Even though real estate is overwhelmingly populated by independent contractors, there’s an unspoken support system that operates in the best-run offices and brokerages. And the managing broker is often the heart of such an operation. In many ways, they end up being mentors, trainers and even therapists for agents.

We asked a few agents about the best advice they had received from managing brokers in their career and got a wide variety of responses.

“The best advice I have ever received from my managing broker is to invest in yourself by spending money. Since day one I have done so and it has come back to me.” — Hadley Rue​, Dream Town, Chicago

“I’ve been very lucky to have had really had great managing brokers throughout most of my career. We have four managing brokers in our office now and they’re always available, even on weekends. They really do try to create a culture of communication. As for advice, David Bracy has had a lot of great nuggets to offer. Sometimes I work too hard, and he tells me it’s ok to take time off and strive for a good work-life balance. Another point he often makes is that you don’t have to be everything to everyone. As real estate professionals, we’re people-pleasers and the fact is, you just can’t please some people no matter how hard you try. And finally, I often hear David say, ‘Don’t lose sleep over rude people.’ I’m extra vigilant about being professional, but sometimes I need a reminder not to let it bother me when other people aren’t.” — Janet Owen, BHHS KoenigRubloff Realty Group, Chicago

“The best advice I ever got from a managing broker was from Jim Miller at Jameson Sotheby’s. He’s shared his lifelong learning and experiences in real estate and used that to create a blueprint for success. He’s coaching and mentoring me in a style I understand, in order to help me continue to grow and maintain my business.” — Jennifer Mills Klatt, team leader and senior vice president of sales for The Home Discovery Team at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, Chicago