The Realvolve Story
How one failed business created a new path for future agents.
The truth is, the majority of real estate businesses are unsustainable. I should know, because mine was one of them.
Hi, I’m Dave Crumby, veteran real estate agent and founder of Realvolve. This is the story of how my thriving real estate business came crashing down. Right when I thought I was invincible, when I had more money than I’d ever thought possible, my business failed.
I made a mistake that very few agents bounce back from: I didn’t have scalable systems for building relationships.
This is my story, and the story of the most scalable CRM in real estate.
Early in my real estate career, when I was about 24, I became fascinated with marketing, lead generation, internet technology, and other mass produced automation that I felt allowed me to “work smarter.” I became so skilled in real estate marketing and technology that, in addition to selling homes, I became a consultant to a nationally known real estate coach.
After 10 years in the real estate industry, I was doing 100+ transactions a year.
And then it all came crashing down.
When the Great Recession hit, my production dropped like a rock. My skillfully-honed marketing tactics were suddenly failing to bring in new clients. And with no leads to fill the pipeline, my CRM and other tech tools—which had once seemed so powerful—were rendered useless. My revenue tanked.
As I surveyed the crumbling remains of my failed business, I noticed the agents who were still standing. Still thriving, even. How did they do it? How were they still succeeding, even in this desolate housing market?
I asked and listened and learned. And what I uncovered was this:
The agents who were succeeding were the ones making relationships their #1 priority.
These agents weren’t throwing all of their money into billboards and lead generation systems. Instead of using clever shortcuts, they were putting in the work to maintain relationships with their clients. They were calling to check in and ask about the kids. They were recommending who to call if your pipes froze or your roof needed repairs. They were popping by with gifts—just little tokens of appreciation—and staying in touch long after the transaction was over.
These agents recognized that a real estate business built on referrals and repeat clients—on relationship-based processes—is far more sustainable than one built on lead gen.
After this realization, I set out on a mission to find a real estate CRM with the proper infrastructure for running a relationship-based business.
There were none to be found. So I decided to create my own.
In 2014, Realvolve was born. And for the agents who had been struggling to build out their unique processes in generic CRMs, Realvolve was a game changer. What we had created was a CRM designed specifically for real estate agents, with the infrastructure for building out those relationship-focused workflows that agents need.
You can have it all.
You can build a thriving business and a beautiful life. You can have scalability, predictability, and stability. Freedom. More time to spend with your loved ones. The resources to pursue your passions.
Realvolve is your tool to make it happen.
Ready to take the first step toward your dream business & dream life? Schedule a time to talk with one of our team members.