Keller Williams Metro Indy builds 'winning' culture based on care, accountability

It’s not all “Selling Sunset.” But local real estate agents at Keller Williams Indy Metro say from ongoing educational opportunities to staff support, they’re put in the best possible position to succeed in a highly competitive industry that demands the kind of behind-the-scenes hard work every day that’s not always captured on reality TV.

The job requires building relationships, preferably long-term with clients who will go back to the same agent for more than one home purchase or sale, so that often means being reachable and able to answer questions morning, noon and night. That’s why it’s helpful to have others in your corner – like having a responsive managing broker, operating principal Rhonda Smith, to handle questions about real estate deals as they come up – which agent Christi Williams (no relation to national company co-founder Joe Williams) says she has unquestionably.

“There’s always somebody I can go to if I have a need, and I never feel like I’m out on an island with a problem,” she says.

While there’s certainly an aspirational component to the business, support includes providing agents with the nuts and bolts of game planning for success like “time blocking” – say, setting aside time to generate leads, make calls that lead to showings, while being able to field calls from clients, Williams says.

Blocking out time for family, personal appointments, and vacation are also encouraged. “Because if you don’t, real estate can totally rule your life,” Williams says. “If you wanted to work 24/7, you could.”

She and others affiliated with Keller Williams say they have flexibility to set their schedule in a way that helps prevent burnout. Those who work with the company in Central Indiana describe a family-friendly atmosphere that is team-oriented and allows people to be themselves, so they can be there for clients during momentous – and sometimes stressful – moments when they’re buying or selling a home.

“I’ve stayed with Keller Williams in this particular market center because of the consistent level of care and accountability that they provide to their associates,” says Malinda Ennis, real estate agent, who has been with the company more than eight years. “(There’s) always the opportunity to learn, grow and develop both personally and professionally.”

Agents are encouraged to compare notes on what’s working and what’s not, so all have the best chance to succeed.

“There is an openness to share how one person is being successful with another,” Ennis says. “That, to me, also creates a very winning culture.”

Bottom Line

• Founded: 1997

• Headquarters: Indianapolis

• Company profile: Real estate sales

• Locations: 4

• Number of employees: 882 associates, mostly real estate agents who are independent contractors, plus salaried support staff

• Website: https://www.indymetrokw.com/

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Keller Williams' culture built on care, accountability