Rod Watson is a former college and professional basketball athlete turned luxury sports and entertainment real estate advisor. He is the director of sports and entertainment at Kelly Williams Beverly Hills and has built a respected and recognizable brand throughout Southern California known as LAVIPAgent.

He assists clients, who are largely developers, professional athletes, business managers, wealth managers, and investors in finding income-producing properties or real estate with generous ROI and upside potential. He also specializes in restructuring real estate portfolios for his clients with diversified holdings and marketing off-market pocket listings.

Rod is known as one of the top Southern California elite agents who has sold over 100 million dollars in real estate. With over 14 years of experience, he credits much of his success to the hustle and his branding.

I recently spoke to him to learn what specific strategies he’s utilized to get to where he has. 

Rod, where are you from, how did you get to where you are today?

I was born and grew up in a community called 5th Ward in Houston, TX. I started in real estate as an investor with the passion to build wealth for my family through real estate investing. Then I transitioned into being an agent back in 2007 that focused on distressed property sales. Every since then, it’s been on. 

How did you become a luxury real estate advisor?

I had the opportunity to become a luxury real estate advisor when I represented my first professional athlete client in 2011. That became my breakthrough into the luxury market. 

What made you choose to go into the Sports and Entertainment arena?

As a former athlete, I saw that there was a need to inform, educate, and empower today’s athletes on how to invest and build long term wealth through real estate investing. Due to 70% of athletes losing their wealth at the end of their careers, I wanted to help change that narrative which is why I chose to focus on this particular niche market.

You’re known for providing a VIP experience for all your clients. What does VIP service mean to you?

A VIP experience to me means making sure our clients have a great experience and receive the best representation along with the first-class service when working with us. In business, creating a positive memorable experience that keeps clients coming back and referring others.

This journey isn’t easy. What are some of your biggest challenges and how you got through them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve had is finding a company that supported and believed in my vision. I was able to break through challenges by keeping a positive mindset and believing in my dream. I continue to put in the work to reach my goals and manifest my vision until my opportunity came. 

You’re a real estate advisor to major pro athletes and celebrities. What is your best advice in connecting with high-level people?

Building relationships and providing value is the key to long term success in this business. Being authentic and your real self is important while focusing on making meaningful connections. People work with those they respect and like. Never allow the ego to interfere with putting the client’s needs first. Honesty and integrity build trust which ultimately leads to unlimited opportunities once earned. 

You’ve established a respected and recognizable brand across Southern California. What elements do you think makes your brand stand out prominently among others in your discipline?

My consistency and ability to cultivate genuine relationships in this space along with going above and beyond for our clients is what separates me from any other agent. I leverage media and public relations to connect and provide value to the audience I serve which in turn has helped build brand equity, trust, and respect in the marketplace.  My primary focus is making sure my clients are protected and receive nothing less than the best service and they know that publicly on media and privately.  

What is your biggest advice to people to become successful entrepreneurs financially?

Always keep evolving and learning how to provide value to the industry you serve. The money will follow. Once you get the money learn how to properly invest into your yourself, business, and financial future through coaching and mentorship. 

What about in terms of personal growth? What are some ways you were able to grow this way?

I spent a lot and doing research along with reaching out to other successful people in my space. Knowledge is power along with having the right relationships with the right people. It’s no longer who you know it’s who knows you, likes, and respects you. One of my favorite books that I highly recommend is Rich Dad Poor Dad because it teaches the principles to wealth building and how to live life on your own terms through investing. 

Any final words you want to share with our readers?

Whatever you want in life or whatever you want to become go for it. Put your all into it and believe you can achieve it but then put in the work. Never settle or allow anyone to piss on your dreams no matter who it is.

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