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In the words of co-founder Alex Derenne, “Powerhouse Partners isn’t just another team — it’s a modern fusion of real estate and coaching, designed to be an affordable, high-impact community where agents can truly thrive.” The team’s mentorship-driven approach favors “collaboration over competition” and is “built for the next era of real estate,” she said, while looking to expand beyond its current Wisconsin footprint.
“The real estate industry is overdue for a transformation,” Derenne said, “and The Powerhouse Partners is here to lead the charge. We’re not just another team — we’re reshaping the future of real estate by creating a fresh, accessible and agent-first model that challenges the status quo.”
Learn how this Powerhouse team leader is seeking to reimagine the team model and lower the barriers to success for agents under her guidance.
Name: Alex Derenne
Title: Co-founder of The Powerhouse Partners
Experience: Licensed 4.5 Years
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Team Name: The Powerhouse Partners
Team size: 35
Transaction sides: 87
Sales volume: Individual: $33,649,076
Awards: National Association of Realtors 30 Under 30, Milwaukee Real Producers Top 500
Why did you get your start in real estate?
Like so many others, the pandemic turned my world upside down. I was working in hospitality sales when, overnight, the entire industry was dismantled. Suddenly, everything I had built my career around was gone.
I took a step back and asked myself: What did I truly love about my work? The relationships, the strategy, the ability to guide people through big decisions — it all pointed me toward real estate. It felt like the natural next step, offering the same excitement, connection and problem-solving that fueled me in my previous career.
And for the most part? I was right. Real estate has given me the opportunity to not only rebuild but to thrive — helping others do the same along the way.
How did you choose your brokerage?
When I was looking for a brokerage, I knew I needed more than just a name on my business card — I needed a platform that would fuel growth, foster collaboration and give me the freedom to run my business on my terms. Real checked every box.
The technology and tools are next-level, giving me everything I need to operate efficiently, scale effectively and stay ahead in an industry that’s always evolving. The splits are unbeatable, ensuring I can reinvest in my business without feeling squeezed. But what truly sets Real apart is the culture of collaboration and support — it’s not just about competition, it’s about lifting each other up.
At Real, I get the flexibility to build my business my way, with the backing of a brokerage that understands what modern agents actually need to succeed. It’s the best of all worlds, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to grow.
What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?
Real estate isn’t just a job — it’s a business. The day you get your license, you’re not just an agent — you’re an entrepreneur. There’s no boss handing you a paycheck, no set schedule and no guaranteed success. You are the CEO of your own company from day one.
That means mastering marketing, branding, finances, lead generation, negotiation and client management — all while staying motivated without a safety net. It’s exhilarating, but it’s also a wake-up call for those who expect a traditional 9-to-5. The agents who thrive are the ones who treat this like a business, not a hobby.
I wish more people understood that success in real estate isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy, consistency and resilience. It’s one of the most rewarding careers out there, but only if you’re ready to step up and build something bigger than just a job.
What’s something you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
I wish I had understood how to structure my business from day one. In the beginning, it’s all about chasing leads, closing deals and trying to survive — you’re told to “focus on your business,” but no one really explains what that means. And honestly? I didn’t know what that actually looked like.
I wish someone had laid out the systems, strategies and mindset shifts that separate struggling agents from those who build sustainable, thriving businesses. Instead of just running after the next transaction, I should have been building a brand, creating scalable processes and treating real estate like the business it truly is.
Real estate isn’t just about selling homes — it’s about building something bigger than yourself. The sooner you understand that, the faster you’ll create a business that lasts.
What are 5 things you’d like readers to know about you and your brokerage?
1. I’m not just a Realtor; I’m a business builder
Real estate isn’t just about selling homes for me — it’s about building a business, creating opportunities and helping others do the same. I believe in treating this career like the entrepreneurial venture it truly is, and that’s the mindset I bring to every transaction, mentorship and business decision.
2. My business partner and I created Powerhouse Partners to redefine what a team looks like
We saw a gap in the industry — agents were either stuck in outdated team structures with high splits or completely on their own with no guidance. Powerhouse Partners was created to change that. Our model empowers agents to build their own businesses with mentorship, collaboration and flexibility, without the financial burden that traditional teams impose.
3. I chose Real for a reason
I needed a brokerage that aligned with my vision of growth, innovation and agent success. Real offers cutting-edge technology, incredible commission splits, and a culture of support and collaboration that makes it the perfect place for agents who want to scale their businesses on their own terms.
4. I believe in community over competition
The real estate industry can be isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s through Powerhouse Partners or the network at Real, I believe in creating a collaborative space where agents support and learn from one another. When one of us wins, we all win.
In 2024, I experienced this firsthand while recovering from major hip surgery. As a solo agent, I suddenly needed help — but I wasn’t sure where to turn. Then, an agent reached out and offered to drive me to my showings, waiting in the car while I earned my living — all without expecting anything in return. That moment changed everything.
That was the day the idea for Powerhouse Partners was born. That same agent? She’s now my business partner and the co-founder of Powerhouse Partners.
