At the end of every chapter, there is a new beginning. Jerry Sager can attest to that fact. He had a successful career with Lifeway Christian Stores spanning 23 years, but declining sales and a change in consumer spending habits led to the closing of this iconic Christian retail establishment. Established in 1891, Lifeway was a trusted name in Christian retail. 

“I thoroughly anticipated retiring from Lifeway,” explains Jerry. However, a new door opened for him – the door of real estate with Keller Williams. “Now we’re one of the top teams in the entire state,” remarks Jerry. “I never would have imagined that.” 

One of the similarities that Jerry had between Lifeway and real estate is serving others. As Jerry says, “We were in the people business and served others. That’s really what real estate is all about.” As a former general manager and corporate buyer for Lifeway Christian Stores, among other positions, he excelled in planning and organizational skills as well as people development. 

“All that translates into this business,” he reflects. Real estate is all about connecting with others. “That’s what real estate is all about,” he says. His previous experience in Christian retail was foundational for real estate. “If people like you, they will work with you,” he says. “Having all the business skills really helped.”

Jerry was led to real estate by a friend who was in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He says, “He told me that he thought I would be good at it and I ought to try it.” His friend was right. “It was unlike anything I ever would have imagined,” says Jerry. This calm and collected individual was a natural in real estate, having systems in place to deal with his clients and get to the closing table. Jerry worked as an independent agent under the name, Jerry Sager Homes.

In 2020, Jerry Sager Homes joined together with REALTOR® Steve Parker and his wife, Anna (also known as The Steve & Anna Team), to form Red Hawk Realty Group. Steve entered real estate during the Great Recession in 2008, a challenging time to enter real estate. However, he persevered through that. 

“We’re great partners and have the same friends and attend the same church,” comments Jerry. “We also have the same values and that has made for a good partnership.” 

Why Red Hawk? “We wanted a name that was unique and wasn’t our names,” points out Jerry. Red is symbolic for Keller Williams and the hawk was a nod to the state bird for Alabama. 

“We tied both together in our logo,” explains Jerry. “The hawk carries the key, which brings it all together as one.” Red Hawk Realty Group is also representative of vision, tenacity and results. “It’s bigger than the two of us,” adds Jerry. It’s also a name that clients remember.

Jerry and Steve, along with their wives who are both real estate agents, are committed to exceeding their clients’ expectations from start to finish. Jerry’s wife, Karen, a full-time occupational therapist, got her real estate license at the end of 2019 to help him when he was getting really busy. Considering Jerry is forecasting 37 million in sales for 2023, he can use all the help that he can get. Similarly, Steve’s wife, Anna, has been a real estate agent for 7 years. Together, the team is passionate about connecting people with their dreams, whether they are first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors.

 

With a track record of success, Red Hawk Realty Group sold 188 homes and generated $64 million in sales last year. The team attributes its achievements to a strong foundation built on referrals and maintaining relationships with past clients. Approximately 75 percent of their business comes from referrals and past clients, demonstrating the trust and satisfaction they have earned from their clients.

 

Their team is also growing. As Jerry says, “We are actively hiring and have full-time positions available for agents and administrative staff. If there is someone out there who wants to be on a top team in Birmingham, we are excited to talk to them.” It’s also an opportunity for growth for people to have as large a business as they desire.

 

Red Hawk was also the first millionaire real estate team for Keller Williams Hoover. They have established themselves and stay connected with their clients. Jerry comments, “We want to be real estate agents for life. We have a good system to stay in touch with past clients so we stay top of mind.”

 

"The fact that we help people in one of their biggest investments in life – real estate – is part of helping people choose a home," Jerry expresses. "It's a big responsibility to be a part of that."

 

Red Hawk Realty Group values the power of collaboration and support within their team. Regular meetings are held to discuss strategies, hiring, marketing, and financials. Both Jerry and Steve, as business partners, encourage open and honest communication to ensure the success of the team and the satisfaction of their clients.

 

Red Hawk Realty Group goes beyond the transactional aspect of real estate, genuinely caring about their clients. Jerry recalls instances where he has prayed for people going through difficult situations, which has deeply touched those he has helped. Building personal connections and making a positive impact is at the heart of their business.

 

Real estate isn’t easy, but it’s a fruitful endeavor that has rich rewards. “Even if you go on vacation, a client’s home purchase doesn’t stop,” points out Jerry. “You have to constantly have a plan because other people count on you to get the job done.” Fortunately with the team structure, people can find work-life balance. 

 

When not working, Jerry spends time with his family. Jerry has two children, Bethany (29) and Garrett (25). Bethany is a nurse at UAB, and Garrett is a graduate student working on his Ph.D. at Yale in theoretical neuroscience.

To relax, Jerry loves going to the beach. “We’re big beach people,” he says. “I like to travel and see different parts of the country. I enjoy music and played cello for several years. Karen and I love to go to music events, be outdoors, and be out with friends and family.” 

Currently, Jerry has 21 closings on the board in the next 2 months. “We are anticipating a blockbuster summer,” he smiles. He is looking for that pace to remain for the rest of the year. He spends several hours a day on lead generation and works to set one appointment each day. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, Red Hawk Realty Group stands as a testament to the power of adaptability, collaboration, and genuine care. From a successful career in the retail industry to becoming one of the top teams in the state, Jerry Sager and his team have embraced change and built a reputation based on trust and long-term relationships. With their unique vision and a commitment to helping clients achieve their dreams, Red Hawk Realty Group continues to soar, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve. As they embark on their journey of growth and expansion, their unwavering dedication to excellence promises a bright future for both the team and their valued clients.