Every year, REALTORⓇ Magazine searches far and wide for their annual 30 Under 30 honorees – a group of young professionals representing the next generation of industry leaders who are making waves in real estate through their professionalism, ethics, and servant hearts.
“During a year marked by a heartache of the COVID-19 pandemic – which also required substantial shifts in how people live and work – this year’s class of ‘30 Under 30’ not only persevered but found ways to go the extra mile for their clients and communities,” states REALTORⓇ Magazine’s finalist announcement. The list celebrates five Keller Williams professionals who bring passion and grit not only to the company, but within the industry as a whole.
“These amazing honorees have not just grown their businesses – but they have done so by constantly adapting through the unpredictability of 2020, and coming from a place of care for their clients and fellow professionals,” says Keller Williams president Marc King. “With these young professionals at the forefront, the future of real estate is looking bright.”
Meet the Keller Williams agents that are part of the ‘30 Under 30’ Class of 2021.
Daniel Walcott
- Team Member @ Keller Williams Capital Properties
- Washington, D.C.
- Age: 29
- 2020 Individual Sales Volume: $5.4 million
- 2020 Individual Transaction Sides: 19
Shortly after joining Keller Williams, Walcott had the realization that many of the agents he looked up to in the brokerage were past honorees. As such, being a finalist was a goal of his. Receiving the honor, Walcott says, “is confirmation that the seemingly small things that I do day-to-day to improve my community and the lives of my clients has a larger compound effect.” As a member of the Class of 2021, Walcott feels a greater responsibility to advocate for the rights of homeowners and not just protect, but advance the real estate industry.
Currently, Walcott is hard at work on a new initiative to help close the racial wealth and homeownership gap. And, on a personal note, he is gearing up for his next big event of the year – his wedding!
Megan Steinmetz
- Individual Salesperson @ Keller Williams Classic Realty
- Coon Rapids, Minn.
- Age: 29
- 2020 Individual Sales Volume: $9.9 million
- 2020 Individual Transaction Sides: 31
Steinmetz wanted to be a Realtor for as long as she can remember, but before committing to the industry she had a brief stint in the corporate world. “I didn’t feel fulfilled in my career,” she says. “I decided to give real estate a shot and gave it everything I had. I had no doubt in my mind that real estate is what I was meant to do and failure just isn’t an option for me.” For Steinmetz, this award is confirmation that she was made for this industry. “They say the finest form of currency is peer recognition: Therefore, this is the pinnacle of success for me and further affirmation that my hard work and dedication to my career has paid off,” she says.
Steinmetz really enjoys being an independent agent (save for her unpaid assistant Norton – her French bulldog), and providing her clients with the white-glove service they deserve. “Selling lakefront properties is my niche market, and every transaction is so unique and different that it fuels me to continue nurturing the relationship with clients that I have established,” she shares. Her future plans include becoming more involved with mentorship programs in order to be an example to others in the industry.
Joel Nath
- Team Lead @ Keller Williams Freedom – Top Notch Home Team
- Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Age: 28
- 2020 Individual Sales Volume: $8 million
- 2020 Individual Transaction Sides: 22.7
For Nath, receiving this honor is not just a testament to his and his team’s success, but a new world of possibilities. “One of the best things about this is that it will allow me to expand my skill bridge and ACAP programs. These are for transitioning military members who want to get into real estate,” he shares. “There aren’t many programs out there right now for our industry, so I’m very excited for this,” Nath, who is an infantry vet and current reservist with Civil Affairs, adds.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to Nath and his team, Top Notch Home Team. “My next steps involve refining systems and growing the team, hopefully to other areas,” he says. “I’d also like to coach other young leaders in the industry, especially those interested in becoming ‘30 Under 30’ honorees.”
Kate Carlton
- Individual Salesperson @ Keller Williams Legacy
- Apex, N.C.
- Age: 29
- 2020 Individual Sales Volume: $10.2 million
- 2020 Individual Transaction Sides: 35
Carlton’s strength and passion is connecting with single female buyers. “I’m passionate about wanting single women to have independence and I understand that working with these buyers takes patience, understanding, and guidance,” she shares in her ‘30 Under 30’ submission. “I’ve never thought of myself as a salesperson, but more of a matchmaker and an advocate for my clients.” In connecting with her clients, Carlton draws into her own experience as a single woman who went through the process of purchasing her own home. “I strive to give other women the rewarding feeling that I felt – and that I still feel – when I walk through my front door,” she shares.
Alex Wolking
- Associate Broker @ Keller Williams ONE Chicago
- Chicago, Ill.
- Age: 29
- 2020 Individual Sales Volume: $15.5 million
- 2020 Individual Transaction Sides: 29
For Wolking, being recognized as a ‘30 Under 30’ means that his work over the last 10 years has been meaningful. “I spent my 20s building my business, my community, and the people within it,” he shares. “This is acknowledgment that it does not matter whether you have a large social media following or a large marketing budget – at the end of the day, this is an honor recognizing knowledge, expertise, and dedication, and I’m honored to be considered among them.”
Five years ago, Wolking moved into a new market, and he’s slowly rebuilt his business over the course of this time. “Now, the slow and steady pace has turned into a well-oiled machine,” he shares. He’s adding team members to continue providing a high level of service that exceeds client expectations, and is focusing on growth. “It feels great to be in a groove,” he shares. “Building a team has helped me fall in love with real estate all over again!”