5. I’m passionate about elevating agents and the industry
My mission goes beyond just selling homes — I want to change the way real estate works for agents. From mentorship to better business structures, I’m committed to helping agents build sustainable, profitable and fulfilling careers — without the stress of outdated team models or financial strain.
What’s your top prediction for 2025?
I believe the 2025 real estate market will resemble the fast-paced, competitive environment we saw in 2021. Buyers are coming to terms with interest rates as the new normal, and rather than waiting on the sidelines, they’re realizing they need to move forward with their home purchases.
We’re already seeing this shift in the Greater Milwaukee Area — as of January, listings are drawing multiple competing offers, a clear sign that demand is ramping up. Inventory remains tight, and buyer urgency is building, which leads me to believe that this spring market will be one of the busiest we’ve seen in years.
For buyers, this means being prepared, pre-approved and ready to act fast. For sellers, it’s an opportunity to maximize their home’s value in a high-demand environment. 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for real estate, and I expect we’ll see a return to the intensity of 2021’s market conditions — competitive, fast-moving and full of opportunity.
Tell us about an epic fail you’ve experienced since you’ve been a team lead
As of 2025, Powerhouse Partners is still in its early stages, and I’m thankful to say I haven’t experienced an “epic fail” just yet. But let’s be real — it’s coming. Failure is inevitable in business, especially when you’re building something new and ambitious.
When that moment arrives, I won’t shy away from it. I’ll reflect, adjust and use it as a catalyst for growth. Every setback is an opportunity to refine, evolve and build something even stronger. That’s the mindset that drives Powerhouse Partners, and it’s the reason we’ll continue to push forward — failures and all.
What’s your top tip for newly formed teams?
The biggest mistake new teams make? Rushing to launch before they’re truly ready.
At Powerhouse Partners, we spent nearly a year building out the backend systems, processes and infrastructure before officially launching. Why? Because we knew that rapid growth was
inevitable, and we wanted to be prepared to support our agents at the highest level. A strong foundation is everything.
My advice: Don’t be in a rush. Take the time to map out your structure, mentorship model, tools and support systems before bringing on agents. A well-built foundation will set your team up for long-term success — without the growing pains that come from launching too soon.
Name 3 people you admire
I deeply admire my mom and dad, both successful entrepreneurs who built their businesses from the ground up and earned the respect of their community. They instilled in me a relentless work ethic, a drive to always improve and a passion for being the best I can be. Their unwavering support and high standards pushed me to set bigger goals, work harder and never settle for less than my full potential.
I have immense respect for my in-laws, who made the life-changing decision to leave Uzbekistan more than 33 years ago while it was under communist rule. With little more than determination and a vision for a better future, they worked tirelessly — living in a one-bedroom apartment with multiple families — until they could build a business in trucking and transportation and achieve the American Dream. Their courage, perseverance and sacrifices inspire me every day.
I am honored to be part of the National Association of Realtors 30 Under 30 alongside some of the most driven and selfless professionals in the industry. This group is filled with leaders who not only excel in real estate but also uplift their communities. Their dedication to helping others was evident this past year, as so many stepped up in times of crisis — supporting those affected by natural disasters and rallying together to assist people in need. They represent the best of what this profession stands for: collaboration, service and leadership.
What makes a good leader?
A great leader isn’t just someone with a title — it’s someone who sets the standard, leads by example, and genuinely wants to see others succeed. In my opinion, a truly great leader has a combination of these key qualities:
- Proven success: You need to be led by someone who has achieved the level of success you’re striving for. A great leader doesn’t just talk about success — they’ve lived it and can show you the roadmap to get there.
- Genuine care and investment in others: Leadership isn’t just about business, it’s about people. The best leaders care about your growth, your goals and your success — not just what you can do for them.
- Kindness and generosity: A strong leader is kind, approachable and willing to share their knowledge without hesitation. Real leadership is about collaboration, not control.
- Letting you fail, but helping you rise: The best lessons come from failure, and a great leader understands that. They allow you to take risks, make mistakes and learn — but they’re always there to help you analyze, adjust and grow from the experience.
- Advocating for you when you’re not in the room: A great leader talks highly of you behind closed doors, opens doors for you and helps create opportunities for your growth — even when you’re not there to hear it.
Leadership isn’t about power — it’s about impact. The best leaders don’t just build successful businesses, they build successful people.
What’s one thing you wish every agent knew?
Too many agents operate from a scarcity mindset, thinking they have to do everything alone to succeed. The truth? There’s more than enough business to go around.
I wish more agents understood that collaborating with others doesn’t take away from your success — it multiplies it. When you share ideas, strategies and experiences with other agents, you gain new perspectives that can help you work smarter, avoid mistakes and scale faster.
Real estate doesn’t have to be a lonely grind. Working on your business with the input of others will only help you grow. The most successful agents aren’t the ones who hoard knowledge — they’re the ones who build relationships, share insights and lift others up along the way.
Email Christy Murdock
