The real estate industry has seen massive shifts over the past decade, from the rise of cloud-based brokerages to a growing demand for agent-centric models that offer more than just high commissions.
As professionals look for greater value, flexibility, and long-term support, a new generation of brokerages is rewriting the rulebook. One leader helping shape this transformation is Sam Rodriguez (Board Member at Epique Realty). With over 25 years in the business and a track record of scaling teams and operations, his journey into real estate wasn’t planned, but it turned out to be defining.
A Turn that changed it all
Sam Rodriguez never set out to build a career in real estate. In fact, the opportunity came about by chance. At 23, with no background in the industry, he answered a recruiting call that was originally intended for his wife. She wasn’t interested and suggested they speak to him instead. “Sure, I’ll give that a shot,” he recalled saying.
That unplanned conversation marked the beginning of what would grow into a decades-long journey. What started with administrative roles led to leadership positions across departments and companies, stretching across various parts of North America. From managing independent offices to scaling national franchise brands, Sam gradually found his space as a recruiter, a coach, and a business strategist.
With more than 25 years of experience, including his leadership as Vice President of International Growth at eXp Realty and Co-Founder of a Southern California brokerage, Sam made a significant move in March 2023. He joined Epique Realty just as it was preparing for national expansion, leading its growth strategy and becoming a member of the Board of Directors.
A Vision rooted in People
Sam Rodriguez describes his leadership style as servant-led. His view is that growth only becomes meaningful when shared. The professional journey, for him, has always been about building the kind of culture where people feel empowered, supported, and part of something larger.
This value system continues to guide his work at Epique Realty. As a board member, his role is not just about top-down oversight but about fostering alignment, building stronger systems, and mentoring leadership teams. He believes sustainable growth can only happen when the people driving that growth feel invested and supported.
His background in talent development and agent enablement has become especially relevant, shaping the way Epique approaches both its internal teams and its broader network of real estate professionals.
Breaking the Brokerage Mold
Real estate brokerages often end up looking and functioning the same. They may change colours, slogans, or commission splits, but the structure rarely shifts in any significant way. Epique Realty chose to break that pattern.
Founded and headquartered in Houston, Texas, but growing rapidly across markets, Epique doesn’t follow the traditional brokerage playbook. Instead, it combines a virtual-first approach with a comprehensive benefit structure that feels more like a full-service partner than a back-office operation. It’s not just about offering transaction coordination or business tools. Agents receive lifestyle benefits, such as free car washes, healthcare, pet care, and even lead generation. These aren’t bolt-ons since they are baked into the model.
By focusing on what helps agents succeed professionally and live better personally, the company has become a distinctive presence in the industry. Its structure offers more than just financial incentives. It supports a balanced, productive way of working, which has resonated with agents looking for both freedom and support.
From Momentum to Market Share
Epique’s structure has attracted the attention of both independent agents and large-scale teams. As the company scales, that attention is translating into measurable business growth across markets.
Behind that momentum is a clear strategy. The company has been deliberate in attracting stakeholders and leadership partners who understand how to scale without compromising values. That alignment, combined with an inclusive growth philosophy, has helped drive a steady rise in transaction volume and agent count.
What makes the approach different is its long-term view. Rather than focusing only on quarterly goals or market share headlines, Epique aims to build ecosystems. It sees its agents as contributors, not just performers. The revenue-sharing and equity-based models support this mindset by giving agents a stake in the success they help create.
This shift—from a top-down brokerage to a shared-success platform—has set a new standard in how real estate companies can function.
A Smarter Response to a Shifting Market
The real estate market has been evolving rapidly, especially in regions like Las Vegas. Over the past 15 years, brokerages have stripped back support while increasing commission demands, pushing agents to seek autonomy through 100% models where services are bought piecemeal.
While these models offered short-term independence, they left many agents juggling disjointed tools and struggling to maintain consistency and quality. This led to a rise in digital-first brokerages, but most still lacked cohesion.
Sam Rodriguez had already seen the opportunity years earlier while leading growth at eXp Realty, where he helped scale the agent base from 2,600 to over 53,000 globally. His understanding of both the digital model and the operational pain points gave him insight into what was missing. Epique didn’t replicate the cloud model; it improved on it. It built a full-service framework that integrates support, lifestyle, and business development—all while removing unnecessary complexity. The result is a seamless experience that keeps agents focused on growth rather than admin.
