How the founding partners of Washington D.C.’s Coalition Properties Group built a community of real estate leaders and a culture of impact
In the fast-paced world of real estate, the importance of collaboration often gets overlooked. Yet, collaboration isn’t just a strategy for Harrison Beacher, Ryan Butler, and Keith James — the founding partners of Coalition Properties Group (Keller Williams® Capital Properties) — it’s the bedrock of their success. With a mission centered on serving communities in the Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Richmond markets, they’ve established themselves as industry leaders and secured their position as the second spotlight in our new hit series Real Estate Role Models.
Forming Strong Partnerships
The seeds of Coalition Properties Group were sown long before its official inception in 2019. Harrison and Ryan, who met as freshmen at Georgetown University in 2004, cultivated a friendship that would blossom into a formidable business partnership that now spans over 20 years. Their early bond set the stage for a collaboration that would change the trajectory of their careers.
Ryan recalls his journey into real estate with a clear vision: “I always knew I was going to be in real estate. I just didn’t know how.” Growing up in a small town in Mississippi, he first caught the real estate bug at the age of seven after a conversation with a cousin about flipping homes. Shortly after graduating from Georgetown with a computer science degree, he bought his first property — a purchase that would lead to almost a dozen personal transactions and valuable experience renovating and flipping homes. His desire to help others achieve homeownership became a driving force in his career, and by 2016, Ryan had become a licensed real estate agent.
Harrison followed a more circuitous route. After a stint as a D.J. and bartender, he recognized his entrepreneurial spirit needed an outlet. Encouraged by a family friend, Harrison earned his real estate license in 2009. He burst onto the D.C. scene with an extensive network, a knack for nurturing relationships, and a hunger to help his friends buy and sell real estate. Harrison ended his first year in the industry with five closed deals totaling just under $1M in volume. Although he was a successful solo agent, he knew his business could benefit from better systems. He began to think about what was next.
Ryan found himself in a similar situation. “I saw my plateau coming,” said Ryan, “and I thought, man, that’s going to be as good as I can get for a while. I knew I had to grow and develop, and I knew I wanted some friends to grow with me.”
Ryan and Harrison’s relationship became richer with the addition of Keith James, a fellow fraternity brother who re-entered the picture as Ryan’s client. With a background in corporate sales, Ryan immediately saw potential in Keith and encouraged him to consider a partnership. Keith embraced the idea – and so did Harrison. “There’s something powerful about doing something significant and big with a group of people that you care about,” said Harrison, epitomizing the spirit of collaboration that defines CPG.
“I saw my plateau coming. I knew I had to grow and develop, and I knew I wanted some friends to grow with me.”
Ryan Butler, Founding Partner, Coalition Properties Group
Building a Coalition
As they united to form Coalition Properties Group, the partners quickly recognized the value of their diverse skills. Ryan emerged as the visionary, leading the charge with operational strategy and financial discipline. Harrison, known for his empathetic approach, excelled in nurturing client relationships and fostering a supportive team culture.
Meanwhile, Keith brought his field expertise in lead generation and relationship-building. He quickly developed and mastered a sales cycle system that could generate a seamless flow of solid business.
Despite the team’s collective strengths, their early days posed challenges. The trio faced the steep learning curve of developing a cohesive team while managing the demands of a growing business. “Our first year was hectic,” said Ryan.
“It was a time of trial and error more than any other year,” Harrison added. “We learned to embrace our individual roles and collaborate effectively.”
“It was a time of trial and error more than any other year. We learned to embrace our individual roles and collaborate effectively.”
Harrison Beacher, Founding Partner, Coalition Properties Group.
Their challenges ultimately strengthened their bond. The initial year proved fruitful, with CPG closing 165 units totaling around $65 million in volume. However, the real test came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The partners had to adapt quickly, leveraging their existing technology and virtual meeting capabilities to maintain connections with clients.
“We were already taking virtual tours and conducting meetings online,” Ryan explained. “Our established relationships allowed us to pivot smoothly.”
The partners also spent time masterminding with other agents across the country to understand the changing laws and develop a winning pandemic-era strategy. They created a “care call” campaign, where the partners would check in with clients and friends and offer support however they could. They hosted virtual events with music, camaraderie, conversation, and more. It was a much-needed outlet for a community stuck behind closed doors.
“Our established relationships allowed us to pivot smoothly.”
Ryan Butler, Founding Partner, Coalition Properties Group.
Growth Through Systemization
The pandemic tested the team’s resilience, yet highlighted their commitment to the company’s mission. By focusing on the three L’s – leads, listings, and leverage – they maintained momentum and even saw growth during a challenging period.
