EXIT Makes it Worth It! Column by Bob Hughes

NASHVILLE – The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee present a tapestry of arresting colours in the autumn, visible forever it seems, as the mountains roll one after the other into another snapshot of a changing season. There is a drive you can take through them that seems to last forever, and then not long enough, the spectacular showcase of Mother Nature on the podium at every turn.

They are but a few hours’ drive from Nashville, Music City, where the stars of country music live and write and record. And, tourists come by the tens of thousands every year to walk the streets where singers like Toby Keith were discovered in Broadway bars, and where the Country Music Hall of Fame takes you on a journey from all eras of country music.

Willy Cole used to come down here all the time, bringing with him tours of country music fans from throughout Saskatchewan, during his many years as the voice of country music on CKRM. It is one of his favourite places.

It is take a remarkable journey.

This was the second time we have been to Nashville in the autumn of the year. The first time we were drawn to this place was three years ago. The second time was just a few weeks ago. On both occasions, it was the international convention of EXIT Realty and the magnet was the magnificent Gaylord Hotel and Convention Centre in Nashville.

Roughly about 2,000 agents from throughout North American attend. EXIT Realty, owned by Steve Morris of Toronto, has been around for more than 15 years. He began the franchise by moving into the United States when the market there was good. Just under 10 years ago, he moved the EXIT banner into Canada, starting out in the Maritimes, where EXIT Realty is now number one throughout the Atlantic Provinces.

And, now EXIT is moving west. Four years ago, franchises opened in Regina and Saskatoon. Alberta is coming under the EXIT banner, and then British Columbia. Morris’ goal is to make EXIT top the real estate company in the world. Tenacious in his drive, he is on his way.

There are few brokers within EXIT who have caught the eye of Steve Morris and Canadian president Joyce Peron as much as Regina EXIT Realty Fusion Eco-Broker Loretta Hughes has. From the very beginning, her innovative style of real estate has put EXIT Realty Fusion in a class of its own. She is the only Saskatchewan broker who has qualified for the designation of Eco-Broker, which in these times of environmental awareness can be critical when buying a home.

She has been asked to speak at EXIT Canadian and International Conferences. She has annually received awards from EXIT International for her novel methods, last year being singled out at the EXIT International Convention in Dallas for her innovative ways.

This year, she was again up for an award, and became the lone EXIT agent or broker to receive the prestigious Bill Nasby award. Nasby continues as one of the most respected trainers in the real estate industry, working with EXIT people everywhere. Loretta received the award for her door knocking skills and soliciting new client’s methods, no small achievement when you consider there were people in the EXIT family throughout Canada and the United States eligible for the award.

EXIT Realty Fusion has prided itself in bringing in agents with a gift for selling and earning the respect of their clients. They are constantly learning and achieving, and involve themselves in the community they work and live it.

It is the EXIT way. EXIT International is committed to Habitat for Humanity on an annual basis. And, throughout Canada and the U.S.A, EXIT Realty franchise can be found involving themselves in local community initiatives, always inspiring. Morris is strong on recruiting people with high integrity and moral standards, who understand the value of supporting the community. Often, those initiatives are unique.

There is the story of Max Coleman, an EXIT owner in Montana, who has embarked on a campaign to lose 80 pounds by December 31 of this year and in doing so is raising funds for the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Fund. Steve Morris has promised $5,000 if Coleman achieves his goal.

And, there is Loretta Hughes, who has throwing herself into volunteer activities ranging from breast cancer to arthritis and beyond. She is on the committee for the George Reed Golf Tournament for Special Olympics Saskatchewan, which raised $20,000 in its first year (2009) and $70,000 in its second year.

There is much that goes into and is expected from those who sign on with EXIT. In the end, it is worth it.

Contact Bob at bobhughes@sasktel.net

Read Column archives at www.exitrealtyfusion.com