In temperatures touching triple-digits, standing in the only shade available, playing catch with Brent Gilstrap was an act of joy. A realtor with a brilliant beard and equally brilliant mind, Brent’s current vocation is the culmination of a lifetime journey of relationships and the pursuit of hope-filled wisdom – particularly found in notable quotations. Brent’s thoughtful joy is contagious in all he does.
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What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was working for my dad, handing him tools under the house when I was around 6. I made 25 cents/hour. My relationship with him and the example he set had a huge influence on me; it’s the foundation of my work ethic and client-centric mindset.
What’s something about you that would surprise me in the best way?
I have a license in counseling and was in private practice for 16 years, working with kids and families. Now, I use that training by working with a national employment assistance program company that sends counselors to businesses during a crisis. Even though I work in real estate, I’m not doing anything different…helping people reach their goals and growing through the process.
What value would be missed if you stopped being a realtor?
I endeavor to be the right person for the people I work with in their moment of need, fully attending to what’s going on with them personally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually in this chapter of their life. At home, I move plants so they can bathe in the sun; people need the same nurturing experience. I want people to feel valued, to grow, and to think and act in ways that make their world better. If we all did that, our world would be a whole lot better.
Describe yourself in 5 words.
Growth-mindset, relational, connector, communicator, thoughtful.
What are your 4 favorite parts of your job?
- My clients are my friends and I get to help them succeed in their goals. I am deeply grateful for people inviting me into their story and allowing me the opportunity to help make it better.
- Flexibility of schedule.
- My co-workers.
- The opportunity to be fulfilled while exercising my creative growth.
What are 3 challenging aspects of your job?
- Helping people deal with difficult circumstances (things out of their control) from their personal life challenges to difficulty in the transaction process of getting their home sold or purchased (unknown house problems, lending difficulties, poor appraisal values, etc.). Someone once said, “I’m moving at the speed of relationship.”
- Staying consistent with daily habits of connection. Bringing and maintaining the energy to be aware of the people I know and care for, to encourage and support them even when it sometimes goes unappreciated.
- Not getting discouraged when the market is slow.
In 2 sentences or less, how do you define success?
Winston Churchill said, “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” I have little control over the outcome, but all control over my effort. I want to be found always giving my best effort.
Professionally, it goes back to my dad. Dad regularly said, “If you take care of people, they’ll take care of you.” In over 40 years of owning an HVAC company, never advertising, he always took care of people. I think that’s success. He constantly quoted Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold.”
Personally, my mission is supporting greatness in others. I believe when the tide rises, all the boats rise.
What is 1 thing on your work bucket list?
To build the business large enough to support a full-time staff (office manager, transaction coordinator, marketing director, other agents) to mentor and help them grow personally and professionally.
Also, I’d like to travel to the Pacific Northwest so I can see all 50 states.
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Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”
Brent’s work as a realtor is so much more than just helping people find homes – he helps friends find their place in the community as neighbors. His creative and thoughtful work makes Springfield a better place for everyone.