In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sat down with my good friend Eric Robinson, co-owner of Rise Realty, for an honest and refreshing conversation that went far beyond real estate. From his early years in Wisconsin to his journey through car sales and eventually into real estate, Eric shares the transformative moments that shaped both his professional and personal life. We explore the deep motivation behind founding Rise Realty—not as a profit engine, but as a community built on the right people, structure, and support. Eric unpacks how this model has allowed agents to thrive in their own way, embracing the “be more, do more” mindset that’s foundational to his mission.

But we didn’t stop at business. We dove deep into what success really means for Eric—a concept measured not in dollar signs but in dinners at home with family, open conversations with his wife, and the consistent effort to remain fully present. He speaks candidly about how his phone, a vital business tool, often becomes the biggest distraction in his marriage, and the systems he and his wife use to stay aligned. We touched on parenting styles, the balancing act of fatherhood, and the importance of guardrails to avoid drifting off course in life. His transparency on these challenges is both relatable and encouraging.

Perhaps most powerfully, Eric opened up about a deeply humbling season in 2023 when everything he thought was stable—relationships, finances, plans—was stripped away. He describes this time as a “sweet cut of the surgeon,” a painful but necessary realignment of heart and purpose. We ended by reflecting on the intersection of faith, work, and calling, and how Eric uses his position in the real estate world as a platform for meaningful conversations and lasting impact. Whether you’re in ministry, business, or navigating personal growth, there’s something in Eric’s journey that will resonate with you.