Craig Ward

A TRUE COACH OF REAL ESTATE

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Dawn Townsend Photography & Design

Seven years ago, Craig A. Ward entered the real estate world and quickly rose to the top with his game-winning mindset and allegiance to coaching and mentoring. He is a REALTOR®, real estate coach and business partner at TRUE Realty. Craig, who is also known as Wardo, has dedicated over 25 years of his life to coaching hockey at all levels and developing young players into successful athletes. His determination to be successful on the ice easily transferred to his drive off the ice as a true leader within the real estate industry.

Craig was influenced by his high school hockey coach Skip Howey, who taught him the importance of goal-setting, self-discipline and dedication to his work. “My high school hockey coach also ran a multimillion-dollar company,” Craig explained. “His work ethic and direction to success was a great example for young athletes to emulate. He would often say how important it was to learn something new every single day, and that has stayed with me over the years – it gave me the tools to be open-minded in all areas of my life.”

Craig is a majority partner in the company. He oversees the controller and nine agents, and manages all daily business activities. “I’m convinced coaching from a young age gave me the experience to build solid teams and the ability to motivate them to be successful,” Craig said. “Whether I’m coaching a hockey team, building up a real estate team or listening to a client, I am always looking for ways to bring out the best results.”

Optimism is one of the hallmarks to Craig’s business approach. “I believe there is a solution for everything,” he said. “You have to adapt to every situation, good or bad, because there is a solution for everything — you just have to be willing to look for it. Find your options, make a choice and then commit to it.”

Before entering the real estate industry, Craig worked for Jeep and Cadillac Brand teams as well as owning his own marketing company where he consulted for sports teams. “I had the passion for real estate, but, more importantly, I was ready to start helping people fulfill their dreams,” Craig shared. “In my role as a real estate coach and business partner, I am truly listening to the needs of my clients and my teams, and I am always looking to provide solutions.”

Craig’s experience with kids, parents and other coaches made him a natural fit to be a team leader in real estate. “Our value proposition is that we are the coaches of real estate,” Craig said. “We believe in buying or selling it right. We offer our expertise and how to maximize our clients’ dollars. We are a true team, and all our agents strive to be their very best.”

Craig assists his team with the right tools necessary to succeed. His relentless approach to facing challenges is unwavering, even amidst changes in the economy and technology. “The biggest challenge in our business is communication,” he said. “There are so many platforms for buyers and sellers to gather information — much of which is misinformation. Therefore, it is crucial to build strong, trusting relationships where we can earn the respect from our clients and be a credible source of information.”

Craig’s game plan for his agents — and ultimately their clients — is to see them succeed. “There is nothing more rewarding than leaving a closing table and seeing our clients smiling all the way to their car.”

“I believe, to be a leader in this business, you need to listen and be available for your clients and your teams,” Craig advised. “This is a great business with a lot of freedom to grow; however, from a financial standpoint, it is important to analyze everything you do and keep your overhead low.” Craig is a self-proclaimed “behind-the-scenes guy,” who measures success by making others happy and helping people reach their goals.

When Craig is not at the rink or guiding his sales team, he can be found spending quality time with his family. It’s no surprise that his crew at home are all sports enthusiasts. Together, with his wife, Michelle, and their three kids — Blake, Macy and Hailey — they enjoy hockey, golf, softball and baseball.

“Whether I’m on the ice or in the office, stress is not an option,” Craig shared. “There is a solution for everything — you just have to find the right solution. Life is short. Enjoy it.”

Celebrating Leaders: Craig Ward