By Tanna M. Friday, sponsored content
Dave Ramsey, an American personal finance advisor, once shared, “Business is a ministry, and good ones prosper by serving people the way God wants them to.”
According to Chris Hicks, Realtor with eXp Realty, the marketplace is his ministry. Hicks recently transitioned from a full-time associate pastor role at Church of the Highlands Greystone to starting a real estate business. Hicks contributes this transition to his three young children and becoming a more present father in their lives.
“I chose real estate as a way of producing income for my family, allowing for more flexibility with my schedule, while still being able to continue to serve people in meaningful and practical ways,” said Hicks.
Hicks knows the area well as a graduate of Moody High School, graduate of the University of Alabama, graduate of Highlands College, and serving at the Church of the Highlands Grants Mill and Greystone campuses. He also grew up on residential construction sites and spent years working closely with real estate agents in other capacities.
With Hicks bringing sales and pastoral experience to the industry, he aspires to walk people through one of the largest financial transactions while having fun doing it.
“You can trust me to get the best deal, the most honest way while smiling through the entire process,” said Hicks. “Everything I do, I want to be people-focused, building life-long relationships.”
Hicks shares that he wants to point others toward the answers that will satisfy their needs while watching the excitement come as they make the choice and experience the benefits of buying or selling real estate. Helping people go from where they are to where they want to be is what fills Hicks’ cup, especially when that step is closer to God.
“I may not always be right or perfect (far from it) as a man in ministry or a realtor, but I can always be honest, supportive, and encouraging to people in their moment of need,” said Hicks.
“I view this transition as one of the great faith moments God has called me to. He has blessed me beyond what I deserve and I believe He will continue to do so,” said Hicks. “My desire is to help people in defining moments that reach beyond church walls. Moments that are as joyful as a young couple looking to buy their first home, moments that are as problematic as a job transfer forcing a family to uproot, and moments that close a chapter in one’s life like downsizing or selling the home of a lost loved one.”
Hicks points out that we all have times of transition where we need guidance in our investments, in our choices, and in our perspectives on life.
“I have found that this transition as a real estate agent broadens opportunities to minister in ways I could have never imagined,” said Hicks. “I want to honor that gift by serving with integrity, honesty, an excellent work ethic, and always keeping Jesus in the center of it all.”
In many ways, Hicks has always had a heart for real estate. Previously, it had been helping others invest in eternal homes constructed by the Greatest Builder and now he is helping his clients invest in earthly homes. Either way, Hicks says it’s a pure privilege to do both in a way that serves God through serving people. He is excited to see how his ministry continues to grow in new and exciting ways.
List with Hicks, Realtor for eXp Realty by calling/texting (205) 352-8192, visiting www.listwithhicks.com, or messaging him on Instagram or Facebook @listwithHicks.