In the newest episode of the RealTrending podcast, host Tracey Velt sits down with her KW He cares about them CEO Alexia Rodriguez to discuss how the nonprofit division of Keller Williams Realty supports agents in times of turmoil. The discussion is timely because of recent landfall from hurricanes Milton and Helene in Florida and North Carolina, respectively.
These questions and answers have been slightly edited for clarity and length. The interview begins with a deep dive into Rodriguez’s background and involvement with KW Cares.
Alexia Rodriguez: I have been in this role for almost three and a half years. KW Cares is a 501(c)(3). We’ve been around for over 20 years, and have given out over $63 million in grants and aid to our KW family.
Our mission is to help Keller Williams associates who are experiencing an immediate emergency and need financial assistance to get through that emergency. We respond to natural disasters at Keller Williams, which is an excellent location throughout the United States and Canada.
We can open our hotline to issue and process emergency grants of up to $5,000 to partners in the affected area.
Tracey Velt: Let’s go into more detail about the response to Helene and Milton. Give me more details about what you did and some of the stories you heard from the agents.
Rodriguez: So, because of Hurricane Helene, we deployed more than 600 generators within 24 hours. We were also able to distribute more than 200 generators in Florida, during the same 24-hour period.
Vel: Tell me a little about that influence. I would imagine that it is in the areas where agents would want difficulty.
Rodriguez: Agents lose their earning power for these situations for months at a time, sometimes years at a time. For a long time, KW Cares is dealing with catastrophic difficulties, and helping people rebuild their lives. At Keller Williams’ headquarters, we have a program called “Adopt an Agent.”
Agents can find an agent in Asheville, North Carolina, and help them rebuild their lives. And I even flew to Asheville myself to help be a part of the relief effort.
Vel: Do you find that networking helps people who might not be comfortable asking for that help?
Rodriguez: Often, our leadership across the board stepped up and encouraged people to apply for those grants. We earn our profits through charitable giving. When agents close on a house, they may choose to give us an offer as part of their work.
We issue messages that this is for you. You have contributed so much to us, it is time for you to receive some of the generosity that you have personally put forth. Grants make up about 80% of our annual revenue.
The discussion concludes with a call to action for non-KW agents who may want to provide assistance to affected agents in Florida and North Carolina.
Rodriguez: If you are not a KW person and are listening – and especially, if you are in a leadership position – contact us. We are happy to share our best practices.
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