Rebuilding from Scratch: Lessons from Eric Orland’s Real Estate Empire | Eric Orland Episode
by Marguerite Crespillo
Rebuilding from Scratch: Lessons from Eric Orland’s Real Estate Empire
Life has a way of humbling even the most resilient among us. For Eric Orland, life at 58 presented a challenge that could have ended his career. Instead, it became the launching pad for an extraordinary transformation. In this episode of Real Estate Real World, Eric shares his incredible story of losing everything, starting over, and building an empire with over 3,000 agents in his EXP Realty organization. His journey is a testament to grit, perseverance, and the power of systems.
If you’ve ever faced a setback—or if you’re looking for inspiration to make your next big move—Eric’s story is exactly what you need to hear.
Eric’s Humble Beginnings in Real Estate
Eric’s journey into real estate wasn’t a carefully planned career path. After graduating from UCLA in 1984, he spent his early years living the beach lifestyle in Hermosa Beach, playing volleyball and avoiding the “9-to-5 grind.” But by age 30, with no career direction and no accomplishments to his name, Eric knew something had to change.
Encouraged by his in-laws, Eric traded his flip-flops for business attire and took a chance on real estate—a field he once dismissed as “just for housewives.” Determined to succeed, he dove into the industry with a relentless hunger to learn. He studied under the best coaches, memorized scripts, and developed a knack for handling objections. His hard work paid off. By his second year, Eric was among the top-producing agents for RE/MAX in Washington.
But life is rarely linear. Eric’s journey soon took a turn when his wife’s career in politics moved their family to Washington, D.C. While he found success coaching and training real estate agents in the Mid-Atlantic region, Eric’s career trajectory would change dramatically again decades later.
The Setback That Changed Everything
At 58, Eric faced one of the lowest points of his life. Financial struggles forced him to confront a harsh reality: he had lost everything. As a father, Eric experienced the heartbreaking moment of telling his son he couldn’t afford his college education.
It was a wake-up call. For someone who had always believed in hard work and resilience, this moment tested his limits. But instead of giving up, Eric used it as fuel to rebuild his life.
The Discovery of EXP Realty
Around the same time, Eric revisited an opportunity he had previously dismissed: EXP Realty. Known as the first cloud-based brokerage with a revolutionary business model, EXP offered agents the chance to not only sell real estate but also build a business through revenue share and equity.
“I spent three years trying to poke holes in the model,” Eric admits. But when he finally gave it a serious look, he realized it was everything he needed to rebuild his career.
EXP provided the tools, support, and financial stability that traditional brokerages couldn’t match. With a renewed sense of purpose, Eric set out to build a real estate organization unlike anything he’d done before.
The Power of Systems: How Attractify Was Born
Eric knew success wouldn’t come by accident. Drawing from his years of experience, he developed a systematic approach to agent attraction, which he called Attractify.
Attractify is more than a tool—it’s a comprehensive roadmap for building a thriving real estate organization. The system leverages automation, artificial intelligence, and proven strategies to help agents:
- Prospect effectively.
- Manage leads with ease.
- Scale their business without sacrificing time or energy.
With features like drip campaigns, live prospecting calls, and hands-on coaching, Attractify equips agents with everything they need to succeed in the competitive world of real estate.
Lessons from Eric’s Journey
Eric’s story offers valuable insights for anyone looking to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Here are a few takeaways:
- It’s Never Too Late to Start Over
Eric’s transformation began at 58. No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to pursue a new path or rebuild from scratch. - Resilience is Key
Setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond to them defines your future. Eric’s determination to turn his struggles into opportunities is a reminder that resilience can lead to remarkable outcomes. - The Power of Systems
Success doesn’t happen by chance. Eric’s Attractify system shows the importance of having a clear plan and sticking to it. - Collaboration Creates Growth
Eric’s belief in supporting his team is a cornerstone of his success. By sharing his tools and resources, he’s created a ripple effect of success within his organization.
What’s Next for Eric Orland?
Today, Eric’s organization includes over 3,000 agents across the globe, but he’s far from done. His next goal is to grow that number to 10,000 agents within the next five years.
He’s also focused on expanding Attractify, introducing a new version in January that incorporates cutting-edge AI and automation. This platform will continue to empower agents to scale their businesses and achieve financial freedom.
Why Eric’s Story Matters
Eric’s journey isn’t just about real estate—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the power of belief. Whether you’re a real estate agent, entrepreneur, or someone facing a personal crossroads, Eric’s story serves as a reminder that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.