People Keep Asking What I Did With the $100,000 that I won from the EXIT Realty Corp. International Convention

People Keep Asking What I Did With the $100,000 that I won from the EXIT Realty Corp. International Convention

Just after Midnight on Saturday at the President’s Ball at the 2009 EXIT Realty Corp.  International Convention  Steve Morris, Founder and CEO of EXIT Realty said these words “Unbelievable, from Tennessee – Mike Grumbles!”.  That moment changed me in an instant.  It didn’t make me a winner, it made me $100,000 wealthier, and more popular among my peers than I could have imagined.   I consider myself a winner already for being with EXIT Realty, having the opportunity to do something I enjoy every day, and for being able to work with my family.  Many of you may already know that I am one member of the regional ownership team at EXIT MidSouth and the rest of the team are my family members ( Jean Marie Grumbles, Barbara Rutan, Rick Rutan, George Styron and Jean Styron).    Well this week we head to Dallas, Texas for the 2010 EXIT Realty Convention so I thought I would describe what has occurred since the grand prize draw a year ago.

As the first group of finalists names were being called I was capturing the moment on Flip Video.   When the final name in the first group of ten was me I ran to the front of the stage and handed the camera off to one of our franchisees, Jeremy Flax.    This was just the beginning.  Just before midnight they called all 22 finalists to the stage.  The digital age has come so far in reducing the cost and size of digital video that can directly upload to the web, and that meant that the next few minutes were being recorded from various angles and would be dispersed across the Facebook, You Tube and email within minutes so I won’t describe that moment as it can be revisited on the internet.

The rest of the evening and for days following, via emails and phone calls and posts to Facebook, were filled with congratulatory wishes.  The quantity and the sincerity of each of these was really special.   Combined with winning $100,000 at the convention our Region won the EXIT Region of the Year award.   A prize only outdone by the EXIT TRI-REALTOR Award.  Agents and EXIT Associates from across the continent were reaching out to tell us how well deserved the award was and we appreciate each and every on of those messages.   I can honestly say that the conversations with people for the next two weeks was more uplifting than the winning moment itself.  Not that I wasn’t going to celebrate with the $100,000.

The mind set at EXIT Realty from the top down is all about positive thinking.  This photo was taken at the Convention in Colorado Springs in 2007.  An indicator of things to come in the future?

Clear and visible goals put in a predominant location at your work place and in clear view of your peers is a strong motivator each day to complete the tasks that you know will help you reach the success that you desire.  For years at my desk I have a had a photo of a 2003 E46 BMW M3 Convertible.  The car that I knew I would one day drive and enjoy.  I could describe the car in great detail.  A 6 speed SMG transmission, Steering Wheel mounted paddle shifters, 19″ wheels, superb handling from Neurenburg Ring, leather interior, carbon fiber trim, 333 Hp, and a rocket on wheels to drive.  So when we arrived back in Tennessee from Washington, DC I began the search for this car.  I found that the newer M3 body style wasn’t what I had liked and wanted to own.  So I searched the internet and talked to a lot of M3 car owners about why they wanted to sell their M3.  After a few weeks and a couple of test drives I was certain that an M3 was what I wanted and I placed my current car on Craigslist for sale.  The first day I received a call and they became the new owners.  Now without a car I really stepped up the search and I broadened the search to the entire US.  I mean I knew what I wanted I just had to find it with low miles.  I did find it in a 2004 Imola Red M3 with black leather interior, carbon fiver, trim and 19″ wheels in California with only 32K miles.  Jean Marie rationalized me out of driving it back from California, but within 3 weeks I was driving the car that had been posted on my wall as a goal that I would attain.

Besides my passion for fast cars I am very rational.  I immediately pondered how to best shelter winnings from taxation and to invest it and also to share it with my family.  For that reason I invested half of the money into the region, thus sharing in the prize with my family members.

We depart tomorrow for Dallas, Texas and I can’t wait to see many of my friends with EXIT from across the continent and to see who wins the grand prize draw this year.  If you want to win it you need to affirm that you will win it!

Mike Grumbles

Franklin | Brentwood | Spring Hill | Mike Grumbles & The Grumbles Team specializing in Golf Community Homes for Sale

The Grumbles Team is our family serving your family with your real estate needs in Franklin, Tennessee 615-587-5843.

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EXIT Realty of the South | 1227 Lakeview Dr. Suite 1 | Franklin | TN | 37067 | 615.550.5555

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EXIT MidSouth (TN and KY) Real Estate Agents Come Through for Flood Victims

EXIT MidSouth (TN and KY) Real Estate Agents Come Through for Flood Victims

American Red Cross and the community at large benefit from the efforts and generosity of REALTORS

This spring, Nashville and the surrounding area suffered massive flooding due to two consecutive days of record-setting rainfall. EXIT MidSouth (Tennessee and Kentucky) rose to the occasion by pledging $5 to the American Red Cross for each home bought or sold under the EXIT Realty brand within the region during the month of May 2010. They further challenged all 34 offices in the Region to donate $5 per transaction from their offices and all agents to do the same with a $5 donation per real estate transaction in which they are involved during May. Recently the Region made its donation and posted a billboard in recognition of the community’s efforts.   ”It has been amazing to see the dedication of our agents to their communities during the record setting floods,” said Jean Marie Grumbles, Regional Owner of EXIT MidSouth.  “Many of our offices donated financially or held fundraisers such as yard sales with the proceeds going to charity. Some offices created ‘stores’ for victims to come and shop for free, while others were drop off points for supplies or helped to rebuild homes.  It is truly inspiring to see how our agents jumped right in when the disaster hit our area  – they found the need and filled it. Click here to donate to the American Red Cross.

