Finance Blues to Franchise-Building
After graduating from Freed-Hardeman University with a finance degree, Rob Hatchett was bound for a banking career. But real estate appeared to be full of happier people—and the perfect mix of business and helping others. He wrote an offer the day he earned his license and sold his first listing within seven days. Less than three years later, he was Crye-Leike's regional vice-president, overseeing 15 offices with 500 sales professionals and $500 million in sales. Hatchett is now president of Crye-Leike Franchises Inc., looking after 36 offices in eight states while striving to reach his goal of 100 franchises in the Southeastern United States.
Developing People, Not Properties
Hatchett's technology skills and marketing savvy differentiated him early in his real estate career. He was named director of career development and asked to train and recruit top sales professionals. His training manuals, development materials, and profiling system for recruiting are now used company-wide. "My goal is to figure out how to get my agents out there, put the attention on them, instead of myself," he says. "I get to see them reap what they've sown."
Show Compassion
In addition to strong public speaking and communication skills, Hatchett emphasizes compassion and treating others fairly. "In a management position, if you work hard and treat people right, you'll be successful. People will respond; your agents will recruit more over to your team. That perfect mixture of hard work and fairness is my daily goal."