Featured Agent - Scot Kellogg

When Scot Kellogg first dreamt of starting his own real estate brokerage, he envisioned a modest operation, aiming to gather 20 agents who would help him create a tight-knit, supportive, familial community of realtors in West Michigan. Fast forward to today, and 616 REALTY has an impressive roster of 107 talented agents and a stylish brick-and-mortar office in the Creston neighborhood. And at the heart of 616 REALTY’s success is its culture of authenticity, genuineness and professionalism inspired by Kellogg himself and the 616 ethos of “Work with Real.” This commitment to staying true to those values has fostered a thriving, supportive environment where agents and clients alike feel valued and respected.

The Genesis of 616 REALTY

Scot Kellogg’s pathway into the real estate world wasn’t straightforward although he grew up in a family of builders. His interest in music led him to Chicago’s Columbia University and a stint in the music industry, interning at A&M Records who represented artists like Blues Traveler and Sheryl Crow. He even started a grassroots record label. 

“I was deeply immersed in hip-hop culture, spending my off nights watching emerging artists. This inspired me to start a record label in Chicago, aiming to showcase local talent. Despite lacking credibility, I pushed forward, managing artists and organizing events. 

His early entrepreneurial efforts had a number of highs and lows. Managing a freestyle rapper who once beat Eminem in a contest, driving promotional CDs all over to record stores, and gaining recognition from the Chicago Tribune and Billboard Magazine were all notable achievements. However, he acknowledges his shortcomings in business management, which eventually led to burnout.

The lessons from those early days in the industry became foundational to 616 REALTY. “I learned the hard way that you can’t do everything on your own,” Kellogg recalls. “Finding mentors, asking for help, and building a strong team around you are crucial.” He also notes with a chuckle, “If you can manage musicians, you can do anything.”

Building the Foundation

Kellogg’s foray into real estate began in 2011, a time when the economy was shaky at best. He had worked at three different brokerages, each with strengths and shortcomings. “I took a little bit from each place,” he explains. “What I liked, what I didn’t like, and what I thought could be done differently from an agent’s perspective.”

The early days of 616 REALTY were marked by slow, deliberate growth. “We didn’t have a choice but to grow slowly, but it ended up working out,” Kellogg reflects. His initial vision was a modest brokerage, reaching 20 agents. Little did he know then that 616 REALTY would far surpass that target.

The 616 Difference

What sets 616 REALTY apart from other brokerages is its unwavering commitment to its agents. “We always tried to be the best value for realtors, keeping our overhead and fees down while still offering lots of value,” says Kellogg. “We work for our agents. At some brokerages, agents are made to feel like they are working for the broker, but I want the agents to know I am working for them. Our goal is to provide top-notch branding, community representation, and a supportive environment.” That, and the balance between low fees and high support at 616 is a rare find in the industry.

Beth Owen, the operations manager who joined the venture early on, was also instrumental in 616’s growth and success. “Beth has brought amazing value and work ethic to the team,” Kellogg notes. “Her presence really marked a turning point for us. She has been essential to our success and the success of our agents.”

Cultivating Community and Connection

Kellogg emphasizes the importance of community both within and outside the company. 616 REALTY encourages agents to engage in passion projects and community outreach. “We don’t dictate what community work our agents should do. Instead, we support their individual efforts,” Kellogg explains. His own involvement with the Creston Neighborhood Association, the Hispanic Center of West Michigan, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, and Wyoming High School’s Career Days are confirmation of his commitment to community engagement.

Likewise, although it is an era where many brokerages are moving towards a cloud-based model, 616 REALTY prides itself on maintaining personal connections. “We answer the phone quickly, we’re available for one-on-one meetings, and we try to meet people wherever they’re at in their real estate journey,” Kellogg says. “We also offer a brick-and-mortar office where we offer professional development, coaching and a place to collaborate with other agents.” This hands-on approach and focus on genuine relationships is one of the many reasons 616 REALTY has maintained its familial feel despite its vast growth.

A Good Fit

Part of maintaining that familial feel means signing agents who fit the culture at 616. “We seek agents who are genuine and down-to-earth. We like to make sure they are self-motivated and have a clear vision for their business because that is critical to their success. Real estate is competitive, and it’s essential to have grit, determination, and goals. We provide a robust support system, including a mentorship program to help new agents navigate their first five transactions.”

He adds, “We are always working on ways to improve. I am constantly thinking about what I wanted and needed as a realtor, and we find ways to provide it. I truly care about the people who work at 616 REALTY. I know how much work it takes to get a transaction done from beginning to end. I really do want to work hard for them and see them do well. I want to give them everything they need to be successful.”

To be successful, Kellogg’s advises, “Be fearless and proactive. Focus on your goals and stay curious. The real estate market is ever-changing, and adaptability is key. Seek mentorship and always strive to improve.”

The Road Ahead

As Kellogg looks to the future, he is focused on sustaining the brokerage’s unique culture while also exploring opportunities for expansion. “We’re hyper-focused on growing our market share in West Michigan,” he says. “But if we do expand, it will be in a way that preserves our hub model—a comfortable, centralized hub that agents can use to grow their business and our continued focus on community, authenticity and family.” 

Kellogg’s entrepreneurial spirit remains undiminished. He’s constantly thinking about the next step, whether it’s enhancing the company’s marketing efforts, improving agent resources, or exploring new markets. And amidst all this, he hasn’t forgotten his personal passions. “I’m getting healthier, working out and even thinking about getting back into music,” he shares.

At 616, the philosophy of “Work With Real” is more than a tagline; it’s a way of life. From one agent to 107, from a simple vision to a thriving community, Scot Kellogg’s 616 REALTY is a model of what can be achieved with authenticity, drive and a commitment to helping others succeed. 616 REALTY and Kellogg are an example of how to do it right—by working with real, by fostering an environment where agents can be themselves and thrive, 616 is not just a brokerage but a family dedicated to excellence and genuine connections.