Nick Schlekeway

Contributor

Nick Schlekeway is the Founder and CEO of Amherst Madison, Idaho’s #1 luxury brokerage and one of the fastest-growing independent real estate firms in the nation. Since its founding in 2013, Amherst Madison has closed over $6 billion in sales, earning a place among the top 1% of all brokerages in the country, as ranked by REAL Trends. Under Nick’s leadership, the firm has made the Inc. 500 list for five consecutive years, reaching as high as #28 among the fastest-growing private companies in America. The brokerage is a dominant force in the luxury market, having successfully sold thousands of properties over $1 million in price. Nick’s leadership philosophy is built on excellence, innovation, and integrity. He created Amherst Madison as an agent-centric brokerage, committed to empowering professionals with the tools, training, and culture they need to thrive. His impact extends beyond real estate sales; he is also the Founder of Telos Creative, a marketing agency launched in 2024 that provides streamlined, high-quality content services for real estate professionals and businesses alike. Before launching his career in real estate, Nick served as a firefighter for the Boise Fire Department, an experience that shaped his deep sense of service, leadership, and commitment to his community. Prior to that, he was a standout athlete and scholar at Boise State University, where he was an All-Conference football player, a team captain, and a member of the legendary 2007 Fiesta Bowl championship team. Beyond the field, Nick excelled academically, earning Academic All-American honors, graduating magna cum laude in just seven semesters with a 3.8 GPA, and setting the foundation for his future leadership in business. Determined to elevate his expertise in real estate, Nick pursued and earned a Master’s Degree in Real Estate from Georgetown University, a top 100 globally ranked university. He graduated summa cum laude with a 3.93 GPA, achieving academic excellence while simultaneously building Amherst Madison into one of the premier brokerages in the country. In addition to leading high-growth companies, Nick is a writer, speaker, and educator with a passion for dispelling the myths and lies that often mislead real estate professionals. As a regular author for Inman News, he shares insights on industry trends, business growth, and leadership. He is currently writing a book and has launched Essential Agent University, a comprehensive real estate training system designed to equip agents with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Having learned the hard way what it truly takes to thrive in real estate, Nick is dedicated to teaching and sharing the truth—helping others avoid the same costly mistakes he faced early in his career. Beyond business, Nick is deeply committed to his community. He served on the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish Idaho, playing a role in granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. He is also the Founder of A Giving Circle, INC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on reinvesting in the Treasure Valley. Under his leadership, A Giving Circle has raised over $600,000 to support local nonprofits, making a meaningful impact on countless lives. At his core, Nick is an entrepreneur, a coach, and a family man. As a husband and father of two, he understands the importance of building something bigger than himself—whether it’s a business, a community, or a legacy. His work in content creation reflects this philosophy, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the real challenges and triumphs of the real estate industry. With a track record of industry-leading success, a passion for mentorship, and a relentless commitment to truth and service, Nick Schlekeway continues to push boundaries in real estate, business, and thought leadership.

Purpose, curriculum and accountability: How to build an agent training program

Lean in to daily reps, real accountability and caring enough to tell agents the truth

May 12

How to build an agent training program that beats the franchises

Indie brokers don't need deep pockets to develop agents. They need systems

May 8

You're not leading, you're hovering: How to build team accountability

The difference between high-performing and burned-out may come down to this leadership habit

Mar 3

How to sharpen your negotiation skills without pricey seminars

Negotiation seminars won't hone your skills. Intentional practice and role-playing will

Feb 20

What running a brokerage in 2026 actually looks like

The playbooks that worked 3 years ago are dead. Nick Schlekeway breaks down what broker-owners face today and the assumptions they must abandon to survive

Feb 10

Asset vs. income: Why most businesses don’t compound

Self-employment can be a rational and rewarding choice, Nick Schlekeway writes, but it should not be mistaken for building an asset that compounds

Jan 22

The 3 stages of a listing — and how to win each one

Put effort into the before, during and after of the listing appointment to position the property and generate additional leads from the process, Nick Schlekeway writes

Jun 13

How smart brokerages are scaling service and redefining leverage

Don't sacrifice service and connection as you grow, Nick Schlekeway writes. Tech creates leverage where it's needed most, so agents have time for the personal attention that matters most

May 27

How to define your target audience without losing existing business

Build your brand around a location or property type you're passionate about, Nick Schlekeway writes, and watch your business take off

May 7

Why staging your listing matters more than you think

Broker Nick Schlekeway offers a staging prescription for marketing your next listing, engaging the perfect buyer and selling for more

Apr 16

The real estate market is changing: Adapt or get left behind

The way agents succeed is undergoing a profound transformation, broker Nick Schlekeway writes. Are you adapting and adopting new tools fast enough to keep up?

Apr 5

The 411 conversion model: A simple system to generate more referrals

Broker Nick Schlekeway offers a simple-to-implement strategy for capturing and converting leads while nurturing relationships

Mar 31

How to sell without feeling 'salesy'

When you lead with value, Nick Schlekeway writes, sales become more about service, allowing you to build trust and long-lasting relationships

Mar 12

The Thermostat Effect: How comfort limits your growth

Growth and comfort rarely coexist, broker Nick Schlekeway writes. By setting your goals outside your comfort zone, you build momentum that drives consistent growth

Mar 4

How to break the business-killing, stop-and-start 'deadly cycle'

With the right mindset and consistent lead gen, broker Nick Schlekeway writes, you can break out of the stop-and-start pattern and build a business that grows steadily over time

Feb 24

What separates good real estate agents from great ones

Are you truly committed to your business, or are you just interested? The difference determines whether you're merely good or truly exceptional, broker Nick Schlekeway writes

Jan 28

4 secrets for making every moment count in real estate

Real estate success is about more than closing deals, Nick Schlekeway writes. It’s about becoming an indispensable resource for clients and creating value that goes beyond transactions

Jan 8

5 reasons it's more important to be 'different' than 'better'

Being different is a commitment to authenticity, perseverance and purpose, broker-owner Nick Schlekeway writes

Dec 18

Turn objections into opportunities: How to build trust and close deals

Don't look at client objections as a challenge or insult, Nick Schlekeway writes. Use them as an opportunity to showcase your expertise and add value

Dec 10

For the win! 5 tips for mastering the listing presentation

Price and marketing expertise are key to building trust and showing your value with a well-thought-out listing presentation, broker Nick Schlekeway writes

Nov 26

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