Viet Le is overwhelmed by the growth of the Pinnacle Team, and he's humbled by how it's happened.

In September and October 2019, his team closed 28 and 29 transactions. In September 2020, Pinnacle did 48 transactions, and they are on track for 40-plus for October.

"What’s working for us is, as a team, we have fundamentally gone back to the basics," Viet says.  "Truly, we believe in our agents, and we understand that people are going through tough times, and we want to give something back."

Earlier this year, Pinnacle started the Moving Minnesota Together program, which pays  the first month mortgage for clients. In August, Viet hoped Pinnacle might be able to crack $100,000 by January or February. But after a news feature in KSTP and some investment in marketing, Pinnacle is currently at $91,903 — and may crack the six-figure mark before the end of the month.

"It’s not even about the transaction count," Viet says, "but we’re transforming lives."

Viet has three tips for other real estate teams.

1) Be open-minded — Viet dismissed Moving Minnesota Together when Jennifer Giovinazzo initially came up with the idea. But Jennifer persisted, and all of Pinnacle got behind the COVID-inspired program. "No matter the outcome, take the risk and put in the effort," Viet says.

2) Don’t chase that shiny object — Viet says it’s critical to believe in your network and in relationships. “Long (Doan) always says, ‘We’re in the people business,’ and you have to know your client,” Viet says. “It starts with picking up the phone. It doesn’t start with anything new and shiny. So we went back to the basics of being an agent.”

3) Build a strong support staff — Viet says he is thankful to his support staff, which includes Tara, Lauren, Seneca, Sherri and Jen. “Your support staff is the glue that makes you look good, as an agent,” Viet says. “If the support staff believes in you, as an agent, you’re going to be more productive, and you’re going to enjoy what you do.” 

Click here to learn more about Pinnacle Team and the Moving Minnesota Together program.