Community Highlights: Meet Bobby Johnson of Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Johnson

Hi Bobby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in rural Missouri in a tight-knit community and our family had a lot of financial struggles. I learned resilience and the value of hard work early on, and those experiences instilled in me a strong moral center, a deep care for my community, and a drive that pushes me to accomplish more every day.

Music was always a part of me, and after college in 2006, I took a leap of faith and moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry. That journey took me across 24 states, 11 countries, and five continents, allowing me to experience incredible opportunities—performing at Carnegie Hall, visiting Good Morning America, The Voice, Entertainment Tonight, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Last Call with Carson Daly, and even taking part in a Carrie Underwood video. I was fortunate enough to be in the studio with incredibly talented people like Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls among others, and I was immersed in the creative energy that makes Nashville so special. From the Eiffel Tower to Buckingham Palace, from California’s finest wineries to New York City’s most revered restaurants—I absorbed as much as I could from every place I visited.

Beyond music, my travels opened my eyes to the world’s wonders and the richness of different cultures. Along the way, I met people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, shaping my worldview and deepening my appreciation for the connections that make a place feel like home. Yet, no matter where I traveled or who I met, Nashville always pulled me back. Its vibrance, southern charm, and endless creativity made it feel like home. With each return, I gained a greater appreciation for its unique energy, the incredible opportunities emerging as the city grew, and the people who make Nashville special. I loved the diversity I encountered and lessons I learned from other people and cultures, and I simultaneously saw Nashville becoming more diverse as well. I realized that I wanted to be a part of the growth and diversity in Nashville, and this led me to a new passion—real estate. I wanted to be part of Nashville’s transformation, helping others achieve their goals and discover what makes this city so remarkable.

So ten years ago, I became a Global Real Estate Advisor with Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty, and I’ve never looked back. Real estate is one of the largest financial and emotional investments people make, and my goal is always to make my clients feel cared for and protected, as well as help them navigate an ever-changing market. I’ve taken the lessons I learned and built a business diverse in both specializations and in the clients I work with. Over the past decade, I’ve built a thriving career, specializing in everything from first-time homebuyers and investors to luxury estates, high-rise condos, new construction, short-term rental properties, and large land acquisitions. I’ve had the privilege of working with developers to shape Nashville’s evolving housing market and have achieved remarkable success in marketing my listings. Many of my clients return to me time and again, referring their friends and family—a trust I deeply value.

My expertise in the housing market and in navigating Nashville’s competitive multiple-offer landscape has even led to interviews with major news outlets, including The Tennessean.

Today, as the Assistant Managing Broker for our Nashville office, I have the privilege of working with the best leadership team in the business as we mentor and train our amazing Global Real Estate Advisors, as well as introducing people and corporations from around the world to this vibrant city. Through the Global Sotheby’s network, I showcase Nashville’s beauty, culture, and opportunities to those looking for a place to call home. But Nashville isn’t just where I work—it’s where I’m building my own future. My wife and our two young children are my greatest motivation, and every day, I strive to be the best version of myself for them, creating something lasting that they can be proud of.

It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as I continue helping people find not just a house, but a place where they truly belong—in the most wonderful city in the world to call home.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It took years to build my business, and there were some opportunities that I thought would work out, but then never came to fruition. There were moments when an opportunity would come along that seemingly would change the trajectory of my business, but then nothing would come of it. So the road was paved with great successes, and also disappointments, but I always took those moments as opportunities to learn, grow, and change so that I could be better for my clients.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty?
Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty is a local firm that has been involved in the community of Nashville since 1979. Started by Shirley Zeitlin and now led by our CEO, Jessica Averbuch, we have strong local connnections with incredible global exposure. We provide a luxury level of service at every price point, and we can help clients achieve their real estate goals anywhere in the world.

Personally, I have built my business focusing on relationships with clients rather than looking at it from a transactional perspective. I’m here as a resource to clients to help them achieve their real estate and wealth building goals in their time. I pride myself on my knowledge of the market, contracts, and my ability to be a confident, calming voice during what is often a stressful time in life.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
It was a huge risk to end my career in the music industry and start over. I see risk as a necessary part of building a successful life and career – without risk, there is no reward. But before taking a risk, I always weigh out whether the reward is worth the risk. In this case, the risk has been wall worth it, and I cherish the relationships I have built over the last 10 years with my colleagues and clients from all over the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-df180411115910840515/bobby-johnson
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyjohnsonrealestate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobbyjohnsonrealestate/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyjohnsonrealestate