Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Griest.
Hi Zach, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Zach Griest, and I started my career working under traditional real estate brokerages. Early on I realized that many agents were responsible for generating their own business, managing their clients, and executing their transactions, while still giving up a large percentage of their commission.
In my first year alone, I paid over $21,000 in brokerage splits, despite doing most of the work to find the clients and close the deals. That experience pushed me to take a deeper look at the structure of the industry and whether there was a better way for agents to operate.
That ultimately led me to start Zach Taylor Real Estate, where I now serve as Owner and CEO. Our brokerage operates on a 100% commission model with a low monthly fee, allowing agents to keep what they earn while still having access to the tools, systems, and support they need to run a professional real estate business.
Today, my focus is on building a brokerage model that empowers agents to grow sustainable businesses, while continuing to expand within the real estate and title industries.
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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest lessons in business is learning who is truly loyal and aligned with your vision. As you grow, you realize not everyone who starts the journey with you will finish it with you.
I’ve also learned that kindness can sometimes be mistaken for weakness, and that it’s important not to get caught up in the moment. A mindset I’ve developed is to reduce short-term thinking and always look long-term. Most challenges just require staying level-headed, focused on the bigger picture, and continuing to move forward.
Those experiences have shaped how I lead today and the standards I hold for the people I choose to build with.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Zach Taylor Real Estate?
Zach Taylor Real Estate is a modern brokerage designed to give agents control over their income and their business. We operate on a 100% commission model, where agents keep what they earn instead of giving large splits to a brokerage.
Our agents pay a $99 monthly fee, which includes access to over 56 tools and systems, including platforms like Dotloop to help manage transactions and run their business efficiently. Instead of traditional commission splits, agents simply pay a $299 transaction fee per closing, whether the home sells for $250,000 or $500,000.
What sets us apart is that we focus on structure, transparency, and efficiency. Agents know exactly what they’re paying, and they’re able to keep the majority of the money they generate while still having the tools and support needed to operate professionally.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is discipline and perspective. In business, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment when challenges or conflicts arise, but I’ve learned to stay level-headed and focused on the bigger picture. I often remind myself that “the building isn’t on fire keep going.”
That mindset helps me make better decisions, stay consistent, and continue moving forward even when things aren’t perfect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keepthemoney.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachgriest/reels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.griest/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-griest-23382a218/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zachtaylorrealestate
