How to Build a Purpose-Driven Real Estate Business

By David Lewis

David is the Partner, Principal Owner, and CEO of TLG ATL, powered by LPT Realty in Atlanta, Georgia. This premier real estate team has served 1000+ families since 2014.

What if your real estate business could change lives? Not just your clients, but your team, your community, and even your own? That’s exactly what Justin Landis discovered when he shifted from simply selling homes to building a business with purpose.

Justin didn’t start out trying to be a movement-maker. In fact, his first experience in real estate came through flipping homes under the “We Buy Ugly Houses” franchise. After the 2008 crash, like many agents, he had to start over.

But instead of chasing the next deal, he began building a relationship-first, mission-focused business with one conversation, one client, and one vision at a time.

By 2013, he launched the Justin Landis Group, which soon became one of the top-producing teams in Atlanta.

But it was in 2021 that everything changed again. That’s when Justin launched Bolst, an independent brokerage built not just to support agents, but to make a tangible impact on housing inequality.

Their mission? “Housing for all.”

What started as a bold idea quickly became a business model. One of their first campaigns, 90 buyers in 90 days, exceeded sales goals.

They raised over $90,000 for Atlanta Mission. After sharing the story with donors, one person gave $100,000 and the campaign generated another $180,000, for $270,000 raised through that follow-up effort.

It was proof that purpose doesn’t slow down business; instead, it accelerates it.

Today, Bolst has grown to over 300 agents and two offices and is expected to cross $1 billion in sales this year. But it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the type of people the brand attracts.

At Bolst and the Justin Landis Group, purpose is the filter. Agents who join believe in something more than commissions; they want to serve, to grow, and to be part of a bigger mission. That culture is what keeps people engaged, retained, and motivated, even in challenging markets.

And the results are real:

• The same core team that started with Justin over a decade ago is still with him today.

• Some agents are having their best year yet, even in a down market.

• The brokerage is not just growing; it’s thriving because it’s built on something bigger than sales goals.

As Justin says, “Purpose-based business is good business.” His story teaches us that real estate is more than just about making money; it’s about creating lasting relationships and using your business as a platform to do good. He’s built a business that is both profitable and meaningful, proving that success in real estate doesn’t just come from selling homes, but from having a vision and building a team that believes in it.

Whether you’re leading a team or growing your own brand, this episode is a reminder: Your mission matters. And when you lead with heart, people follow.

Want to build a mission-led real estate business with stronger systems and culture? Reach out to us at 404-867-0792 or email success@youragentpulse.com to learn how we can build a purpose-driven real estate business together.