Business

How Josh Kilby took his Real Estate Company from a Local Brand to a Global Brand

Published

5 years ago

April 20, 2020

At just 23 years old, Josh Kilby decided to leave his 9-5 job as a bank teller and pursue a career in real estate in one of America’s hottest and most competitive real estate markets – Nashville, Tennessee. “I didn’t know anything about real estate at the time, but I do know one thing – no matter what you’re doing – if you have the work ethic, you will be successful”, Josh said.

From Journey to Success

In his first 3 months, he sold $175,000 in real estate. In the next 3 months, he sold over $1million. In his first year, he profited over $150,000 which was 5 times his salary as a bank teller.

In 2019, Josh decided to take his real estate company from a local brand to a global brand. “I quickly learned the power of social media and what it can do for your business”, Josh said. He started posting about his journey on facebook and instagram and sharing inspiration to help other entrepreneurs. His creative content has grabbed the attention of people from all of the world. “I realized that it was impossible for me to go out and talk to 50,000 people in one day, but with social media I can share my message and reach 50,000 people in an hour”.

Future Plans

So what’s next for you? Each day I wake up and I am obsessed with growing and helping others succeed. I continue to grow my brand and social presence and want to help more and more people create wealth through real estate just as I have. I love entrepreneurship and I’m on a mission to help the world see things through a different lens. I want the world to know that a college degree isn’t the magic pill. It’s not going to make you successful. The only thing that can make you successful is your work ethic. I went from $0 to over 6 figures in less than 6 months without a college degree or any previous experience. I did it solely with my work ethic and vision. We are living in a day and time where the middle class is disappearing which means you either sink or swim, and I refused to sink.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

5 days ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.