Topic Tags:  American Red Cross, EXIT MidSouth, EXIT Realty, Jean Marie Grumbles, Nashville floods, real estate

Real Estate Careers Still a Savvy Choice: The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television Reveals Why Real Estate Agents Still Matter

(Pompano Beach, FL)—Even though the economy has been in a slump, savvy investors are still pursuing the “American Dream” of homeownership, and that still makes the role of the real estate agent a very relevant one. To better understand the opportunities in this field and how real estate agents play an invaluable role in the process, The Balancing Act welcomes Tami Bonnell, President of the U.S. Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International. The segment airs Thursday, August 13^th, 2009.

“We hear all the news reports about the housing slump,” says Bonnell. “But there are still millions of people who are buying homes this year.”

According to research by Marissa Miley, a reporter at Advertising Age, despite record foreclosure rates and depressed home sale prices, the real estate industry anticipates selling 5.3 million homes this year, many to first-time home buyers.

And while computers have aided in the search and sale of one’s abode, real estate is still all about the personal connection, and that’s why so many women are excelling in this field.

“A good REALTOR^® really is a partner in the process,” explains Bonnell, “You need to listen; really hear your client’s story and be a smart detective. Understand the why for the consumer,” she said.

Consumers can find facts on a computer but only a real estate agent can offer the insights, advice, marketing tips and negotiation options that make a home sale or purchase a smooth and easy transaction.

Many women, especially moms, have found great financial success and a balanced family life with a real estate career, and not just in the boom times. Taking it to the next step, EXIT Realty developed an innovative residual plan that allows REALTORS^® to earn bonuses from the transactions of the new recruits they introduce to the company, creating an exciting financial opportunity from which many women have benefited.

“The real estate market is about good deals and long-term benefits,” says Doug Campbell, Executive Vice President of Programming, BrandStar Entertainment, the producers of The Balancing Act. “Understanding the importance the real estate agent plays was indeed very insightful.”

About Brand Star Entertainment’s The Balancing Act: The Balancing Act TV show on Lifetime Television is America’s only morning show about women, for women, trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. The show is produced by BrandStar Entertainment and airs on Lifetime Television 7 a.m. Eastern/Pacific (check local listings). Additional information and each segment can be accessed on the show’s website,www.TheBalancingAct.com. Each episode is also available on http://www.google.com/video and http://www.youtube.com/. Sign up for the show’s newsletter at www.thebalancingact.com/join.php. For more details about BrandStar Entertainment please visitwww.brandstarentertainment.com

About Tami Bonnell: Tami Bonnell’s real estate career spans more than 25 years during which she was instrumental in building three major brands. Ms Bonnell has been featured several times in major industry publications, including Real Estate Magazine, Bay State REALTOR® and Frog Pond Communications. She is a much sought-after international speaker, addressing thousands at events such as RISMedia’s Leadership Conference in NY, Inman News Conference in San Francisco and the Top 500 Power Brokers at The National Association of REALTORS® Convention. Since becoming President of the US Organization for EXIT Realty Corp. International, her focus is on growth and profitability for Regions, Brokers and Agents. Ms Bonnell is available for interviews.

First Time Home Buyers Informative Webinar by EXIT Realty | first time homebuyer | federal 1st time home buyer tax credit | home buyer | home seller | National Association of REALTORS | real estate statistics | Tami Bonnell | Kentucky | Tennessee|

Tami Bonnell Presents “What First Time Homebuyers Need To Know!”   on August 11th in a Nationwide public webinar.

EXIT Realty Agent Appreciation Night at the Nashville Sounds Ball Park | Tennessee | Kentucky | Real Estate Franchise|

EXIT Realty Night at the Nashville Sounds on August 15th, 2009

In recognition of an outstanding first half of the 2009 production year, EXIT MidSouth is organizing a fun evening with our agents, their families, business associates, and clients.   On August 15th, 2009 EXIT owners and agents from Kentucky and Tennessee will enjoy a pregame concert by EleventySeven, while feasting on an all-u-can eat picnic, then after the thrill of the Nashville Sounds baseball game there will be a postgame fireworks display.

The Nashville Sounds play just south of Nashville at Herschel Greer Stadium, which underwent a renovation this past offseason.  On Saturday they will be playing the Fresno Grizzlies from the Pacific South division.  The Sounds are in second place in their division (American North) 1/2 a game behind Memphis at the writing of this press release and play away until Friday night when the homestand against the Grizzlies kicks off.   Hopefully the Sounds can break this current 2 game losing streak and take the top place in their division as the end of the season approaches.  The wildcard battle is also heated if top spot can’t be had by the sounds they still need to hold off the Grizzlies to gain the wildcard position.

All EXIT agents are encouraged to bring their families, their clients, and even their business network out to the ball park for a great evening of commaradery.  Be sure to wear your EXIT logo apparel and colors.  EXIT MidSOuth will have several door prizes to give out as the evening goes on.   This is a  great opportunity to invite other agents to learn about EXIT.

The game starts at 6:00 PM but the concert and meal starts at 4:30 PM.  (Meal is only from 4:30 to 6:00). Rain or Shine!

We need an accurate head count so please pre-purchase your tickets at www.ExitMidSouth.com.  Kids under 12 are $17.50 and for all others it is $25.00.

EXIT Realty is a non-traditional business model that provides financial security for REALTORS and their families.  EXIT believes in familiy, people, technology and a positive attitude.  If this sounds like it would be a fit for you to build a real estate career with EXIT, then please call Mike Grumbles at 615-523-3133  and we will personally invite you to join us at the Sounds game to learn more.

Tennessee | Kentucky | EXIT Realty Franchises for Sale by EXIT MidSouth

EXIT is Real Estate Re-Invented, contact us to learn more.

EXIT MidSouth | 1441 New Hwy 96W | Suite 2-81 | Franklin | TN | 37064

615.523.3133