When Drew Denham began his real estate career seven years ago, he was working in corporate finance and looking for ways to honor his entrepreneurial interests. He soon discovered a profound enthusiasm for teaching, encouraging, and communicating, aiming to make a significant impact on both clients and agents who are seeking guidance. He focused on tackling challenges that others considered unsolvable and is continually improving the client experience. “My aim is to deliver a memorable and consistent experience,” Drew said. “As an entrepreneur, there’s no limit to the number of people you can support and serve.”

Originally from Bay City, Michigan, Drew spent the early part of his professional career in corporations. He earned two bachelor’s degrees — one in finance from Michigan State University (MSU) and another in accounting from Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) — and a master’s degree in business administration from SVSU, which allowed him to apply his academic knowledge toward a job at Dow Chemical in Midland. He then accepted a position at Amway in Ada in 2014, where he spent the next five years in three different finance roles. 

In April of 2017, Drew finally decided to take the leap and become a part-time real estate agent while simultaneously working at Amway. “As my interest in real estate and investing soared, I recognized the need for a shift,” Drew said. “With an innate entrepreneurial spirit, transitioning to a full-time real estate focus was an unquestionable decision.”

By June of 2018, Drew left his job at Amway to pursue real estate as a full-time career and has sold over $55 million in real estate since then. Now an associate broker and solo agent at eXp Realty, Drew has found great success in the industry. He earned the REALTOR® Spotlight Award from Treadstone Funding in 2018 and the ICON Agent Award from eXp Realty in 2024 and was featured as an Agent on the Rise in Grand Rapids Real Producers in May of 2022. He was also recognized as a Grand Rapids Magazine All-Star in 2023 and 2024. In addition to his achievements, Drew became a certified success coach with Success Coaching in 2023 and a licensed lender for West Michigan Mortgage in 2024. His impressive industry efforts even extend to his real estate investing, where he has acquired over 40 rental doors within five cities in Michigan.

Drew attributes part of his real estate success to his 10-year corporate journey. His previous Amway colleagues have contributed to a substantial portion of his business, either directly or through referrals, which has amounted to 41% of his sales in 2023. His connection and reputation within the real estate industry has even given him the popular hashtag #TheAmwayAgent on social media.

Despite his career accomplishments, Drew is still just as passionate as ever about exceeding his clients’ expectations. “My favorite part about being an agent is taking the opportunity to overdeliver for a client whenever I can,” he said. “I am very passionate about connecting with my clients and understanding them on a personal level and meeting them where they are at.”

Early in his real estate career, Drew struggled with doing every task by himself. Nowadays, he has learned to delegate certain duties to his transaction coordinator and part-time administrative assistant, which has allowed him to focus more on the work that caters to his strengths. “I would tell my younger self to seek God in everything that you do, acquire rare and valuable skills, and surround yourself with like-minded people,” Drew added. “Strive for continuous improvement. The better you are, the more people you can help.”

Drew recommends that new agents should look for ways to enhance their communication skills. “Your success levels in all areas of your life are directly correlated with your ability to communicate,” he explained. “When and how often do you speak with your clients? Is it consistent or sporadic? Can you repeat to your client what they just told you? Are you listening to hear or listening to speak?”

Although Drew believes that setting expectations with clients — as well as with lenders and the other agents in the transactions — is important for creating a favorable outcome, he emphasized how valuable it is to show gratitude toward other people. He encourages all agents to send thank-you notes to other agents and formally thank anyone who sends a referral — even if an interview with the potential client never happens. “Get creative and intentional with the thank-you message. Be consistent and disciplined with this habit, and you’ll continue to be top of mind with your biggest supporters,” he shared.

According to Drew, success in business and in life involves being a blessing to others. “You don’t have to be a high-pressured salesperson to succeed in this business,” he said. “People might not remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Listen, remember their names, encourage everyone you can, be the lighthouse that beams positivity into the world, spread joy everywhere you go, and strive to add value whenever you can. You never know who you’ll meet.” 

Beyond real estate, Drew is often spending time with his 8-year-old goldendoodle named Sadie, family, and close friends. He also loves reading self-improvement books — Benjamin Hardy, Tony Robbins, Ed Mylett, and John C. Maxwell are his favorite authors — attending personal growth conferences, exercising, reading, going up north, and playing euchre. Drew is a big fan of the Detroit Lions and MSU Spartans as well.

As Drew looks to the future, he hopes that he can continue to lift people up and help them see their strengths. “I strive to leave a lasting legacy centered on empowering others to discover and embrace their true potential,” he explained. “You never know how far an act of kindness can go in someone’s life.”