Real Estate Agent Magazine caught up with Robert McClure to uncover how his experience as a police officer laid the foundation for his real estate success.
REAM: What did you do before becoming a real estate agent, and how did that experience shape your approach to real estate?
RM: Prior to real estate I was a CMPD officer in Charlotte from 2016-2021. That job prepared me for real estate more than anything because it gave me the skills to talk to any person in any situation. It also gave me an appreciation for how hard being a first responder is, which allowed me to have a deep appreciation for every day I get to do real estate.
REAM: What inspired you to transition from your previous career into real estate, and how did you know it was the right move?
RM: I worked on the riots of 2020 and the RNC which really burned me out. I knew I needed a change (especially since my wife was pregnant with our youngest daughter) and a partner of mine had left policing for real estate just prior and had some success. I felt real estate allowed for a smooth transition and so I made the jump. I took off right out of the gate proving it was the right choice.
REAM: What were some of the biggest surprises you encountered in your first year as a realtor?
RM: How many realtors do the same things. I came in and thought outside of the box and quickly realized how easy it was to be different and stand out in this industry.
REAM: What motivated you to start your own firm, and what was that process like?
RM: In my first year as a solo agent, I sold 57 homes which had some younger agents asking for tips and tricks. This led to a meeting with some newer agents and at the time I needed extra hands to help expand my own business as I physically could not have taken on anymore. I started a team in 2022 that ended up ranking #4 in NC. It became apparent how many agents craved leadership that truly invested in their success as agents as that isn’t common enough in real estate so starting our own firm was the natural move. There were many growing pains in year 1 figuring things out and lots of aspects we didn’t anticipate or account for, but we have it all well smoothed out now!
REAM: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned about managing and scaling a firm?
RM: How difficult it is to manage so many different personalities. Between staff and agents, you must accept that while something may be good for the majority, you will never satisfy every single agent and sometimes that’s ok. We have learned that leading from a service heart and putting the agents first always leads to success.
REAM: How did you approach finding and recruiting the right agents?
RM: We have 2 major draws to our recruiting style. The first is that I teach all new agents how we go out and catch our own fish without spending a dollar. Every agent on our roster can go to any city in the US and secure a listing within a week with just a phone and a computer. The 2nd is our lead generation company that is exclusive to us and we have ownership in. That allows us to provide new agents with as much business as they can handle. These two together make it fail proof for a new agent at our firm which is why every agent on our roster has done a deal this year… That tends to have agents wanting to be here.
REAM: What advice would you give to those who are on the fence about pursuing something new?
RM: Take the risk. Too often people get caught in analysis paralysis and we find that is the biggest dream killer around. Just jump and don’t look back.
REAM: What motivates you personally in your real estate career, and what do you find most rewarding about it?
RM: Everything I do is for my family. I have a gorgeous wife who is nothing short of amazing and 2 incredible daughters. I only want to grow so that in their futures they can decide to do whatever they are passionate about.
REAM: Are there any local organizations or causes you’re passionate about supporting, and how do you stay connected to your community?
RM: We are huge on charity. We always support local law enforcement when we can, we run a school supply drive, have donated coats, and played a big role in raising money and supplies for Helene recovery. Anything local with a cause we are here for!
REAM: Outside of real estate, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? How do you balance work with personal life?
RM: We are the ultimate Disney family, so we love our vacations to Disney World and Amelia Island, Fl. But in my free time you’d be hard-pressed not to find me building a fort with my daughters or playing with them in some capacity! I’m most passionate about being a dad so that takes up most of my free time.
