Episode 4: Scaling Success: Tilman Dunbar on Leadership, Investing, and Growth in Real Estate
March 6, 2025
My guest on today’s podcast is Tilman Dunbar. Tilman is a dynamic force in the real estate industry, a former Division 1 athlete, and a Navy veteran. After serving as a surface warfare officer, he transitioned into real estate, quickly making a name for himself as an investor, agent, and now the CEO of Keller Williams Elite 757. What’s unique about Tilman is his journey from flipping houses to leading a brokerage of over 100 agents—all while building multiple businesses within the real estate ecosystem. In this episode, we dive into his story, from his early days as an investor to his rapid rise in the industry. He shares how he made the leap from military service to full-time real estate, the lessons he learned about building a successful team, and how he’s strategically expanded his business across multiple areas of real estate. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, failing forward, and how understanding the different pieces of the industry can create long-term success. You’ll hear about his approach to leadership, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and his vision for leveraging real estate as a tool for massive impact in his community. So with that introduction, I hope you enjoy today’s episode of The Real Estate Success Podcast with Tilman Dunbar.
Summary
In this conversation, Tillman Dunbar shares his journey from being a Division One basketball player and a surface warfare officer in the Navy to becoming a successful real estate investor and agent. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced while transitioning into real estate, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from building a team. Tillman emphasizes the significance of community impact and his vision for success, which includes uplifting those in need.
Takeaways
Tillman transitioned from a military career to real estate.
His first successful flip netted him $100,000.
Joining a team early in his career was crucial for success.
The importance of training and mentorship in real estate.
Real estate offers various avenues for success beyond traditional sales.
Building a team requires strategic hiring and planning.
Failing forward is a part of the learning process.
Investing in administrative support can free up time for growth.
Success is defined by the ability to impact the community positively.
Tillman aims to create opportunities for underprivileged individuals.