When asked to try something new, my default answer is “no.” It’s not a quality I’m particularly proud of. While it protects me from long telemarketing conversations and undesirable volunteer positions, I wish I was more open. But, over a lifetime, I’ve clung to the safety and simplicity of “no.” Since joining CØMPASS, the question of attending the Retreat has been asked multiple times and multiple times my answer has been “no.”
I’m a homebody. I’m unadventurous. I barely crave new experiences. Given these sparkling personality traits, the thought of networking for four days was challenging, if not overwhelming. I’m not great at small talk, especially in a large group settings. But, with the Retreat taking place less than an hour from my house, I figured that I would have to venture out of my comfort zone and make the trek down to San Diego.
So, on a fair November morning, I packed my bag, kissed my wife goodbye, and headed south down the 5. My first stop was the CØMPASS Cares Classic in Del Mar for the pickleball event. As soon as we got to the courts, an agent unloaded dozens of branded bottles of vodka and tequila. This array of airplane-size bottles was in addition to cocktails served by a Bay Club bartender and numerous pitchers of margaritas. Surveying the refreshment possibilities I thought, “If this is how the week is going to go, I’m going to have to pace myself.” Acknowledging my pickleball limitations when sober, I chose water for my afternoon beverage.
The next afternoon, I walked from my hotel to the keynote with some other West Coast agents and began to get a feel for the scope and the spirit of the week. The sheer amount of CØMPASS branding throughout downtown San Diego was truly impressive. It was like the homecoming committee stayed up all night decorating before the big game. iPhones were lofted skyward in efforts to capture the perfect frame of the black and white banners against the San Diego Bay. Some millennial yelled out “Content!” which described our collective marketing efforts perfectly.
The energy and anticipation was palpable as masses of agents flooded the Rady’s Shell. My badge was scanned and I was herded through the entrance, not unlike an immigrant being processed through Ellis Island. I took a seat with 3000 of my closest real estate friends for what amounted to the biggest sales meeting I’ve ever attended. Robert was wildly entertaining and it was the first time I’ve heard Jay Shetty speak. Towards the end of his talk, Jay separated the crowd based on thinking style and I made my way to join the other “reserved task” people. True to form, our quadrant gave each other plenty of personal space and was slow to make eye contact.
While the big Retreat events, like the keynote, felt massive and somewhat intimidating, the most meaningful connection was found in the smaller group settings. As a Retreat rookie, I quickly learned that our army of agents needed to be segmented down to grab a social foothold. A happy hour with three other agents provided a quieter space and an opportunity to learn more about the Boston, DC, and Nashville markets. I crashed a “Compass Ski Group” lunch even though I hate snow. I met the San Diego Transaction Manager in person, someone I’ve known only through emails and phone calls. We shared a hug and it felt like meeting a pen pal after years of correspondence.
Through the process of sharing QR codes or taking pictures with name badges to remember faces, everyone I spoke to was knowledgeable, professional, and highly engaging. Not once did I think, “How is this guy at CØMPASS?” That thought may have crossed their mind with regards to me, but every interaction reinforced my belief in the high bar for entry. In the city that served as the backdrop for Top Gun, there’s an undeniable sense that we embody “the best of the best.”
And while quality permeates the Retreat population, not everyone can go to everything. FOMO is real, and the density and volume of the itinerary of the Retreat is ridiculous. The Retreat is like a cruise ship with a myriad of activities and you can’t do everything. One night, as attendees were scattered across nightclubs yelling into each other’s ears about their favorite CØMPASS tools, I was in my hotel room watching a NBA game while eating a $5 travel size of cheerios I bought in the hotel lobby. What can I say; self care takes many forms.
But, there was no sitting out San Diego Send Off, a culminating gala held at Petco Park. My kids and I have walked on the Padres home field for Little League parades, but this was so much better! Giant party tents covered multiple bars, catering stations, poker games, pool tables, and a stage featuring a band playing songs everyone knows all the words to. It’s the best party I’ve been to since my days at Bucknell. In fact, the thought crossed my mind that the CØMPASS Retreat is a lot like college: you attend a few classes and go to even more parties.
The night of the Send Off, I connected with two Arizona agents and we were all amazed at the transformation of center field into a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so surprised that the company that rebranded my old listing presentation could also CØMPASSify a major league baseball stadium. The lone downer was when the Arizona agents can’t get a photo with Robert and Benis. Being informed the Refkins weren’t taking photos at the moment was like approaching a “stale” line of a Disney character experience and the handler says, “Woody and Buzz have to go back to Andy’s room, but they’ll be back later.” Lost photo opportunities aside, it was a tremendous evening and I’m still blown away by it all.
Five years ago, in my first informational meeting with CØMPASS, a strategic growth manager told me the goal was to build an organizational culture so strong, people would want to wear the merch. I woke up on Friday and that’s exactly what I did–I donned my tri-black t-shirt with my brokerage proudly displayed on the front. While “yes” doesn’t come easy for me, my wardrobe on this day was a clear affirmative declaration: yes to CØMPASS and yes to the Retreat.
Four days in San Diego didn’t overhaul my personality: I’m still going to be a cautious decision-maker with a discerning approval process. But I left the Marriott Marquis with a fresh perspective and a newfound spirit. When the attending the Retreat question comes up in future my answer will change from “no” to “no way I’d miss it.”
See you all in Charleston!
