This Social Media Savvy Agent Reached RE/MAX Chairman’s Club by Age 25. Here’s How

RE/MAX is a business that builds local businesses – and the brand’s affiliates are able to do things their very own way. Just ask Elli Jennings Shindelar, whose mindset, determination and creativity have helped her business – and productivity – stand out from the competition.

Shindelar is a member of the Jennings Real Estate Team with RE/MAX Real Estate Center in Ames, Iowa. She’s part of the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club, placing her among the brand’s highest producers in a given year. She’s also earned a coveted spot in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame for her impressive career production. Having recently turned 26, Shindelar is one of the the youngest entrepreneurs in these honorable RE/MAX groups.

In an exclusive Q&A with RE/MAX News, Shindelar shares why client trust is the backbone of her business – and provides tips for fellow agents on showcasing their authenticity and achieving greatness.

Elli Jennings Shindelar

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Elli Jennings Shindelar

How did you know real estate was the right career for you?

I honestly didn’t – not at first. Real estate was all I ever knew growing up. My parents owned a RE/MAX brokerage, and I spent so much time in their office or tagging along on showings that it just felt like background noise to my life. It was never something they pushed on me, either. I had every intention of doing something different. My parents never said, “You should get your real estate license and join the family business,” even though I imagine that’s probably every parent’s dream. And now, with all of us licensed – including my brother and sister – it has become a dream come true. But it all happened naturally.

I got my license for a practical reason: It was on us kids to pay for college, and I figured I could earn money hosting showing for agents I already knew. I understood the flow, I was comfortable in the environment, and I had worked in the office during high school to make extra cash.

Then came a bit of beginner’s luck: During my first year of college, I was helping host an open house and I asked what to do if someone came through unrepresented. The agents said, “Why don’t you take them?” I didn’t expect much, but two different groups of first-time homebuyers showed up – both without agents – and just like that, I had clients of my own! From there, my business snowballed. I was only 18, but I already had an amazing support group of agents to shadow, as well as my parents, who modeled what it meant to be great at this job. They showed me real estate isn’t about being a pushy salesperson – it’s about being a good person, wanting to do the right thing, and building trust. That was the kind of agent I wanted to become.

What has fueled your success, earning you a spot in the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club and RE/MAX Hall of Fame?

Consistency. Confidence. And putting myself out there – even when it felt uncomfortable. I started selling real estate at 18 years old, and let’s be honest – convincing someone to trust a teenager to guide them through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives isn’t easy. I had to grow up quickly in the business. I had to learn how to come across as experienced, mature, and professional. It took a lot of self-talk, mentorship and learning on the fly. But even early on, I’d hear clients say they chose to work with me because they felt I was trustworthy and genuine. That’s what matters most.

When I think about my brand, I want it to feel like a luxury hotel: Every touchpoint, every email and every conversation should leave people feeling cared for and prioritized. But I also bring my “big sister energy” to every transaction. I give honest, straightforward feedback. I advocate fiercely. And I don’t sugarcoat anything, because I want my clients to walk away with no confusion about where they stand or what’s coming next. I believe you can deliver the highest level of service and be direct, transparent, and human.

Growth came gradually at first. I poured myself into TikTok and social media, showing up every day with videos – that’s where it started. That content brought in clients, which gave me experience, which led to more visibility and more results. I built systems, hired an assistant, and started working smarter without losing my personal touch.

Reaching RE/MAX Chairman’s Club wasn’t just about chasing a number or a title. Since I was a little girl, I watched my mom earn her spot at the RE/MAX Elite Retreat, the brand’s gathering of top producers. I remember seeing her attend those events, meet the most amazing people, and come home full of energy and ideas. Now, getting my own seat at that table – one I earned entirely on my own – means the world to me. I can’t wait to meet everyone at the Elite Retreat this fall.

My two incredible siblings are licensed now as well, and they’re not only amazing real estate agents, they’re amazing people, too. I’m constantly inspired by them. More than anything, I want to prove to them – and someday to my own children – that if you work hard, stay grounded, and lead with heart, good fortune will come. You don’t have to follow society’s definition of success or live by someone else’s timeline. When you’re consistent, and when you’re willing to make sacrifices to achieve something meaningful, anything is possible.

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What role does the RE/MAX brand and its community play in your growth and productivity?

RE/MAX gave me the platform to build my business my way, while still having the backing of a brand that clients trust. When people see the RE/MAX name paired with the Jennings Real Estate Team, they feel confident in the process before we even begin. It brings credibility, professionalism, and peace of mind.

The culture of the RE/MAX network is just as impactful. It’s collaborative, energizing, and full of agents who aren’t just chasing numbers, but building meaningful careers. RE/MAX has given me access to incredible tools, and opportunities to learn from some of the best in the industry. That’s something I don’t take for granted.

As a prevalent real estate influencer, social media plays a big role in your business. How has this online presence been beneficial in business?

It started as a creative outlet. I was young and entering the business full-time, trying to find my own voice and stand out in a crowded space. I wasn’t interested in copying what everyone else was doing. I knew Iowa, I believed in Iowa, and I figured that if I could shed light on my home state in a relatable way, people would connect with it.

At the time, TikTok was just taking off – so I leaned into it. I made videos about the Iowa lifestyle, homeownership, funny client moments and everything in between. People connected with it, and over time, I became known as the “TikTok real estate agent.” But more than that, it became a bridge to trust. New clients often feel like they already know me before we ever meet. That kind of connection takes time to build traditionally, but social media helped me do it authentically, at scale.

What is your advice for others looking to boost their production in real estate?

Be yourself. And be consistent. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to be successful – you just have to be clear on who you are and how you can help. Clients want someone they trust, someone who shows up, and someone who isn’t afraid to have real conversations.

When I think about how I show up as an agent, I strive to deliver excellent service, quick communication, and calm confidence. But I also want to bring honest feedback, tough love when needed, and unwavering advocacy. My clients know I’m going to tell them the truth, whether it’s good or bad, because they deserve that kind of clarity. And they also know I’ll be in their corner every step of the way.

Build systems. Learn your market. And remember: People aren’t hiring you to sell them a house – they’re hiring you to guide them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Show them you’re worthy of that trust.

Written by RE/MAX News 


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