Meet Geoff Brown of City2Shore Gateway Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Geoff Brown.

Hi Geoff, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After serving in the Army, I found myself with a growing family—my wife and our three young sons—and a career in school bus sales that unexpectedly came to an end. That change led us to make a major life decision: leaving New York and planting new roots in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

During the process of purchasing our first home in Michigan, I felt a strong pull toward real estate. The experience revealed how much was lacking in the agent we worked with, and I knew I could bring more professionalism, polish, and care to the process. But life had other plans at the time. I was offered a position in the West Michigan hardwood lumber industry, and I dove in—learning the trade for four years before founding my own brokerage, Freedom Forest Products, in 2004.

Our company gained fast recognition for offering exceptional customer service and marketing strategies that were unheard of in an industry dominated by old-school habits and outdated technology. But when the 2008 economic crisis hit, it took a toll on everyone—including us. By 2010, we had to file for bankruptcy. With no immediate job prospects and three hungry boys to care for, I went to work in sales leadership roles to provide for my family, leaning on my skills in management and development.

Though real estate had been put on the shelf, it was never far from my mind. In 2014, I finally took the leap. I began my classes that fall, and by early 2015, I was licensed. With no referrals to lean on, I relied on grit, networking, and sheer determination. I kept a strict schedule—working from 7:00 a.m. and often marketing online well past 10:00 p.m. I committed myself to serving others.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, while the world was shutting down, I recognized that people still needed to buy and sell homes. Even as real estate was labeled “non-essential” in Michigan, I had record-breaking years. I leaned into my strengths and began mentoring others—new agents, experienced agents, anyone eager to grow.

I built a team of nine like-minded realtors who believed in the system I developed. They had seen it work, trusted my leadership, and shared the same values of service, discipline, and integrity. Our clients became raving fans—not just of individual agents, but of our group and our mission.

In 2021, with the guidance of my attorney and accountant, I founded my own company. One of the best decisions I made was naming my wife as a 50/50 partner and appointing her CFO. She had been my greatest source of strength, wisdom, and clarity through every challenge—and I wanted her to be a part of the legacy we were building together. Gateway Group Real Estate was officially born, proudly veteran- and female-owned.

All nine original agents left their previous brokerage and joined our startup—we call them the “OGs” (Original Gateway). Every single one of them is still with us. Some are now co-owners. All are dedicated to our mission of serving clients, communities, and fellow agents while rewriting the narrative around the real estate industry.

As of 2025, Gateway Group Real Estate has grown to over 54 realtors, 15 associate brokers, and a devoted leadership team. We’ve created a peer-led, cutting-edge training program called Gateway Fundamentals—12 sessions designed to equip new agents for long-term success. We revise the curriculum every six months to stay ahead of changing laws and industry trends.

But more than anything, we are a service-first company. We have zero tolerance for selfishness, greed, or toxicity. We believe that shared energy lifts everyone up. Our agents are required to serve their communities and are challenged to be sacrificial givers—of their time, talents, and resources—to make our communities and world a better place.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road hasn’t been smooth. I’ve always believed in the power of perseverance—much like Abraham Lincoln, who faced repeated failures on his path to public service. His setbacks didn’t define him; they shaped him. Without them, he may never have become one of our greatest presidents. His failures built the strength and resolve that early success could never have given him.

I’ve had two businesses fail and was fired three times—not because I lacked effort, but because I believed there was a better way to serve. Each setback taught me something valuable and brought me closer to the leader I am today. Failure, as tough as it is, has been one of my greatest teachers.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
– Allendale Location: 5596 Lake Michigan Dr
– Byron Center Location: 2034 84th ST SW
– Spring Lake Location: 15281 Cleveland St, Suite B

At Gateway Group Real Estate, everything we’ve built is rooted in grit, service, and a deep desire to lift others up. I started my real estate journey in 2014 with nothing but a dream—no referrals, no backing—just the willingness to hustle, a strict schedule, and a heart to serve. I worked early mornings, late nights, and poured everything I had into building trust and delivering results. When the world shut down in 2020, I leaned in. While others stepped back, I saw an opportunity to lead, to serve, and to keep going. That mindset became the foundation of what is now Gateway Group Real Estate.

After mentoring a team of nine like-minded agents, we took a leap—purchased a commercial building, adopted a franchise model, and in 2021, launched our own company. I made my wife my 50/50 partner because she’s been more than just my support system—she’s been a true partner in every sense. Those first nine agents—the “OGs”—believed in our mission and are still with us today. We’ve since grown to over 54 agents, 15 associate brokers, and three office locations.

We created “Gateway Fundamentals,” a training model designed to build disciplined, servant-hearted professionals. We have zero tolerance for toxic behavior and we require our agents to serve their communities—because we believe real estate should be about more than just closings. We strive to create raving fans by leading with heart and putting people first.

Some of our agents even own shares in the company, because I believe in shared success. This isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy in the making. We’re redefining what it means to be in real estate through mentorship, sacrifice, and a culture that puts service above self.

I’m incredibly grateful for the journey—the wins, the losses, the lessons. And as I look to the future, I’m filled with hope. The Gateway is open—for growth, for purpose, and for those who want to lead with love. I’ve always believed that our highest calling in this life is to love and serve one another. That’s the mission. That’s the legacy.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
• Who moved my cheese: Johnson & Spencer
• Leaders Eat Last : Simon Sinek
• 21 irrefutable laws of leadership: John Maxwell
• The Servant: James Hunter
• Start with Why” Simon Sinek
• ANY podcast that discusses leadership and serving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://geoff.us/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffbrownc2s/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@c2sgatewaygroup