Think you need to be an extrovert to close $20 million a year? Think again. Darren Ricketts scored 4% on his behavioral assessment for "mega agent"—literally the worst possible job match. This year he'll close over $20 million in Eugene, Oregon, running a lean operation with one other agent and two admins. In this episode, Katie DeWitt sits down with Darren to unpack how he built a dominant real estate business as a 6'8" introvert who doesn't cold call, came from IT, and works entirely within his natural wiring instead of fighting against it. This conversation covers: Why your personality isn't your problem—your system is, and how to build around your actual strengths instead of forcing someone else's playbook The database management strategy that maintains a 1-in-3 lead conversion ratio when most agents need 20 leads to close one deal How to systematically work your B and C leads instead of constantly chasing new business (including a real example of a $125K lead that became a $390K sale 18 months later) The "orphan client" strategy that doubles your database from every transaction you close Why the top producers are always terrified their business is about to fall apart—and how that fear fuels better systems The exact follow-up formula that keeps past clients engaged every two weeks without manual effort Why working from home is probably killing your production (and what to do about it even if you can't afford an office) When to hire your first assistant: not when you can afford it, but when your business actually needs it If you've ever felt like you're not extroverted enough, not "salesy" enough, or not flashy enough to make it big in real estate, this episode will completely reframe how you think about building sustainable, high-volume production. Key Quote: "Everybody on my team knows their number one job is to help me have more conversations with people. End of list." This is real talk from an agent doing real volume. No fluff. Just systems, psychology, and uncomfortable truths about what it actually takes to dominate in this industry. ​​Please leave us a review at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ratethispodcast.com/nla⁠⁠