With home affordability at historic lows, it’s more important than ever to emphasize the value of using an agent who is a REALTOR®. And that’s exactly the kind of challenge that keeps Jarron Springer going. With his background in communications and law, Springer—who was also recently inducted into the Dr. Almon R. (Bud) Smith, rce, cae Leadership Society—is ensuring that Greater Nashville REALTORS® communicates and advocates on behalf of the profession. What else keeps him going? Springer is also an avid marathoner and parent of four boys, along with his wife, Jennie Rebecca.
Why are associations more important than ever for those in the profession?
It’s vital to the profession that we continue to communicate the value of using an agent who is a REALTOR® to the public. Associations are in the best position to do this. Also, we must communicate the value of owning a home compared to renting. With prices rising, it can be tempting to choose renting over buying, but home ownership gives consumers equity.
Second, advocacy is the number one member benefit. Affordability is driven by supply and demand, and much of the supply is restricted by government regulation. The advocacy work of associations is vital to the affordability conversation and freeing up supply.
What’s something new or different that you’re doing to add value to association membership?
A recent example is providing an opportunity for members to obtain their Real ID at our office. We worked with the state of Tennessee and organized a day so members could set an appointment and get their Real ID. All the appointments were taken within minutes of opening the signups, and members appreciated us providing this unique member benefit.
Are you communicating member value in any unique ways?
I filmed 18 short videos last fall called “Why Membership Matters.” These highlighted local, state and national membership benefits. We published one a week on our social channels during the last quarter of the year—coinciding with member dues invoices.
Can you describe a recent advocacy win?
In December 2025, the Nashville Metro Council passed bills designed to increase housing density and affordability by allowing more “middle housing” types—such as townhomes, duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes—and easing regulations on Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. These measures aim to address a projected 20,000-unit housing shortage by promoting infill development and diverse housing types rather than large apartment complexes.
What’s another initiative you’d love to share with your fellow AEs, one that you think would help their association and their members?
We are beginning to focus more on micro-volunteer opportunities instead of full-year committee assignments. Members are more attracted to getting involved in project-based opportunities rather than the longer commitments on a committee that may or may not result in tangible work.
Our most recent example is a partnership with our local Junior Achievement. We will have opportunities for members to volunteer to serve as guides to high school students, who are given a life scenario and practice “adulting.” Volunteers will facilitate discussions, share about their own careers and help students understand career opportunities, including in real estate. This will also lead to discussions about saving for home purchases and the value of homeownership.
What is one objective on NAR’s Strategic Plan that really resonates with you, and how are you helping to meet that objective at your association?
The objective I connect with and am already working on at Greater Nashville REALTORS® is to be the “first voice” in industry developments and regulatory updates and to drive public relations efforts with a distinct and compelling voice tailored to segmented audiences. In 2025, we had $13.9 million in earned media for our brand. We have cultivated relationships with local media so that we are on the short list to call when there is a real estate story. We average two story mentions a day and regularly place our members in stories so that we are driving the data and brand.
Can you share a little more about your leadership style and a practical example of what that means to your team?
People appreciate knowing what they are going to get from their manager day in and out. I approach each day and opportunity with a consistent, level-headed style. Therefore, regardless of the situation we are facing, my team knows they can depend on me. They can enter conversations confidently and know how I will react. There isn’t a stable, reliable atmosphere if my team is wondering if I will be Jekyll or Hyde when they approach me.
How do you keep your ear to the ground on the issues that brokers and members care about?
By establishing secure, trusting and long-term relationships with leaders in the industry. You must build bonds proactively and consistently, so brokers and members will pick up the phone and send the email when challenges or opportunities arise.
As a marathoner, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned out on the road that you think also apply to association leadership?
Day-in and day-out preparation is crucial, as is consistently grinding and training in the details. You cannot fake a marathon or ultra-marathon. You also cannot just check out and lead a trade association. You must work daily and have a firm foundation. You also can’t do it well alone. You can train and run a marathon alone, but it’s not as fun as doing it with a partner. You also thrive when you have someone to push you further than you can go alone. The same applies to association leadership. I cannot steer the ship alone—I need a support system. You must prepare, surround yourself with a crew for support and then lean into patience because it’s a long race.
Finally, what do you love most about being an AE?
It’s all about the people. I love the exposure to so many different personalities and unique people and their stories.