Doing Business By Design

WITH FRANCHISEES, SONNY DOWNEY & RAY RIVERA - EXIT REAL ESTATE GALLERY, FL

For the ninth consecutive year Franchisees, Sonny Downey and Ray Rivera have shown that putting your agents first in brokerage ownership makes all the difference. As the leaders of a seven-location, EXIT Real Estate Gallery operation in Florida, they had a lot on the line during one of the most challenging times the world has seen, but that didn’t stop them from attaining EXIT’s #1 Highest Grossing Office (Multiple) in North America award yet again. “We wouldn’t say winning this award was a vindication but rather a confirmation,” Downey explained, “A confirmation that when you design and implement a strategy, and stay the course, that you’ll always end up at the right destination. It’s about doing business by design rather than default.” “In the midst of a crisis the only thing you can control as a business owner is you,” Rivera also reminded, “so firm up your plan and execute.” This ownership duo was challenged, like many, to maintain business during a complete shutdown. With the livelihood and health of their nearly 500-member team on the line, their need to pivot and maximize on virtual business was clear. Not only did this shift help trim some costs and create new normals for their agents and staff, but they’ve also been able to expand their engagement. “We’re processing payments via Automated Clearing House Network, using EXIT’s Mobile Business Card™, digital buyer and seller presentations, as well as Facebook ads through the EXIT Ad Center,” Downey shared. “All these digital tools available through EXIT’s Resource Center made it seamlessly easy for our agents to take business online from offline, which is why most never skipped a beat.” Downey and Rivera are extremely proud of their staff’s flexibility in continuing to make business happen for their agents, buyers and sellers, as well as their commitment to providing the best service, and EXIT’s U.S. Divisional President, Craig Witt agrees. “These two businessmen have established the necessary systems and leadership that fosters the growth and success of each agent who works with them. Their passion is to see others succeed and their reputation is built on honesty, integrity, and the respect of others,” Witt said. “Sonny and Ray are shining examples of how to build powerhouse brokerages and multiply.”