Leadership Lessons in Dustin Runyon’s High-Powered Real Estate Journey

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 drives someone to keep evolving in business instead of staying comfortable? In my recent conversation with Dustin Runyon, we dug into that question and uncovered why persistence, accountability, and abundance matter more than talent.

Dustin shared that he first chased success to prove his worth. Like many of us, he thought money and recognition would fill the gap. However, over time, he discovered that fulfillment comes from helping others grow, rather than accumulating trophies. His turning point came when a client deeply appreciated his work, and it showed him that impact, not applause, was the real reward.

We discussed the distinction between scarcity and abundance. Scarcity makes people cling to outcomes and quit when results don’t come fast. Abundance is about giving first by sharing knowledge, offering systems, and depositing value into relationships. Dustin compared it to an emotional bank account: when you consistently make deposits, people trust you, whether it’s in business or at home.

Accountability was another key theme. Most people avoid it because it’s uncomfortable. But Dustin stressed that winners run toward accountability. He tracks daily connects, welcomes feedback, and surrounds himself with people who hold him to a higher standard. For him, persistence beats genius because success belongs to those who refuse to quit.

For new agents, Dustin’s advice was simple: make 20 connects a day. Even if you’re not great yet, consistent conversations will bring deals. For established leaders, he cautioned against chasing shiny objects. Instead, focus on opportunities that plug into your existing business and partner with people who share your values and bring resources you don’t have.

As Dustin put it, success isn’t about being the smartest in the room. It’s about staying consistent, giving more than you take, and leaning into accountability. That’s how you build not just a business, but a meaningful life. If you’d like to connect with Dustin, you can find him on Facebook, where he responds to every message.

If you have questions or would like to discuss how these lessons relate to your own journey, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (404) 867-0792 or david@tlgatl.com. I’m here to support you along the way.