A Conversation with Brandon Gilkey: Insights from a Real Estate Leader

Brandon Gilkey is an accomplished real estate professional with over 15 years of industry experience, currently serving as the CEO of Investor Deals Today, a prominent firm specializing in Single Family Residential Portfolio transactions across the United States. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Brandon has built a reputation for his strategic expertise in market analysis, property management, and investment planning. He is also the managing partner of several real estate holding companies, including Sooner Business Holdings, BVVA Holdings, and Oklahoma MHP Investors under JB Capital, with a diverse portfolio spanning multiple states.

Brandon Gilkey’s career in real estate followed a unique path, starting with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Abilene Christian University, where he also minored in Economics. His early experiences in community service and leadership roles, including serving as an associate pastor, have influenced his people-centered approach to business. His dedication to fostering meaningful relationships and providing mentorship extends beyond real estate, as he is actively involved in his community, guiding aspiring professionals and engaging in volunteer work. Brandon’s commitment to integrity, strategic growth, and community impact continues to define his career in real estate.

What inspired you to transition from community service to real estate, and how has your background influenced your career?

My journey from community service to real estate was less about a radical shift and more of an evolution in my desire to help others. When I was working as an associate pastor and with youth organizations, I was constantly focused on building relationships and supporting people through critical moments in their lives. I realized that real estate had similar dynamics—people rely on you to guide them through some of the most important decisions they’ll make, whether it’s buying a home or making a significant investment.

The skills I developed in community service—listening, empathy, and building trust—were invaluable when I transitioned into real estate. Those same principles of understanding and helping people navigate complexities are central to how I operate today. My background taught me that if you focus on the people first, the business follows. That philosophy is woven into everything I do in real estate.

How do you maintain a strong personal and professional balance, especially in an industry as demanding as real estate?

Maintaining balance is one of the hardest challenges, especially in real estate, where the demands can often feel 24/7. I’ve learned to set clear boundaries and prioritize what’s truly important to me. I make it a point to schedule time with my family and for self-care just as diligently as I schedule client meetings. For example, I’ll carve out time in the morning for exercise or a family breakfast before jumping into work, and I’m strict about keeping Sundays for rest and reflection.

On the professional side, I’ve built a team I trust, which allows me to delegate responsibilities and step back when necessary. This not only keeps me from burning out but also empowers my team to grow and take on more. I always tell them that balance is about working smarter, not harder. The key is finding what keeps you grounded and making it a priority, no matter how busy things get.

What do you think is the most significant challenge the real estate industry faces today, and how can professionals adapt?

I think one of the biggest challenges today is the ever-changing market conditions combined with increasing technology disruption. The real estate industry has always been cyclical, but with technology advancing so quickly, the pace of change has accelerated. Keeping up with market trends, understanding new tools, and adapting to different buyer behaviors can feel overwhelming at times.

For professionals to adapt, staying educated is crucial. You need to be constantly learning, whether it’s through market analysis, tech innovations like virtual tours, or even understanding demographic shifts. But more than just staying informed, you have to be adaptable. What worked last year might not work today, and the ability to pivot when needed is what separates the good from the great in real estate. It’s also important to stay rooted in the fundamentals—building strong relationships and being a trusted advisor to your clients will never go out of style.

Can you describe a moment in your career where you faced a significant setback and how you overcame it?

Early in my career, I was involved in a property deal that completely fell apart at the last minute. We were days away from closing when a major zoning issue was discovered, which neither the buyer nor seller was prepared for. It was one of those moments where I felt like all the work I had put in was unraveling, and it was frustrating for everyone involved.

Rather than panicking, I took a step back and reframed the situation. I worked with a legal team to understand our options and sat down with both parties to discuss how we could move forward. It wasn’t easy, and it took months to resolve, but we eventually found a workaround that satisfied everyone. That experience taught me the importance of resilience and the value of patience in this industry. Not everything will go according to plan, but how you handle the setbacks is what defines your success.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in real estate, especially in today’s competitive market?

Patience and persistence are key. In real estate, especially in the beginning, it’s easy to get discouraged if deals don’t come through right away. Success in this industry doesn’t happen overnight, so you have to be in it for the long haul. My advice is to focus on building relationships over transactions. Real estate is a people business first and foremost, and trust is everything.

Additionally, invest in continuous learning. Whether it’s staying up to date on market trends, honing negotiation skills, or learning how to leverage technology, the more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be. Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks, but always do your due diligence. The market will test you, but if you approach it with patience, knowledge, and integrity, you’ll find your path.

How do you incorporate technology into your day-to-day operations in real estate?

Technology has completely transformed how I operate in real estate, especially in recent years. One of the biggest tools I use is a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, which helps me stay organized and on top of client communications. With so many moving parts in real estate, having a system that tracks everything from follow-ups to appointments is a game-changer. It allows me to manage more clients efficiently without things slipping through the cracks.

Another key area is virtual tools. With the shift toward remote interactions, virtual tours and video consultations have become indispensable. These tools allow buyers to explore properties without having to be there physically, which has expanded my client base beyond local markets. I also use data analytics tools to study market trends and forecast pricing, which helps me provide clients with real-time insights. It’s not about replacing personal interaction but enhancing the way we work and serve clients.

What role does mentorship play in your career, both as a mentor and a mentee?

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career, both in the sense of receiving guidance and offering it. Early in my real estate journey, I had mentors who taught me not just about the industry but about maintaining integrity and perseverance in business. Their insights were invaluable and helped me avoid many potential pitfalls. I believe that having someone to offer advice and share their experience can fast-track your learning curve.

On the flip side, I now make it a priority to mentor others, whether it’s through formal programs or more casual guidance. I see it as a way of giving back to the industry that has given me so much. Mentoring also keeps me sharp—it reminds me of the fundamentals while challenging me to think about how to approach new trends or issues. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that I highly value.

How do you deal with the emotional highs and lows that come with real estate?

There’s no denying that real estate can be an emotional rollercoaster. You can have days where everything clicks, and you’re on top of the world, and then there are days when deals fall through, and clients are upset. I’ve learned to manage those highs and lows by staying focused on the bigger picture. For me, it’s about maintaining perspective and not getting too caught up in any one moment, good or bad.

I also practice mindfulness and make time for activities that help me decompress, like golf or spending time with my family. Taking care of my mental and emotional health allows me to approach work with a clearer head and more balanced outlook. Ultimately, it’s about being present in the moment but not letting the stress dictate your actions.

How has your faith influenced your career and business decisions in real estate?

Faith has been the foundation of everything I do, including my approach to business. My belief system emphasizes integrity, honesty, and serving others, and those values guide every decision I make. I approach every deal with the mindset that it’s not just about the money—it’s about doing what’s right for the client and building relationships based on trust and respect.

There have been times when I’ve turned down deals or advised clients to reconsider their decisions because it wasn’t in their best interest. It might have cost me short-term gains, but it earned me long-term trust and loyalty. For me, success in business isn’t measured by profits alone but by the positive impact you make on the people around you.

What’s next for you in real estate, and how do you see the industry evolving in the coming years?

I’m always looking for ways to grow and evolve, both personally and professionally. In terms of real estate, I see a lot of potential in expanding my involvement in multi-family properties and development projects that have a community impact. I believe that as the industry becomes more technology-driven, there will also be more opportunities for sustainable and smart building developments.

Looking ahead, I see the real estate industry becoming more adaptable and diverse. Technology will continue to play a huge role, but at the end of the day, it’s still a people business. Those who can adapt while maintaining a personal connection with their clients will thrive. My focus will be on staying ahead of trends, continuing to build meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact through my work.

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