For many independent brokerage owners, growth brings both opportunity and uncertainty. The desire to expand is strong – but so are the questions: How do you scale without losing control? How do you elevate your brand while staying true to your roots?
That was the inflection point for Greg Johnson in Denton, Texas, and Travis Taylor in San Antonio. Each had built respected, high-performing brokerages over the years. But to compete at the next level, they needed broader reach, enhanced tools, and stronger support – without compromising the culture, identity, and autonomy that made their businesses successful in the first place.
Facing the Crossroads
After two decades of running his own firm, Greg Johnson kept hearing the same thing from prospective clients: “We love your work, but we need a national brand.” It was never a question of capability – it was about perception and scale. “I wasn’t looking to sell,” Greg said. “I wanted to grow. But I didn’t want to hand over what I had spent 20 years building.”
Travis Taylor had a similar experience. Leading a team in the San Antonio market, he saw the opportunity to compete at a higher level – without giving up control. “Franchising allowed us to stay local and independent while gaining national presence and support,” he said. “It gave us more tools and more reach, but we kept our identity.”
Making the Move
One of the most common concerns among brokerage owners exploring franchise models is the potential loss of control. What stood out to both Greg and Travis was SVN’s business model: collaboration without control. No pressure to stop doing things your way.
“I was surprised at how much autonomy we retained,” Travis noted. “We still do what’s best for our clients and team, but now we’re backed by a national platform.”
For Greg, keeping his name – now operating as SVN | Verus Commercial – was a big deal. “I spent 20 years building that brand. SVN respected that. They helped amplify it.”
A Platform Built for Growth
Joining SVN meant access to a full suite of resources that helped both teams move faster and smarter – especially on the training and technology front. Greg described the onboarding process as eye-opening: “There were tools I didn’t even know existed. Now my team isn’t guessing what to use, we already have what works.”
The network itself also opened new doors. “If you hit a wall in your own market or expertise, someone in the SVN network has the answer,” said Travis. “It’s a true culture of collaboration, which is rare in this industry.”
A Culture That Fits
For both Greg and Travis, the decision ultimately came down to alignment – not just in tools or brand reach, but in values. “We’ve always had a family feel in our office,” Greg said. “That mattered to me. With SVN, we found that same spirit, but on a national level.”
Travis agreed: “The collaboration is not forced. It’s just how people operate here. That mindset makes a difference in how we work… and how we grow.”
Looking Ahead
For brokerage owners thinking about how to grow without giving up what matters most – your people, your brand, and the way you do business – Greg and Travis are proof that it’s possible.
“Looking back, I wish I had made the move sooner,” Greg said. “We’re still who we’ve always been, but stronger.”
If you’re exploring your next chapter, see how SVN can help you scale on your terms at svn.com/franchise.
About SVN®
SVN® is the leading franchisor of commercial real estate Advisors in America and a globally recognized organization, united by a shared vision of creating significant value for clients, colleagues, and communities. As an entrepreneurial, Employee-Owned, Public Benefit Corporation, SVN supports thousands of commercial real estate entrepreneurs across more than 200 offices in three countries. With over 2,000 Advisors and staff worldwide, SVN stands out for its commitment to transparency, innovation, and inclusivity, which enables its Advisors to collaborate with the entire real estate industry on behalf of clients.
SVN’s unique Shared Value Network® is one of the many ways our Advisors create exceptional value. All SVN offices are independently owned and operated.
If you’re a successful CRE entrepreneur interested in applying to become part of this Top 10 firm, visit www.svn.com/franchise.