Gary Keller: Mastering Real Estate, Leadership, and the Pursuit of Personal Growth

Gary Keller, born in 1957 in Pasadena, Texas, is an American entrepreneur, author, and real estate visionary best known as the co-founder and executive chairman of Keller Williams Realty, the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count. Beyond business, Keller is recognized as a mentor and educator who has redefined success through clarity, focus, and purposeful living.

After earning his degree in marketing and real estate from Baylor University, Keller began his career as a real estate agent before founding Keller Williams Realty in 1983 in Austin, Texas. His leadership model emphasized agent-centric culture, training, and profit sharing — revolutionary ideas that turned the company into a global powerhouse spanning more than 50 countries.

Keller is also a bestselling author whose works have become essential guides for entrepreneurs and professionals. His 2004 book The Millionaire Real Estate Agent distilled the systems and mindsets behind building a successful real estate business. Later, The ONE Thing (2013), co-authored with Jay Papasan, became an international bestseller, urging readers to focus on what truly matters by asking: “What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”

A believer in education and mindset mastery, Keller founded KellerINK publishing and KW Labs to advance research on leadership and productivity. His teachings emphasize time blocking, clarity of purpose, and the compound effect of consistent action.

Under Keller’s leadership, Keller Williams has been recognized for its strong culture, training excellence, and innovation in real estate technology. He continues to mentor entrepreneurs through masterminds and personal growth programs.

Gary Keller’s philosophy centers on focus, balance, and intentional living — empowering individuals to align their actions with their deepest priorities. His work transcends real estate, serving as a blueprint for achieving extraordinary results through discipline and simplicity.