By Justin Stoddart
In an industry that celebrates hustle, speed, and nonstop availability, it feels refreshing to meet someone who’s thriving on a completely different wavelength. On the latest episode of the Think Bigger Real Estate Podcast, I sat down with author and real estate agent Garrett Maroon, who’s built a referral-only business averaging 59 homes a year.
That’s not the jaw-dropping part. What’s truly impressive is how Garrett has achieved this while prioritizing what matters most: his faith, his family, and his freedom. In an era where burnout has become the commonplace, his approach is a masterclass in building a high-impact business without losing yourself in the process.
Garrett’s story starts like so many of ours: grinding through early days that nearly made him quit. But through persistence, reflection, and a deep sense of purpose, he found a rhythm that allowed him to thrive without sacrificing his family life.
After selling 50 homes a year for several years straight, Garrett brought on a partner, Jesse, who now handles day-to-day production. Together, they continue to serve clients entirely through referrals—a model built on care, consistency, and authentic relationships.
For Garrett, the greatest reward hasn’t been financial. It was the text from Jesse one day saying, “Thank you for convincing me to get into this business. It’s changed my life.” That moment, Garrett says, meant more than any commission check ever could.
Garrett’s database includes just 275 people, yet it fuels nearly 60 closings a year. He sees those contacts not as leads but as relationships. His quarterly rhythm is beautifully simple:
Month 1: A personal video text (no talk of real estate, just genuine care).
Month 2: A handwritten note or thoughtful gift—often sent via Amazon for efficiency.
Month 3: A client appreciation event or one-on-one coffee.
This cycle repeats every quarter. It’s not flashy; it’s human. As Garrett says, “People are over-communicated but under-cared for.”
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Early on, Garrett spent around $2,500 per event. Eventually, he discovered the same results, and often better ones, by scaling back to under $800. His events became more simple, fun, and focused on gratitude. Think ice cream socials in summer or family movie nights in winter.
“If your lead generation plan isn’t simple enough to survive a chaotic season,” Garrett says, “you won’t do it consistently.”
Consistency beats complexity every time.
Garrett’s business model allows him to be home for dinner every night. He’s transparent with clients about his hours, and they respect him more for it.
Because his business is rooted in trust, his clients see him as a specialist, not a commodity. As he puts it, “If you’re urgent care, people expect 24/7. If you’re the surgeon, they’ll wait for you.”
Boundaries don’t repel serious clients; they attract them.
One of the most powerful themes from our conversation was faith, not just as a belief system, but as a framework for integrity and identity. Garrett refuses to separate who he is from how he does business.
He describes it perfectly: “My faith isn’t a backpack I take on and off. It’s who I am.”
That authenticity radiates through his brand and attracts clients who share his values. Whether faith, family, or another deep conviction drives you—build from that center.
Garrett talks often about the ripple effect: how our choices as agents impact not just our clients, but their families, their communities, even future generations.
A well-run business can transform more than your balance sheet; it can shape lives. And in a time when loneliness and disconnection are rampant, being the agent who truly cares might be the most valuable differentiator of all.
True success comes from building both a successful business and a significant life. Garrett’s story is a shining example of that philosophy in action.
You can sell dozens of homes a year, all by referral. You can lead with purpose. You can be present at home and still prosper in business. You just have to design your systems, and your mindset, accordingly.
If you’re ready to transform your business the way Garrett did, we can help.
Schedule a Demo to see how our platform helps you turn relationships into reliable revenue.
As Garrett reminded us, “Be excellent at being you.” You don’t need to be everywhere. You don’t need to be everything. You just need to show up—authentically, consistently, and with care.
That’s how you sell 59 homes a year by referral.
That’s how you build a business that truly matters.
00:55 – Guest: Garrett Maroon, Realtor & Referral Business Coach
02:10 – How Garrett built a 59-deals-a-year business, all by referral
04:45 – The power of helping others succeed and the ripple effect of mentorship
07:50 – Garrett’s 3-step quarterly referral system explained
10:25 – Why “people are over-communicated but under-cared for”
13:40 – The Amazon gift strategy: small gestures, big impact
17:50 – Hosting simple, repeatable client appreciation events
21:50 – Handing off clients and training a trusted business partner
25:40 – Raising a big family while running a thriving business
28:40 – Boundaries, balance, and building a business on trust
34:30 – Redefining success: faith, family, and authentic living
37:15 – How to build a business that reflects who you really are
41:45 – Success with significance: blending purpose and prosperity
43:20 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Garrett Maroon
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