Jim Spagnolo
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Having embarked on his journey as a REALTOR® in 1993, Jim Spagnolo has amassed a wealth of hands-on experience that has become pivotal in shaping his career. This extensive knowledge led him to assume leadership roles as the Director of Operations for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Camp Hill, ultimately guiding him to his current position at the Hershey office.
Throughout the years, Jim has actively contributed to various boards and associations, concurrently sharing his expertise by teaching real estate courses. Through both utilizing and instructing fellow agents on the tools and services available to them, Jim ensures they are well-prepared for success in the dynamic real estate field.
Agents under Jim’s guidance attest that, in addition to being dedicated to their professional success, Jim places a high priority on helping them achieve a positive work-life balance aligned with their personal goals. Grounded in strong moral principles and a sense of humor, Jim not only talks the talk but also walks the walk, inspiring those in his sphere to follow suit.
Reflecting on his success in the real estate industry, Jim recognizes the advantage of having an outstanding staff who form the backbone of his two offices. Speaking with gratitude, he acknowledges the contributions of his dedicated team, which includes Darlene Waters, Candy Burk, and his daughter, Anna Spagnolo.
"They are the driving force behind our success and rock stars in the industry," says Jim. "Their combined efforts go beyond the conventional roles of office support. I am immensely grateful for their hard work and commitment, as they play an integral part in upholding the high standards of service that our clients have come to expect. I couldn't be more fortunate to have such a dedicated team by my side."
In this month’s issue, Jim talks about his leadership philosophy and shares his thoughts on how best to mentor the next generation of real estate professionals.
What principles or values guide your interactions with the next generation of professionals in the field?
The answer to that question reflects my business principles for the past 30 years. morals, integrity, values, respect, ethics, accountability, and trust. That's not only the next generation of agents but also all Realtors that I have the good fortune to interact with.
In your experience, what are the key qualities that make a successful real estate professional, and how do you instill these qualities in the agents you mentor?
The values I mentioned above inform the qualities that predict success. I have served in many capacities within this fabulous industry. When working with veterans or new-to-business agents, I always ask for a little bit of blind faith. Then I'll explain my history within the industry and how those experiences will help guide them through their entire career.
Given the evolving landscape of real estate, how do you ensure that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the industry?
We have the good fortune of utilizing programs and services, from AI and CRMs to the very basic principles of notecards. You would be shocked at how effective these tools are. There are so many different needs and personalities that we have the opportunity to work with. It's not a one-size-fits-all; we truly customize our efforts to meet the needs of our consumers, customers, and clients.
Can you share a specific example of a mentoring relationship that you believe had a significant impact on a young professional's growth in the real estate sector? What lessons can others draw from such experiences?
Working with both new-to-business and veteran agents, it is always important to discover their "why." Why and what are they working for and towards? One experience builds upon the next; with that compound effect in mind, the experience grows to the benefit of everyone.
As a leader, how do you balance the emphasis on achieving business goals with the importance of fostering a positive work-life balance for your team members?
My philosophy has always been that family-first balance and structure have to be incorporated into business plans. There has to be a balance, or it's not going to work. When it comes to coaching and mentoring, work and family go hand in hand. There are many different levels of coaching within this industry. Most coaches focus on just business; however, problems exist outside of the real estate industry. To be able to help someone professionally and personally is, without a doubt, the most rewarding to me. If I can help a family achieve their "why," that is what keeps me moving forward. I absolutely love the people I work with and this industry.