I’ve been the guy who felt he had everything figured out, at the same time, I’ve also been the guy dealing with life’s challenges at a high level, while coming home to two teenagers who needed a father fully present. Both versions made me the agent and person I am today.

 

I was 26, standing in a Barnes & Noble bookstore in Texas, halfway through a three-month solo road trip. I’d just left my job as a youth ministry coordinator, sold my house, and set out on Route 66 with no plan except to find clarity. My ministry coordinator job was fulfilling, but after 10 years, I wanted something new that would challenge me.

 

I went into the bookstore with hopes the topics inside might trigger an idea of what I wanted to do next. It did. I stopped in front of the real estate section. Out of all the topics, it was the one that appealed to me the most. After spending three months driving across the country alone, I was craving community. That side of real estate appealed to me: working with people while building something from scratch. Right then, I decided to become a REALTOR®.

 

I got my license in 2004, filled with hope. I was single and childless; the move felt risk-free and full of possibility. I built a solid business, and soon I wanted more than just being a solo agent.

 

In 2010, I started researching how to build a real estate team, began the process of building a team, and soon got the chance to launch the Keller Williams Realty franchise in Southern Indiana.

 

I stepped out of sales to manage and grow the brokerage, eventually becoming the owner. We grew to become the second-largest real estate company in the area. In the meantime, I married, became a stepdad, and welcomed two daughters, Cali and Madison. As my focus turned to my family and business, I naturally became less involved in the social scene and, over time, lost touch with many of the meaningful relationships I had built. Today I am looking forward to rekindling our connection.

 

With business growth came new challenges; After ten years, I needed a change from recruiting and managing. I missed the thrill of sales and the direct connection with my clients, so I sold the brokerage and returned to my original team. The market had shifted; I had to make tough decisions to shrink the team down to just me and one other agent, essentially starting over.

 

All of this happened while my personal life changed. After ten years, my marriage ended. I became a single full-time dad with my two daughters. Raising two teenage girls on my own while relaunching my business in a tough market was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. There were moments when I hit rock bottom, juggling finances and feeling the weight of it all. But those challenges taught me humility and perspective.

What came out of all those challenges was a wiser man—someone who budgets carefully, thinks decisions through, and balances spontaneity with strategy. I like to think I advise my clients with the same wisdom and calmness.

 

When I’m not working, my favorite way to decompress is by traveling and going to concerts—sometimes with my girls, sometimes with friends, and sometimes solo. We’ve seen Morgan Wallen, Parker McCollum, and Coldplay more times than I can count. Traveling, we especially love going to Anna Maria Island in Florida, and I’m on a mission to visit every Major League Baseball stadium. And, of course, my daughters are my top priority: connecting with them, giving them experiences, and being present as they navigate their teenage years.

 

Looking back, my challenges have taught me resilience, patience, and the value of embracing a little adventure. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep moving forward—one step, one deal, and one concert at a time.

 

After 24 years of experience, I still treat every transaction as if it were my own. I’m not afraid to talk clients out of selling if I don’t think it’s in their best interest—I always lay out all their options and help them see the bigger picture. I pride myself on my negotiation skills, which come from a high level of emotional intelligence and empathy. I really try to understand people, their challenges, and their goals, and I see all sides of a deal, not just my client’s. That helps me communicate effectively and put my clients in the best possible position.

 

My clients get more than just a REALTOR®—they get someone who brings confidence and calm to what can be a stressful process. I make sure they know I’m taking care of their biggest asset, and I try to bring some fun and lightness to the experience. I always tell my clients not to worry unless I tell them to worry. At the same time, I maintain a high level of professionalism and truly care about the people I work with.

 

Sincerely,

 

Craig Eberle's Big Red Team

Keller Williams Realty Consultants

Craig Eberle's Big Red Team, REALTOR®

Direct 502-269-6898 | Office 502-430-0430 | craig@bigredteam.com | bigredteam.com