REMAX 30 Under 30 Agents Share the ‘One Move’ That Made All the Difference

Breaking into real estate is rarely about a single moment. But for four REMAX agents recognized on REALTOR® Magazine’s 2026 30 Under 30 list, one pivotal decision helped accelerate everything else that followed.

Selected from more than 280 applicants, Jordan Mulrooney, Rodolfo Garcia, Elli Jennings and Maddie Mittelsteadt share the “one move” that reshaped how they built their businesses, offering practical lessons for other agents navigating the industry.

He couldn’t do everything himself and still build the career – and personal life – he wanted.

“It was really about needing more time,” he says. “Time with my clients, but also time with my wife and son.”

Why it mattered:

“At first, hiring a transaction coordinator felt like removing myself from the transaction, but instead, it allowed me to show up more for my clients instead of focusing on paperwork.”

By letting go, Mulrooney actually gained more. Delegating administrative tasks allowed him to focus on what mattered most – building deeper relationships. It also gave him the freedom to show up more authentically, helping him connect more naturally within his community.

“People work with you because they love you,” he says. “Being authentic in my marketing changed everything.”

The takeaway:

“Don’t hire a transaction coordinator until you truly understand the paperwork – but once you do, it can change your business. And market yourself as you actually are.”

Mulrooney encourages agents to share their real selves. “If you don’t wear a suit, don’t wear one,” he says. “Wear the hat. Be yourself. People respond to that – and they’ll love you for it.”

“I realized I was capping my growth,” he says. “Instead of building inventory and long-term relationships, I was always in pursuit mode.”

Why it mattered:

“Focusing on sellers and investors allowed me to help clients build long-term wealth, not just complete transactions.”

By shifting his focus to seller relationships and investment properties, Garcia sharpened the skills needed to build a more consistent and scalable business – while helping more people in the process.

“I’ve been blessed to help different siblings and even multiple generations within the same family,” he says. “That only happens when you’re thinking beyond individual transactions.”

The takeaway:

“Don’t be afraid to trade short-term comfort for long-term growth.”

Garcia recommends finding a niche, building relationships, and leaning into expertise. “Those areas require more prospecting and patience,” he says, “but that’s where sustainable, scalable business comes from – and where you can truly advise clients on growth planning, not just buying or selling.”

“I was young. I sounded young. I looked young,” she says. “I didn’t have the experience yet, so I had to let the work speak for itself.”

That meant saying yes, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone – mentally and physically – expanding her reach beyond her hometown, and consistently putting herself out there on social media.

Why it mattered:

“Social media absolutely catapulted my business, but the real shift was the work ethic underneath it.”

Jennings recalls a day that remains a personal record: a 6:30 a.m. client call, a midnight bedtime, and eight properties put under contract. While she doesn’t glamorize hustle culture, she acknowledges those early years laid the foundation for what has become a sustainable career.

“Getting over myself was huge,” she says. “I had to stop worrying about what people thought and start marketing myself the way I deserved.”

The takeaway:

“Set aside the insecurity and get to work. Confidence follows action – not the other way around.”

Jennings admits burnout was a real risk but credits her support system for helping her push through. Today, she looks back on those 80-hour weeks with perspective, noting they created room for boundaries and balance she has now.

“I don’t have a magic equation,” she says. “I just worked, knowing I was building something I could sustain – and eventually give back. Keep showing up. Do the good work. Confidence will follow.”

She built a team, defined roles, and set clear goals.

“‘Good enough’ isn’t in my vocabulary,” she says. “Having a team that respects that mindset and trusts the forward direction is essential.”

Why it mattered:

“I wanted growth without sacrificing client care or the quality of our marketing.”

Rather than waiting for burnout to force change, Mittelsteadt proactively invested in building systems that would allow her business to grow without compromising service. Delegating responsibilities enabled her to support both clients and the careers of others.

“I wanted clients to benefit from multiple strengths and more consistent support throughout the process,” she says. “That simply isn’t possible when one person is doing everything.”

The takeaway:

“Don’t build a team just to get bigger – build one to get better.”

While hiring, creating systems, and leading others came with new responsibilities, the outcome exceeded expectations. With the right people and clear standards in place, service improved, reach expanded, and the business grew stronger and more scalable.

“Start with the client experience you want to deliver,” Mittelsteadt advises. “Then design the people and systems around that vision. Growth with intention can completely transform your business.”

While each journey looks different, one theme connects them all: intentional change creates new outcomes. For these four REMAX agents, refining daily practices — and committing to smarter, more scalable ways of working — helped accelerate success before 30 and build businesses designed to last.

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