$100M+ TEAM INTERVIEW | Inside a $1 Billion-a-Year Team with George Laughton

From rebuilding after the REO era to leading 220 agents, George Laughton breaks down how he scaled a Phoenix-based team to $1B in annual volume. Learn the hiring frameworks, decision filters, and timing that turned opportunity into durable market share.

In this episode:

The reset: from REO team to George, his wife, one agent, and one assistant—then scaling to 220 agents

$1B/year, 1,800–2,000 transactions, and gaining share despite a contracting market

When to start a team—and when not to (operator vs. visionary vs. top producer)

First hires, role clarity, and setting outcomes for 90 days/6 months/1 year

Hiring to strategy vs. getting swept up by "magnetic" candidates

Moving fast for undeniable talent and when opportunity forces scale (Zillow Offers)

Internet lead gen at scale and training that unlocks agent capacity

Footprint: five Phoenix offices, Tucson, small NV/Denver presence, Texas on deck; 98% of deals in AZ

Links & resources:

George's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgelaughton/