A big thank you to Tom Brinkoetter, owner of Brinkoetter Realtors and a valued CEO investor, for spending time with our students and sharing not only the story of his business, but also some great lessons about leadership, knowledge, service, and relationships.

Brinkoetter Realtors was started by Tom’s dad in 1965, and Tom purchased the company from his sister in 2018. He shared how embracing technology and continuing to innovate helped grow the company’s market share-including his goal of having floor plans on every listing.

A fun fact we learned: the two COVID years ended up being the best two years in the company’s history at the time-something they never expected! A great reminder that business rarely goes exactly as planned and that being prepared to adapt matters.

But some of Tom’s best advice had nothing to do with real estate.

Knowledge breeds confidence, and confidence leads to enthusiasm.

He reminded our students that credibility is earned through knowledge. Study your business. Study people. Trust your gut. Find something you love to do-and you’ve got to love what you do-and work to be the best at it.

And don’t chase the money.

Instead, focus on being the most knowledgeable, providing the best service, and making your customer or client #1. When you create value and provide exceptional service, the money follows.

Tom also encouraged students to give back to the people and places that take care of you. Success is not just about what you achieve, but also about how you support the community and the people who helped you along the way.

A few more takeaways:

• Create an environment where people can be successful.
• Delegate to good people and build trust and loyalty.
• Relationships are a HUGE part of business.
• Live below your means.
• Create a great culture and bring a great attitude.
• Be genuine.
• What you do speaks louder than what you say.

So many lessons that apply far beyond real estate.

We are especially grateful to Tom and Brinkoetter Realtors for investing in CEO and believing in what we are doing for our young people. Thank you, Tom, for investing both your resources and your time and for showing our students that long-term success is built through knowledge, relationships, service, culture, trusting your instincts, loving what you do, giving back, and consistently creating value for others. 🧡

We also loved the newly renovated space. It’s beautiful and inviting.