By: Whitefriar PR

When building a business, success often hinges not solely on the quality of products or the competence of teams but rather on the strength of the company’s brand. Mark Slade’s journey in real estate serves as a first-hand example of the transformative power of branding. “When I began in real estate, there were 77 other Mark Slade’s, as well as a very highly jam-packed number of agents in the immediate area of Northern, NJ,” he said. It was this realization that sparked his determination to stand out among his competitors and build a recognizable and unique identity.

Early Beginnings in Real Estate

Mark’s career began in the fashion industry as an EVP for renowned brands like Calvin Klein, Guess and Lacoste, to name a few. Despite his corporate success, having reached the level of Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Merchandising, Mark faced unemployment when a foreign conglomerate acquired the latter two companies of his fashion industry career. Facing personal and financial struggles—prolonged unemployment and having to turn to Food Stamps to survive, he turned to real estate as a means of survival, unaware of how this career shift would change his life. He established The Mark Slade Homes Team, which is now about to eclipse one-half billion dollars in lifetime team sales in New Jersey. 

One of his biggest realizations during the ups and downs of his career is that doing something you love is the key to a fulfilling life. After hitting rock bottom, he embraced real estate not just as a means of survival but as a true passion. “If you can choose to do something you want to do because you love it, you can enjoy the rest of your life,” he says. “If you love what you do, the money will follow—and you’ll have a happy life! Further, he now found a way to put his degrees in Economics, Fine Arts, and Urban Studies to best use.” 

How Mark Brands His Business Effectively 

Throughout his years in real estate, Mark has learned the ins and outs and developed a strong understanding of what works. Branding is the key component for standing out and creating a strong presence in the oversaturated market. Here are Mark’s tips for building a recognizable brand:

Convey a distinct message

Effective branding in the real estate industry goes beyond mere imagery or artwork; it requires a meaningful message that resonates with clients on a personal level. “Many realtors brand with just a picture and a promise of good service,” he says. “But effective branding has to have a message.” For Mark, his company brand revolves around the values of “Home, Community, Giving, and Gratitude. By actively engaging with the community through sponsorships and participation in local school events like plays, art shows, and football booster clubs, his brand not only gains visibility but fosters trust and loyalty among his clients. Investing in a branded moving truck took things even further by providing a benefit to his team’s clients that also serves as a mobile billboard.  

Get more creative with design

Mark advises going beyond the typical simple roof outline that many realtors use for branding. While it’s a recognizable design, it lacks the depth needed to establish a strong brand identity. He advocates for elevating branding efforts by being more creative and taking it to the next level. This is a simple way for realtors to differentiate themselves from their peers and communicate their unique value proposition. 

Don’t forget to have fun

Mark emphasizes the importance of infusing fun and creativity into branding strategies. “After a few years in real estate, I realized that I was making decent money and could market my brand and business the way I wanted to,” he says. With this realization, he was able to let loose and have fun with branding and marketing. This approach helped him stand out from his competitors. 

Connect with Mark

Mark’s journey from Food Stamps to building a highly successful real estate company serves as an inspiration for those looking to break into real estate sales. By following his unique advice, anyone can build a brand that will set them apart from their competitors. 

You can connect with Mark Slade by emailing SladeHomes@gmail.com or calling (917) 797-5059.

Published by: Martin De Juan