Compass welcomed Jonathan Keith’s TeamJK to the fold after the team opted to leave Coldwell Banker for better technology, according to a Tuesday press release.
The team included “military veterans, business owners, a former TV personality, hospitality and high-end fashion experts, and past corporate, marketing and finance professionals,” who will grow Compass’ presence in the Fort Lauderdale area.
When reached by Inman over the phone, Keith pointed to Compass’ tech offerings as the key factor for the switch. “I felt like I needed to be in the strongest position to provide my team with a state-of-the-art platform for emailing, marketing, PR and also positioning the best exposure,” he said.
Keith told Inman the draw of being able to operate more of his business on his phone was “a whole other world.” Moving to Compass meant that his team is elevated to the next level of what homebuyers and sellers now require, he said. He found that his previous brokerage wasn’t even keeping up with the emerging new standards in real estate platforms.
“Compass is competing with Zillow, Redfin and Opendoor … Coldwell Banker wasn’t even in the picture,” Keith said. He feels like keeping up with the latest updates and platforms could keep him competitive should an even larger company come in and disrupt the space. Although, Coldwell Banker is not entirely resting on its heels — the company introduced big data-powered prediction tech in June.
Beyond the cloud-supported software, Keith appreciated the updates to the website and presentation of his team, which came with switching to Compass.
Not that the change was exactly straightforward. Shifting the momentum of the team’s work from one platform to another did present logistical challenges — but it ultimately produced dividends, according to Keith.
Operating in both residential and commercial real estate, TeamJK brought in approximately $40 million in sales during 2017.
“Team JK is constantly striving to redefine real estate, bringing the profession forward into a modern framework, while capitalizing on an enduring respect for the client and recognition that customer service is key,” said Beth Butler, general manager of Compass Florida in the release.
“Having professionals like Jonathan and Jay on our team is what helps set our firm apart in both Miami and Fort Lauderdale.”
“Now almost 30 days in, the team has actually slingshotted,” Keith said. He said the pullback was really painful because the team couldn’t stop the machine of business.
“We’ve released the sling, we’re coming back forward, and the team is absolutely invigorated to be part of such an amazing platform,” Keith said.
Part of what’s at the source of that enthusiasm is the new network of vetted agents who can now see his team’s listed inventory posted through the Compass platform, Keith said.
His message to other agents is to embrace the changing real estate industry.
“Stand by and be drove by, watch and be passed,” Keith said. “When you realize change could be the definition of whether you’re in or out of business, you better figure out of the change.”
At the end of the day, Keith says that he understands the responsibility he has as leader. “After looking at what’s going on with the competition and market conditions, I was not willing to take responsibility for that team, based upon being on a sub-par platform. I needed more,” Keith said.
