Texas LAND•Spring 2017

TEXAS LAND / Profile
based businesses. While there may be a few hunting stories
swapped, this is not a digital campfire. Instead, the guests share
the secrets of their business success.
“Our goal is to learn with our listeners,” Mock said. “It is a
win-win: it gives our guests a larger platform for their business
while expanding our network. Plus, because the information is
valuable, it creates an engaged community and another sales
funnel.”
At this writing, the podcasts are a relatively new addition.
In fact, the team is just completing its ninth episode, but the
segments are already gaining a foothold in the market. Without
spending a single dollar on promotion, more than 1,000 people
per episode have downloaded the broadcasts.
“It’s the long game and something different,” Mock said. “As
a young guy in the ranch real estate industry, I can either do
things the way that people have always done them or try to stir
it up. I’m a stirrer.”
The Keller-Williams Connection
Mock appreciates the positive power of mentoring.
“Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed to have good
coaches and mentors,” Mock said.
One of the most influential has been Gary Keller, COB and
co-founder of Keller Williams Realty, the largest real estate
company in the world. They met about six years ago.
“Gary’s success comes from investing in people,” Mock
said. “He likes people who think big and drive hard. Our lives
intersected when I was ready for my next opportunity.”
Mock had identified ranch real estate as his next business
arena and he asked Keller for his advice about getting into the
land brokerage business. Keller told Mock it was about time and
he then coached him through writing a business plan.
After that Mock met Mary Tennant, who was then serving
as President of KWRI. They, too, developed a mentoring
relationship. While Mock embraced the company’s philosophy
and respected the company’s top leadership, there was a
problem. KWRI was a residential company.
Unbeknownst to Mock, there was a group of highlyrespected
ranch brokers serving on a leadership council within
the company and working toward developing a farm and ranch
division. Mock joined the leadership council.
“KWRI was built on the principle that if it’s good for the agent
then it’s good for the company long-term,” Mock said. “We
followed suit in the farm and ranch division, asking ourselves:
How can we build a platform where agents would never want to
leave?”
As plans for the farm and ranch division were finalized, Keller
Williams asked Mock to lead the new division’s launch and then
stay on as its director. Mock seized the opportunity.
To give KW Farm & Ranch the attention it deserved, Mock
pulled back on his own business for a year. Then, he jumped
back into production with Mock Ranches, running a lean team
consisting of himself, a certified assistant and two referring
associates. This year, he will hire two full-time land specialists.
Mock Ranches is a Keller Williams Team, which gives the
boutique firm the power of the international giant’s marketing,
technology and training prowess. In 2015 for instance,
Training Magazine named Keller Williams as the “#1 Training
Organization in the World.”
“We can bring the resources of the largest real estate
company in the world to bear along with the personal service
that people expect when they are making what is generally the
largest expenditure in their lives,” Mock said. “It’s a winning
combination for everyone involved.”
Putting together a deal that is a win-win for everyone seated
at the table is important to Mock. For him, the best deals are not
always the biggest. One of his most memorable deals involved
two ranches and an agreement between neighbors. The sellers
hadn’t listed their property, but the buyers wanted to secure
it as a hedge against development in rapidly developing Hays
MOCK RANCHES
Mission, Values, Beliefs, Perspective
Mission: To build businesses that matter, with people we value, while helping
others realize their dreams.
Values: The Best IDEAS – Innovation, Determination, Entrepreneurship,
Accountability, Service
Beliefs: That great businesses are defined by amazing people with innovative ideas.
Perspective: A family of companies built on the foundations of faith, hard work
and innovation that services landowners, businesses and outdoor enthusiasts.
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