“Entrepreneurs know that starting a business is no easy feat,” Monica says. “I personally built my business from scratch, with only concrete floors and folding chairs. I faced financial setbacks and other unexpected challenges, but I persevered. I knew that I had to make my business work, and I did whatever it took. The key to success is having faith in yourself and surrounding yourself with talented individuals.”
With a passion for excellence, a commitment to community, and an unwavering belief in the power of a positive mindset, Monica has created a thriving business that is changing the landscape of real estate in the region. Today, Realty ONE Group Pivot boasts two offices with over 60 agents, and they have their sights set on further expansion.
Check out our full interview with Monica below…
Tell us about your business and the role you play in it.
Realty ONE Group Pivot is the go-to real estate brokerage for Western North Carolina residents. We offer services tailored to meet your needs, whether you’re looking to buy your dream home, sell your property, or make a smart real estate investment. Our team of passionate professionals work tirelessly to turn our client’s goals into reality, while also lending support to each other and the community. I’m Monica Rousseau, the owner of Realty ONE firms in Asheville and Hendersonville – I have firm belief that success in entrepreneurship requires a positive mindset and unwavering faith in oneself, along with the right people supporting you.
I knows that entrepreneurship requires a positive attitude, unshakable self-confidence, and the right support network. She leads agents across two offices, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. Our firm is renowned for our professionalism, integrity, and authenticity, and we’re confident that we will continue to deliver top-notch services to our valued clients.
Where did your career find its start? How did you get involved with your company?
After helping someone start their own real estate business, I found myself wondering what my next step would be. I decided to obtain my real estate license and was advised by a friend to consider applying for a Realty One Group franchise. I was impressed by the company’s focus on the well-being of their agents rather than solely on profits. This inspired me to open my own franchise in 2019 with Realty One Group, as I believe in my abilities and want to create a supportive environment for people to work, provide for their families, and uplift each other. Establishing the business was challenging, but my vision and desire to create a positive workplace motivated me.
How has your company grown over the years?
Entrepreneurs know that starting a business is no easy feat. I personally built my business from scratch, with only concrete floors and folding chairs. I faced financial setbacks and other unexpected challenges, but I persevered. I knew that I had to make my business work, and I did whatever it took. The key to success is having faith in yourself and surrounding yourself with talented individuals.
I am thrilled to announce that our two offices now boast a team of over 60 agents, and we are eagerly anticipating further expansion.
What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome?
In November 2019, I bravely opened my first franchise in Western North Carolina, just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic began. I believed in the company’s values and the structure of the franchise, which was designed to succeed in any cycle of the real estate market. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we remain dedicated to our mission of serving our community.
How has your/your company’s idea of success transformed?
Our top priority is to empower individuals to achieve their goals and support their loved ones. We operate with the utmost integrity and fairness, treating everyone with the respect they deserve. We are committed to equipping real estate agents of all levels of expertise with the necessary tools to maximize their potential and meet their clients’ objectives. Our proven track record of success ensures that we will continue to deliver outstanding results for all.
What’s the greatest business advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve ever received is short, simple, and to the point – “Treat people well and go kick ass.”
What is most important to you/your company now?
For my business, education is the cornerstone. I firmly believe that when my agents are well-informed and equipped with the necessary knowledge, it leads to successful transactions for all parties involved. I strive to maintain an environment where my agents feel motivated and enthusiastic about their work, and I am committed to continuously educating them.
My top priority outside of work is being a mother to my five children, who bring me immense pride and joy. I make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance so that I can attend all of their games and events without fail. Additionally, I involve them in my work whenever possible, teaching them about the ins and outs of the business.
What’s on the horizon?
Realty ONE aims to expand its services across Western NC in the future and collaborate with agents who share similar values. Additionally, Monica, a certified Luxury Real Estate Advisor, is focusing on the luxury real estate market to provide her expertise to all homebuyers, irrespective of their budget.
Tell us about your company culture.
At Realty ONE Group Pivot, we believe in putting in the effort while also having fun. We encourage our team members to bring their best selves to work and to value others, as this helps us achieve success more quickly. Celebrating each other and fostering strong relationships are also important aspects of our company culture.
What is your company’s relationship with the community?
I am always looking for ways to get deeply involved in Asheville’s business building and non-profit causes. I have helped expand various entrepreneurship and small business programs through the Area Chamber of Commerce. I am particularly proud of my work for WomanUp, a program hosted by the Chamber that connects up-and-coming female entrepreneurs in the Asheville community.
I also passionately supports Safelight, a non-profit focused on helping survivors of interpersonal violence. I often share how my mother was the most influential person in my life and donated a room in her honor at the new Safelight facility.
Fundamentally, I believe that we all have intrinsic value, and we’re all here for a purpose. Together, there is nothing we can’t do.
What experiences do you strive to create for your customers?
At Realty ONE Group Pivot, we serve as a conduit to help people find their ideal home and achieve the dream of homeownership. We also offer a full-range of concierge services throughout the homebuying process to ensure every client has an unforgettable experience.
Which person or establishment inspires you the most?
I owe everything good about myself to my mother and eldest sister. They inspired me to be excellent in all aspects of life, particularly in motherhood. I aspire to be an inspiration to my children and others, just as my mother was to me, encouraging me never to settle and to be brave.
What is your company vision? How do you reflect it in daily work?
You only have one life to live, one opportunity to make it meaningful, and one chance to live without regrets. Take risks, be bold, seize the day, and lead with respect. Circumstances, people, and even you will change, so be open to it, embrace it, and live it. Remember, every individual matters and has a voice.
Through your experiences, what have you learned about customer service?
To provide outstanding customer service, it’s crucial to exceed the clients’ expressed requirements. It involves understanding them better – their preferences, hobbies, values, etc. By focusing on these aspects, you can leave a lasting positive impression on them.
How many employees do you have? And what qualities do you look for when hiring?
We have more than 60 agents working in our Asheville and Hendersonville offices. We seek agents who are enthusiastic about learning and perfecting their skills, while also enjoying their work!
Why did you decide to join the Chamber?
I decided to join the Chamber to get more involved in business building and non-profit causes, as a means of giving back to the community.
What is your favorite part about doing business in the Asheville area?
I am very proud of my work for WomanUp, a program hosted by the Chamber that connects up-and-coming female entrepreneurs in the Asheville community.