The real estate industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that plays a crucial role in shaping communities, wealth, and lifestyles. From buying and selling homes to guiding clients through investment opportunities, real estate professionals are pivotal in helping individuals and families make one of the most significant decisions of their lives. However, in an industry often marked by high competition and transactional relationships, it takes a special kind of leadership to create lasting impact and trust.

Alison Alston, the Owner of Lodestone Real Estate, embodies this leadership. With a unique combination of expertise, passion for philanthropy, and commitment to fostering deep, long-term relationships with clients, Alison has set herself apart in the real estate world. Her dedication to maintaining an authentic and client-centered approach has positioned her as a leader who not only excels in real estate but also strives to change the industry for the better, ensuring that every interaction is about more than just a transaction—it’s about creating lasting, meaningful connections.

The Foundation: Education and Philanthropy

Alison’s professional journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree from Vanderbilt University. Her first decade in the workforce was spent as a fundraiser for independent schools in the Northeast, where she honed her skills in relationship-building and strategic planning. Reflecting on this time, she shared, “I have always loved supporting philanthropic efforts – it is important to continue to be a part of what I do with team philanthropy each year.”

This passion for giving back remains central to her leadership philosophy. Even as she transitioned into real estate, Alison ensured that philanthropy remained a core aspect of Lodestone’s operations, creating a culture that values community engagement as much as professional success.

Lodestone Real Estate

Lodestone Real Estate was founded in 2012 as an independent brokerage. Alison joined the company in 2017 as a team member, and by 2019, she had acquired the business from its original owner. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her transformative leadership.

“I began putting my own touches on it; most of all prioritizing philanthropic-minded agent members,” Alison explained. Her vision brought a renewed focus on cultivating a team that not only excelled in real estate but also shared her commitment to giving back.

At its core, Lodestone Real Estate is dedicated to aligning lifestyle and property goals for buyers, sellers, and investors. The company’s approach goes far beyond traditional transactions.

Alison elaborated, “We approach each home as an investment, ensuring clients are making decisions for their present and long-term goals.” By collaborating with financial advisors, the team helps clients integrate real estate decisions into broader financial planning. This holistic approach ensures clients achieve both their immediate needs and future aspirations.

What truly sets Lodestone apart is its emphasis on education. Alison and her team are committed to staying ahead of industry trends and sharing that knowledge with clients. She emphasized, “Our commitment to ongoing education ensures we continue to offer the very best and provide a learning experience that goes far beyond the transaction at hand.”

GROW: An Expansion Project with Purpose

One of Alison’s most ambitious initiatives is the GROW expansion project. Designed to support Realtors nationwide, GROW provides professional guidance for implementing best practices, fostering business growth, and navigating the complexities of real estate entrepreneurship.

“I have been struggling with how to help more people without building a massive real estate team that dilutes the incredible culture of Lodestone,” Alison admitted. GROW addresses this challenge by enabling Realtors to benefit from Lodestone’s resources and culture while building their own legacies.

“One of the things I have found to be a struggle for many Realtors is a lack of business and management experience,” Alison explained. GROW bridges this gap, offering mentorship and support to help Realtors avoid common obstacles and setbacks.

Laying the Foundation for Nationwide Impact

Alison Alston envisions a future where Lodestone Real Estate’s influence spans the entire United States, with a Lodestone agent operating in all 50 states. This ambitious goal is driven by the company’s core values of authenticity, excellence, and a commitment to client success. Through the GROW program, Alison plans to expand Lodestone’s philosophy of exceptional client care and professional development across the country. “My long-term goal is to have a Lodestone agent in all 50 states by the time I turn 50,” she shared, underscoring her dedication to scaling the company while preserving its unique culture and values.

The GROW initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving this vision. This program not only equips real estate professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed but also enables them to carry Lodestone’s client-first approach to new markets. Alison and her team are working tirelessly to ensure that this expansion doesn’t dilute the company’s ethos but instead reinforces its dedication to building strong client relationships and empowering agents. “We want to expand the training and client care synonymous with Lodestone throughout the country,” she explained. This forward-thinking strategy is designed to leave the real estate industry in a better place than when she started.

