About The Brainstormers: Owners comparing notes since 1955.
Members own or run independent, multi-office brokerages that mostly sell homes.
Who belongs
Owners can’t also be in a competing networking group. Relocation networks are the exception.
Why no competitors
A firm can’t join if it competes in a current member’s market. It’s a blunt rule. It’s also what lets owners talk openly about their numbers and their plans.
Two meetings a year.
One table.
Spring and fall
The group meets twice a year. Often a member hosts in their hometown. Sometimes the dates line up with a national industry convention.
- When
- Usually April and October
- Length
- Three days
Inside the host firm
Members tour the host city and the host’s office. It’s a rare chance to see how another firm runs, up close.
- Where
- Often a member’s hometown
- Includes
- A tour of the host’s office
Around one table
Each owner reports on sales trends and the competition back home. Then the group takes up topics such as recruiting, office size, agent pay and advertising.
- Who
- Owners and CEOs
- Rule
- One member per market
Guest speakers
Depending on the city, an outside speaker covers a topic members are facing that season.
Dinner first
Meetings open with cocktails and dinner. Spouses are welcome at the social events.
- Guests
- Spouses welcome
Officers
- Chairman
- Mike HickmanSeven Gables Real Estate
- Vice Chair
- Kit HaleMKB Realtors
- Treasurer
- J.D. “Jay” Rinehart, Jr.Rinehart Realty
- Secretary
- Adriana HickmanSeven Gables Real Estate
Officers serve one-year terms.
Mike Hickman, Chairman, Seven Gables Real Estate
Common questions
What is The Brainstormers?
A private peer group of independent, non-competing residential real estate brokerages from across the United States. Members are the owners or CEOs of their companies.
When was The Brainstormers founded?
In 1955.
How many brokerages belong?
21 member firms in 13 states.
Who can join?
Owners and CEOs of independent, multi-office brokerages that mostly sell homes. New members are nominated, and a firm can’t join if it competes in a current member’s market.
How often does the group meet?
Twice a year, in the spring and the fall.
Where is the next meeting?
Denver, Colorado, October 6–8, 2026, at The Thompson Denver. The theme is “The Mile High Standard.”
Where has the group met?
The group has met in 29 cities since 2002, from Seattle and Santa Monica to Charleston and Nashville. Chicago has hosted three times. The Meetings page lists every meeting on record.
What happens at a meeting?
Each owner reports on sales trends and the competition back home. The group also discusses recruiting, office size, agent pay and advertising, then tours the host city and the host’s office.
Who leads the group?
Mike Hickman of Seven Gables Real Estate is the chairman. The other officers are Vice Chair Kit Hale of MKB Realtors, Treasurer J.D. “Jay” Rinehart, Jr. of Rinehart Realty, and Secretary Adriana Hickman of Seven Gables Real Estate.
Is it a franchise or a referral network?
No. Each member firm is independently owned and works under its own name. The group exists so owners can learn from each other.
How can a brokerage ask about membership?
Use the contact form on this site. The group’s secretary reads every message.
Own an independent brokerage?
Tell us about your firm and your market. The group’s secretary reads every message.
Ask about membership