Nothing in life is guaranteed. With this newfound realization, I approached life with an entirely new perspective and drive to make the most of every moment.
At just 23, a motorcycle accident changed everything. One moment, I was riding my bike, and the next, I was lying under a tree, my leg broke, thinking, "This is it." My femur was snapped clean in half, and for over an hour and a half, my friend held my leg together while we waited for help. In those moments, all I could think about was my family and friends—nothing else seemed to matter.
After three surgeries and months of recovery, where I had to relearn how to walk, I came out of that experience with a humbling new perspective. The accident taught me that nothing is guaranteed and that I needed to prioritize what really matters—family, friends, and living a meaningful life.
That lesson shaped everything I did from then on. At the time, I was running a window-tinting business, but when the economy crashed in 2009, my business took a hit. With the downturn, people stopped spending on luxuries like window tinting. I was forced into a corporate job, and while I worked hard and did well, I felt like I was just grinding for a paycheck. I bounced between roles, from being a doctoral enrollment advisor to recruiting directors for senior living facilities, but none of it felt right. I was always an entrepreneur at heart.
When I was 30, I reached a breaking point—something had to give. That’s when a friend invited me to join his real estate team. From day one in real estate, I knew this was what I was meant to do. In my first six months, I sold eight homes. The freedom, the ability to help people, and the fact that there was no ceiling on what I could achieve—it was exactly what I needed. Real estate, for me, has never been just about making money; it's about building genuine relationships, trust and putting people first—whether it’s my clients or ensuring I have balance to be there for my family and friends.
In 2017, I co-founded Collaborative Realty Group (CRG) with the vision of creating something completely different from the traditional real estate team. We wanted a team where agents could grow together, without being boxed in by restrictive splits or forced branding. At CRG, we focus on creating a supportive community where everyone can thrive. My role within CRG is a blend of recruiter, mentor, and leader. I host our weekly Monday morning meetings, provide hands-on training, and help foster the collaborative culture that sets us apart. We’ve grown from just four agents to 150 across 15 states, and it’s all built on a foundation of trust, support, and empowerment. I’ve enjoyed giving back to fellow agents and creating a lasting impact in the industry I love.
Real estate has given me more than just a fulfilling career—it’s provided the flexibility to prioritize time with my family and friends. My wife, Jordyn, and I have been together for nine years, and we’re raising three amazing kids: Rylee (16), Dax (5), and Ember (3). Every morning, I cook breakfast and spend quality time with them before heading to work and am home around 4 o’clock to enjoy evenings with them. This spring, I will be coaching Dax’s T-ball team, which will give me the chance to be present for him while connecting with others in the community. In my free time, I enjoy playing competitive pickleball, and I love camping and fishing with my family, as well as spending time with a great group of lifelong friends.
I’ve never forgotten the lessons I learned after my accident—life is short, and I’m committed to making the most of it by prioritizing the people in my life and creating a positive impact through my work.
Real estate, for me, is all about relationships and providing real value to people. My business is built on genuine connections with my clients, and I’ve always found that the best opportunities come from those relationships. I focus on understanding my clients’ needs and finding creative solutions that benefit them. I constantly seek out programs that offer my clients advantages they might not otherwise know about, like options that help them make more money or ease the stress of moving. I’m all about homeownership and creating opportunities for people to secure their future through real estate.
By focusing on the person rather than just the transaction, I ensure that my clients not only get the best deal but also feel supported every step of the way. I truly listen and apply 9+ years of experience to help every client achieve the best outcomes possible. Even after the transaction is over, I am here for my clients as a lifelong resource and friend!
Sincerely,
Joshua Riddle
Realtor | eXp ICON Award Winner | Certified Mentor
480.206.4632
jriddlerealty@gmail.com
www.jriddlerealty.homes