John L. Herriage is a man who has accomplished a lot in his life, and he’s not done yet. From owning and managing multiple restaurants to becoming a successful real estate agent and someone who shapes downtown Odessa, John is a true entrepreneur and a leader in his community. 

“I grew up in a small town called Levelland, Texas, about 30 miles west of Lubbock,” says John. He had a good childhood, spending his time fishing at the lake in the tight-knit town of about 7,000 people. He credits his upbringing in a small town with helping him to appreciate the value of community.

John’s career journey has been anything but typical. He initially planned to become an elementary education special education teacher but ended up applying for a job at a restaurant on a dare during high school. He never looked back, and 7 years later, he owned a percentage of several restaurants.

However, after many years in the restaurant business, John was ready for a change. After speaking with ten of his peers in mortgage lending and real estate, he decided to try his hand at real estate. “They said I would be good at it,” says John. They were exactly right. Despite having no experience in the field, John quickly discovered a passion for helping people accomplish the dream of home ownership.

John has now been in the real estate business for 9 years with Copper Key Realty. He has also continued to run several restaurants and other businesses over the years, owning up to 13 restaurants, three convenience stores, and three flower shops at one point. “Currently, I own three restaurants,” smiles John.

His experience has been invaluable in shaping him into who he is today. “The reason I’ve been so successful is because I brought the service mentality from the restaurant world into real estate,” concludes John. “It’s all about customer service.” Putting clients’ needs before his own is essential for John.

John has faced his fair share of challenges throughout his career, but perhaps the most significant obstacle he’s had to overcome is the COVID-19 pandemic. When the pandemic hit, everything came to a screeching halt. John had to reposition himself in the market and focus more on commercial real estate. He also emphasizes the importance of saving money for a rainy day and being prepared for unexpected setbacks in any industry.

Despite the challenges, John finds his job to be incredibly rewarding, and he defines success in his career by the positive feedback he receives from clients. When clients call him weeks after closing to thank him for his hard work and dedication or when entire families give him a hug, he knows he’s doing something right.

“I think real estate is one of the hardest job that I have had in my entire life, but one of the most rewarding jobs,” reflects John. Turning houses into homes and helping become homeowners is nothing short of priceless for this dedicated real estate agent.

John credits his great staff for his success. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the great team that I have,” he says. His team is the most important part of his business.

Beyond his successful career, John is also deeply committed to his community. He’s heavily involved in revitalizing downtown Odessa, where he owns and remodels disused buildings to create new businesses and opportunities for the community. 

John is also on the board of the Downtown Odessa Incorporated board and the Advisory Board for the State of Texas Downtown Association. Through these organizations, he helps other businesses with design implementations, grants, and revitalization projects. He also offers free consulting services for people when they purchase or lease a property. 

Outside of work and community involvement, John enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time at his home on the Texas beach. He’s also passionate about downtown revitalization and has turned his home into a unique living space in a previously condemned building.

Looking forward, John hopes to retire someday and retire on a Texas beach. However, he has no plans to slow down anytime soon, and he remains committed to helping people find their dream homes and supporting his community in any way he can.

John L Herriage is a true visionary, leader, and man with a mission. His success in the real estate industry, combined with his dedication to his community, is admirable. John is a true inspiration to the Odessa community and is making a tangible impact each and every day through his leadership.