Entering New Markets with Focus
As Epique Realty continues to grow in the U.S., its vision is becoming increasingly international. The company is currently operational in Canada and in discussions with several other countries. Its expansion approach is deliberate, often beginning with strong partnerships that mature into acquisition opportunities.
This pace of expansion is balanced with careful alignment. Rather than a rapid global rollout for the sake of numbers, the company focuses on cultural fit, infrastructure readiness, and brand adaptability in each market.
In the U.S., Epique Realty is now licensed to operate in all 50 states as of last week. Globally, the company is building interest through its distinct value proposition and agent-focused reputation. As it looks toward a potential public offering, these market entries and acquisitions are being designed not just for visibility, but for long-term value and integration.
Building through Innovation
Innovation isn’t an accessory at Epique. It’s part of its operational foundation. Known as an AI-driven brokerage, the company has integrated automation and artificial intelligence into nearly every business function. This includes marketing, customer support, internal training, recruitment, and even retention analytics.
What differentiates Epique is that most of these systems are built in-house. Rather than relying on third-party platforms that come with limitations, the company develops its own tools, allowing full control over costs, efficiency, and scalability. This approach has allowed Epique to stay nimble while reducing dependence on external vendors. It’s not just cost-effective but also enhances the user experience for agents, who benefit from simplified, integrated systems tailored to their needs.
Managing Growth, Embracing Change
Rapid expansion always introduces complexity. From onboarding to culture maintenance, scaling a people-first business presents unique challenges. For Sam Rodriguez, one of the most important lessons has been knowing when to lean into friction and when to let go. Not every potential partner aligns with the company’s direction. Some agents may be drawn in initially but realise later it’s not the right fit. Others may need to be transitioned out for the sake of preserving team cohesion.
These decisions are never taken lightly. But for Sam Rodriguez, staying committed to the long-term health of the company means making choices that protect culture, values, and pace. Growth without alignment, in his view, leads to unsustainable systems and diluted impact. By being intentional about who joins and who stays, Epique continues to scale without losing the clarity of its original purpose.
The Road Ahead—2026 and Beyond
As 2026 approaches, Epique Realty is focused on expanding its presence while deepening its impact. The roadmap includes entering new international markets, refining current offerings, and enhancing support for both solo agents and large teams.
One area of strategic importance is creating a final home for real estate professionals. The company wants to be more than just a stepping-stone; it aims to be the last brokerage an agent chooses to partner with. That means continuing to build benefits that evolve with market needs, rather than staying fixed to static service menus.
There is also a growing interest in enabling existing independent brokerages to plug into the Epique model without losing their identity. By giving them operational and technological support while allowing them to retain their brand and team structure, the company is creating a hybrid space for growth-minded leaders. The emphasis will remain on value, not just scale. Epique’s leadership team, including Sam, believes that by staying rooted in service and simplicity, they will remain ahead of market shifts and continue to shape industry standards.
A Legacy in the Making
Sam Rodriguez’s achievements over the years are reflected in more than job titles or expansion metrics. For him, the most meaningful impact lies in the lives he has helped shape—agents who have built careers, families that have gained financial security, and professionals who now have a stake in their futures. “I’m most proud of the thousands of lives I’ve impacted. Not just in real estate, but in helping people create long-term financial security and generational wealth,” he said.
Sam’s legacy isn’t built on quick wins or flashy growth. It’s built on consistency, trust, and a genuine desire to uplift those around him. Through Epique Realty, Sam Rodriguez continues to create pathways not just for professional success, but for personal fulfilment, one agent at a time.
Open Letter to Business Leaders
Dear Fellow Leaders,
If you’re looking to incorporate work-life balance into your daily grind, schedule the important stuff first. Time blocking plus a focused weekly task goal made a huge difference in my career when I started to implement that into my business.
Personal time off time spent with friends and family, can never be replaced. Money is important, but it can always be made. The work will still be there when you get back. Leverage technology and those around you.
You might be surprised that you don’t have to be the one to do a certain task at all every time. Let go of the menial tasks.
Yours truly,
Sam Rodriguez
Board Member
Epique Realty
