In many professions, it's often said that some people are born to do them. In Brian Erwin's case, real estate is in his blood. Beginning with his grandmother, May Erwin, and his parents, Elaine and David (who served as association President), Brian continues the proud family tradition of serving the real estate needs of the greater Chattanooga community. But Brian's real estate career doesn't stop with his clients. Over the years, Brian has served in many leadership roles at Greater Chattanooga Realtors.
What did you do before transitioning into this profession? During and after college, I worked for the Chattanooga Lookouts in ticketing and other marketing roles. Before obtaining my real estate license, I worked in various roles in rental properties, including property management, general labor, renovations, remodels, landscaping, and lawn care.
What is your favorite part of being a Realtor? What I value most about being a Realtor is the unified strength of our profession, especially in our advocacy efforts and community support. From local issues such as zoning, permitting, and inventory to state and national legislative policy, Realtors consistently stand up for property rights and consumer education. Our Association is respected globally, thanks to the history of dedicated Realtor professionals who care deeply about people and progress. It's rewarding to serve in an organization with influence to support its members and also the needs of our communities.
Why did you choose to serve the Association in a leadership capacity? I got plugged into Association participation and service almost immediately upon membership. Through involvement on committees and the guidance of brokers and industry mentors with considerable experience as Association leaders, I was encouraged that my time to step up was at hand. I graduated from the Leadership Academy, chaired committees, and was elected to the MLS committee, which prepared me to take the next step in leadership. I recall distinctly the first year I qualified to run for a Director position, some mentors and past Association Presidents encouraged me to submit an application for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Given the prediction that I would not prevail in the election because I was so new to the business, these mentors felt that being on the ballot would increase my confidence and prepare me for future service. They were correct. I did not prevail initially, but now I am in my third term as a Director and have served for several years in leadership, learning from talented colleagues constantly on how we can best represent our fellow members.
What would you like your fellow Realtors to know about the benefits our Association offers its members? As aforementioned, I want our fellow Realtors to know about the impressive advocacy that the Association conducts. We’re engaged politically, socially, educationally, and charitably. Also, we undergo extensive consideration for all things technology, the multiple listing service, safety, and the respected and recognizable trade organization for real estate expertise, professionalism, and adherence to a strict Code of Ethics.
Have you read any recent books or listened to a podcast you'd recommend? I am currently reading Andre Agassi's autobiography, Open. As a tennis fan, the book and stories are tremendous memories of the child prodigy and eventual number one-ranked player globally during a period of American dominance in world tennis. But even more notably, it is a compelling personal narrative of internal struggles, public image, profound hatred for his talent, perseverance, and a life-altering journey to find himself and personal meaning. For Agassi, that became a balance and the founding of charitable organizations for underserved children. A great read or listen for everyone.
Brian’s commitment doesn’t stop at serving clients and mentoring colleagues; it extends to the policy table where decisions are made. Advocacy is a passion of Brian’s, and he was recently named the youngest Federal Political Coordinator at Greater Chattanooga Realtors, serving as liaison to Representative Chuck Fleischmann. In this role, Brian is a crucial point of contact for elected leaders on real estate matters, amplifying the voices of homeowners and Realtors across our region.
From ballpark grit to boardroom leadership, Brian’s path reflects a steady devotion to people, property rights, and professional excellence. He’s the kind of leader who shows up—studying the issues, rolling up his sleeves, and lifting others along the way. Our association is stronger because of it. #That’sWhoWeR
Greater Chattanooga REALTORS® is The Voice of Real Estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with nearly 3,000 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is one of some 1,200 local boards and associations of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more information, visit www.gcar.net or call 423.698.8001.