While her long-term vision is ambitious, Alison also places significant emphasis on short-term, actionable goals to keep the momentum going. Her immediate priority is to educate at least 10 agents in the next year on how to optimize their business operations and unlock their potential. “There’s so much I want to accomplish, but time is my biggest barrier,” she admitted. To overcome this challenge, Alison balances her strategic vision with meticulous time management, ensuring that each initiative receives the focus and resources it needs to thrive. This dual approach of dreaming big while staying grounded in practical goals has become a defining feature of her leadership, setting Lodestone Real Estate apart as a company that prioritizes both growth and integrity.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

The real estate industry is undergoing significant changes, from technological advancements to shifting public perceptions of Realtors. Alison identified these challenges as both obstacles and opportunities.

“Agents are being pulled in a thousand directions daily, serving as marketers, counselors, mediators… it’s so much more than opening a door or putting a sign in a yard,” she said. Additionally, she acknowledged the uphill battle of improving public perceptions, noting, “Technology is fantastic, and knowledge truly is power, but without a real estate professional to help you analyze the data and understand the nuances of the local market, you can leave a lot on the table financially.”

A Culture of Support and Risk-Taking

Lodestone’s strength lies in its inclusive culture, where differences are celebrated, and team members are encouraged to pursue their goals. Alison emphasized, “We encourage fellow team members to go for their goals, no matter what obstacles may stand in their way.”

Her decision to purchase Lodestone was her most significant risk. Reflecting on this, she said, “Investing in Lodestone was my biggest and most important risk. I saw the potential this company has for investing in others’ futures, helping clients establish generational wealth, and making a worthwhile difference in people’s lives.”

Empathy and Vulnerability in Leadership

Alison’s leadership style is defined by empathy and a willingness to embrace vulnerability. She values open dialogue and relationships built on trust. “I want people to know that I welcome conversation and am always open to growth and learning,” she shared.

Her approach challenges stereotypes about top producers in the industry. Alison remarked, “They seem to think that top producers have to be mean egomaniacs who are completely unapproachable. I can’t stand that; there are so many great people who are also top producers. I believe it’s important to always be reaching down and helping to elevate those willing to put in the effort to succeed.”

Building Lifetime Relationships with Clients

Alison Alston’s approach to real estate revolves around one key principle: building lasting relationships with clients. At Lodestone Real Estate, the focus is not just on completing transactions, but on forming genuine, lifelong bonds. Alison’s team places a high value on authenticity, kindness, and transparency. “We pride ourselves on being authentic, kind, and genuine, always putting the client’s best interests at heart,” she explained. This foundation allows clients to trust that they are being guided with integrity and that their decisions are always informed.

Lodestone’s dedication extends far beyond the sale itself. “We believe in creating lifetime relationships, not one-time transactions,” Alison emphasized, highlighting the importance of ongoing support and communication. The team ensures that clients feel connected even after the deal is done, whether it’s offering advice, answering questions, or simply checking in to see how they are settling into their new home. This approach not only fosters trust but also generates repeat business, referrals, and long-term relationships.

The team’s commitment to building relationships is also reflected in their proactive communication style. Alison emphasized, “We want to set realistic expectations and help clients navigate the unpredictable process of buying or selling a home.” By keeping clients informed, educating them about the process, and offering post-transaction support, Lodestone ensures the highest level of customer satisfaction. This strong client focus, combined with a deep commitment to authenticity and ongoing care, has allowed Lodestone Real Estate to build a reputation for excellence and trust in the industry.

Advice for Aspiring Business Leaders

When asked about her advice for aspiring businesspeople, Alison Alston emphasized the importance of authenticity and staying true to one’s unique qualities and vision. She shared one of her favorite quotes, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken,” which encapsulates her philosophy not only in real estate but also in life.

In a competitive industry like real estate, where individuality often gets lost in the race for success, Alison believes authenticity is the cornerstone of building trust and forming lasting relationships. She explained, “Real estate is about people and relationships, not just transactions. If you’re not authentic and you’re not in this for the right reasons, it’s not going to be fulfilling for you or your clients.”

Alison encourages aspiring leaders to invest in mentorship, a practice she has found invaluable in her own journey. “I strongly suggest finding at least one great mentor to learn from and work with as you get started. A mentor’s guidance can help you navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and provide insights that only experience can offer.” For Alison, mentorship isn’t just about professional growth; it’s about building a support system that helps individuals stay grounded and inspired.