Elam Freeman

From Misfit to Leader: Redefining Commercial Real Estate – Elam Freeman

Elam Freeman is the Founder and Principal of Ojas Partners, a commercial real estate advisory firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. She specializes in identifying vision-aligned partners, understanding evolving neighborhood needs, and leveraging her local and national network to craft strategic plans. Before founding Ojas Partners, Elam served as an Affiliate Broker at Baker Storey McDonald Properties, Inc., where she advised clients on selecting commercial spaces.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

[1:22] Elam Freeman shares how she discovered EO and how it transformed her business perspective
[3:24] Elam’s career before founding Ojas Partners
[9:31] The challenges and fears of leaving a stable job and launching a business during the pandemic
[16:37] What surprised Elam about managing a firm, and how have her early leadership experiences shaped her approach?
[20:34] Identifying a purpose and aligning it with business goals
[25:03] How Elam built a unique company culture to challenge traditional real estate industry norms
[36:29] Advice for making the most out of your EO experience

In This Episode

Starting a business is never straightforward; entrepreneurs often struggle with uncertainty, financial risk, and the challenge of building a supportive network. Without a strong foundation and strategic approach, navigating the early years of business ownership can be overwhelming and isolating. Learn how one perseverant entrepreneur redefined industry standards to build a prosperous company.

Elam Freeman recognized early in her career that the real estate industry lacked a supportive culture. Determined to create a workplace where individuals could thrive, she built a company rooted in trust, clear communication, and shared success. By structuring her company with a transparent compensation model and hiring based on values rather than just experience, she cultivated a team focused on client service rather than internal competition. Elam believes that leadership starts with personal growth, and by identifying your personal values, you can incorporate them into your leadership approach to foster development.

In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Elam Freeman, the Founder and Principal of Ojas Partners, to discuss how she built a culture-first brokerage firm in a traditionally rigid industry. She shares how she transitioned from working at a larger firm to launching a business, the challenges of managing a growing team, and the leadership strategies that have shaped Ojas Partners.

Quotable Moments:

“I didn’t fit the industry mold, so I built a company that valued authenticity over tradition.”
“Success in real estate isn’t just about deals; it’s about relationships, trust, and long-term value.”
“An abundance mindset changes everything; when you focus on collaboration, opportunities grow instead of shrink.”
“Culture isn’t an afterthought; it’s the foundation of a business that truly serves its people.”
“If you want to build something different, don’t be afraid to challenge industry norms.”

Action Steps:

Foster a culture of collaboration: Encourage open communication and teamwork by creating transparent compensation structures that eliminate internal competition.
Hire based on values, not just experience: Prioritize candidates who align with your company’s mission and culture to build a cohesive team.
Adopt an abundance mindset: Shift from a scarcity-driven approach to a growth-oriented perspective that benefits both employees and clients.
Invest in personal and professional development: Support continuous learning and leadership growth to strengthen your company’s long-term vision.
Challenge industry norms: Redefine success by prioritizing trust, relationships, and intentional company culture over traditional business metrics.