OPERATING PARTNER | KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Sharon Laing came to Keller Williams in 2008 as an agent and investor. Nine months later she was asked to be the Team Leader/CEO of the company. Under her leadership, the office grew from 55 agents to over 155 agents in two years.

In 2011 she was named Operating Partner, which meant that her job was to grow the company and open new offices. At that time, she and Lucas Haun became partners for the real estate side of the business. Laing runs the offices; Haun provides exemplary service to both his and Laing’s customers and clients.

Since taking the lead, they have grown to seven offices and 600 agents. “It is my job to see that at each office our agents are provided with leadership, coaching,training and the tools to help them develop their businesses,” said Laing. “We are an agent-centric company and are on the cutting edge of technology.”

Helping clients find their dream home is something that the agents at Keller Williams take seriously.

“Our agents know it’s important to listen and to analyze every situation. They work with clients individually, taking the time to understand their unique lifestyles, needs and wishes. A home is one of the single largest investments in a person’s life and can be very emotional.”

“I love that Knoxville has that small town feel yet offers so many activities that a large city offers,” she continued. “Between the music, theatre, museums, sports, restaurants and outdoor activities, Knoxville is a great place to live and work. These are the things clients look for when moving to a city, and it’s nice to show them that Knoxville has it all.”

Laing credits her aunt’s words of wisdom for helping her realize her potential. “I will always remember my aunt telling me that I could do anything I set my mind to do,” she stated. “Today, I call that ‘focus.’ The nice thing about that is that usually what you focus on expands to bigger and better things. Success is not always in a straight line. There are many peaks and valleys. It is a journey, not a destination.”

Laing feels very strongly about loyalty. She values it in both her personal life and her work life. “Be loyal to yourself, to your family and friends and to your coworkers. Loyalty never fails.”