Black History Month Highlight: Jeremy Norman of Norman & Associates Real Estate Solutions
We had the esteemed privilege of connecting with one of our clients, Jeremy Norman, to get his insight on what it means to be a Black entrepreneur in today’s economic landscape. See below for his take.
How did your business come to be? What was the inspiration for this business?
Norman and Assocaites Real Estate Solutions was born at the leasing office of Jeremy Norman’s apartment complex in 2018. Before there was the brand, there was the man. Jeremy Norman, native to Birmingham, Alabama, attended Jacksonville State College where he was introduced to real estate in 2003.
Along his 20-year real estate journey, Norman went on to discover only 6% of all realtors in the United States are African-American. As an agent with experience being brokered by a variety of real estate firms, Norman rarely saw African-Americans and minorities selling luxury real estate- if they were selling real estate at all. Norman and Associates began as a platform in which African-Americans and minorities are able to sell real estate at every level; residential, commercial, and luxury.
Norman and Associates has since grown to have over 300 agents with offices in Huntsville, Al., Birmingham, Al., Houston, TX., and Atlanta, GA and over $1 billion in sales.
What is the greatest accomplishment you’ve experienced as a business owner?
In 2008, his real estate journey started on a high-note with Norman receiving “Rookie of the Year” from LAH Commercial Real Estate.
In 2011, Norman joined Keller Williams Realty as an agent and quickly cemented his legacy in Birmingham real estate by becoming the youngest and first African-American inducted into Commercial Club of Excellence. He earned the Top Producer in Investment title for Keller Williams Realty Birmingham.
In 2012, Norman was nominated for the Dr. A.G. Gaston Minority or Women Owned Emerging Business of the Year. The Birmingham Business of Alliance nominated Norman for Young Business Professional of the year.
In 2013 and 2014, Norman was a Top Performing Commercial Agent in the Southeast Region and in the Hoover Office, respectively, for Keller Williams Realty.
In 2016, Norman would be named the IPUSH Man of Culture by IPUSH magazine. He would go on to be a CEO Award Finalist in Birmingham and was included in the Top 40 under 40 for the Birmingham Business Journal.
In 2020, Norman earned the Birmingham Entrepreneur of the Year title.
On March 7, 2023, Norman and Associates Real Estate Solutions received the Supplier Diversity Award for inclusion and diversity.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a black business owner?
One of the biggest challenges Norman has faced as a black business owner was in 2008 when the stock market crashed. He was advised to stay out of Atlanta, steer clear of commercial real estate, and stick to traditional residential sales because the market was too competitive. Jeremy moved to Atlanta and jumped head first into commercial real estate which he describes as a “tough transition, but [it was] worth it”. The transition into commercial real estate allowed Norman’s knowledge of business and real estate to thrive and gave him the experience necessary to broker a global, luxury real estate and mobility company.
How has INTELUS Wealth Management contributed to your business’ success?
INTELUS has assisted Norman and Associates with wealth and financial management which in turn maintains employee retention.
What advice would you give to the next generation of black entrepreneurs?
Explore every opportunity outside of your current role. Sometimes the traditional path may not be a good fit for you. Don’t be afraid to create your own path. Never give up on your dreams, no matter how many doors are closed in front of you. Network with others in your field to build relationships and continue to push through.
Wise words from a very wise businessman. To connect with Jeremy further, please use the contact information listed below. To learn how INTELUS can assist you and your business, contact us today.