Meet MVRK Real Estate, the latest brokerage launched by a mortgage executive

Florida’s real estate brokerage scene has a new face. Earlier this month, John Motowidlak, the founder and CEO of national mortgage firm Mpire Financial, announced the launch of a new brokerage firm MVRK Real Estate.

Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., as of Monday, Motowidlak said the firm had 10 agents, which is the equivalent of roughly one agent per day since its launch, but he hopes to have 1,000 agents before the end of the year. 

“I think it will grow pretty quickly from here,” Motowidlak said. “We have a national mortgage company and the goal is to go national with this eventually, but we are piloting the concept in Florida and getting proof that it works well. Within the next two years, we want to expand to at least half the country. We already have some good traction so I think we’ll hit that number.’

Motowidlak says he hopes to use the lessons learned and experience gained from scaling Mpire Financial to grow and scale MVRK.

“I think it is really important for us to find the right ways to make the job easier for our professionals, enabling them to work smarter and not harder by providing them with the right tools and knowledge,” Motowidlak said. “I have also learned how important it is to have the right leaders in place.” 

With this in mind, Motowidlak decided to bring on Jared Dunn, a former LPT Realty executive, as MVRK’s first chief growth officer. Dunn has more than 30 years of leadership experience in real estate, holding roles focused on growth, strategic planning and agent development.

In his new role at MVRK, Dunn will oversee the agent growth strategy, market expansion, brand development and the implementation of systems designed to support agents at every stage of their careers.

Starting the recruitment drive

As he looks to get MVRK off the ground this year, Motowidlak said he and his team are laser focused on agent recruitment. 

“We are getting aggressive and approaching people with the concept and all of our technology to see if they can see the vision and want to help us grow the company,” he said. “This whole next year is about going after top talent and having them buy into our vision.” 

Part of this recruitment drive is promising the first 20 qualified team leaders shares of the company when it eventually goes public, but Motowidlak noted that he and the team are in no hurry for an IPO. As for agents joining the firm, he is offering an 80/20 commission split, as well as the opportunity for revenue sharing, if an agent chooses to participate. 

“We want a strong division for growing people with the right training, especially on modern technology and modern marketing. We brought in some good experts to start the mentorship program and open up almost a real estate university to help teach and mentor people that are looking to get their license.” 

Dual licensing is on the table

In addition to providing agents with mentorship and educational opportunities, in partnership with his mortgage firm Mpire Financial, Motowidlak will provide agents at MVRK the opportunity to pursue a dual license program, by obtaining their license as a loan officer. Given the current scrutiny of agent commissions and referral fee disclosures, some agents may be hesitant, but Motowidlak said he and his team are doing everything they can to ensure full transparency for consumers.

“There is a compliant way to have a dual licensing program, and we aim to do it through technology that ensures our compliance,” he said. “My goal is to [develop] home-acquiring experts so that if someone approaches them about buying a home, they have all the tools, resources, skills and knowledge available to get the consumer into a home.”

Motowidlak said he is excited to be jumping into the brokerage space. “We’re in the middle of a massive market shift where there is a huge adaptation of technology, and I feel like that is putting everyone on a level playing field again. So, now is the best time to get into a race because we’ll be better able to quickly adapt to this huge shift.”