While navigating the chaos of 2020, they closed 300 homes, achieving $140 million in sales volume that year alone. This growth didn’t happen by chance; it stemmed from their unwavering dedication to following proven systems and models established by Keller Williams.
Ryan, a devoted follower and disciple of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent (tune into the official MREA Podcast here), encouraged his team to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement rooted in the book’s fundamental business models. He says establishing effective systems comes down to simply following the MREA blueprint for sales, administrative support, and lead generation.
Keller Williams’ models, systems, and culture of sharing had a profound effect on Keith, who says, “Harrison and Ryan taught me to work on the business instead of working in the business,” said Keith. “It made me a better salesperson.”
Harrison is also grateful for Ryan’s focus on the fundamentals. “He understands the details. He knows what’s going on but doesn’t let those details detract or take him away from the bigger goal and our bigger mission – and the things we need to work on,” he noted.
“Harrison and Ryan taught me to work on the business instead of working in the business. It made me a better salesperson.”
Keith Butler, Founding Partner, Coalition Properties Group.
Community Engagement and Impact
For Coalition Properties Group, success isn’t just about transactions. While building their business, the group has remained deeply committed to community engagement. Their mission extends beyond real estate to encompass lifestyle enhancement and wealth-building opportunities for their clients.
“One of the benefits of interacting with 1,800 clients over these past five years is that we have clients and friends doing great work in the community we live in,” said Harrison.
Their community involvement takes many forms, including creating and hosting educational events like “OwnerCon.” The annual event attracts hundreds of attendees eager to learn about real estate investing, wealth protection, and personal finance strategies. CPG also supports local organizations like the D.C. Dream Center, which focuses on providing mentorship and resources for underserved youth.
Keith’s passion for social impact shines through in the group’s community initiatives, including providing housing to returning citizens who are reintegrating into society. “I think everyone should be given second chances,” Keith asserted, underscoring his commitment to uplifting marginalized populations.
Through these efforts, CPG actively cultivates a reputation not only as a real estate powerhouse, but also as a pillar of the community. “Most people come to us for real estate, but they stay for the lifestyle and wealth-building opportunities,” Ryan noted, highlighting the value clients find in their holistic approach.
“Most people come to us for real estate, but they stay for the lifestyle and wealth-building opportunities.”
Ryan Butler, Founding Partner, Coalition Properties Group.
Embracing Group Economics
One of the most innovative aspects of CPG’s strategy is their approach to group economics. By pooling resources and expertise, the partners empower community members to collectively invest in real estate. This syndicated model not only reduces individual risk, it also creates valuable learning experiences for all participants.
Ryan explained, “We started by buying properties together. Our clients expressed interest in joining us, so we expanded our approach.” This strategy allows their clients to participate in more significant investments that might otherwise be out of reach, fostering a sense of community ownership and shared success.
Harrison added, “It’s about giving people the keys to understand how all of this works. We’re building a successful business while providing access to opportunities many wouldn’t have otherwise.”
“We’re building a successful business while providing access to opportunities many wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Harrison Beacher, Founding Partner, Coalition Properties Group
As Coalition Properties Group forges ahead, its commitment to collaboration, community, and continuous improvement remains steadfast. The partners understand that their success hinges not only on closing deals, but also on making a meaningful impact on the lives of those they serve.
“We get to help so many people navigate big life decisions,” Harrison reflected. “Our mission allows us to create opportunities for future generations. It’s about growth and connection.”
K.W.’s Real Estate Role Model Takeaways
- Start With a Big Why
CPG’s mission is their North Star. It directs their decisions and strategic action, and fuels their persistent passion to make an impact in their community. - Provide Personalized Client Support in All Things
CPG is all about building strong relationships, offering guidance not just in real estate, but also in lifestyle and wealth-building. They’re a go-to resource for all their clients’ needs. - Host Community Events
The team uses holiday gatherings and events like OwnerCon to generate new leads, nurture existing client relationships, and fuel a powerful referral engine. Their focus on financial literacy and wealth-building through real estate has been so effective that attendees are now sharing what they’ve learned with others. - Support Wealth-Building Using Group Economics
CPG has opened up opportunities for community members to invest in real estate through group deals and multifamily property purchases. Through syndicated investing, people who might not be able to invest in large properties on their own can still get in on the action. - Give a Million
Ryan, Harrison, and Keith have successfully integrated giving into their business model, expanding their reach and their impact in their community.