family man. He shares a happy 15-year marriage with his wife, Tracey. Together, they have embraced the joy of pet ownership, including a charismatic rescue dog named Henry, a Chiweenie who loves to dress up, especially in a Santa hat. He’s one “Instagrammable” little dog.
Beyond his real estate commitments, Bryan and Tracey are active members of the community. They are avid CrossFitters, supporting the fitness community and the company sponsors events like the Clearwater Beach Brawl. Tracey has even taken on the role of a Jazzercise instructor as a fitness enthusiast.
Bryan’s diverse interests include holiday races, such as the Great West Chase and the Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot, as well as pickleball, a newfound passion where he and a networking friend recently won their league.
“I’m also a Big Brother,” adds Bryan. “That’s been really fun and rewarding.” A foodie, he also loves to eat and loves Tampa Bay sports. “Getting to witness the birth of two major sports franchises (Lighting and Rays) and being at some of the 1st games has been a great joy!” Expect to see him at games.
Final Thoughts
As a Rising Star in real estate, Bryan Coward’s journey showcases the power of reinvention, determination, and finding fulfillment in one’s professional endeavors. With big goals, a supportive team, and a relentless drive, Bryan is carving a path of success in the Tampa Bay real estate landscape. Keep an eye on this Rising Star as he continues to make waves in the industry.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
As far as near-death moments, I think that was the impetus for me getting into real estate and launching a new business. I built a business in video production, and we were moderately successful. We were trying to navigate shifting our business focus to commercial clients, and I purchased a lot of new expensive equipment in hopes of attracting and getting new clients. I was sitting in this new office and at the height of my career and the faucet that was my clients was slowly being turned off. I was stressing out about the money coming in and I was not activley hunting for new business. I turned into the business that was modeled in the “E Myth” a lead recieving business.
It was at this point I realized my income had not really changed in the last 5 years. No matter how much more work I did, I spent more, and my income remained the same. I needed to figure out how to be a better business person, grow the business, or find a new one.
That is when I read Millionaire Real Estate Agent By Gary Keller and Siad this is what I cam going to do!
I realized I needed to focus more on relationships and lead generation! I have made that the core of my business. I time block for it every day! I plan to spend 2-3 hours nearly every day lead generating for new business and an hour of follow-up for the leads that I have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bryancoward.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebryancowardteam/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebryancowardteam
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwpO8VzAz8XQ4t_iSR9kZhA
Image Credits
Amy Pezz