We had the good fortune of connecting with Greg Goad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Greg, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—both in business and in life—is the power of authenticity. When I first got into real estate, I thought I had to fit a certain mold to be successful. I wore a suit and got those typical real estate headshots. I believed I needed to present myself in a polished, corporate way, always saying the “right” things and marketing myself the way I saw others doing it. But what I quickly realized was that people don’t connect with perfection—they connect with personality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My real estate career is a direct reflection of my lifestyle. I’ve built my business around the things I love—exploring the outdoors, connecting with my community, and helping people find a place to call home. Every day, I get to work with incredible clients, many of whom are relocating to Georgia, searching for a fresh start, or looking for a home that truly fits their way of life.

It hasn’t always been an easy journey. Like any entrepreneur, I’ve faced my share of obstacles—market shifts, self-doubt, and the constant challenge of standing out in a competitive industry. But I’ve learned to “fail forward.” Every setback has been a lesson, every challenge an opportunity to grow. I’ve leaned on my faith, surrounded myself with the right people, and stayed committed to pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. I always tell new agents or entrepreneurs to surround yourself with those who have what you want. One of the things I love most about my brokerage, REAL, is our motto: “collaboration over competition.” In such a competitive industry, it’s refreshing to be part of a culture where agents genuinely support each other. At REAL, it’s all about lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and working together—because when one of us wins, we all win.

One of the things I love most about what I do is the ability to merge work and passion. Whether I’m creating videos about the best places to live in Georgia, riding my OneWheel, mountain biking, or introducing clients to the lifestyle that makes this area special, I get to bring my whole self to my career. Real estate is more than transactions for me—it’s about community, connection, and helping people build the life they’ve been dreaming of.

At my core, I’m a man of faith, I live a life of sobriety, I love my family, and I’m passionate about making life fun. The beauty of this career is that it allows me to integrate all of that into my work, and that’s what keeps me excited every single day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 – Mountain Biking & Downtown Woodstock
We’d kick off the day with a stop at Bizarre Coffee in Downtown Woodstock for a strong espresso and a breakfast burrito. From there, we’d hit Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails off Sixes Road for some solid singletrack riding. After working up an appetite, we’d head to Carniceria La Villa Bonita for some of the best tacos in town. In the afternoon, we’d switch gears and ride OneWheels along the Greenprints Trail System, which connects through Downtown Woodstock. To wrap up the day, we’d enjoy quality sushi at Ten Sushi.

Day 2 – Paddleboarding, BBQ & Live Music
The morning would be all about the water. We’d launch our stand-up paddleboards from Rope Mill Park, paddling up Little River to Toonigh Creek Falls before heading back. After working up an appetite, we’d head to Canton for lunch at Four41 South BBQ, known for its incredible daily lunch specials. To walk off all that barbecue, we’d explore the scenic Etowah River hiking trails behind Boling Park.

After the hike, we’d stop by The Mill on Etowah to grab a burger at Community Burger, then relax on the green space, while enjoying live music or catching a game on the big screen.

Day 3 – Lake Allatoona & Local Eats
We’d spend the morning on Lake Allatoona, renting a pontoon boat from Little River Marina and exploring the coves. For lunch, we’d dock at JD’s on the Lake for wings and a great lakefront view.

In the afternoon, we’d take a stroll through Downtown Woodstock, checking out the local shops and relaxing before heading to dinner at Century House Tavern, a farm-to-table restaurant housed in a historic home with a cozy atmosphere.

Day 4 – Small-Town Charm & Great Food
We’d start the day exploring Downtown Ball Ground, making a stop at Burger Bus—a converted school bus-turned-restaurant—for one of the best burgers in North Georgia. After an afternoon bike ride at Talking Rock Nature Preserve, we’d head back to Canton for a cozy dinner at Goin’ Coastal, a seafood spot known for its fresh, sustainable menu.

Day 5 – Hiking & Steakhouse Dinner
We’d start the morning with a hike up Pine Log Mountain, one of Cherokee County’s lesser-known but stunning trails with scenic overlooks. Afterward, we’d grab dinner at J. Michael’s Prime in Canton for steak and seafood. We’d end the night at MadLife Stage & Studios in Downtown Woodstock to enjoy a live show featuring one of the best local music scenes in Georgia.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so many people who have played a role in my journey, but one person who stands out is John Gale of Gale Home Partners at KW Atlanta. John has been a mentor, a friend, and a source of encouragement since the very beginning. He was the one who first prompted me to get into real estate almost a decade ago, and his guidance helped shape the way I approach both business and life.

Having someone believe in you—especially in those early days—makes all the difference. John not only showed me the ropes but also taught me the importance of leading with integrity, staying persistent, and always putting clients first. His mentorship helped set the foundation for my success, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Beyond John, I also owe a lot to my family, my friends, and the incredible community I get to serve. No one succeeds alone, and I’m constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have a strong support system that pushes me to be better every day.

Website: https://goadhomepartners.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/goadhomepartners

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggoad/

Twitter: https://x.com/gregWSP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregory.goad/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@greggoadbestlifeatlanta

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