Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in real estate but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Naureen Frierdich, Founder of Crossroads Realty Group brokered by eXp Realty, LLC, located in Columbia, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Crossroads Realty Group, brokered by eXp Realty, is a real estate business located in the Southern Illinois area. We service clients on both the Missouri side and Southern Illinois, covering the St Louis area and Monroe, Randolph, St Clair, Clinton, and Madison counties in Illinois. Our focus is helping sellers properly prepare their homes for sale, market, and price the property to perfection, and help them get them top dollar. We also help those in search of their perfect home by listening to their desires, seeking the properties that fit their needs, and walking them through the inspection process. For all of our clients, it is our goal to help them through the transaction from beginning to end to ensure a smooth transition! Through faith, integrity, loyalty, and a servant's heart, we strive to nurture our relationship with each client and our community as our most valuable assets.
Tell us about yourself
I started in real estate in 2006-2011, working for the family. I took a step away in 2011 to focus on raising my children. In 2018 I was relicensed and worked for a #1 team in the area. In October of 2021, I took a leap of faith and started my own team, now known as Crossroads Realty Group. In the summer of 2022, I brought on my best friend and now business partner, Carla Mercer, and we have a team of five licensed agents (including us) and an event coordinator. We love what we do! There's so much joy in helping someone find their dream home! Everyone's situations are different - life is ever-changing, and I love that we get to play a part in such big decisions in people's lives. I also love to mentor and help our team members learn, grow, and thrive! Helping newer agents learn the business or simply being able to encourage them along the way keeps us going. For Carla and I, getting to do what God has called us to do each day as we encounter people from all different backgrounds is the true blessing and motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been trusting God's call and plan for me, being obedient to it, and not giving up. Finding confidence in who you are and believing in yourself is key. Let's be honest - starting your own business is extremely scary. But choosing to get up every day and give it your all produces results. I went from a one-person business starting with a brokerage extremely new to the area to a six-person team with a partner I adore and trust, plus we've added three additional licensed agents to our office as well. Everything we do with honesty, integrity, and kindness, and THAT'S my greatest accomplishment so far.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Taking risks! I've always been someone who would rather look back and say, "maybe I failed, but at least I tried," than say, "what if?" In business and in life, you have to be willing to take risks. I also feel there's always that pressure to make sure you're taking care of those who work with you and/or for you. Never wanting to let people down and making sure you're taking care of those who are taking care of you is so important.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research. Make sure it's a good business decision and you're well prepared.
- Follow your heart! Sometimes things don't make sense on paper, but you know in the depths of your soul, it's what you're supposed to do. Take the leap. Take the risk. Don't live in a world of "what ifs."
- Surround yourself with people who support you and encourage you! Learn to drown out the negative noise and the lies you feed yourself. Fear is a liar. Not everyone will understand or agree with you, but if you're confident in your calling to start a business, go for it and find your cheerleaders. Be prepared every day to wake up and do the work. Lead with kindness, love, and integrity. And above all else, learn to serve others before yourself. You have a purpose - go after it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://crossroads-realtygroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naureensellshomes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naureen.crossroads/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naureen-frierdich-crossroads/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.