President of NRG Realty Group, Justin Dodd, reflects on the past 10 years of shaping the leading commercial real estate brokerage company in West Texas and beyond.
The Vision at the Start
When Justin Dodd launched NRG Realty Group, his goal wasn’t to compete directly with big-city brokers. Instead, he saw an opportunity to bridge a gap in the West Texas market, where brokers appeared to operate like small town players and did not have a complete understanding of industrial real estate. Justin focused on creating meaningful client-broker relationships and delivering a higher standard of service that would quickly set NRG apart from its competition.
Without a detailed course of action for the next 5 to 10 years, his focus was simple: close deals and build a company that offered something better. While growth wasn’t the immediate priority, Justin was laying the foundation for expansion both internally and externally.
“The vision was to create a company that could compete at a high level and always implement new trends, like the large, well known brokerage firms, while operating with my own approach in the market we focus on. At the beginning it was about getting started and making deals. I didn’t know what exactly growth would look like, but I had a feeling we’d eventually add support staff and divisions that larger firms have to provide clients with top-tier service,” Justin shared.
Growth Fueled by Commitment and Relationships
From the beginning, Justin Dodd and John McDaniel, NRG’s first employee and now Senior Vice President, prioritized building relationships by being active and present in the market. They made it a point to meet clients in person and stay visible. Companies began moving to the Permian Basin, the largest oil field in the United States, following the 2014 oil crash. Justin recognized the increasing demand for properties in West Texas and the pair adapted by spending their time in Midland-Odessa. On a rotating schedule, they would take turns spending the week out West. “If we didn’t have anything on the calendar, we were going. When Southwest would do their $40 deals, I would purchase several flights and pre-schedule my trips,” Justin said. Their commitment paid off, with many early clients continuing to work with NRG today.
NRG’s growth was not just about numbers but about the quality of service and relationships they built. By offering personalized solutions and working closely with clients, the company developed a reputation for reliability and innovation. NRG’s first client still works with the team to this day.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any startup, NRG faced its share of challenges. Particularly, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented difficulties. With businesses closing, market crashes, and other tough business decisions, it was a trying time for everyone. However, NRG adapted by blending and extending leases, reducing rents, and creating cash flow solutions. Throughout it all, they remained committed to understanding their clients’ needs and staying true to their values.
Success Stories and Recognitions
The past decade has been a success story itself. Justin recalls some of the more memorable stories have come “when clients respect and trust our expertise, experience, and advice, we’re able to work together to tailor solutions that meet their specific needs.”
Justin is proud of the team he has cultivated and provided a few employee shoutouts.
John McDaniel has been integral to the company’s growth, joining Justin when NRG was still operating out of a bedroom in his home. Bringing decades of his own commercial experience and working with Forbes 1000 clients, John shared Justin’s vision for providing a higher level of service in the West Texas oil field market. Justin brought him on board just a few days after a lunch meeting between the two.
Jenna Gause took a leap of faith early on, joining NRG as a marketing coordinator. “Her role has expanded beyond just marketing and she has been instrumental in NRG’s growth and path forward. Early on she wore a bunch of hats and worked hard without complaining. She’s been a blessing to NRG,” Justin said.
The company’s success also wouldn’t have been possible without its clients both new and recurring who continue to trust the team with their business needs.
Insights on the Industry
The commercial real estate industry is ever-changing, with trends like consolidation and innovation driving change. Justin highlighted the current demand for larger facilities in premium locations, but he anticipates a shift in the next 2-3 years as startups begin to grow and seek smaller properties. “Right now we’re in a consolidation phase. When this happens companies get combined and people get cut loose. Those people can go and start their own business resulting in a higher demand for smaller properties for startups. Right now the demand is for larger facilities in more premium locations as there is growth,” Justin remarked.
Looking ahead, Justin is particularly excited about AI’s potential to boost productivity and transform marketing and brokerage processes. NRG has already begun leveraging AI tools and training to stay ahead of the curve.
Building a Legacy
NRG Realty Group is more than just a business – it’s a light to the community. “My hope is that people recognize our impact beyond just a business legacy,” Justin shared. Guided by Christian principles, NRG strives to make a difference through nonprofit work and charitable contributions. “I want the company’s legacy to be one of care – we cared about the community and the people we worked with and we were able to share the success we had.”
The future of NRG includes growth in its property management sector, led by Jordan Hall, as well as exploring opportunities to add more agents in Dallas-Fort Worth and Midland-Odessa. Fueled by its Christian values, the company is also exploring opportunities for new offices, while trusting in the Lord’s plan for their path forward. “The overall plan is just more growth, while yielding to the Lord’s will,” Justin remarked.
Personal Reflections
For Justin, the journey as a business owner hasn’t always been easy or fun. It’s provided both challenges and rewards. “I’ve realized I have the ability to impact other people’s lives either positively or negatively. While it hasn’t always been positive, I’ve learned from those mistakes and strive to create more positive impacts moving forward,” he reflected.
Thank You
As NRG Realty Group celebrates this milestone, Justin is grateful to everyone who has supported the company both internally and externally. “Without our team, we couldn’t deliver this service we strive for. They’ve been a huge blessing. And to our clients who’ve trusted us with their business – we have the utmost level of gratitude.”
Here’s to the next chapter of growth, innovation, and making a positive impact in the industry and beyond!