Eric Brewer is a dedicated real estate entrepreneur and community advocate based in Central Pennsylvania. With over 17 years of experience, Eric has had the privilege of leading Integrity First Home Buyers as its CEO. Under his guidance, the company has grown to include a team of over 40 dedicated individuals, including a full-time COO, and has successfully completed approximately 4,000 real estate investment transactions, focusing on both single-family and small multi-family properties. The company’s core purpose is to “offer hope, inspire faith, and build belief,” reflecting Eric’s commitment to uplifting others.
In addition to his work at Integrity First Home Buyers, Eric manages a retail agent team in the Southeast under the Keller Williams brokerage, where they average over $60 million in sales annually with 10 talented agents. His career has been enriched by the completion of over $4 billion in total real estate sales. Eric strives to enhance customer satisfaction and has implemented EOS and Scaling Up business frameworks to foster efficiency and support his team’s growth.
Known for his collaborative approach, Eric emphasizes the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement. He is committed to cultivating a supportive environment for sellers, vendors, and real estate agents alike, believing that success is best achieved together.
Eric’s involvement in the community is rooted in a desire to provide opportunities where they are lacking. He enjoys teaching, coaching, and encouraging others to believe in themselves and access resources to pursue their dreams. Additionally, Eric serves on the senior leadership team for Collective Genius, the nation’s top peer-to-peer network for real estate developers, landlords, educators, lenders, and syndicators.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early, with a focus on gratitude and setting the tone for success. I carve out time for personal growth—whether it’s through exercise, reflection, or studying something that sharpens my skills. I spend the bulk of my day leading my team, making strategic decisions, and driving innovation in our business.
Balancing work and family is a top priority. Between meetings, I ensure I’m present for my family, whether that’s connecting with my kids, supporting my wife, or handling the many moving parts of being a dad to six incredible kids.
Evenings are about grounding myself—sharing meals with my family, kids’ activities, reflecting on the day’s successes, and planning for tomorrow. Every day is a mix of high energy, meaningful work, and the joy that comes from leading with purpose in both my business and my home.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by surrounding myself with talented, driven people and creating an environment where innovation thrives. It starts with listening—whether it’s to my team, clients, or the market—and turning those insights into bold, actionable steps. I believe in breaking big goals into smaller, measurable tasks, executing relentlessly, and iterating based on feedback.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing use of technology and data in real estate investing. From predictive analytics to AI-powered tools, we’re able to make smarter, faster decisions and create better outcomes for both investors and homeowners. Technology is transforming how we find opportunities, manage properties, and connect with people, allowing us to operate more efficiently and scale our impact. It’s not just about working harder anymore—it’s about working smarter, and that opens up endless possibilities for innovation and growth in the industry.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me stay productive is starting my day with intentionality. I carve out time every morning to reflect, set priorities, and focus on what matters most—whether that’s a business goal, a family commitment, or personal growth. This clarity helps me tackle the day with purpose and ensures I’m spending my energy on the things that truly move the needle. By aligning my actions with my goals first thing in the morning, I’m able to stay focused, make better decisions, and lead effectively throughout the day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say: don’t be afraid to fail. Every setback is a lesson, and the quicker you embrace failure as part of the process, the faster you’ll grow. I’d also tell myself to focus on relationships—surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and push you to be better. Lastly, be patient. Success isn’t a straight line, and the things worth building—whether it’s a business, a family, or personal growth—take time and consistent effort. Trust the process and keep showing up.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
Something I believe that almost nobody agrees with me on is that comfort can be the enemy of growth. Most people seek comfort and stability, but I’ve found that the best opportunities—and the most meaningful growth—come from being uncomfortable. Whether it’s taking risks, having tough conversations, or stepping into unfamiliar territory, discomfort pushes you to grow in ways that comfort never will. It’s not a mindset everyone embraces, but it’s one that’s made all the difference for me.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
The one thing I repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do is start the day with a routine that sets the tone for success. For me, that means reading to feed my mind, praying to center my spirit, exercising to strengthen my body, and spending intentional time with my family to remind me of my ‘why.’ This combination grounds me, energizes me, and keeps me focused on what truly matters. It’s not just about productivity—it’s about aligning your actions with your priorities every single day.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a step back and reset by going back to my foundation. I start with prayer—it helps me gain clarity and shift my focus from the problem to a bigger perspective. Then I’ll move my body, whether it’s a workout or a walk, because physical activity clears my mind and releases stress. If I’m still feeling stuck, I’ll take time to connect with my family—they remind me of my purpose and why I’m doing what I do. These practices help me realign my priorities, refocus my energy, and get back on track.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has helped me grow my business and advance in my career is prioritizing relationships over transactions. Whether it’s with my team, clients, or partners, I focus on building trust and providing value first. People want to work with someone they respect and believe in, and those relationships have been the foundation of every opportunity I’ve had. Investing in people—mentoring, collaborating, and genuinely caring—has created a ripple effect that’s fueled growth in ways no strategy or tactic alone ever could.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There was a time early in my career when I was dead wrong about how much I could handle on my own. I thought I needed to be involved in every decision, control every detail, and that delegating would somehow weaken the outcome. It led to burnout, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities because I wasn’t letting my team do what they were capable of.
The failure wasn’t immediate—it crept up over time. I overcame it by learning to trust others and investing in their development. I realized the value of building a strong team and empowering them to take ownership.
The biggest lesson I took away is that leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about creating an environment where others can thrive. Once I embraced that, it not only improved my business but also gave me the freedom to focus on what I do best and spend more quality time with my family.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that helps me be productive is ChatGPT. It’s great for brainstorming, drafting ideas, and solving complex problems quickly. Whether I’m working on strategy, refining processes, or generating creative solutions, it provides clarity and saves time. It’s like having a reliable resource available anytime, helping me focus on the bigger picture and make better decisions.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The best $100 I recently spent was on books that challenge my thinking and spark new ideas. Investing in personal growth and education always pays off, whether it’s a fresh perspective, a new strategy, or just a reminder to keep pushing forward. Knowledge is one of the best returns on investment you can get, and it continues to shape how I grow as a leader, a business owner, and a person.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast from which you’ve received much value?
One of my favorite books is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. It taught me the importance of taking full responsibility for everything within my control, whether in business, leadership, or life. That mindset has completely transformed how I approach challenges and how I lead my team—it’s all about owning the outcome and finding solutions.
For podcasts, I really enjoy The Ed Mylett Show. It’s full of insights on leadership, personal growth, and peak performance. Both the book and the podcast have helped me stay focused, improve my leadership skills, and strive for continuous growth.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A series I recently enjoyed is Yellowstone. The show has so many layers—family dynamics, leadership challenges, and tough decision-making—that really resonate with me. I’m drawn to the way the characters fight for what they believe in and the sense of legacy they’re trying to protect. It’s a great mix of action, drama, and strategy, and it reminds me that leadership often means making hard choices for the greater good. Plus, it’s just an incredibly well-made show that keeps you hooked!
Key learnings:
- Start your day with intentionality: Whether it’s reading, praying, exercising, or spending time with family, setting the tone in the morning is a game-changer for productivity and focus.
- Relationships over transactions: Prioritizing trust and value in every interaction has been the foundation of my success, both in business and life.
- Discomfort leads to growth: The best opportunities come when you step outside your comfort zone, embrace challenges, and push yourself to grow.
- Legacy matters: It’s not just about what you achieve but the lasting impact you create for your family, team, and community.