Brands By Integra has been named a 2026 GameChanger by RealTrends Verified — increasing transaction sides by 65% between 2021 and 2025 as it navigated one of the most challenging housing environments in recent memory.

The real estate platform operates prominent Century 21 and Coldwell Banker affiliates alongside New Fed Mortgage Corp., New Fed Insurance and James Rose Asset Management.

Founder Jim D’Amico told HousingWire the company’s growth has been driven less by market conditions and more by a disciplined focus on recruiting, retention and production.

“Most of the growth has been national,” he said. “I would say the biggest differentiator for us is just recruiting and growth. It’s also about knowing that it doesn’t matter how many transactions there are [in the entire housing market], it matters how many you do.”

That mindset has helped the company maintain momentum even as many brokerages faced slower transaction activity amid elevated mortgage rates and affordability challenges.

Today, Brands By Integra encompasses approximately 2,000 agents across 18 states and tracks roughly 6,000 annual transaction sides and $2.64 billion in annual sales volume.

Preparing for leadership transition

GameChanger recognition comes as D’Amico prepares to transition from CEO to chairman — a move that will allow him to focus more heavily on long-term strategic initiatives, acquisitions and growth opportunities.

Although his title is changing, D’Amico said he expects many of his day-to-day responsibilities to remain similar.

“My job is to bring in excellent talent to run the company for the agents here and for the businesses here that we own and operate,” he said. “I think having someone like [incoming CEO Dan Firda], who’s been in the industry for a very long time and has the type of experience that I value here, is huge. He definitely has the disposition of a leader.”

Firda will take over as CEO after serving as national vice president of franchise growth at Compass International Holdings — formerly Anywhere Real Estate — and at Century 21

“[Firda] will be effective within this culture,” said D’Amico. “He’s a very humble guy who’s going to be very collaborative with the team. I think I’m handing that torch to someone who’s going to maintain what I feel I’ve brought this business to. I do think that, as chairman, I’ll have a lot of time to spend in the field, at events and meeting with broker-owners that want to join and consolidate with us.”

A numbers-driven growth strategy

D’Amico described the company’s approach as a constant evaluation of production levels rather than simply agent headcount.

Whether replacing departing top performers or recruiting multiple agents with smaller books of business, the objective remains achieving transaction targets.

The strategy has produced consistent results. Brands By Integra has become a familiar presence in the RealTrends GameChangers rankings over the years — reflecting sustained commitment to expansion through recruiting and acquisitions.

“This year the goal is 7,000 [transaction sides] and we’re on pace right now for that,” D’Amico said. “It’s still early in the year, even though we’re in June. I always feel like you end up paying 35% of your overhead in the first quarter, so it’s always lopsided for us this time of year.

“We do have some acquisitions that we’re looking at, and some really great growth opportunities.”

While the company operates across multiple market segments, D’Amico noted that its core business remains focused on everyday homebuyers rather than luxury clientele.

“We do luxury brokerage, but we don’t have a reliance on that end of the business,” he said. “We kind of touch everything, but I would say our meat and potatoes is the first-time home buyer and the move-up or move-down buyer.”

Building density and consumer value

Looking ahead, D’Amico sees the Brands By Integra’s next chapter centered on deepening its presence within existing markets — while creating stronger connections among its brokerage, mortgage, insurance and wealth management businesses.

He also sees opportunities to develop additional consumer-focused programs that leverage the company’s scale while strengthening its role in local communities.

“I do think we can help consumers, and I also would like to be at the helm of our community interactions,” D’Amico said. “I think that we’ve always been big with our communities and really try to give back, so I’d like to spend a little bit more time ensuring that we’re continuing to do that, but at a higher level.”

As Brands By Integra enters its next phase, the company’s 2026 GameChanger recognition highlights a growth strategy that’s remained consistent through changing market cycles — focusing on recruitment, production and long-term scale while preparing for continued expansion across a national footprint.

More: