Building a High-Performance Real Estate Team: Leadership, Accountability & Growth with Cole Watkins | The Franklin Factor
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THE FRANKLIN FACTOR · SEASON 3 · EPISODE 8

Building a High-Performance Real Estate Team: Leadership, Accountability & Growth with Cole Watkins

Jul 8, 2026 · 54 min 46 sec

Published artwork for Building a High-Performance Real Estate Team: Leadership, Accountability & Growth with Cole Watkins

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Episode notes.

Original published show notes, not a transcript.

🎙️ Sarah Savard and Jimmy Franklin welcome Cole Watkins, co-owner of The Bridge Group, to discuss the journey of building one of Houston's top real estate teams. Cole shares how he and his wife, Kelly, got started in real estate, the lessons they learned from their early years, and why hiring a coach changed the trajectory of their business.

The conversation dives into what it really takes to lead a successful team, why most agents aren't ready to become team leaders, and the importance of accountability and consistent follow-up. Cole also explains the story behind The Bridge Group, why they made the move to eXp Realty, how they've built a strong team culture, and what they've learned about recruiting.

What We Discuss:

  • 00:00 Welcome/Introducing Cole Watkins 
  • 05:23 Starting in Real Estate
  • 11:29 Building The Bridge Group
  • 16:22 Follow-Up, Coaching & Accountability
  • 23:03 Discipline, Standards & Team Culture
  • 34:54 Working with Your Spouse
  • 40:01 Growing a Commercial Division
  • 44:02 Why They Chose eXp Realty
  • 46:32 Coaching with Cheplak Live
  • 51:42 Trust the Process & Finding the Right Room to Grow

Guest Information:

Jimmy Franklin, Founder of The Franklin Team

Sarah Franklin Savard, Co-Owner of The Franklin Team

Cole Watkins, Guest and Licensed Agent 


Links and Resources:

🌐 The Franklin Team https://thefranklinteaminc.com/
#️⃣  @Jimmyfranklin_realestate
📅  - https://thefranklinteam.youcanbook.me Agents can sign up to come to a free and open informational session to learn more about opportunities with The Franklin Team

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