Nick Libert founded EXIT Strategy Realty nearly 11 years ago with a vision of having more than 100 agents in a single office and generating $1 million in residual bonuses for EXIT Realty associates. In a year full of unique challenges, Libert’s goals have been far surpassed, as the brokerage now has more than 250 associates and two locations in the city of Chicago, and just surpassed the milestone of $3 million in residual bonuses.

“I knew our unique model of high commission splits, capping fees and intense coaching would resonate with agents. But never did I think we would hit this level of growth and maintain it through such a chaotic year,” Libert says.

This year, Libert is proudest of the brokerage’s deep level of community involvement during COVID-19, offering a canned food drive across the city and the suburbs through their agents, as well as a consumer resource website for activities, financial aid and support throughout the crisis. They then launched a financial resources site for brokers to help independent contractor agents and incorporated businesses file for various aid and grant programs offered by governments and local agencies.

“We didn’t want to let this crisis completely affect the health and well-being of our agents or clients, so we went into action and outreach mode almost immediately and just never stopped,” Libert said.

EXIT Strategy’s group health insurance plan for agents, as well as their education on Simplified Employee Pension individual retirement accounts for their team, have also contributed to the brand’s feel as a more well-rounded and holistic approach to the real estate industry’s challenges. “We are poised to continue to empower lives through real estate with our agent coaching and consumer education,” Libert added. “The sky’s the limit.”

Libert continues to serve in his second term on the Chicago Association of Realtors’ board of directors and is vice chair of its Professional Development Advisory Group.