In the fast-paced world of real estate, few team leaders stand out quite like Cody Wickham. As the founder and leader of a successful real estate team in Austin, Cody’s approach is refreshingly different from the traditional high-pressure, quick-sale mentality often associated with the industry. Through authenticity, hard work, and a genuine focus on relationships, Cody has built a team that reflects his values and his unique journey. In this article, we explore his path to success, his vision for the future, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Early Beginnings: From Military Service to Real Estate
Cody Wickham’s story is one of resilience and determination. Before entering the real estate industry, Cody served six years in the military. By facing and overcoming many obstacles in his childhood, he developed a strong work ethic and a no-nonsense approach to life. His background is far from the polished image many associate with real estate agents, but it’s precisely this authenticity that has set him apart. His clients appreciate his realness, and it’s become a cornerstone of his business philosophy.
When Cody decided to pursue real estate, he took his time learning the industry from the inside out. Unlike many agents who dive straight into production after getting licensed, Cody spent time studying contracts, building a network, and understanding the market before actively selling properties. By 2020, he was ready to enter production, and his down-to-earth, client-first approach quickly brought him success.
Creating a Real Estate Team for the Right Reasons
While many agents form teams to alleviate the workload or increase efficiency, Cody’s motivation was different. He wanted to create a team that would do things the right way—a team that prioritized relationships and long-term success over quick sales. In a market flooded with new agents chasing easy money, Cody saw an opportunity to lead by example.
“I didn’t create a team just for leverage,” Cody explains. “I wanted to show agents how to build real, sustainable businesses. There’s so much incompetence in the field right now, and I wanted to create a team that does things ethically and puts clients first.”
This philosophy has become the foundation of his team. Cody believes that the key to long-term success in real estate is to build genuine relationships with clients rather than chasing the next commission check. By teaching his agents to focus on value and service, he’s been able to foster a team culture that aligns with his values.
A Focus on Authenticity and Client Relationships
Cody’s authenticity has been one of the main drivers of his success. Unlike many agents who focus on flashy marketing tactics or aggressive sales strategies, Cody takes a different approach. He never pushes clients into decisions, and his focus is always on what’s best for them.
“I’m just a regular guy who happens to be good at selling houses,” Cody says. “I’m not out here trying to be an influencer or something I’m not. I think people appreciate that. I’m honest with them, and I never try to push them into something they’re not ready for.”
This genuine approach has resonated with clients, leading to a steady stream of referrals and repeat business. Cody’s background, which includes serving in the military and overcoming personal challenges, gives him a unique perspective that many clients find relatable. His experiences have shaped his approach to real estate, making him someone who values honesty and transparency over flashiness.
Recruiting the Right People for the Team
For Cody, building a team isn’t just about finding people to handle the workload; it’s about finding the right people who share his values and vision. He’s very selective about who he brings onto his team, focusing on agents who are committed to building long-term relationships with clients.
“I want people who buy into the idea that this is a long-term game,” Cody explains. “I’m not handing out leads or promising quick success. I’m looking for agents who are willing to put in the work, stay consistent, and always put people first.”
Currently, Cody’s team consists of three agents: his best friend, his cousin, and an agent who reached out to him via Instagram. Cody values organic growth and believes that the right people will gravitate towards him if they resonate with his philosophy.
The Importance of Training and Development
While Cody’s team is relatively small, he places a strong emphasis on training and development. He encourages his agents to gain experience in both buying and selling to understand the full spectrum of the real estate business. Cody believes that agents should be well-rounded and knowledgeable about all aspects of the industry to provide the best possible service to their clients.
“I don’t limit my agents to just buyers or sellers,” Cody says. “I want them to experience both sides so they understand and respect each role. It makes them better agents in the long run.”
This comprehensive approach to training ensures that his agents are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in a competitive market. Cody believes that ongoing education and hands-on experience are key to building a successful real estate career.
Social Media as a Tool for Growth
Cody has seen significant success by leveraging social media to grow his business. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow him to share success stories, educate clients, and showcase his authentic self. He uses social media not as a tool for self-promotion but as a way to provide value to his audience.
“Social media has been huge for me,” Cody says. “I use it to share what I know, especially with veterans. A lot of veterans don’t realize the benefits they’re entitled to, like the VA loan, which is one of the best loan products out there. I also share bits of my personal life to show that I’m just a regular guy. I’m not trying to be something I’m not.”
This approach has helped Cody build trust with his audience, leading to more referrals and stronger client relationships. By focusing on education and authenticity, Cody has been able to create a strong personal brand that resonates with his followers.
Challenges of Managing a Team
While Cody enjoys leading a team, he acknowledges that it comes with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is managing the expectations and performance of his agents. Cody takes the success of his team members personally and often finds himself wondering if he’s doing enough to support them.
“When my agents aren’t producing like I know they can, I take it personally,” Cody admits. “I wonder if there’s more I could be doing—more training, more coaching. But at the end of the day, it’s up to them to put in the work. It’s a learning curve, and it can be stressful.”
This insight has led Cody to reconsider his role as a team leader. While he enjoys helping agents succeed, he sometimes misses the simplicity of working as a solo agent, where his success was entirely his own responsibility.
Contemplating a Return to Solo Real Estate
Despite the success of his team, Cody has been considering a return to solo real estate. He loves selling houses and working directly with clients, and he finds that managing a team can sometimes take him away from what he’s most passionate about.
“I love selling real estate—that’s my passion,” Cody says. “But managing people, especially the younger generation, can be tough. A lot of them see real estate as this glamorous, easy career, but it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had. It’s more cutthroat than any other industry I’ve worked in.”
While Cody is still committed to his team, he’s evaluating his long-term goals and considering what will make him happiest in the future.
Advice for Aspiring Team Leaders
For agents who are considering starting their own teams, Cody offers some valuable advice. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the responsibility that comes with leading a team and being prepared for the challenges.
“You have to ask yourself if you really want a team,” Cody says. “When you’re a solo agent, your success is entirely up to you. But when you lead a team, their success becomes your responsibility too. It’s a lot of stress, and you have to be ready for that.”
Cody also encourages aspiring team leaders to focus on finding the right people and providing them with the training and support they need to succeed. He believes that a successful team is built on a foundation of trust, shared values, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Conclusion
Cody Wickham’s journey in real estate is a testament to the power of authenticity, hard work, and a client-first approach. By building a team that reflects his values and commitment to long-term success, Cody has created a model that other agents can learn from. Whether he continues to lead a team or returns to solo real estate, one thing is clear: Cody’s dedication to doing things the right way will continue to set him apart in the Austin real estate market.
As Cody navigates the challenges of managing a team while staying true to his passion for real estate, his story serves as an inspiration for agents looking to build sustainable, ethical, and successful businesses. Follow Cody on Instagram: @codysellsaustin.
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