Bonneau Ansley III
Embracing Change and Inspiring Success
Where the skyline of Atlanta reflects a tapestry of opportunities, one name stands out — Bonneau Ansley, an accomplished entrepreneur, realtor, bestselling author, and podcast host. With a career spanning over two decades, Ansley has left an indelible mark on the real estate landscape, combining business acumen, resilience, and a commitment to giving back.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Ansley's journey began with a childhood dream to become the top real estate agent in the city. His unique approach to networking, even at a young age, set the stage for a remarkable career. Ansley recalls. "I was way ahead of my time. My parents didn’t know it, but now all is good, and they think I’m a genius!"
His unconventional path to success included detours through detention, a stint in boarding school, and an early foray into entrepreneurship, selling T-shirts with clever slogans. Despite facing challenges like ADHD and dyslexia, Ansley discovered his strengths lay outside the traditional academic mold. "While I’m dealing with ADHD and Dyslexia, someone else is dealing with being too tall, growing up with red hair, whatever it may be... But the big message is: whatever your perceived liability, you can turn that into your greatest asset," he asserts.
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration/Real Estate in 1999, Ansley swiftly obtained his real estate license and embarked on a journey that would see him become one of the top realtors in the nation. His career path, marked by highs and lows, exemplifies his ability to navigate challenges.
One of the defining moments came when his dream house, built on the Wilmington River, went up in flames. "We watched as the nursery we’d so carefully designed and decorated for our first baby was destroyed. You’re now with me at the bottom of one of my curves - rock bottom," Ansley reflects. Undeterred, he pivoted, initiated a $70 million townhome project in Atlanta, only to face another setback during the 2008 financial crisis. Yet, it was in the depths of the curve that Ansley found renewed strength. "Right then and there, I said, if I’m going to be an agent, I’m going to be the best of the best."
Ansley's commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous accolades, including being recognized by RealTrends + Tom Ferry The Thousand and achieving over $5 billion in career volume. His book, "Brokering Billions: Secrets of the Nation’s Top Real Estate Agents," soared to the top of bestseller lists, demonstrating his ability to share insights and inspire others.
As the founder and chairman of Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International Real Estate, Ansley's impact extends beyond business success. He, along with his wife Jen, supports Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, aligning their philanthropy with their values. "This giving is a process that helps our communities and provides an opportunity to contribute significantly to a community partner with aligned values," says Ansley.
Family holds a special place in Ansley's heart. Married to college sweetheart Jennifer, who is also a licensed real estate agent, the couple is blessed with two children, Blakely and Beau. Their shared love for community involvement, travel, and their devotion to Passion City Church exemplify their commitment to creating a meaningful life beyond the boardrooms and closing tables.
Ansley's success story is a testament to his ability to embrace change and find growth in challenging markets. His advice to aspiring real estate professionals echoes his own journey: "If you’ve been stuck at the same level or sales volume every year, I bet it’s your inability to delegate. This is the greatest downfall of almost every agent. Learn how to delegate."
Looking into the future, Ansley envisions Ansley Real Estate changing lives and remains passionate about helping agents achieve their best. Whether through his podcast, book, or philanthropy, Ansley is on a mission to inspire and elevate the real estate community. "I want to show everyone that the dyslexic, ADHD misfit could not only succeed in business but could also help others do the same," he affirms.
In the world of real estate, where resilience is key, Bonneau Ansley stands as a beacon of inspiration — a true embodiment of success achieved by embracing change and continuously reaching for new heights.