8 minute read
CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN TOGETHER
from The Integrity Issue
by EXITAchiever
by Sr. Staff Writer & Graphic Designer,Melanie Robitaille
Many companies say they have good culture, but few actually demonstrate it in the ways seen at EXIT Realty. One of the most common reasons why professionals make the switch, aside from the brand’s unique Formula of sponsoring income, is its people-centric model and network of camaraderie.
Bolstered by the corporation’s annual events like Broker/Owner Training, and their EXIT International Convention, individuals from across the EXIT nation come together and create relationships that are quite unheard of in what is still considered to be a very cutthroat business. And when you combine these connections with that sponsoring income, you get experiences of a lifetime.
THE MAN WITH A PLAN
For several years now, Franchisee, Kel Williams of EXIT Realty Elite in Nashville, TN has been saving his residual income and putting it towards travel to ancient and historical destinations. He’s become known as a down-to-earth, globetrotter and adventurer who started inviting fellow EXIT associates to join him. During one such trip to Egypt in 2023, when a dozen EXIT associates travelled together for 16 days, many wondered where he was off to next.
“About halfway down the Nile River, the question came up,” he recalled. “Our next stop was four nights in Luxor and every time we entered our rooms from a day of exploration, the TV was always on the Hilton World Travel channel, and it was always Peru. So, after a few days, the question of where to go next year came up again and I asked, ‘Is it just me or does it feel like we’re getting a message to go to Peru?’ We all agreed and six of our group from Egypt went to Peru together with a few new ones mixed in.”
NEXT STOP PERU
The group included several Canadians such as EXIT Realty South Western Ontario Regional Owners, Lynn and Greg Findlay, long-time Owner turned Associate Broker, Jon Walker of EXIT Realty Inter Lake in Nova Scotia, as well as one of EXIT’s newest Franchisees, Kim Smiley Wiley of EXIT Realty Strategies in Ontario.
Having travelled with Kel to Egypt, Lynn and Greg jumped at the chance to visit Peru for the first time with him, as it was a long-time bucket list destination for the two of them. They too had residuals they could use for this, making the decision to go that much easier.
“Travel is one of the activities we cherish the most in our free time, so it’s a key part of our annual planning. Having residual income takes some of the pressure off when opportunities like this arise, allowing us to say, ‘yes’ to experiences that enrich our lives without worrying too much about the financial aspect,” Greg said of what turned out to be 11 unforgettable days spanning the many wonders and hot spots of Peru.
They started by exploring Lima, Peru's bustling capital, then experienced a breathtaking flyover tour of the Nazca Lines. They spent an exhilarating day sandboarding and dune buggying at the Huacachina Oasis, followed by private tours discovering the rich history and high altitudes of Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray. The trip’s crescendo was a challenging visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, where the most adventurous of the group took on the narrow, steep "Stairs of Death," climb up Huayna Picchu, the iconic mountainous backdrop behind Machu Picchu. The final excursion was the popular Rainbow Mountain, where the group braved the low oxygen levels at some 17,000 ft. to capture the rainbow-colored minerals for which it’s known. Their last day was one of leisure in Cusco, before heading home.
RETURNING FOREVER CHANGED
“The timing couldn’t have been better for us to fully embrace the physical challenges and rewards it offered. Our love for exploration, history, and iconic global sites made Peru an ideal destination,” Lynn explained. “Sharing these moments with colleagues and friends not only strengthened our bonds but also provided a unique opportunity to see them in a different light, outside the usual work environment. Experiencing a different culture and environment also challenged our usual ways of thinking. We returned home with fresh ideas, inspired by how other people live, work, and solve problems. There’s something about nature that refreshes the mind and spirit, offering moments of peace and awe that rejuvenate creativity and outlook. We created lasting memories that we’ll cherish forever.”
Jon, who also joined Kel in Egypt, didn’t want to pass up this opportunity even at the age of 74 and knowing there would be challenges ahead saying, “This is what EXIT is all about - work hard, rest hard, and PLAY hard. Being the oldest of the EXIT associates in the group I was concerned about how I would handle the high altitudes and climbing. There was only one activity I passed on and that was the Stairs of Death. The group was always looking out for me, and I pushed myself out of my comfort zone many times. It was an exceptional trip with an exceptional group of people. Travelling with EXIT family is different than other trips because of the camaraderie we have. For 11 days you learn a great deal about the group, what makes them special, and why we’re fortunate to have them all in our EXIT family.”
THE LESSONS LEARNED
This feeling was definitely mutual for Kim, whose experience was from the opposite end of the spectrum as a newer associate to the company and a Franchisee who had literally just opened her business eight months before leaving.
“I thought the timing couldn’t have been worse with all my responsibilities,” she recalled. “How wrong I was! I learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most challenging times are the perfect moments for a break. I had only met Kel for just 24 hours, and we had an instant connection. I was invited on this epic adventure, and I knew right away it was something special. Witnessing the beautiful relationship between Lynn and Greg, seeing the love and respect they have for each other, was truly a blessing and something we could all aspire to. Chatting with Jon and hearing about his experiences and ideas was invaluable. His willingness to share made me feel incredibly special and provided me with amazing advice. Kel and I had many conversations over lunch and dinner about life and work, and his perspective on business opened my mind to new possibilities. Being around him, watching how he managed things, and even seeing him take important business calls in Machu Picchu was enlightening and educational. I returned home with a newfound peace in my heart, understanding that I don't have to do everything at once, and that it's okay to take time for myself.”
It's a powerful lesson that Kel learned himself back in 2016, from EXIT’s own Founder and Chairman, Steve Morris, just over a year after opening his office. It’s advice that he both lives and works by to this day saying, “I sat in Broker/Owner Training in Toronto and heard Steve say that everyone in the room was motivated and hard working - probably workaholics - or we wouldn't be there. He also said that if we didn't take time for ourselves, we wouldn't be able to keep it up. He suggested a minimum of three, 10-day vacations a year. I thought, ‘must be nice,’” Kel recalled of a hard pill to swallow at the time. “He said a week isn’t enough. The first few days you’re winding down, then there’s maybe three days in the middle where you may stop working, checking emails just a few times a day instead of consistently, and finally, the last few days you start thinking that it's almost over and what’s waiting for you back at work. If you add three more days, you’re basically doubling your downtime in the middle. I tried it for 10 days in Palm Springs, and then again in 2017 for twelve days to Bolivia and Peru for my 50th birthday with my brother. Now, thank you Steve, I have my three, 10-day or more vacations a year and all paid for by my residual income from Sponsoring with EXIT Realty!”
WHERE TO NEXT
Kel’s already planning for 2025, and he’s looking forward to another year and opportunity to get to know more EXIT associates because as he explains, as much as he works, most of his social life includes EXIT associates in his office and across North America.
“EXIT is a huge part of my life and I feel even closer to EXIT COO, Erika Gileo after climbing down into a crypt in the Sahara Desert of Egypt, or up into the King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza with EXIT Realty Matrix Franchisee, Maggie Tessier, or up to the Rainbow Mountain of Peru with Jon, Kim, Greg, and Lynn,” he shared. “The next trip is to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. We try to keep the trip between 12-18 people, so we still have that private tour feel. We stay in all 5-star accommodations, and don't get me started on the food!”
