Trust helped launch the successful Franklin business Smythe and Co. Real Estate in 2013 by Owner and Realtor Tanya Smythe.
With the booming success of the business, it might be surprising to know that Smythe didn’t always dream of selling real estate. While at Indiana University, Smythe studied psychology and dabbled in cosmetic sales, but real estate was not in her future plans. It wasn’t until she and her husband Mark, also an Indiana University alum, moved to Florida, where he was pursuing a career in professional football with the NFL, that Smythe got her first taste of the real estate business. She began working as the executive secretary for Mark’s football agent, who was also a builder.
She was intrigued by the real estate agents who came into the office. “It seemed rewarding and fulfilling to see people helping others to get into their dream home,” she says.
When their growing family moved back to Indiana, Smythe started working for a few prominent builders in the area. She also worked part time for a title company. At this point she still did not have her real estate license, but that changed when one of the builders decided to start a real estate company. Smythe then got her license, but soon realized that she would have more control over her own destiny by starting her own business.
Originally, Smythe and Co. was going to be a solo operation for Smythe. She admits her fears, even being afraid to commit to paying rent in the current office space. However, she wanted to start working in the community where she and her family lived. Her main concern was that she had always been behind a builder, behind the scenes. Would anyone know the name Smythe in Franklin? Sure, they knew of her because of her three children, Levi, Austin and Tana, but would they recognize the Smythe and Co. brand for their real estate needs? Smythe credits her father, Max Woodbury, a local CPA and business owner for over 40 years, for teaching her work ethic and encouraging her to go big for what she wanted in life. She decided to step out in faith and begin her own business, and it went well quickly.
Smythe is also very open about giving God all of the glory. She says that she prayed about the business for a long time, and after getting an audible confirmation from God to trust him with her dream of owning a real estate business, she made “trust” her word for 2013. She still has a cross with the word on it as a reminder of God’s direction, faithfulness and blessings. To this day, the Smythe and Co. team begins each team meeting with a prayer. They pray for the business and remember their core objectives to serve their clients well, be a light to others and follow the golden rule.
Smythe’s team is something she is proud of, and she is eager to recognize their role in the success of the business. She fondly recalls a pivotal moment when her son, Austin, woke her up to inform her that he had an assignment due for one of his business classes at IU. It was due at midnight and he needed her help to complete it. He had to create a business page and website, and he wanted to use Smythe and Co. in his project. Smythe says she got up, threw on a jacket, and allowed Austin to take a picture with his phone to use for the assignment. That picture was used for the first five years of the business.
As the business grew, more agents joined her. Smythe says she never recruited any of her agents. She was always approached by them. She shares one of her fondest memories from 2013 when one of her agents, Dan Frische, reached out, wanting direction on getting into real estate. Smythe told him, “I don’t have any fancy manuals, but let’s meet and talk.” It was history from there. Frische is one of 12 agents who work for Smythe.
“It is truly a team business,” Smythe says. “They all take care of one another. The team keeps it all flowing. When you take care of the people, the business comes organically. Anything that you’re passionate about and doing with the right heart, the business comes.” She says she loves mentoring her agents. Three of the agents had previous experience, but all of the others were trained by Smythe. She taught the new agents the business by working alongside them. She trusts her team, and emphasizes that she doesn’t have to worry about them. “Blessings have come to the whole team as a result of the business,” she says.
Smythe shares some lessons she has learned over the years in the real estate business. “In real estate you have to be urgent,” she says. “Don’t let 24 hours go by without responding. At the same time, create boundaries to establish work-family balance.” She goes on to explain how she had to learn to multitask in a good way, and to put margin in her day. “Margin keeps balance and joy,” she says. “I like to get things done, but I have learned I want peace, joy and balance as well, and it’s OK.”
So where does Smythe find that joy and peace? First and foremost is her family. She and Mark, her husband of 40 years, have three children, three in-law children, and seven grandchildren. Attending the grandkids’ sporting events and other activities keeps her busy and fulfilled. She also credits Christian worship music, especially artist Chris Tomlin, with bringing her peace and the ability to de-stress. She recently purchased a set of golf clubs, and hopes to use them at Hillview Country Club soon. She finds joy in flowers, yoga, getting in the sauna, taking walks and going to the beach. In particular, Smythe has a spiritual connection with the ocean, where she says she finds “healing and rejuvenation.” This is why she and her family have made a New Year’s tradition of visiting Siesta Key, Florida. It is the perfect way to combine her love of the ocean and her family. The tradition began as a Christmas gift from Mark and Tanya to their kids and grandkids every other year. They are now hoping to go every year. “That’s a victory,” she says. “Those are some of the things that have come from this business.” Smythe says she wants young mothers to know that “being a working mom is the hardest job, but when those kids grow up and want to hang out with you, vacation with you as adults, you know all that you’ve poured into them was worth it. You are raising your future best friends.”
Smythe also wants to thank the many family members, clients and business partners who have supported her and the business throughout the years. “We hope we’ve served well by giving back to the community,” she says. “It’s a full-circle thing. We’ve been greatly supported and we’ve given back also.” Smythe and Co.’s charitable donations have gone to numerous foundations, organizations and Franklin schools. Some of these include the Johnson County Community Foundation, ASPIRE of Johnson County, the Daniel Mercer Foundation, Girls Inc., the Boys & Girls Club, many Franklin sports teams, and others.
The future of Smythe and Co. is bright and promising, and that is evident with two main projects in the works. The project at Newkirk Square is currently one focus of the business. When asked about the rumored negativity of building luxury townhomes in Franklin, Smythe says “Franklin is home. I believe in Franklin. There has been so much effort from Franklin city leaders, the businesses and members of the community to improve downtown Franklin in the last 10 years that we have many people relocating here from northern Johnson County and the northside of Indianapolis. Franklin is ready for luxury living. We are super excited to be partners with the Bemis Group on Newkirk Square.”
The eight luxury townhomes are currently being sold, with three of the eight already purchased before the model was complete. Smythe says in her experience, the model is usually completed before buyers are willing to purchase. This is not the case with Newkirk Square. “There is a need/want for downtown living, which Franklin has to offer,” says Smythe.
Newkirk Square is appealing to empty nesters and young professionals. The buyers are bringing their money and resources to Franklin, which will benefit the community. Smythe is not shocked by the negativity surrounding big projects. She shares that “just 10 years ago, they thought we were nuts for selling $600,000 homes in Hillview, and now we have sold homes there for over $1,000,000. Franklin is attracting all buyers in all price ranges.” Homestead at Hillview Windsor section has just been completed, and Smythe and Co. has just launched 70 homesites for sale at Hillview Country Club and Golf Course located on Franklin’s east side, bordering the Greenway Trail and close to downtown Franklin and Interstate 65. The community features a neighborhood bocce court, picnic shelter area, and dock area on a pond with a fountain. For lot information and pricing, visit hillviewhomesfranklin.com.
Smythe and Co., located at 2000 Longest Drive in Franklin, looks forward to assisting clients with all their real estate needs.
